Post: #51

Two books in Spanish:

Huasipungo by Jorge Icaza, a heartbreaking novel about the despicable and terrible European Colonization and genocide of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, taking place in Ecuador.

María by Jorge Isaacs, though I've decided to stop reading this kind of romantic/tragic novels since it contributed to my betaness, it makes for a great read partly because it gives a historic perspective on Colombia, besides the plot and style of language.

Post: #52

Is anyone out there acquainted with Hakim Bey?

T.A.Z.: The Temporary Autonomous Zone

http://www.amazon.com/T-Z-Temporary-Auto...004&sr=8-1

Here is the book review I wrote 4 years ago for Amazon:

"A masterpiece, quite possibly the best book I have ever read! Hakim Bey managed to synthesize the philosophical statement that I have been looking for my whole life! It is good to see such an articulate voice out there who managed to "see through" the paradigm -the Spectacle- and suggest such creative and joyous ways for all humans realize their TRUE POTENTIAL. I've always felt that mysticism and all that consciousness-expansion talk had received a bad stigma because of all the "new age" framing it undertook, but Bey manages not only to "deframe" this concept, and poetically shows the VALUE that such practices can have to "free one's mind" - show people that they need not be oppressed, dogmatic, hive-minded SLAVES, that they truly are MONARCHS. Mysticism helps in a way that it provides methods for the individual rid himself of the "inner cops" inside their heads -all the social programming of generations, sabotaging us by our Freudian Superegos. Deep inner changes, deep inner consciousness are monstrous catalysts for social reforms -accompanied by good wine and sense of humour- in true anarchist fashion, as Bey rightly states, even though I have a feeling his intent was more focused on change on an individual level...

Well, it was definitely the first book that made me laugh and cry hysterically, but I understand it might be too overwhelming to some...

I'm hopeful that younger generations, such as mine (I'm 20) have the opportunity to be presented to such work, especially at an early age... Man, why haven't I read this back in my schooldays? I might just have quit everything and ran into the woods! =D

5*s "


... And I haven't changed opinion since.

Well, in true anarchist fashion, you can find the whole thing here:

http://hermetic.com/bey/taz_cont.html

Post: #53

who are some good writers who share a similar writing style to anthony bourdain? i just finished his last book "medium raw," and am looking for writers who share the same brutally honest voice as bourdain.

Post: #54

Have picked up a few great recommendations here and the other book thread - /thread-6008.html Finally decided to stop lurking and share some of my reading highlights (I'm a writer and passionate reader - have read over 100 books this year alone).

First some novels and I'll follow up with non-fiction eventually.

Atlas Shrugged & The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand - the later was a lot easier and more enjoyable to read, Atlas is longer and gets quite dull and incredibly repetitive at times, however I found its message more rewarding and powerful in the end. So my recommendation would be to read Fountainhead first, if you cant make it through then don't even bother with Atlas.

The Outsider by Albert Camus - a short and brilliant novel, where Rand uses her novels as a vehicle to demonstrate objectivism Camus' work demonstrates existentialism and the absurdity of life. Live life on your terms with total conviction. I re-read this regularly. His work inspired, among many others, modern French writer Michel Houellebecq who writes incredibly depressing novels looking at the cultural decay and the sexual frustration of the modern man.

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut - superb book, the structure is incredible with some great lessons in their on life and the brutal realities of war.

Any book by Haruki Murakami - I've read Norweigan Wood, Wild Sheep Chase and Sputnik Sweetheart so far and have just begun his latest IQ84. No matter what you read of his they are all unique works of art, Sputnik is a short and beautifully simple intro while Sheep involves a secret powerful organisation, a magical sheep and a woman with enchanting ears.

Anything by Hunter S. Thompson - you've probarblly heard of his Gonzo works (like the famous Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas which are awesome) but I'd highly recommend his earlier, less manic work, Hells Angels (where he infiltrates the infamous bikie gang) and Rum Diary (a great fictionalization of his time spent in Puerto Rico honing his craft, getting drunk, chasing women and eeking out a living as a journalist).

