Inspiration to read again?

cosgrove80

This is a big ask and a vague one at that, so I appreciate any replies.

Basically, I haven't read a book in a long time. Between DVDs, TV and Video Games, I just got out of the habit. To give some frame of reference that last book I finished was the first Harry Potter book.

I used to read a bit when I was younger and enjoyed most books but mainly Fantasy and fiction books (read a few from the Wheel Of Time series).

I'm looking for a book either fact or fiction that will remind me how superior a good book can be to 90% of storylines on Tv or games and hopefully get me reading more.

I'm prepared to give anything a go but perhaps an "easy read" would be the best start, to try and combat my retarded attention span.

From the thread below, "Shantaram" my be a good choice.

I'd appreciate any tips.

whammy

legend by david gemmell.
all time favourite book. its fantasy but not too much dragons and wizards and stuff. in a nutshell its about the greatest army against the greatest fortress held by the greatest hero. just prue class. david gemmell is one of the easiest authors to read, once you start reading him ya wont stop untill your finished all of them. plus if you read a few from wheels of time you can handle this.
a must read!!

lemon_sherbert

I've just finished The Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby, which is a collection of articles he wrote for a magazine, they form a sort of diary of everything he was reading. But the emphasis is on the enjoyment of reading, more than the literary value of the books. More importantly, the book is hilarious and not too long, might be the right sort of thing to get you inspired?

Shryke

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is one of the greatest books you will ever read.
In fantasy I recommend:
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.
A fantastic debut set in a Venice-like city following a group of con men headed by Locke of the title. Extremely entertaining. You just have to work passed the drawn out opening until the story really picks up.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. Another great debut. It's not too long and acts more as an opener. It's the start of a trilogy. The second book (Before They Are Hanged) is out a while here and the third (Last Argument of Kings) will be out in march, I believe. TBI is alright, but Before they are Hanged is on a completely other level. Even if you found the first book a little uneventful I'd strongly suggest you continue.
If you're looking for something with a lot of magic and complexity try The Malazan Book of the Fallen. It's incredible.
If you want something beautifully written and intriguing with great characters and moving events in a medievil world try A Song of Ice and Fire.

Both Malazan and Ice and Fire are series. Malazan starts with Gardens of the Moon. Ice and Fire starts with A Game of Thrones. These two series will make everything else in the genre you've ever read look like utter ****e. Fact!

AJG

I'm always recommending this one but 'Ask The Dust' by John Fante is short, plainly written and is both funny and touching. Ignore the Colin Farrell movie version which eschews the ending by turning it into something both insulting to the book and much less powerful. Its ironic because Fante was known primarily as a screen writer.

Caveat

For an absorbing, subtle, intelligent - but easy - read, I'd recommend anything by Ian McEwan.

For something a bit more wry and knowing, most of John Irving's books are excellent IMO.

Dades

cosgrove80 wrote: »

From the thread below, "Shantaram" my be a good choice.

Might not be a good idea to read such a huge book (it's very long!) if you're only starting back.
It is brilliant, though.

That said, the only excellent shorter books I've read in the past few years have been sci-fi...

is_that_so

You might consider something light and formulated like Ken Follett, Dan Brown or even Tom Clancy just to get you back into the habit. Often find that kind of stuff helps get the mind exercised when I haven't read in a good while and I want to read something more challenging.

Valmont

the trick is to read something scandalous such as lolita which also doubles as an incredible novel. American Psycho is another option, I'm sure you'll have plenty of advise from the boardsters anyway

Tusky

Shantaram is great but its just under 1000 pages so maybe save that until you are in the swing of things. I recommend 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson. Its only about 150-200 pages and is a real page tuner. Very exciting and easy to read.

The Beach by Alex Garland would be another recommendation.

whammy

Sandor wrote: »

.
If you want something beautifully written and intriguing with great characters and moving events in a medievil world try A Song of Ice and Fire.

