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The Book Thread

uberkoen

uberkoen

ODI Debutant
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Let's discuss what people on here are currently reading and what they would recommend to other members of the forum.

Please remember to use spoiler tags if you're going to discuss books in detail.
 
zabalestmsm said:
'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab
His Life & Times
Vol. 1

Dr. 'Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi
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Dr. Ali M. Sallabi has written biographies on all the pious caliphs. He's pretty good and provides very in-depth information although I think he tends to be a tad bit repetitive at times which makes the books difficult to read. How far along are you on the first volume? What do you think so far?
 
The Great Transformation by Karl Polanyi.

A seminal work. He seeks to explain the 100 years of the absence of large-scale international conflict (1815 to 1914) and why it blew apart so ferociously and unexpectedly, ushering in over 30 years of violence and dislocation.

412NPUh6NoL._UY250_.jpg
 
uberkoen said:
Dr. Ali M. Sallabi has written biographies on all the pious caliphs. He's pretty good and provides very in-depth information although I think he tends to be a tad bit repetitive at times which makes the books difficult to read. How far along are you on the first volume? What do you think so far?
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This! This repetition kills the momentum sometimes! Few chapters remaining! Well, inspirational so far!
 
Laal said:
The Great Transformation by Karl Polanyi.

A seminal work. He seeks to explain the 100 years of the absence of large-scale international conflict (1815 to 1914) and why it blew apart so ferociously and unexpectedly, ushering in over 30 years of violence and dislocation.

View attachment 58118
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This seems rather interesting. How far along you? How have you found it so far?
 
Peace, Love and Liberty by Tom Palmer.

Got it from a libertarian presentation I went to almost a year ago. For some reason, did not throw it out and started reading it yesterday.

Not a fan of usual "make peace, not war" rheoteric because it holds no ground in the face of geo-political realities, but decided to read the book for 2 reasons:

1. Will be my first introduction to libertarian literature.
2. This book claims it steps aside the peace activist rheoteric of demonstrations and actually tackles state institutions and systems that are the underlying cause, and promoters of war.

Maybe will post a review if I get around to finishing it.

On a side note - my Kindle arrives today. :D
 
RWAC said:
Peace, Love and Liberty by Tom Palmer.

Got it from a libertarian presentation I went to almost a year ago. For some reason, did not throw it out and started reading it yesterday.

Not a fan of usual "make peace, not war" rheoteric because it holds no ground in the face of geo-political realities, but decided to read the book for 2 reasons:

1. Will be my first introduction to libertarian literature.
2. This book claims it steps aside the peace activist rheoteric of demonstrations and actually tackles state institutions and systems that are the underlying cause, and promoters of war.

Maybe will post a review if I get around to finishing it.

On a side note - my Kindle arrives today. :D
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Look forward to reading your review!

Not a big fan of e-readers personally speaking. I enjoy holding the actual book in my hands. My kindle is lying around going to waste unfortunately.
 
uberkoen said:
Look forward to reading your review!

Not a big fan of e-readers personally speaking. I enjoy holding the actual book in my hands. My kindle is lying around going to waste unfortunately.
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I agree. For school, I always prefer textbooks vs e-books. I tried reading on my iPad but find it painful for my eyes for longer periods. There's something intangible about holding a paper book that an e-book can never provide.

The current city I live in does not seem to have all the titles I want to read in the public library, so I decided to try Kindle, comforted by the 30 day return policy in case I do not find it to my liking. Let's see.
 
Go Set a Watchman goes on sale today lads!

The much awaited sequel Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird

The book is set 20 years after the events of Lee's 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird, but was actually written beforehand.
 
I would highly recommend 'Fingerprints of the Gods' by Graham Hancock.

What this book does is open up the mind to previously unexplored possibilites, presenting an interesting melange of pseudo-science and rivetting archaeo-astrological evidence for a different story of humanity's history. His debunkers are many, but sceptics are hard pressed to explain a great deal of Hancock's evidence, such as the ancient maps clearly depicting an ice-free Antarctica. Proof of a complex, sea-faring civilization pre-dating the supposed emergence of civilization by some 5,000 years or a fabrication? Ultimately, Hancock leaves that decision to the reader, preferring to layer the evidence instead of sensationalize the obvious. An intelligent and worthwhile read.

