50+ Book Club
11-06-10 | 06:46 PM
#76
Senior Member
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From: Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Bikes: Specialized Tricross Comp, Custom Steel Sport Touring, Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 SL
I have read two outstanding novels this year:
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy is an amazing writer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy is an amazing writer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road
11-06-10 | 07:01 PM
#77
Artificial Member
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From: The Cloud
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Books that changed my life: Back when I was going to junior high school in Berkeley, CA, an English teacher gave me a copy of a book of poetry, Lawrence Ferlinghetti's "A Coney Island of the Mind." One of the classic beat books. I also love Kerouac's "On the Road" and "The Dharma Bums."
The book I keep going back to (and quoting from often) is Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." Eternal return; if it happened only once, it might as well never have happened... I love the reason for Sabina's never marching or participating in political demonstrations; I share her rationale! Philosophy disguised as fiction.
L.
The book I keep going back to (and quoting from often) is Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." Eternal return; if it happened only once, it might as well never have happened... I love the reason for Sabina's never marching or participating in political demonstrations; I share her rationale! Philosophy disguised as fiction.
L.
As for the Ferlingetti and Kerouc, yeah that was part of this discovery of bi-coastal post war literature. The real corker was Bill Burroughs and Naked Lunch. The clique of these guys, including Alan Ginsberg made a huge impact on me as I was growing up.
I recently re-read Naked Lunch and it was more relevant to a 50+ than it was to a 20something. It is a difficult read for it's deliberate shock and horrible exploration of human appetites and obsessions. It's also a very "historical" book.
Last edited by ahsposo; 11-08-10 at 07:15 AM. Reason: to edit.
11-06-10 | 07:41 PM
#78
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Tim Krabbe's "The Rider" I mistakenly entitled "The Cyclist" above. Also.........any of Maynard Hershon's pieces usually published as collections such as "Half-Wheel Hell". A little hokey, but he writes about social and personal angles of cycling and often dates himself backto the days of Lemond, Chiapucci, etc. Fun to curl up with. May be out of print.
11-07-10 | 07:39 AM
#79
Banned.
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From: Post-partisan Paradise
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11-07-10 | 07:59 AM
#80
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From: Oakville Ontario
I read the book. It was very dark indeed. Haven't seen the movie, but I will eventually.
11-07-10 | 12:57 PM
#81
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From: Hour north of Atlanta, Gainesville GA
Bikes: Primary ride now a LOOK 585-Love it.
Tim Krabbe's "The Rider" I mistakenly entitled "The Cyclist" above. Also.........any of Maynard Hershon's pieces usually published as collections such as "Half-Wheel Hell". A little hokey, but he writes about social and personal angles of cycling and often dates himself backto the days of Lemond, Chiapucci, etc. Fun to curl up with. May be out of print.
11-07-10 | 05:55 PM
#82
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Cycling: "The Rider" is wonderful. Even if you're no Lance fan, you'll like "Lance Armstrong's War".
SF: Someone mentioned Neal Stephenson. Cryptonomicon, Snow Crash, and the Diamond Age are all wonderful. If you've never read Larry Niven, try "Protector" or "Ringworld". John Varley's trilogy, "Titan", "Wizard", "Demon" is still the best SF trilogy I've ever read.
SF: Someone mentioned Neal Stephenson. Cryptonomicon, Snow Crash, and the Diamond Age are all wonderful. If you've never read Larry Niven, try "Protector" or "Ringworld". John Varley's trilogy, "Titan", "Wizard", "Demon" is still the best SF trilogy I've ever read.
11-07-10 | 08:25 PM
#83
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
I'm not much for fiction, I like true stories and biographical stuff. I just finished the biography of former astronaut Story Musgrave. He is one of the great minds of our time. Fascinating life, if you are at all into biographies I highly recommend his.
__________________
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
Last edited by stringbreaker; 11-07-10 at 10:18 PM.
11-07-10 | 08:40 PM
#84
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The interesting selection of books read by 50+ers leads me to wonder what kinds of books might have been written by 50+ers. The only author to have come forward, at least as far as I can recall at the moment, is the esteemed Mr. Digital Gee. I have written one hopelessly unreadable academic tome and published a translation of a Japanese novel which, sadly, does not contain any bike scenes.
Anybody else out there?
Anybody else out there?
https://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.p...-0-7864-3010-9
11-07-10 | 09:15 PM
#86
Grammar Cop
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From: Papa Smurf's Lair
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Planning to read Life soon.
My regular re-reads: Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange (actually, this one's on my Desert Island Books list and Desert Island Movies list); the original M*A*S*H (another on the DIB and DIM lists; the tv-series sucks. Out loud.); Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince and Dragon Star trilogies; David and Leigh Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean series (and their related books). I've actually worn out 2 copies of Heinlein's Glory Road.
I first read The Lord of the Rings when I was 15 years old and have re-read it several times. But not in many years. I've tried. I've managed to walk through the audiobooks on my treadmill. But to hold the books in hand and read them with my eyeballs? Just can't seem to get past the first few pages.
