h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I forgot, Vicky, that I was supposed to tell you what I thought of the last "Avalon" novel. I quite enjoyed it. And I think I'll be re-reading all of my MZB novels again, soon (as well as the "Avalon" series, I also really liked the "Light" novels).

Thanks psychocandy, that's good to know! I have come across them in the library recently, and re-reading sounds like a good idea!

Vicky

what are the Light novels about? I've read the first Avalon, but have never found the others here. (I suppose I could try online)

I've also read the one about Atlantis, can't remember the title. But either I'm too thick or she didn't really explain a few things clearly enough for me to get what was going on.

Then I read one about the Siege of Troy which was interesting. And then there are all the Darkover ones - the stories are fine but oh my, doesn't the writing get samey? But somehow I seem to be addicted to her writing.

I've never read any of the Darkover books. I'd tried reading both Fall Of Atlantis and The Firebrand, but the copies I found had *so* many typos, I had a really hard time and don't think I finished either.

The "Light" series includes the Colin McLaren books and the Shadow's Gate books:
* Witch Hill (1972)
* The Inheritor (1984)
* Dark Satanic (1988)
* Heartlight (1998)
* Ghostlight (1995)
* Witchlight (1996)
* Gravelight (1997)

They're a little less sci-fi; they're more "good vs. evil" combined with historical fiction.

I'm reading The Dawkins Delusion

What controversy?

I reead about 2/3 of it in a bookshop recently, so I'd welcome opinions. I know I'm biased...but I wasn't particularly impressed.

I'm now reading Jonathan Strange & Mr norrell, by Susanna Clarke. I'm about 1/4 way through - just started the "Jonathan Strange" section. So far, Quite Interesting, and I assume it's going somewhere.

Anyone else read this? Opinions sought (without spoilers, please! )

RF

I bought it years ago, and tried starting it four separate times. Just couldn't get into it. I haven't gotten rid of it yet, though. Maybe once you've finished it you'll convince me to give it another try?

Just finished "The Voyage of the Sable Keech" bu Neal Asher. It's a bit good really, 'specially if you've read "The Skinner".

I've just started "In Defense of Food", by Michael Pollan. He takes the food scientists/food conglomerates to task for the constantly changing "health formulated" diet we're obsessed with these days, in the West generally and America in particular. Pretty good read!

I'm going to be looking for his "The Omnivore's Dilemma" when I'm done with this. Has anyone here read it?

Have just read "The Road To Southend Pier" about how much trust you should put in Government surveillance schemes. You will never trust in Town CCTV again

You didn't think anyone was actually *watching* all those cameras, did you? They're largely used - if at all - to gather evidence for court cases.

And backup for traffic violations- my better half gets a ticket a month in the mail, with lovely photos of him driving through red lights attached.

Just about to start "Cold Comfort Farm", hopefully on the trip home this afternoon.

oh have fun with that!!

I would swear it was you, Sho, who posted about it recently?

*peers through backlog*

Because that recent review inspired me to pick it up.

Be the sukebind in flower?

stop it Ed, you'll frighten the horses!

yes, it was me who recently read it. After you've finished we could have a chat about it, Psychocandy (away from here )

OK, I'll stick it in my bag and start it on the way to work today!

reading a thriller by a chap called Lee Child. Apparently the book belongs to my dad, has read it and can't remember it at all.

it's called Killing Floor and I'm hoping I'm proved right when the "bad guy" actually turns out to be the "good guy" the hero is telling all his theories to.

Finished Absolute Zero and the conquest of cold about a fortnight ago.

So started and am presently on the final chapter of Atom by Jim Al-Khalili and Piers Bizony which was based on a rather excellent BBC4 documentary shown some time ago but is only now being broadcast on BBC2.

From whence I plan to go to, just to keep up this heady diet of science/history, E=MC2: A Biography of the world's most famous equation by David Bodanis.