First up, may I recommend Gary Sutherland's "Hunting Grounds":

http://www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/3370157/Hunting-Grounds/Product.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Grounds-Gary-Sutherland/dp/1841585866/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198166624&sr=8-1

 

Its an excellent journey round all 42 Scottish fitba grounds in one season.  Detailing transport, pre-match venues for a pint, the quality of the pies at the ground, and a review of the performance of both the players and the fans.  He goes into some depth in his report for each ground.  Its rather witty too!

 

He obviously visits Pittodrie (2-2 cup game with Hibs last season), and also a Falkirk v Aberdeen SPL game where the away fans are praised.

Finally picked up Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, a book given to me by my daughter a couple of years ago.

 

I had quoted a couple of the wee stories to them when they were kids that I had picked up without ever having read the whole.

 

It's fucking crazy but a beautiful crazy. So uplifting for the spirit. Fuck knows what it's all about.

"The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair"by Joel Dicker

 

600+ pages and absolutely superb, brilliantly written and loved it

 

Hebrew - Reckon this would be one for you. Check it out

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Truth-about-Harry-Quebert-Affair/dp/1848663269/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435735794&sr=1-1&keywords=joel+dicker+the+truth+about+the+harry+quebert+affair

 

I got this for Christmas following your recommendations, and just got another 150 pages to go. Absolutely brilliant book. Only started reading it last week and just find it so hard to put down!

Glad you enjoyed it Manc 

I reckon it was my favourite read of 2015.

Loved the style of writing as you really had to pay 100% attention to it as it jumped back and fore in time. Sure it would make a great film

 

Think it is the only Joel Dicker book to date translated into English. My pigeon French just isn't good enough to read a novel in French

 

Got a couple of other recommendations coming up, but no time just now to disclose.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ebooks-The-Man-Who-Watched-Women-ebook/dp/B00TQDWIHK/ref=pd_cp_351_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=02WJ5RN0JRSV41QVG5KN

 

Read the above book between Xmas and New Year.

From the creators of The Bridge (TV series).

Maybe a bit drawn out and could potentially have been trimmed by a 100 pages or so, but a pretty decent read. Not the most difficult plot to figure out, but strong characters (no all particularly likeable ) make this a decent read. Believe this is the second book in a planned trilogy. Haven't read the first instalment and although I will probably do do, this book is perfectly capable of being read as a standalone.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natchez-Burning-Penn-Cage-Book/dp/0007317964/ref=sr_1_cc_5?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1453046725&sr=1-5-catcorr&keywords=greg+iles+penn+cage+series+in+order

 

Greg Iles is an author I have read a lot of over the years and have never really been disappointed with any of his book. Natchez Burning is set in America's deepest south and uncovers events from the early 60's which are uncovered forty years on and focuses on the actions of those responsible trying their worst to keep them hidden in a dark and troubled racist past. Again this is part of a trilogy (this is the first part), the second part "The Bone Tree" is already published. This book is a big read and runs to over 850 pages as does the follow up. Would give Natchez Burning 4.5/5 and looking forward to getting into the second book, just hope given the fact it is another 850 page book that it isn't repetitive and going back over a lot of what happened in the first one.

 

 

Reading Kelman's You have to be careful in the land of the free.

 

It's typical James Kelman. I know he won the Booker Prize but by god he polarises.

 

Even within one who has bothered to read most of his stuff.

 

An acquired taste, one that I'm not even sure that I have. Hard work.

 

Edit: finished it tonight. Not recommended to anyone other than Kelman enthusiasts. Of which I'm not one. My first Kelman this century and that will be my last, I would like to say but I know I'll pick up another one day.

 

Pathological pathos that is weirdly intriguing, for fucked up perspectives like mine.

Reading Timequake just now by the incomparable Kurt Vonnegut.

 

Been a long time since I read him. Having done about half his novels, I'm probably going to do the other half now.

 

His is a brilliant mind.

Never read Vonnegut, Rocket, but I have Galapagos on my kindle which I've not read yet (someone recommended it a while back). Have you read it? Is it worth moving to the top of the pile?

Not read that one yet but I will. Got Sirens of Titan to read next.

 

Vonnegut is easy to read and joyous to read. Silly not to.