Both Malazan and Ice and Fire are series. Malazan starts with Gardens of the Moon. Ice and Fire starts with A Game of Thrones. These two series will make everything else in the genre you've ever read look like utter ****e. Fact!

reading song of ice and fire now. absolutely amazing!

stolenwine

I've been on my christmas holidays from college and have started devouring books like a dying man as I know I won't be able to read what I want for another 4 months. Start with a short read or an easy read then work your way up to a better read, the alchemist, the beach...

cosgrove80

Thanks for all the replies.

Legend sounds interesting.

I actually bought my sister A Game Of Thrones a while back (don't think she ever read it) so I might get that back from her.

Catch-22, could be a good option alright.

Ask The Dust, I must admit I've never heard of but the Amazon reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Ian McEwan, is another author that I didn't know. Might watch Atonement and see if Keira convinces me to check out his work

Read a few pages of a Tom Clancy book once (Rainbow Six, I think) and he seemed to spend a whole page describing the safety catch on his rifle. I'll stick to the games and films I think.

The Beach, I Am Legend and American Psycho are probably all worth a read but having seeing the films I'd like to keep the book fresh (especially want to let the memory of Will Smiths latest offering fade)

Thanks for all the suggestions, much appreciated. I'll hit the second-hand bookshop over the weekend and report my findings

Tusky

cosgrove80 wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.

Legend sounds interesting.

I actually bought my sister A Game Of Thrones a while back (don't think she ever read it) so I might get that back from her.

Catch-22, could be a good option alright.

Ask The Dust, I must admit I've never heard of but the Amazon reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Ian McEwan, is another author that I didn't know. Might watch Atonement and see if Keira convinces me to check out his work

Read a few pages of a Tom Clancy book once (Rainbow Six, I think) and he seemed to spend a whole page describing the safety catch on his rifle. I'll stick to the games and films I think.

The Beach, I Am Legend and American Psycho are probably all worth a read but having seeing the films I'd like to keep the book fresh (especially want to let the memory of Will Smiths latest offering fade)

Thanks for all the suggestions, much appreciated. I'll hit the second-hand bookshop over the weekend and report my findings

I liked American Psycho but its long enough and not that easy to get into. There are whole chapters in which he rambles on about an album or song...so might not be the best choice.

What about something by Irvine Welsh ? Trainspotting, Filth or Porno are all great.

Caveat

cosgrove80 wrote: »

Catch-22, could be a good option alright.

I'd second this BTW - along with The World According To Garp by John Irving.

Ian McEwan, is another author that I didn't know. Might watch Atonement and see if Keira convinces me to check out his work

I'll be watching it myself - Atonement would not be typical though - in fact I'm not sure what is. Other Ian McEwan film adaptations: The Cement Garden, The Comfort of Strangers, The Innocent, Enduring Love...

Read a few pages of a Tom Clancy book once (Rainbow Six, I think) and he seemed to spend a whole page describing the safety catch on his rifle.

My thoughts too- you are either into this genre or not I think.

American Psycho

Funny, fascinating and quite disturbing really - a great read IMO.

skelliser

"slaughterhouse five" by kurt vonnegut, my favourite book at the mo

anything by flann o briain especially "the third policeman"

hupyago

arthur c clarke, george orwell or you could get started on magazines like national geographic,focus,readers digest or 2000ad

BossArky

OP, what you need is something short, sharp and punchy. What styles did you like before?

I remember towards the end of 2006 I was looking for some short books. I enjoyed these ones:

- Fahrenheit 451
- Slaughter House 5
- Of Mice and Men
- Great Expectations

... cannot see my bookshelf from here. Maybe I need glasses :eek:

buck65

Great expectations ..good call
or Kafka on the shore -if you're into fantasy

RuailleBuaille

I think you should give the Bakers Boy trilogy a go, by J.V Jones, excellent fantasy and so easy to read. Also I just found The Princess Bride. it's so easy to read and very funny. Something short but not so sweet is the Average American Male - for a girl its quite depressing but the boys love it! Agree with Irvine Welsh suggestion but read Glue AFTER Trainspotting and before Porno so you know who everyone is. Fair play for getting the brain in gear, reading is a gift to yourself so give generously!

purple'n'gold

To kill a mockingbird.
Will make you realise that not all Americans are like Bush.