Triage by Scott Anderson - a fantastic story about an American war photographer who suffers mental breakdown after returning home from being wounded in Kurdistan (northern Iraq). His desperate Spanish girlfriend enlists the help of her estranged grandfather, a psychiatrist who eased the guilt of Fascist leaders during the Spanish civil war.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts - based on an incredible true story of an Australian man who escapes prison and flees to India where he lives in the slums and becomes a doctor and champion of the poor while working for an Afghan mafia boss. Soon he is running a currency blackmarket, shifting forged passports and eventually gun running and people smuggling. Bit slow to start but it will suck you in. On the topic of India also try The White Tiger by Aravinda Adiga - brilliant look at India today, its class system, entrepreneurs and their servants. Midnights Children by Salman Rushdie is another brilliant novel that gives great insight to India's history during the last century.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein - I'm no science fiction fan, but this was a brilliant read that I would recommend to all. A human raised by Martians comes to earth and observes as an outsider the complete absurdity of all aspects of modern life including peronsal relationships, communication, politics, religon, war and more.

The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi - another work of science fiction that holds a mirror to the present day, this one set in Bangkok approx 200 years into the future. Covers economic collapse, dramatic decline of fossil fules, food shortages and genetic modification of food gone mad. Complete dystopia, completely engaging.

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré - THE spy novel, brilliant tale of a spies fall from grace, seemingly lured to become a double agent. Laced with twists and turns you wont see coming, highly recommend even for those who don't like the genre.

Anything by Ernest Hemingway - I'd recommend you start with The Sun Also Rises but I've enjoyed every work of his I have picked up.

The Contortionist's Handbook by Craig Clevenger - short but incredible read, looks at identity theft, forgery, psychiatry and more through the eyes of a deeply troubled person constantly changing his identity to avoid institutionalization.

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore - a hilarious and incredibly well written look at religion around the world through fictional eyes of Jesus' childhood friend Biff who dreams of becoming the village idiot. Biff instead travels the world with Jesus, where Moore fills in the years between Jesus' birth and working with John the Baptist. There quest takes them around Asia as they meet mystics, philosophers and more. Blessed are the dumbfucks.

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse - lacks the humor of Lamb, but mirrors the life of Buddha somewhat. The main character starts off with a rather privileged upbringing becomes a devout disciple, turns his back to become a successful businessman, drinker and womaniser before giving it all up to live by a river. For me the book charts life itself. Our different pursuits, motivations and drives. Our failings and success. Life! A quick must read.

Cocaine Nights by J.G. Ballard - a whirlwind ride through modern society tackling suburban boredom, beachside retirement units, sex, drugs, violence and more head on. The book is hard to describe but great to read. Many other great works by him as well.

The Quiet American by Graham Greene - a superb story set in Vietnam during the conflict with occupying French, before 'the' Vietnam War. The small book probes some vital topics such as love, war and religon with an engrossing story. Power and the Glory is also very good.

The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart - a great and yet greatly disturbing book about making life decisions based on the roll of a dice, from which clothes to wear to deciding if you should rape your wifes friend. It's an engaging journey and I'd recommend it to most not put off by the idea.

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver - brilliant book told through the eyes of a Mexican/Anerican as he grows from a boy between the two world wars, to a man, almost a fly on the wall revealing the history of Mexico and America through the depression, WWII, McArthyism, cold war and such characters as Frida Kahlo, Diego Riviera, Lev Trotsky and more. I found it a better read than her most famous work The Poisonwood Bible, though its also well worth a look.

Zero History by William Gibson - cutting edge technology, cut-throat business, fashion, intrigue and more.

Honorable mentions: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, anything by John Steinbeck and George Orwell.

Post: #55

the chef, what sort of books do you want to read? Fiction, travel, bios, or just foody stuff?
I'm no foodie and I haven't read Bourdains work yet, though I have Kitchen Confidential qued up on my kindle and love his shows. I'm sure his voice would translate really well to print.
At a guess here are a few (non-foodie) books that might get you started:
Trainspotting by Irvine Walsh, Tucker Max's books, Generation Kill by Evan Wright, Factotum or Women by Bukowski, Ask the Dust by John Fante, maybe some Brett Easton Ellis and Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller. Perhaps even Brian Thacker's travel stories.