Last edited by Condorita; 11-07-10 at 09:29 PM.
02-04-11 | 09:59 PM
#88
Thread Starter
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From: Eugene, OR
Bikes: Road, touring and mountain
It must be time to revive this thread since the weather is much better for reading than riding. I just finished the book "My Abandonment" by Peter Rock, fascinating! A few years ago a runner was running in Portland's Forest Park and came across a camp where a man and his 13 year old daughter were living. This is a novel based on the initial story and a very well written book.
I've read lots of other books this winter, currently reading "Tonto and the Lone Ranger Fist Fight in Heaven" by Sherman Alexie, who is a wonderful writer. The book was the novel that the movie "Smoke Signals" was based on. If you haven't seen Smoke Signals, you should, one of my favorites.
I've read lots of other books this winter, currently reading "Tonto and the Lone Ranger Fist Fight in Heaven" by Sherman Alexie, who is a wonderful writer. The book was the novel that the movie "Smoke Signals" was based on. If you haven't seen Smoke Signals, you should, one of my favorites.
Last edited by Shifty; 02-05-11 at 01:01 PM.
02-05-11 | 07:24 AM
#89
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Thanks. I just put a hold on it at the library. On the cycling topic I recommend Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure, by Barbara Savage. Savage and her husband, both totally inexperienced riders took off around the world on a lark in the 70s. Their adventures are phantastic. Unfortunately Savage was hit by a car and killed in Santa Barbara after she got home and never saw the book she had penned published. I think I learned about it here on an earlier book thread. I also give a second to Surely You Are Joking Mr. Feynman, mentioned above.
02-05-11 | 08:01 AM
#90
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From: On the Llano Estacado
Thanks for the original recommendation of French Revolutions. Just ordered it from Amazon.
And I have to agree that The Rider by Krabbe is an amazing book. When I read the description--an entire book that is devoted to a single race--I thought I'd get bored. As it was, I couldn't put it down and was sorry when it was over.
And I have to agree that The Rider by Krabbe is an amazing book. When I read the description--an entire book that is devoted to a single race--I thought I'd get bored. As it was, I couldn't put it down and was sorry when it was over.
02-05-11 | 08:08 AM
#91
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From: Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
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02-05-11 | 10:15 AM
#92
Matt Pendergast
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: North Bend, Washington State
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
Just finished "Bobke II". Bob Roll is immensely entertaining and funny.
Currently reading an excellent book titled "Cutting for Stone".
Currently reading an excellent book titled "Cutting for Stone".
06-14-11 | 01:35 PM
#93
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From: The Cloud
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Back to spec-fic, I thought of another one I really enjoyed last summer. It's the perfect discussion book for 50+ too, BTW.
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, translated from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy.
In this dystopian near-future, 50+ women and 60+ men who are single, childless and in jobs that can be done by others, are asked to step aside and check into a home where they will live out their lives in pampered luxury--for a price. I'm not sure what is more chilling--the price they pay, that their society thinks it's the right thing to do, or that they go along with it without resistance.
The book raises the questions,
A thoroughly provocative book, that really hit home for this single, childless 50+er.
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, translated from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy.
In this dystopian near-future, 50+ women and 60+ men who are single, childless and in jobs that can be done by others, are asked to step aside and check into a home where they will live out their lives in pampered luxury--for a price. I'm not sure what is more chilling--the price they pay, that their society thinks it's the right thing to do, or that they go along with it without resistance.
The book raises the questions,
- What is freedom?
- What is human dignity?
- How do we humans value our selves and each other?
A thoroughly provocative book, that really hit home for this single, childless 50+er.
This is an outstanding work of fiction. I second tsl with no reservation. What a powerful book.
After I read this I moved 180 degrees but stayed in the arena of dealing with an aging population. The book is Christopher Buckley's Boomsday.
06-14-11 | 02:34 PM
#94
Starting over
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Indianapolis
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1500; 2006 Gary Fisher Marlin; 2011 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 105; 2012 Catrike Trail
Some recent reads I cannot recommend highly enough:
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Driftless by David Rhodes
Gilead and its sequel Home by Marilynne Robinson
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
And while not recently read, some of my all-time favorites include:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Until I Find You by John Irving
Going after Cacciato by Tim O'Brien
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Ferrol Sams's trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels: Run with the Horsemen, The Whisper of the River and When All the World Was Young.
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Driftless by David Rhodes
Gilead and its sequel Home by Marilynne Robinson
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
And while not recently read, some of my all-time favorites include:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Until I Find You by John Irving
Going after Cacciato by Tim O'Brien
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Ferrol Sams's trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels: Run with the Horsemen, The Whisper of the River and When All the World Was Young.
06-14-11 | 03:28 PM
#95
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Blueberry Capital of the WORLD, NJ
Bikes: Trek '09 1.5 wsd, Trek '13 Cocoa
Some recent reads I cannot recommend highly enough:
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Driftless by David Rhodes
Gilead and its sequel Home by Marilynne Robinson
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
And while not recently read, some of my all-time favorites include:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Until I Find You by John Irving
Going after Cacciato by Tim O'Brien
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Ferrol Sams's trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels: Run with the Horsemen, The Whisper of the River and When All the World Was Young.
