LOVE knowing what you're reading. I hope you'll keep us updated. I adore the esoteric language in Decemberists music, so I always knew you were a reader. The other day I saw the only other reference to Arabesque that I've ever seen outside The Island, and I laughed when I realized where I'd heard it before. Of course, from a Decemberists song :P "Affix your barb and bayonet, the curlews carve their Arabesques." How fucking great is that??
Thanks for this recommendation! Nearly everything I like to read is pre-20th-century, and I’ve just finished making my way through Austen and the Brontë sisters. This is perfect timing. (Also, I highly recommend The Tenant of Wildfell Hall) 🤓
I had a professor who was obsessed with "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym". He was dead set in his belief that it was the first Modernist novel, and we had to discuss it in detail. Mostly I just remember the absolutely bonkers ending. There's also a great book called "Pym" by Mat Johnson, about a college professor who's obsessed with the book and goes on a similar, kind of meta journey.
Madhouse was great all the way through, you'll enjoy the rest I'm sure! And if you (any of you!) have not read In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides and you are craving more wild true stories in that vein that's one to get into as soon as possible, it was fantastic.
I went on a binge of non-fiction about disastrous polar expeditions this winter. Madhouse was very good, but you are right that In the Kingdom of Ice was probably the one that gripped me tightest - I actually exclaimed aloud at some parts. Alfred Lansing's Endurance is also a classic. For fiction (based on history), Dan Simmons's The Terror was what kicked the binge off for me.
So Amy...I don't know if this counts as asking for a spoiler, but how much cannibalism would you say there is in Heart of the Sea? I have a strong aversion -bordering on a phobia - of cannibalism. Should I give the book a miss after all?
I love Astoria. I did make the mistake of lingering too long near the site of Mikey’s house in The Goonies, and learned quickly that this is not appreciated by the current owners. I was just taking in the idea of the location and what that silly movie meant to me (an asthmatic, poor kid had a pirate adventure; I related) when the owner came out to yell at me.
Interesting. As a depressive, the title always warned me off. Maybe I was thinking it would push me over the edge. I'm guessing Bleak House is an orphanage, or just the dwelling of some old, cranky banker at the edge of the town. When I finish with my current read maybe I'll read some Dickens.
Good to know! Titles, as I've learned, are very important. You don't want to title your serial-killer bloodfest novel, How to Win Friends and Influence Your Enemies.
I've been listening to Endurance by Alfred Lansing, and have recently found an interest in the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, so I'm excited to see another recommendation. If you guys haven't read or listened to Endurance and have an interest in such a thing, it's a really good read.
Yeah, Endurance is such an amazing story. If I read those events in a work of fiction, I would be annoyed at how hyperbolic the circumstances were - but it all really happened. Another comment by Amy recommended In the Kingdom of Ice, and I couldn't agree more. Also, The Terror by Dan Simmons.
Have you been to the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park? You reference Hyde Street Pier in Grace Cathedral Hill, so I would assume so? I went several years ago on one of those family trips you take with your parent in your 20s, where you're not sure whether to revert to childhood and be "taken care of," or tack hard into adulthood and demand to arrange for and pay for everything. I decided to split the difference, and go with brooding adolescence, and spent the trip lurking on the outskirts of the vacation, having my own existential experiences, appreciating the warmth of family, but keeping a sullen distance. The Maritime Museum is a pier lined with old-fashioned ships you can board and explore, from whalers to schooners, and I fondly remember having a very Decemberists-esque experience there. Definitely a place I would think would be right up your alley (or wharf, as the case may be).
One of the ships in that park is the CA Thayer which was built to bring lumber from Portland (and other PNW ports) to the Bay (and has been used as an overnight trip for 4th graders to learn about sailing ships for decades now, including myself in 1980 something or another).
Oh, I remember that one. It was on my college reading list. It was long. Very long. At the time, I was working in a record store chain in London (when I wasn't in class) and traveling every day on the underground meant hours to kill, so Little Dorrit was consumed almost totally subterraneously. Even hearing the title again all these years later reminds me of the sounds and smells of the London Underground.
Last year I read Two Years Before the Mast, because Decemberists. I never would have read it otherwise, but I was fascinated by this aspect of western pioneering that we don't often hear about. I love history and historical fiction, but this may have been the only historical memoir I've read that was so old. A bit dry at times, due to sailing technicalities, but I was able to gloss over all the descriptions of rigging and get to the gist of the action.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your reading. I assumed you read all paper books, so I feel somewhat better about your voracious reading to know that you also listen to books while driving (as I do). And yes, Simon Vance is a lovely reader. I also listened to the first Aubrey installment.