Post: #56

^just picked up "women" by bukowski today. interesting read. i'm intrigued.

thanks.

Post: #57

(12-31-2011 04:35 PM)the chef Wrote:  ^just picked up "women" by bukowski today. interesting read. i'm intrigued.

thanks.

You're welcome tc, happy reading.

I promised some non-fiction recommendations and here they are:

Mix of business books, self improvement, biogrpahies, travel memoirs and more.

Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley - simple, easy to follow advice to slowly become a millionaire. Also how and why to avoid gold diggers.

Losing My Virginity & Business Stripped Bare by Richard Branson - the first is his bio while the second is more distilled knowledge and examples. I loved them both.

The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort - money, drugs, girls, greed and depraved excess, a completely engaging true story. Also check out Liars Poker by Michael Lewis, less excess, more stock market and better writing.

On Writing by Stephen King - It's part brilliant writing lesson and part brutally honest auto-biography. Must read for anyone who wants to be a writer and I'd also recommend it for anyone who loves his work or even just reading fiction.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield - another must read for any wannabe writer or artist. Title says it all.

My Wicked, Wicked Ways by Errol Flynn - ever heard the phrase "In like Flynn?". Errol's autobiography is part Hemingway and part E Hollywood True Story, with a bit of The Game mixed in. Adventurer, vagabond, entrepreneur, Hollywood movie star and world renowned ladies man. It's an incredible story of a man who truly lived more in his 50 years than most would in 100. If I had to recommend just one book to other men, it would probably be this.

Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis - lead singer of Rd Hot Chilli Peppers confessionall on sex, drugs, fame and addiction, oh yeah and rock and roll. I rate it just above The Dirt by Neil Strauss, even though the depravity is not as high its far more honest and in depth. Honorable mention to Don't Try This at Home, also by Neil with Dave Navarro. More of a coffee table book, but an interesting concept where Navarro installs a fotobooth in his house for a year and has Neil stay over to observe and record the chaotic going on of rock star excess.

Mr. Playboy: Hugh Hefner and the American Dream by Steven Watts - deals not just with an interesting man but also covers social changes and politics. Sadly not much of a raunchy tell all and focuses more on early years.

Emergency Sex by Kenneth Cain, et al. - a truly eye opening look at the work and impact of the UN peace keepers and aid groups. The memoirs of three diverse people (doctor, lawyer and divorcée) who tried to help the citizens of war torn nations like Cambodia, Somalia, Haiti, Rwanda and Bosnia - only to question their achievements and ultimately if they did more harm than good.

First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung - incredibly moving and horrific story of a young girl and her family being ripped apart under the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia.

One Crowded Hour by Tim Bowden - this is the story of one of the greatest combat cameraman, Neil Davis. Killed while filming a Thai coup, Davis made his name during the Vietnam war for his unbiased and daring work, including filming with Americans, South and even North Vietnamese troops. He also went on to get some of the most important footage out of Cambodia as the Khmer Rouge swept to power. It's a fascinating look at the Asian region, its history and a portrait of a remarkable man.

Honeymoon With My Brother by Franz Wisner - a great travel memoir of two brothers who drifted apart over the years, reuniting after one is left at the altar and the others marriage fails. They decide to take the planed honeymoon to Costa Rica together and end up traveling the world together. I really would recommend to everyone here. Also checkout The Beach by Alex Garland, the movie is cool by the book has so much more.

Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts - many people seem to recommend this as the travelers bible, I wouldn't agree it, the book does not really teach you anything practical that cant be learnt free on the net. However the book is not written primarily for its practical tips, it's about convincing you to travel. The world is not such a scary place and that travel is an incredible part of life. If you want to travel, but have been finding excuses, read this. If your after more practical advice the best I've found in one place is Life Nomadic by Tynan.

Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony Wheeler - a really enjoyable book (much moreso than there blue bibles) by the founders of Lonely Planet. A great mix of travel and business, if you have any interest in either you should check it out, if you like both, do yourself a favor and buy it now. Also try Tell Them To Get Lost by Brian Thacker, the guy has written a few other hilarious travel stories but this one is also very eye opening look at the true impact of 'the lonely planet effect', where inclusion in the travel bibles can make or break a place. He follows the first ever Lonely Planet book, South East Asia on a Shoe String, published in 1974, trying to retrace the exact steps the Wheelers took, traveling in the same manner, staying in the same places, eating in the same restaurants.

