Rate the last Book you read

[GiantsFan14]

I got this book for Christmas, can't wait to dive into it.

I just finished it a few weeks ago, I promise you it'll be one of the best books you've ever read. It does get a bit overly philosophical at times, but the story is great and the character depth is amazing.

[thedude]

My Hunch also suggested that I read Devil in the White City, which I'll be keen to pick up next.

That is a good read. Probably 8/10.

[Neato Torpedo]

Insomnia (Stephen King) - 8/10 - Blasted through the 650-ish pages in three days. It's a bit slow to develop but it doesn't really seem like a ton of unneeded filler, though I'm much more attentive a reader than I was as a 12-year-old when I read it the first time. I'd say it's the third best King book I've read, after It and The Green Mile.

Demian (Hermann Hesse) - 8/10 - So many similarities with Hesse's Siddhartha it's not even fair, and not even Hesse's distinct writing style. It's a quick read; I got through most of it the night I bailed on a lame party, and it's easy to follow. I suppose it's more relatable in terms of Western society than Siddhartha, and some people prefer it that way, but I didn't have any trouble with that myself. There's a few minor problems in the narrative such as the lack of a significant opposing voice in the protagonists growth, as well as some of Hesse's thoughts on perception and reality (though I suppose those are salient aspects of the particular Eastern philosophies that he draws from so my qualms aren't with him) but overall it's worth it. I still prefer Siddhartha by a wide margin, though, and I carry a copy around with me.

[ayebatter]

and I carry a copy around with me.

That will end when you turn 19.

[Neato Torpedo]

and I carry a copy around with me.

That will end when you turn 19.

That's what they said two years ago, before I was 19.

What's wrong with Hesse? Wasn't he popular around the time you retired and acquired a lot of free time for reading? You know, the 1960s?

[ayebatter]

and I carry a copy around with me.

That will end when you turn 19.

That's what they said two years ago, before I was 19.

What's wrong with Hesse? Wasn't he popular around the time you retired and acquired a lot of free time for reading? You know, the 1960s?

Yep, I read all of that stuff, in the 60's, in high school, it was good for my young soul, I got over it when I realized hippies didn't eat very well.

[Neato Torpedo]

Hmph. Hippie biochemists/statisticians eat plenty.

[kab21]

Read a few books on my last vacation

George Orwell - Burmese Days (6/10 maybe a 5) - a fictional account of a British guy living in Burma. It provided some insight into what life was like but he was more focused on making it a soap opera in a book with his 2 lovers and the choices that he has to make to betray his friend or his countrymen. I did read while traveling in Thailand near the Burma border so that part made it interesting. I am more interested in reading Emma Larkin's book on the legacy of George Orwell (and the British) in burma (I think that is what it's about)

Reread Krakauer's Into Thin Air - it's still really good

Dennison Berwick - A Walk Along the Ganges (not rated but probably an 8/10, maybe a 9) - I'm only half finished but this is an interesting book focusing on his 1986 walk from Ganges Delta to the source. A lot of great research into the history of regions that he is traveling thru.

[J35J]

Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts - 10/10

Quite simply the best book I've ever read. It seems like going over the top by saying that but it's truth in this case. I'll steal what someone wrote in their amazon review because it sums it up so nicely...

"Unforgetable, multidimensional, engrossing,
I will never forget this book and when, in a few years, I'll reread it, I will enjoy it just as much, if not more, the second time. I can't wait for that time to come. "


This book is based on the authors life and it's so believable and engrossing that I feel like the whole thing is true...It's been a while since I've wanted to meet someone more than I do this author...if nothing more than to see how much of this story is true. Great book!

[Inukchuk]

Shantaram - Gregory David Roberts - 10/10

Quite simply the best book I've ever read. It seems like going over the top by saying that but it's truth in this case. I'll steal what someone wrote in their amazon review because it sums it up so nicely...

"Unforgetable, multidimensional, engrossing,
I will never forget this book and when, in a few years, I'll reread it, I will enjoy it just as much, if not more, the second time. I can't wait for that time to come. "


This book is based on the authors life and it's so believable and engrossing that I feel like the whole thing is true...It's been a while since I've wanted to meet someone more than I do this author...if nothing more than to see how much of this story is true. Great book!

Just bought it on amazon... you'd better be right...