Books, Authors, and everything in between

[JKPolk]

So I've been reading a LOT of Terry Brooks lately. I just finished reading the High Druid of Shannara trilogy and it was pretty fantastic. Brooks really has a way of keeping the plot moving without feeling rushed. Unfortunately, that was the last series in Shannara to be completed until Genesis of Shannara plays out.

In the meantime, I'm reading (upon recommendation from some of you guys!) Jingo by Terry Pratchett. This is only the second of Pratchett's books I've read, but so far it's just as good if not better. His humor really sneaks into his words, and I love it.

To keep this from being a simple "Post a book title" thread, I want to hear what you guys especially do and don't like about a particular author, series, book, or anything else literature. Hell, bring up national newspaper columnists and discuss their merits. This is meant to open the gates for what makes a writer good.

[MalReynolds]

Re: Books, Authors, and everything in between

Currently, I'm reading "In Cold Blood" by Capote, and I don't know what it is about the book. It's well written, but it's very, very haunting, and I have no idea if it's just the subject matter at hand, the way it is handled, or the way Capote writes. Very descriptive, that man.

There was a part that confused me - there are two chapters back to back, where he describes the same scene twice, and I thought I had accidentally forgotten to turn the page. But I kept reading, and noticed subtle differences - the two chapters were the same scene, told from the 'perspective' of two different people. It was actually quite eye opening, although that was one section that made it clear to me that Capote carried a torch for Perry and thought Dick some kind of monster.

I know I didn't really answer any of your questions, but hey. I'm talking shop.

[The Dragon Knight]

Re: Books, Authors, and everything in between

Last year, an English teacher noted my love for reading (although, I must admit that is has diminished a bit over the summer, what with easy access to a computer and stepmania hehehe). She recommended to me The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I must say, that it's an extremely well written book. Just the fact that it's narrated by Death makes it tight.

The ending was horribly... I don't know what to call it. It almost made me cry, but it fits the book perfectly.