Also, those who enjoy this book should look into "From Atlantis to the Sphinx". This book uses Hancock's book as a springboard for further explorations into the origin of humanity.
 
The only book I have read outside of course is alchemist by paul coelho.and other one is two states by chetan bhagat although I dont count that as a book.
 
hussain123 said:
The only book I have read outside of course is alchemist by paul coelho.and other one is two states by chetan bhagat although I dont count that as a book.
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Both of them are utterly useless (my opinion).
I found Alchemist kinda Catholic Sufism.

Chetan Bhagat is not a writer. He writes crap.
 
Saqib Yousuf Yatoo said:
Both of them are utterly useless (my opinion).
I found Alchemist kinda Catholic Sufism.

Chetan Bhagat is not a writer. He writes crap.
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Different tastes maybe.i absolutely loved that book.their are many books whom I started reading but never proceeded after reading 2 to 3 pages.it is the only book which I read completely and that too in a matter of days.as far chetan bhagat, he is a b grade scriptwriter.
 
I recently finished reading the first book in the 'A Song of Fire and Ice' saga and I have to say its brilliantly written.

It's better when you've watched the show because it makes it easier for you to recognize and remember the characters.

The book was really engrossing and it took me less than 2 weeks to finish the 800 or pages.
 
uberkoen said:
I recently finished reading the first book in the 'A Song of Fire and Ice' saga and I have to say its brilliantly written.

It's better when you've watched the show because it makes it easier for you to recognize and remember the characters.

The book was really engrossing and it took me less than 2 weeks to finish the 800 or pages.
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2 weeks? Hehehe.
I did it in 3 days couple of years back.
 
Recently finished the "Shoaib Akhtar-Controversially yours" book.

Very inspiring and has some shocking and sad moments.
 
Wanted to read something light after a couple of months of Dostoevsky so started with the always funny Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

His opening notice applies to almost all posts here.

Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
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PCP_1 said:
Wanted to read something light after a couple of months of Dostoevsky so started with the always funny Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

His opening notice applies to almost all posts here.
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You sure this wasn't made by Kim Jong-un? :yk2
 
WC-Passion said:
Recently finished the "Shoaib Akhtar-Controversially yours" book.

Very inspiring and has some shocking and sad moments.
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Please share more. Would love to hear what you thought of the book and possibly some stories from the book as well
 
uberkoen said:
Please share more. Would love to hear what you thought of the book and possibly some stories from the book as well
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Thought it was very good. Enjoyed reading it.

The dark secrets of the PCB was the most shocking thing though. Shoaib was literally used as a Misbah (Scapegoat :misbah) for fails overseas and he was actually accused of rape and PCB tried to keep the accusation valid as-long-as possible to keep the media away from the teams failures.
 
PCP_1 said:
Wanted to read something light after a couple of months of Dostoevsky so started with the always funny Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

His opening notice applies to almost all posts here.
Click to expand...

My mom loved books and this was one I found in her collection and read ages ago.

I would love to read it again. What did you think of it overall? Would love to hear some feedback.
 
uberkoen said:
Thanks for sharing [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]. Could you possibly review the book and tell us if you would recommend it to other readers or not?
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It's brilliant and I'll definitely recommend it. Basically a narrative of four Jewish exiles in the 20th century and their struggles. Sounds dry, but if you to love read you'll grow into it.

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v19/n06/jonathan-coe/tact

Pretty decent review. Picked it up from there and read half of it on my way back.
 
uberkoen said:
My mom loved books and this was one I found in her collection and read ages ago.

I would love to read it again. What did you think of it overall? Would love to hear some feedback.
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It has the general witty narrative of Twain with underlying observations on morality, God, society etc. I started it couple of nights ago and am only 36 pages in but it is in the vein of the first one and like it, is thoroughly enjoyable so far.
 
cricket083 said:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Intended to read The forty rules of love.
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Coelho is a master of taking pseudo intellectual goody feely tripe and turning it into millions of dollars.

My sister turned into this self acclaimed spiritual being after reading a couple of his books. Nothing a few hard hits on the head with the same book fodn't fix though.
 
cricket083 said:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Intended to read The forty rules of love.
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elif shafak is quite good. Would recommend it highly. Her other work the ******* of istanbul is equally gripping
 
Currently reading 'The Stand' by Stephen King.

I feel I am going nowhere with it. It's wayyyyy too long.
 