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej by Paul M. Handley - if your interested in Thailand and their unique culture this book is a must read. A very well researched look at the Thai monarchy, their importance in Thai life, and focuses on the unprecedented reign of current King Bhumibol (Rama IX). The book is banned in Thailand, certainly it a critical though I believe quite balanced. Info is slightly dated since Thaksin dramas and concerns about succession as the Kings health continues to deteriorate.

Generation Kill by Evan Wright - A haunting yet perversely entertaining account of a group of US Marines routing their way through Iraq in the early days of the invasion as seen through the eyes of an embedded journalist.

In the Hot Zone: One Man, One Year, Twenty-one Wars by Kevin Sites - Sites spent 12 months travelling the globe reporting from war zones, telling the stories of innocent people in the cross fire and the horrible impact of conflict.

Guns, Germs and Steel: the Fates of Human Society's - an incredible look at how geography has affected history, built and cripled nations, boosted some continets while hampering other.

By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky - eye opening look at the creation of a Mossad spy, the way they live and operate.

Others to take a look at Success Built to Last by Porras, Thompson & Emery, The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin, Robert Greene's work (enough said).

However some of the best actionable information has come from bios and auto-bios from people I admire such as Barry Sheene, Lance Armstrong, PT Barnum, Jackie Stewart, Mark Burnett, Roger Moore and others. I've also learnt a lot even from people I would not normally consider for instance Dan Matthews (who has been running PETA's campaigns and stunts for over 20 years) and Darren Lyons (Australian born guy who runs one of the biggest Papparazzi agencies in the world).

Hope you get something out of the list,
Happy New Year and happy reading.

Post: #58

Someone posted a link to a blog (thanks!) that discussed this book:

What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People
He says that's his best offer. Is it? She says she agrees. Does she? The interview went great—or did it? He said he'd never do it again. But he did. Read this book and send your nonverbal intelligence soaring. Joe Navarro, a former FBI counterintelligence officer and a recognized expert on nonverbal behavior, explains how to "speed-read" people: decode sentiments and behaviors, avoid hidden pitfalls, and look for deceptive behaviors. You'll also learn how your body language can influence what your boss, family, friends, and strangers think of you. You will discover: The ancient survival instincts that drive body language Why the face is the least likely place to gauge a person's true feelings What thumbs, feet, and eyelids reveal about moods and motives. The most powerful behaviors that reveal our confidence and true sentiments. Simple nonverbals that instantly establish trust. Simple nonverbals that instantly communicate authority. Filled with examples from Navarro's professional experience, this definitive book offers a powerful new way to navigate your world.

Just got it, and so far, it is fascinating.

Post: #59

atlast shrugged is one of the most overrated books of all time.

skip.

Post: #60

Did you read it all or quit?

Honestly the book is so damn repetitive, Rand is like a kid with a pot and a spoon, drumming her message home - giving everyone in earshot a headache. It could easily be half the length. All that said that, the message of the book is brilliant, the charecters and storyline for me - flawless.

As I said before, read The Fountainhead first, it is a lot more enjoyable and quicker to read yet gives a similar message (though for my mind not as powerful).

Post: #61

Some of my favourite books,

Lee Iaococa An Autobiography
Godfather by Mario Puzo
The Monk who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
O Jerusalem! by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins

Currently reading Its not about the bike by Lance Armstrong.

Post: #62

On my Kindle at the moment. The outstanding Oscar Wilde - The Picture of Dorian Gray. Gratis on Project Gutenberg website. Roosh blocked my newbie ass linking directly, cheeky geezer!

The charachter of Lord Henry Wotton is good and the quotes memorable. Reminds me of Chateau Heartiste.

"Always! That is a dreadful word. It makes me shudder when I hear it. Women are so fond of using it. They spoil every romance by trying to make it last for ever."

"Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious: both are dissappointed."

"Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals."

Highly recommended. It is also a good novel with faustian theme.