 

Slaughterhouse Five is his most famous work, an epic but I've enjoyed most of his stuff.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ebooks-The-Man-Who-Watched-Women-ebook/dp/B00TQDWIHK/ref=pd_cp_351_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=02WJ5RN0JRSV41QVG5KN

 

Read the above book between Xmas and New Year.

From the creators of The Bridge (TV series).

Maybe a bit drawn out and could potentially have been trimmed by a 100 pages or so, but a pretty decent read. Not the most difficult plot to figure out, but strong characters (no all particularly likeable ) make this a decent read. Believe this is the second book in a planned trilogy. Haven't read the first instalment and although I will probably do do, this book is perfectly capable of being read as a standalone.

 

 

 

Ok have now read the first book in this trilogy and it is an absolutely cracking read.

If you like your Nordic Noir then this is for you.

Third part not being released until the summer but can't wait for it 

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sebastian-Bergman-Hjorth-Rosenfeldt-ebook/dp/B0085NZQOO/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=5152ImspW-L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR102%2C160_&refRID=1TR49XMEK4EG4MYEHBFR

Reading Kelman's You have to be careful in the land of the free.

 

My first Kelman this century and that will be my last, I would like to say but I know I'll pick up another one day.

 

Well that resolution didn't last long. I just started Mo said she was quirky. Coincidentally on the day of my first visit to The Quirky Coo. But this is a thread about books.

 

I am loathed to take it to France with me this week. Kelman is, and his characters are just so fucking tragic.

Got given the latest (my first) stieg larsson book for Christmas. Got round to reading it recently,  enjoyed it. I had avoided the series before because they seemed so popular but I was impressed. Sometimes a bit predictable but generally had me turning the pages. Has anyone else read the rest?

Got given the latest (my first) stieg larsson book for Christmas. Got round to reading it recently,  enjoyed it. I had avoided the series before because they seemed so popular but I was impressed. Sometimes a bit predictable but generally had me turning the pages. Has anyone else read the rest?

 

I've got the series in my to read pile, I've avoided them until now for the same reasons but might give them a go soon.

Got given the latest (my first) stieg larsson book for Christmas. Got round to reading it recently,  enjoyed it. I had avoided the series before because they seemed so popular but I was impressed. Sometimes a bit predictable but generally had me turning the pages. Has anyone else read the rest?

 

Read all three when they came out and generally enjoyed them.

If you like these see my post from 8th Feb and give that triology a go 

Read all three when they came out and generally enjoyed them.

If you like these see my post from 8th Feb and give that triology a go 

 

Thanks will check it out. Need a new book now!

Started Porno yesterday. 150 pages later and totally hooked. Can't believe I've waited this long to get round to it. Irvine Welsh paints real pictures.

Started Porno yesterday. 150 pages later and totally hooked. Can't believe I've waited this long to get round to it. Irvine Welsh paints real pictures.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed porno, even more so than trainspotting, hope you enjoy it rocket!

 

Might dig it out and give it another read before the film comes out.

Got given I am Pilgrim recently and started it the other day, dark book so far!

 

Also read the latest in the Jack Reacher series "Make me" - excellent read and kept me interested throughout.

Got given I am Pilgrim recently and started it the other day, dark book so far!

 

Also read the latest in the Jack Reacher series "Make me" - excellent read and kept me interested throughout.

 

I read I am pilgrim whilst on holiday last year. I can honestly say it's one of the best novels I've ever read, it's fantastic and just couldn't put it down. 

I read I am pilgrim whilst on holiday last year. I can honestly say it's one of the best novels I've ever read, it's fantastic and just couldn't put it down. 

 

Excellent, just need to find time to read it!

Terry Hayes - I Am Pilgrim

 

500 pages into it, still got another 350 pages to go, but so far it is shaping up as a five star

 

Crikey can't believe it is two years since I read that book. Said at the time it had film written all over it and believe plans are afoot

Crikey can't believe it is two years since I read that book. Said at the time it had film written all over it and believe plans are afoot

 

That's made my day, I was hoping they'd make it into a film!

Excellent, just need to find time to read it!

 

Just wait until you get properly into it, you'll not be able to put it down 

That's made my day, I was hoping they'd make it into a film!

 

Your day just got better then ED 

 

See attached link for confirmation

 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/i-am-pilgrim-matthew-vaughn-827881

Your day just got better then ED 

 

See attached link for confirmation

 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/i-am-pilgrim-matthew-vaughn-827881

 

Outstanding! 

Anyone got any good sci-fi recommendations?