PCP_1 said:
Coelho is a master of taking pseudo intellectual goody feely tripe and turning it into millions of dollars.

My sister turned into this self acclaimed spiritual being after reading a couple of his books. Nothing a few hard hits on the head with the same book fodn't fix though.
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Sorry?

kamz said:
elif shafak is quite good. Would recommend it highly. Her other work the ******* of istanbul is equally gripping
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Got a good review on The Forty rules of love. Haven't read her any book yet.
 
It's an action book. About a boy called Sam who gets in the middle of an apocalypse.
 
Recommend a good read

Just got a Kindle paperwhite. Could any of you ppers recommend a good read preferably fiction. Thanks
 
I'm reading The Weary Generations, in honor of the recently departed Abdullah Hussain. I have the Kindle ebook for the iOS app.
 
A few recommendations-

A Thousand Splendid Suns/ Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
Is Paris burning? by Domique Lapierre
 
The Martian by Andy Weir - Realistic & riveting science fiction novel.

Movie coming later this year.

The story follows an American astronaut, Mark Watney, as he becomes stranded alone on Mars and must improvise in order to survive.

The Wall Street Journal called the book "the best pure sci-fi novel in years."
 
The Stranger by Albert Camus, a good first pick if you are relatively new to reading. Not very long and very engaging.
 
Mamoon said:
The Stranger by Albert Camus, a good first pick if you are relatively new to reading. Not very long and very engaging.
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On the same note, Animal Farm. Short novella but culturally significant, often referenced in movies/tv shows/ other books.
 
DrSchultz said:
On the same note, Animal Farm. Short novella but culturally significant, often referenced in movies/tv shows/ other books.
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Animal Farm is EXCELLENT! Have you read Green's take on it as its sequel?

For the OP:

George Orwell's 1984 is an excellent read too.

Others i recommend is: A case of exploding mangoes, Da Vinci code, The Lost Symbol, All of John Grisham's novels, The Alchemist, Zahir. More than enough for now i guess.
 
50 shades of grey :P

On the serious note, i still have a fascination for old classics,
1. Count of Monte Cristo (greatest Revenge Story ever)
2. LOTR (.....)
3. A tale of two cities (An Emotional typhoon)
4. Wuthering Heights (its a emotions and love and its crazy best)
5. The Hound of Baskervilles (Sherlock episode was crap considering this masterclass)
 
anakin said:
50 shades of grey :P

On the serious note, i still have a fascination for old classics,
1. Count of Monte Cristo (greatest Revenge Story ever)
2. LOTR (.....)
3. A tale of two cities (An Emotional typhoon)
4. Wuthering Heights (its a emotions and love and its crazy best)
5. The Hound of Baskervilles (Sherlock episode was crap considering this masterclass)
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Count of Monte vristo is a brilliant book but the problem was I tried reading it when I was 12 years old and didn't read it fully. I know the story though so I just don't feel like picking it up again. Although by the age of 12 I had finished all of the Sherlock Holmes series. HOB is not that great IMO. The Valley of Fear is the best Holmes' novel. :moyo
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Count of Monte vristo is a brilliant book but the problem was I tried reading it when I was 12 years old and didn't read it fully. I know the story though so I just don't feel like picking it up again. Although by the age of 12 I had finished all of the Sherlock Holmes series. HOB is not that great IMO. The Valley of Fear is the best Holmes' novel. :moyo
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Read it dude .... I think i have memorized it word to word by now !
I was so in awe of the character Edmond Dantes, thats revenge with a beauty.

Havent read valley of fear.... will do so!!

thanks
 
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Read 1984 a couple of weeks ago. Excellent. This one is definitely a book worth of a second or even a third read.

Will probably start Animal Farm soon.
 
uberkoen said:
Go Set a Watchman goes on sale today lads!

The much awaited sequel Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird

The book is set 20 years after the events of Lee's 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird, but was actually written beforehand.
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Just finished it a few days ago. God, what a let down, wish I hadn't read it! :sanga

If you're a fan of TKAM, especially the character Atticus Finch, then you'd better give this book a miss.
 
Red Devil said:
Just finished it a few days ago. God, what a let down, wish I hadn't read it! :sanga

If you're a fan of TKAM, especially the character Atticus Finch, then you'd better give this book a miss.
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Apparently he became quite the bigot in later life.
 
anakin said:
Read it dude .... I think i have memorized it word to word by now !
I was so in awe of the character Edmond Dantes, thats revenge with a beauty.

