Restricted Section: Term XXVI - Read, Reading, To Read

[sanalith.livejournal.com]

Activity: Read, Reading, To Read
Points: 10 points for your initial comment, 2 points for every substantial response, max 30 points
Deadline: August 30 @ 11:59PM UTC (Timezone Converter)

Details: Since this will be my only activity of Term XXVI, I wanted to both do something relatively simple AND take the opportunity to get to know you guy, so we're going to have a discussion post about our recent reading habits. For your initial comment, write at least 150 words talking about books you've recently read, are currently reading, and/or what you plan to read next. You can talk about any aspect of the books you wish, but some ideas would be why you selected the books, what you liked/didn't like about them, whether you'd recommend them to others, etc. For your responses, you'll need to write at least 50 words. Make sure you're saying something more than, "I read that book and liked/hated it!" Try to open a dialogue about what was good or bad, or even why you chose NOT to read it. Anything goes, as long as there's substance to it.

If you have any questions, direct them to the appropriate thread. As always, don't forget to sign each comment with your name/house or a sigtag.

Also, do remember that I wiped the roster clean, so if you have bonus items, make sure you register them HERE as soon as possible to earn your extra points. I won't be giving grace periods, so please double-check that you're good to go!

Comments

[tralfamadore.livejournal.com]

In the past decade or so, it seems as though I’ve all but forgotten the existence of a fiction genre in literature. I’ve been reading so many nonfiction books for so long that I had all but convinced myself that I probably don’t even care for fiction any more. Fortunately, I’ve taken to proving myself wrong in that over these last couple of months. I’ve finally found my way back around to reading more fiction, and I’m having a lot of fun with it.

One of my recent reads was The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I’m not sure how I managed to avoid reading this book until now, but I’m so glad that I finally took the advice of so many people in my life and gave it a try. This book is everything I love about the fiction genre. I’m utterly convinced that Adams was an absolute genius. His unbelievable dry wit and his ability to craft whole worlds with deceptively simple writing is just second to none. I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of his series.

I’ve also recently read The Cuckoo’s Calling by you-know-who. (Not that you-know-who, but… you know.) I’d be more than happy to talk about that if anyone is interested in hearing my senseless yammerings about it. Spoiler-free or otherwise. I’d love to hear what others think of it as well, if anyone else out there has gotten the opportunity to read it.

Also, I’ve really been getting into graphic novels and comic books as of late. I’ve started in with Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye run, and Mark Waid’s Daredevil. Absolutely loving every last bit of the latter, and really enjoying the former as well. (Though I’m a bit hot-and-cold on it at different times.) I’m taking a Graphic Novels course this semester purely for the enjoyment of it, and I’ve got a mile-long reading list that I’m really looking forward to getting started on there. I’m also looking into picking up Wolverine Max, and a couple of Dr. Strange storylines. I’m still very new when it comes to the world of graphic novels and comics, but I’m enjoying it thus far.


Andie; Ravenclaw

[rabidmunkee.livejournal.com]

How was The Cuckoo's Calling? I don't generally like mysteries, but come on the author is fantastic. Who wouldn't want to give it a shot?

Also I loved The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. That was an entertaining series. It definitely brought to life the amazing and funny part of science fiction didn't you think? The movie didn't do that series justice at all.

Shawn//Hufflepuff

[bowl-of-glow.livejournal.com]

I’ve seen many people rec The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, I might have to give it a try someday! I usually like science fiction though I haven’t read much sci-fi novels; comic science fiction sounds like an interesting sub-genre. And though I never read the book, the answer to “the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything” never fails to make me laugh. I’ve heard the 2005 film adaptation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLdiWe_HJv4) is pretty good as well, maybe I’ll check it out one day.

Giulia | Ravenclaw | #06

[liliths-requiem.livejournal.com]

The Hitchhiker’s “Trilogy” is absolutely fantastic, and I would even recommend Eoin Colfer, which is the sixth and final installment, written after Adams’ death. While the plot can be a bit of a bender for anyone, the wit and philosophy of these books is more than enough to keep you laughing the entire time, and then crying once you finish the book and realize what it is Adams was trying to say. I think my favorite quote of all time is, “Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss,” which is kind of funny, until you recognize the futility in trying to fly. Also, there’s a sperm whale and a bowl of petunias that are both more introspective than 90% of the people I know. Douglas Adams was truly a giant of great writing.

Nicole//Ravenclaw//Comment 2

[mmailliw.livejournal.com]

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a very interesting series! I think I got through it sometime around my senior year of high school and it was my first true introduction to the world of British humor. Have you made it through the rest of the trilogy yet? I won't spoil my reactions here but the plot twists are a particularly interesting roller coaster.

(and if Voldemort wrote any book I'd be happy to read it)

William//Slytherin

[meredith44]

I didn't really care for Hitchhiker's Guide, but Douglas Adams came to speak at my college years ago, and I loved listening to him. I loved his sense of humor and he had a lot of interesting things to say. I wish I remembered more of the details of what he'd said, versus just the general impression I have left now.

I'm also a recent reader of comic books. Although I've yet to read either of the two runs you mentioned, as I am more focused on X-Men at the moment. I read some graphic novels for a young adult literature class I took, but an entire class on it would be very interesting, I think.

Meredith // Hufflepuff // 5

[wasureneba.livejournal.com]

In the past decade or so, it seems as though I’ve all but forgotten the existence of a fiction genre in literature.

That was pretty much all of my college career, and a big chunk of grad career too. I'm usually the kind of person who devours novels left and right, but oh my god, college and the first two years of grad school were just so incredibly full of reading for school that it was crazy.

Douglas Adams is such a joy---so witty and sharp and he just had a wonderful, wonderful take on the universe in general. I love the place of dolphins and mice in the universe especially. :)

Anieclaw