At one time, I estimated how long it would take for me to read all the books on my to-read list on Goodreads, and it was quite depressing to come to the realization that I will not be able to accomplish this before I die. Unless, that is, I get a job as an audiobook voice actor, in which case maybe I could. (800 books!)
"I’m a little leery to make a precedent here, as my reading habit can be pretty swingy: I’ll demolish a book or two in a week — and then slog through some three hundred page paperback for a month. But maybe there’s something to be gained from being candid, laying it all out there."
You'll also get a chance to learn, Colin, that there are many others out there who read exactly like you describe. I'm sure I could feel a large percentage of the Machine Shop faithful saying "uh-huh!" when you described your reading habits. I'm swingy, too!
Also, I love audiobooks, so I appreciate the recommendation. A reader can really make or break the audiobook experience, and I find broken more often than made.
I somehow missed this feature (The Reading Room) last month, so I’m catching up.
I’m commenting to say that your mention of The Patrick O’Brian Aubrey-Maturin books and their audio versions immediately caught my mind off guard because i thought: ‘Oooo, I must check if Dad knows about these!’ But almost simultaneously I reminded myself he’s gone. It’s been 4.5 years. Ooof!
He was a HUGE O’Brian fan (and really, of everything 18/19th C. British Royal Navy - the man had a framed portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson on his night stand). If he hadn’t known about these audiobooks, I BET he would have purchased them to experience the series of novels again.
Anyway, I’m sharing this because while i am an atheist and don’t believe in an “after life” I do know that these little bittersweet memory lapses are sometimes the moments you feel that dear but departed person’s presence the strongest.
Another fine sea-faring adventure book that I can recommend is 'This Thing of Darkness' by Harry Thompson. Focusses on the journeys of The Beagle and the lives of the Captain, Robert FitzRoy and his friend and passenger, Charles Darwin. A great read!
I love hearing what people are reading! My current stack is: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Jane Austen’s Persuasion, The Clan of the Cave Bear, and a collection of short stories by Colette.
Amazing! Exactly the kind of content I was hoping to see here.
LOVE knowing what you're reading. I hope you'll keep us updated. I adore the esoteric language in Decemberists music, so I always knew you were a reader. The other day I saw the only other reference to Arabesque that I've ever seen outside The Island, and I laughed when I realized where I'd heard it before. Of course, from a Decemberists song :P "Affix your barb and bayonet, the curlews carve their Arabesques." How fucking great is that??
Thanks for this recommendation! Nearly everything I like to read is pre-20th-century, and I’ve just finished making my way through Austen and the Brontë sisters. This is perfect timing. (Also, I highly recommend The Tenant of Wildfell Hall) 🤓
I just finished all of Austen too. I am
Not sure if I am going Brontes or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle next.
Oooh! I’m not familiar with his work. Now I have another author to add to my pile. 😊
I had a professor who was obsessed with "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym". He was dead set in his belief that it was the first Modernist novel, and we had to discuss it in detail. Mostly I just remember the absolutely bonkers ending. There's also a great book called "Pym" by Mat Johnson, about a college professor who's obsessed with the book and goes on a similar, kind of meta journey.
I came to the comments to recommend "Pym"! What a great book
Madhouse was great all the way through, you'll enjoy the rest I'm sure! And if you (any of you!) have not read In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides and you are craving more wild true stories in that vein that's one to get into as soon as possible, it was fantastic.
I went on a binge of non-fiction about disastrous polar expeditions this winter. Madhouse was very good, but you are right that In the Kingdom of Ice was probably the one that gripped me tightest - I actually exclaimed aloud at some parts. Alfred Lansing's Endurance is also a classic. For fiction (based on history), Dan Simmons's The Terror was what kicked the binge off for me.
It's not polar but if you haven't read Nat Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea I really recommend that one too!
Seems totally awesome. I'll check it out!
So Amy...I don't know if this counts as asking for a spoiler, but how much cannibalism would you say there is in Heart of the Sea? I have a strong aversion -bordering on a phobia - of cannibalism. Should I give the book a miss after all?
Ahh gosh yeah it sounds like you should pass on it! I'm sorry about that.
Haha, no need to apologize - how were you to know? I blame reading The Time Machine at too tender an age. Those morlocks still creep me out.
I love Astoria. I did make the mistake of lingering too long near the site of Mikey’s house in The Goonies, and learned quickly that this is not appreciated by the current owners. I was just taking in the idea of the location and what that silly movie meant to me (an asthmatic, poor kid had a pirate adventure; I related) when the owner came out to yell at me.
Lesson learned.
Glad to see someone else rank Bleak House as their favorite Dickens novel. It has always been mine; lovely to see that it is your as well. :)
Interesting. As a depressive, the title always warned me off. Maybe I was thinking it would push me over the edge. I'm guessing Bleak House is an orphanage, or just the dwelling of some old, cranky banker at the edge of the town. When I finish with my current read maybe I'll read some Dickens.