Havent read valley of fear.... will do so!!

thanks
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Edmond Dantes is certainly a great character. And yes, i'll read it now :)
 
Reading The Shining! loving the book so far (never get time to read outside the summer but can always pick up from where I left even after 6 or 7 months when it comes to the Shining), most of you probably have read it already.
 
Where do I begin, I'll mention my favourite book:

God and Logic in Islam: The Caliphate of Reason by John Walsbridge

I'd recommend everyone read this book but he argues quite brilliantly, how logic and reason played an instrumental role in the development of Islamic law, philosophy and education.

Towards the end he argues, the present day Muslims need to revive the intellectual tradition of rationalism, that has for too long been missing.
 
miandadrules said:
Apparently he became quite the bigot in later life.
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Oh yeah, we even learn that he once joined the Ku Klux Klan!

This book completely destroys the heroic and virtuous image of Atticus Finch.
 
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Started on When to Rob A Bank by the Freakonomics team. A casual, fun read.
 
The Lost, By Sarah Beth Durst. Not exactly sure if that is the author of the right "The Lost" but it's a book that I've been reading that's pretty good.
 
I'd recommend Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.

Mainly a adventure novel, but it's laced with a bit of everything.
 
WC-Passion said:
Bit brief, general summary of the blurb?
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It's about a pilot who got injured during WW2 and is in hospital, however he pretends to be mentally insane in order to avoids being asked to go on duty again and stay in the hospital but be also wants to get out of hospital and lead a free life again but to do so, he has to tell the hospital medics that he's actually mentally stable and that would mean him being forced to go on duty again.

That's a vey short summary of it and I'm not even sure whether it's entirely accurate but certainly Google will provide a much better answer and as well as [MENTION=4930]Yossarian[/MENTION] the namesake of the main protagonist of the story.
 
Haroon786 said:
It's about a pilot who got injured during WW2 and is in hospital, however he pretends to be mentally insane in order to avoids being asked to go on duty again and stay in the hospital but be also wants to get out of hospital and lead a free life again but to do so, he has to tell the hospital medics that he's actually mentally stable and that would mean him being forced to go on duty again.

That's a vey short summary of it and I'm not even sure whether it's entirely accurate but certainly Google will provide a much better answer and as well as [MENTION=4930]Yossarian[/MENTION] the namesake of the main protagonist of the story.
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Seems interesting. I might pick it up after finishing my current book.
 
WC-Passion said:
Seems interesting. I might pick it up after finishing my current book.
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Brilliant book, thoroughly recommend it. However, it might be challenging for those who aren't readers, by that I mean people who regularly read books at a a certain sophistication - it isn't for beginners.
 
Haroon786 said:
Brilliant book, thoroughly recommend it. However, it might be challenging for those who aren't readers, by that I mean people who regularly read books at a a certain sophistication - it isn't for beginners.
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I'm a pretty good and fast reader so I should be fine.
 
Haroon786 said:
Brilliant book, thoroughly recommend it. However, it might be challenging for those who aren't readers, by that I mean people who regularly read books at a a certain sophistication - it isn't for beginners.
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Fantastic read. Word of warning. It doesn't have a continuous storyline as such, so you'll either enjoy it or put it down after the first chapter or two and never pick it up again.

[MENTION=138836]WC-Passion[/MENTION]

Here is a brief summary of the 'Catch'.
.................................................................

Catch-22

* To avoid flying mission after after mission a pilot wishes to be grounded from combat flight.

* This will only happen if he is evaluated by the squadron's flight surgeon and found "unfit to fly".

* "Unfit" would be any pilot who is willing to fly such dangerous missions, as one would have to be mad to volunteer for possible death.

* However, to be evaluated, he must request the evaluation, an act that is considered sufficient proof for being declared sane.

* These conditions make it impossible to be declared "unfit".

* The "Catch-22" is that "anyone who wants to get out of combat duty isn't really crazy".

* Hence, pilots who request a mental fitness evaluation are sane, and therefore must fly in combat.

* At the same time, if an evaluation is not requested by the pilot, he will never receive one and thus can never be found insane, meaning he must also fly in combat.

* Therefore, Catch-22 ensures that no pilot can ever be grounded for being insane even if he is.
 
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