Post: #63

The Brothers Karamazov

Also, if you really want Atlas Shrugged's message, just read The Fountainhead or find John Galt's speech somewhere on the Internet; don't waste your time with the bloated 1200-page behemoth.

Post: #64

Basil, could you possibly make a list of some sort with all your favourite books?

Post: #65

I am reading 'How to stop worrying and start living' by Dale Canergie, it's a very helpfull book about how fighting anxiety and worries.

Post: #66

(04-02-2012 05:37 PM)NuMbEr7 Wrote:  Basil, could you possibly make a list of some sort with all your favorite books?

Hey Number 7,
I already gave two big lists on the last page - what are you looking for? More condensed, more detailed, my top ten? Happy to help but need you to be a bit more specific.

Every book I have enjoyed would be a massive list - if that is what you are chasing shoot me a PM and I will send you a link to my Goodreads account where you can see all my reading.

Post: #67

I just shot you a pm basil.

Post: #68

Johnny Got His Gun

Post: #69

(03-18-2012 09:17 AM)basil Wrote:  Did you read it all or quit?

Honestly the book is so damn repetitive, Rand is like a kid with a pot and a spoon, drumming her message home - giving everyone in earshot a headache. It could easily be half the length. All that said that, the message of the book is brilliant, the charecters and storyline for me - flawless.

As I said before, read The Fountainhead first, it is a lot more enjoyable and quicker to read yet gives a similar message (though for my mind not as powerful).

She's a good writer, but as a philosopher Ayn Rand is motherfucking retarded. There's are good reasons she isn't taught in American philosophy departments today.

Post: #70

I'm reading the Game of Thrones "A song of Fire and Ice" saga, since a friend of mine got me a copy of the first books for my birthday.

I'll recommend it to anyone which is interested in a fantasy world that looks almost medieval and to everyone that is thrilled by complex intrigues and struggles for power.

The HBO series is also good but the book is of course much more interesting and in-depth.

Post: #71

I just ffinished To Kill a Mockingbird by harper lee. I saw the movie ages ago but had no idea how powerful the book would be. Highly recommended.

Post: #72

Ayn Rand isn't a great thinker.

Post: #73

(08-07-2010 04:58 AM)Lumiere Wrote:  Please comment and recommend books in here

Note : This is NOT for PUA book recommendations. Someone else can start that thread if it is of interest.

I will start.

I bought this book at Phuket airport the other day on my way to KL

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Private-Dancer-S...9810539169

I could not put it down and read it from cover to cover in a couple of days. Really anybody even thinking of going to Thailand should read this book. It is so true and so well written.

Very compelling and I loved the way that the narrative was told from the different perspectives of the main characters.

Superb writing and rings true on so many levels about the bar girl scene and foreigners even though it is a work of fiction.

5 Stars

I have the book because a friend who lived in Thailand gave it to me. I know what it is about and have read the first few pages. I know it's about the disaster of falling in love with a bar girl and how it destroyed a man's life. My friend read it because he got hooked up with a scamming girl there and it woke him up because of the similarities to his relationship. He said I should read it so as not to go down the route he went or the main character in the book. Extreme beauty and great sex can blind the best of us! I've been there!

Post: #74

Wanted to add a book to this thread. It's called Social Engineering, The Art of Human Hacking.

Post: #75

Another Day in Paradise by Eddie Little. Story of a young heroin addict trying to become a master thief. The author was an H addict himself, served time, and knows his shit. Eventually OD'd during a relapse and died. You've never read anything as raw as this, trust me on this one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Another_Day...28novel%29

If you saw the shitty movie with James Woods by chance, don't skip the book. It's totally different, and a million times better.

After you read that, pick up the sequel, Steel Toes. Just as good as part 1.


The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. Possibly the funniest book ever written. No American should be given a passport until he's read it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Innocents_Abroad

For that matter, read Twain's entire library.


Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman by Richard Feynman, one of the country's greatest physicists, and a brilliant mind all around. Talks about his work on the Manhattan Project, his early days, women, travel, and more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surely_You%...._Feynman!


Been reading a few Ken Follett books lately. He has a good one on Afghanistan, another about WWII, another on midieval England. Good adventure reads, but not world-changing.