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Wed 2 Apr, 2003 10:08 am
I am in desperate ned of a good book. I used to read the paper on the train to work but I can't do it these day's... 2 depressing to start off the day.
I have recently gotten into humorous down to earth books with some black comedy involved. My most recent book was Rules Of Attraction
Anyone have any suggestions???
Please Help :wink:
-Steven
oh and btw I enjoy all types of books (mystery, thriller, sci fi, fantasy etc.) as long as it is a page turner... where you just wont sleep untill that chapter/book is complete.
Thanks again!!
-Steven
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
If you haven't already.
Hi Steve, since you're new, I can try to convert you as well, yay! Find Jerome Klapka Jerome, esp. 3 Men on a Bummel and 3 Men on a Boat. Now that is very humourous, full of black humour too, and witty. Written at the turn of 20th century by an Englishman, but still valid in most observations. I found him in a library and have read 3 of his books in a rown, laughing my way throught them, certainly a good break from the news.
I would like to suggest The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean, it is wild
If you like black humor you can't do any better than Evelyn Waugh, the master:
Scoop
A Handful Of Dust
The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold
hmm. . . . I'd recommend The Red Tent. The author expands the story of a briefly mentioned biblical character. Really takes you into the time/myth.
I second "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome Jerome.
And a gem by William Trevor, "The Children of Dynmouth." A black humor classic, written before Trevor became too gloomy...
In that vein is also the book Saturnin, the jewel of black comedy. Alas, it's been a long time, I remember not the author and I read it in Czech. Will get back to you after I found out whether it is available in English and who wrote it. But it is one of my most favourite books ever.
I'm going to have to get Three Men in a Boat. Its really that good?
Well, found excerpts in English at least. It is written by Zdenek Jirotka, how could I forget!!! Still dunno if it was published in English though.
SATURNIN
Max, "Three Men" is a lot of fun. A great way to while away a few pleasant hours...
How about THE Good Book?
(sorry
... try Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand)
Or a blank book -- your heart is not a gas tank to be filled from the outside.
Or maybe it is. I dunno. Only one way to find out.
Thanks guys and gals... I am off to barnes and noble right after I get off work (which involves me posting on forums... and I get paid for this!! SHHH) !!
You were all a great help. I think I will try "Three Men in a Boat" because it was mentioned so many times on this page. Then perhaps some Susan Orlean.
Thank's again.
Keep me informed.
-Steven
If you like The Orchid Thief, you may like Melissa Faye Greene's Praying For Sheet Rock. I just finished Nick Hornby's How To Be Good, it was an enjoyable, funny, easy train-ride read.
Other dated books that are page turners:
Truman Capote-In Cold Blood
Mario Puzo-The Godfather
Katherine Dunn-Geek Love
Tim O'Brien- Tomcat in Love ( hilarious, really well-written)
Scott Turow- Presumed Innocent
Steve, yay! Do go for the Three Men in a Boat, it would please me so!
You know what ? Im going to get 3 Men in a boat too! I'll let you know what I think on page 43. Thanks D'art
WELL THANK YOU AL FOR ALL OF YOUR SUGESTIONS!! I THINK I WILL HAVE TO GO WITH Three Men in a Boat BECAUSE IT WAS MENTIONED SO MANY TIMES ON THE PAGE, AND THEN MOVE ON FROM THERE.
THANK YOU AGAIN!!
-sTeVeN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i AM wHAT you SAY i AM
We were reading Three men and a dog on a boat , while on Crete last year. Lots of laughs. I am recommending" Crete on the Half Shell" by Byron Ayanoglu.
Adventure, Travel , Food & Zeus.
Link to national review
http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20030329/BKCRET//?query=byron+ayanoglu
The news is getting so depressing that, one of these days, I'll take that short left turn, and drive straight into the bay. 
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