Not at all. I think you’d find the owner of Bleak House a properly heartwarming character. It’s my favourite Dickens too.
Good to know! Titles, as I've learned, are very important. You don't want to title your serial-killer bloodfest novel, How to Win Friends and Influence Your Enemies.
I've been listening to Endurance by Alfred Lansing, and have recently found an interest in the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, so I'm excited to see another recommendation. If you guys haven't read or listened to Endurance and have an interest in such a thing, it's a really good read.
Yeah, Endurance is such an amazing story. If I read those events in a work of fiction, I would be annoyed at how hyperbolic the circumstances were - but it all really happened. Another comment by Amy recommended In the Kingdom of Ice, and I couldn't agree more. Also, The Terror by Dan Simmons.
I was looking for more recommendations, so I super appreciate those! Thanks Andrew!
Have you been to the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park? You reference Hyde Street Pier in Grace Cathedral Hill, so I would assume so? I went several years ago on one of those family trips you take with your parent in your 20s, where you're not sure whether to revert to childhood and be "taken care of," or tack hard into adulthood and demand to arrange for and pay for everything. I decided to split the difference, and go with brooding adolescence, and spent the trip lurking on the outskirts of the vacation, having my own existential experiences, appreciating the warmth of family, but keeping a sullen distance. The Maritime Museum is a pier lined with old-fashioned ships you can board and explore, from whalers to schooners, and I fondly remember having a very Decemberists-esque experience there. Definitely a place I would think would be right up your alley (or wharf, as the case may be).
One of the ships in that park is the CA Thayer which was built to bring lumber from Portland (and other PNW ports) to the Bay (and has been used as an overnight trip for 4th graders to learn about sailing ships for decades now, including myself in 1980 something or another).
Little Dorrit is my favorite Dickens novel, and it always tickles me when someone else enjoys it.
Oh, I remember that one. It was on my college reading list. It was long. Very long. At the time, I was working in a record store chain in London (when I wasn't in class) and traveling every day on the underground meant hours to kill, so Little Dorrit was consumed almost totally subterraneously. Even hearing the title again all these years later reminds me of the sounds and smells of the London Underground.
Last year I read Two Years Before the Mast, because Decemberists. I never would have read it otherwise, but I was fascinated by this aspect of western pioneering that we don't often hear about. I love history and historical fiction, but this may have been the only historical memoir I've read that was so old. A bit dry at times, due to sailing technicalities, but I was able to gloss over all the descriptions of rigging and get to the gist of the action.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your reading. I assumed you read all paper books, so I feel somewhat better about your voracious reading to know that you also listen to books while driving (as I do). And yes, Simon Vance is a lovely reader. I also listened to the first Aubrey installment.
At one time, I estimated how long it would take for me to read all the books on my to-read list on Goodreads, and it was quite depressing to come to the realization that I will not be able to accomplish this before I die. Unless, that is, I get a job as an audiobook voice actor, in which case maybe I could. (800 books!)
"I’m a little leery to make a precedent here, as my reading habit can be pretty swingy: I’ll demolish a book or two in a week — and then slog through some three hundred page paperback for a month. But maybe there’s something to be gained from being candid, laying it all out there."
You'll also get a chance to learn, Colin, that there are many others out there who read exactly like you describe. I'm sure I could feel a large percentage of the Machine Shop faithful saying "uh-huh!" when you described your reading habits. I'm swingy, too!
Also, I love audiobooks, so I appreciate the recommendation. A reader can really make or break the audiobook experience, and I find broken more often than made.
I somehow missed this feature (The Reading Room) last month, so I’m catching up.
I’m commenting to say that your mention of The Patrick O’Brian Aubrey-Maturin books and their audio versions immediately caught my mind off guard because i thought: ‘Oooo, I must check if Dad knows about these!’ But almost simultaneously I reminded myself he’s gone. It’s been 4.5 years. Ooof!
He was a HUGE O’Brian fan (and really, of everything 18/19th C. British Royal Navy - the man had a framed portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson on his night stand). If he hadn’t known about these audiobooks, I BET he would have purchased them to experience the series of novels again.
Anyway, I’m sharing this because while i am an atheist and don’t believe in an “after life” I do know that these little bittersweet memory lapses are sometimes the moments you feel that dear but departed person’s presence the strongest.
Another fine sea-faring adventure book that I can recommend is 'This Thing of Darkness' by Harry Thompson. Focusses on the journeys of The Beagle and the lives of the Captain, Robert FitzRoy and his friend and passenger, Charles Darwin. A great read!
I love hearing what people are reading! My current stack is: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Jane Austen’s Persuasion, The Clan of the Cave Bear, and a collection of short stories by Colette.