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Driftless by David Rhodes
Gilead and its sequel Home by Marilynne Robinson
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
And while not recently read, some of my all-time favorites include:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Until I Find You by John Irving
Going after Cacciato by Tim O'Brien
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Ferrol Sams's trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels: Run with the Horsemen, The Whisper of the River and When All the World Was Young.
I found "The Things They Carried" very moving.
I am also a fan of Erik Larson: "The Devil in the White City", "Isaac's Storm" and "Thunderstruck" as well as Kazuo Ishiguro: "Remains of the Day"(hence my user name)
06-14-11 | 03:43 PM
#96
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The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist, translated from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy.
In this dystopian near-future, 50+ women and 60+ men who are single, childless and in jobs that can be done by others, are asked to step aside and check into a home where they will live out their lives in pampered luxury--for a price. I'm not sure what is more chilling--the price they pay, that their society thinks it's the right thing to do, or that they go along with it without resistance.
The book raises the questions,
In this dystopian near-future, 50+ women and 60+ men who are single, childless and in jobs that can be done by others, are asked to step aside and check into a home where they will live out their lives in pampered luxury--for a price. I'm not sure what is more chilling--the price they pay, that their society thinks it's the right thing to do, or that they go along with it without resistance.
The book raises the questions,
- What is freedom?
- What is human dignity?
- How do we humans value our selves and each other?
Ever been in one of those "exclusive retirement homes" - where, for a significant down payment and monthly price, folks - some in their 50's and 60's (others much older) - live lives of pampered regimentation.
And, you don't have to be single and childless to participate in these smothered and sheltered worlds.
You find them on the ocean in places like Carlsbad, CA.
Dress for all meals, sit at the same table with the same boring conversation, get on the bus for an excursion where the most exercise is getting up the steps into the bus.
My singing group sings for a couple of those places.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 06-14-11 at 03:47 PM.
06-14-11 | 03:44 PM
#97
Artificial Member
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From: The Cloud
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
.
Ever been in one of those "exclusive retirement homes" - where, for a significant price, folks - some in their 50's and 60's others much older) - live lives of pampered regimentation.
And, you don't have to be single and childless to participate in these smothered and sheltered worlds.
Ever been in one of those "exclusive retirement homes" - where, for a significant price, folks - some in their 50's and 60's others much older) - live lives of pampered regimentation.
And, you don't have to be single and childless to participate in these smothered and sheltered worlds.
You pay for it with your body.
06-14-11 | 04:33 PM
#99
Artificial Member
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From: The Cloud
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
I don't want to be a spoiler so I won't do a detailed summary.
This book was for me a real stunner.
Imagine a really, really intelligent Soylent Green mixed with Brave New World and Anna Karenina.
This book was for me a real stunner.
Imagine a really, really intelligent Soylent Green mixed with Brave New World and Anna Karenina.
06-14-11 | 04:37 PM
#100
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Missoula, Montana
Bikes: Trek Domane SL5, Trek Checkpoint SL5, Cannndale Trail SE 4, Specialized Langster
It looks like 50ers are reading all sorts of stuff, so let me put in my two cents as a retired teacher of literature. For years I was a speaker for the Montana Committee for the Humanities. One of the programs I presented was entitled The Ten Greatest Novels and How to Read Them. The list changed over the years, but here are a bunch that you can't go wrong with though some might take a little time and energy. You might think that the list is a bit academic, which it is. All of these books appear on college reading lists somewhere or other, but all are great novels and accessible to serious readers who want to extend themselves beyond just popular novels, which are primarily escapist and entertaining (nothing wrong with escapism or entertainment, of course). These novels are entertaining as well, but stimulating and enlightenening in addition. Here goes:
Tolstoy: War and Peace; Anna Karenina
Dostoyevsky: Crime and Punishment
Stendahl: Red and Black
Flaubert: Madame Bovary
Dickens: David Copperfield
Conrad: Heart of Darkness
Gaskell: Wives and Daughters
Eliot: Middlemarch
James: Portrait of a Lady
Hemingway: A Farewell to Arms
Fitzegerald: The Great Gatsby
Faulkner: The Sound and the Fury
Twain: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Melville: Moby Dick
Hawthorne: The Scarlett Letter
Tolstoy: War and Peace; Anna Karenina
Dostoyevsky: Crime and Punishment
Stendahl: Red and Black
Flaubert: Madame Bovary
Dickens: David Copperfield
Conrad: Heart of Darkness
Gaskell: Wives and Daughters
Eliot: Middlemarch
James: Portrait of a Lady
Hemingway: A Farewell to Arms
Fitzegerald: The Great Gatsby
Faulkner: The Sound and the Fury
Twain: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Melville: Moby Dick
Hawthorne: The Scarlett Letter