Thread: A Good Book

Being Portuguese, I mostly read portuguese authors and I must confess my utter ignorance of some of the authors you all have mentioned. But, I do know Twain, Stoker, Tolkien and so forth...
Despite all that nobody mentioned this book: 1984, George Orwell. I've read it twice (in english) in a row and very often I revisit it... It is the most influential book I've ever read. It left a deep mark in my young mind - a philosophical mark, a political statment in defence of freedom and justice. It opened my eyes to the undermining impact of the lack of justice and the construction of a so called truth that is no more than a lie repeated. It also opened my eyes to the sheer importance of language as an important tool of thought. Orwell is all too clear when he claims that, through the abolition of words it becomes impossible to think - and in the case, imposible to think away from the Party's guide lines. One other thing... the importance of memory in close relation to freedom, language, and information. It is a masterpiece of political literature. It's not briliantly written one must assume... but it's a tremendous book. I still feel shivers down my spine when I think of some of the images Orwell describes. It's a book about freedom and fear. It's a banner for true democracy, true freedom - and that is only possible through true truth!
"freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows." Orwell, 1984.

And by the way... I was born in 1984! And Macs were born in 1984!

Sid- Although shipping a book is cheaper than buying a book, at book shipping rates, 3weeks in us at book rate, higher for priority etc. it wouldnt take long to spend cash simply on shipping books, and although I might be inclined to share my library with you , I might not be so inclined to share it with the post.

fpessanha- I read 1984 at least twice a year, sadly the scenario described seems to be getting closer everytime I read it. I commend you for bringing the subject to the forefront and highly recommend this great read.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Sid- Although shipping a book is cheaper than buying a book, at book shipping rates, 3weeks in us at book rate, higher for priority etc. it wouldnt take long to spend cash simply on shipping books, and although I might be inclined to share my library with you , I might not be so inclined to share it with the post.

What on earth is 'book rate'? How much does it cost you to send a paperback? I'm not talking about mint first editions here- just dog-eared paperbacks- comments and all. Hell i'll put mysef at the start of the chain if you like....

Oh well thats one vote of 'no'. What do the rest of you think?

OH, paperbacks, I'll have to see if I have any.

Originally Posted by sidneykidney

It has suddenly come to me. We are all talking about the books we have read- all seem avid readers. What do any of you think about setting up a book chain? I mean everyone sending a book of theirs that they recommend onto the next person in the chain. This process continues every 'x' many weeks giving everybody a chance to read each others books. We all learn each others tastes in books and can comment on them without having to buy them all. A book club on the cheap if you like.

So what do you think? Is this a brain wave or a brain fart? If you are indeed interested then tell me and i'll try to set this up.

Great idea!!!

bumpppppppppp (SRP insists the post be over 10 characters. )

Another one to recommend for all the Dracula fans out there is The Book of Renfield by Tim Lucas

Thread forked for those interested in book chain:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/conve...tml#post229243

This thread caused me to get Crime & Punishment down off my shelves and read it again. I'm still 1/2 way through. Damn, it's a good book!

List your top 3 authors and novels

1. Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged (and most everything she ever wrote)
2. George Orwell - Animal Farm
3. Ludwig von Mises - Anti-Capitalist Mentality