All Consuming : Phil! Gold

A story about "The Walking"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:47:45 GMT

by Bentley Little

Decent fantasy/horror book. Not really much of a book for rereading, I think, but certainly one worthwhile to have read once.

A story about "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:47:44 GMT

Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition

by Bruce Schneier

Pretty much required reading for any geek with an interest in cryptography. Though some parts are slightly outdated, the vast majority of the book is still relevant today. I reiterate: if you’re seriously interested in cryptography, you need to read this book.

A story about "The Dispossessed"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:47:44 GMT

The Dispossessed

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Le Guin is a very good author, and this book is one of her best. Detailed and real-feeling exploration of an anarchist society and the experiences of a scientist raised in such being exposed to more archist forms of government.

A story about "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:47:43 GMT

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)

by J. K. Rowling

Ray’s lent the book to me, so I’ll see if I can finish it in the couple of days before I leave town.

A story about "Characters from Tolkien: A Bestiary"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:15 GMT

Characters from Tolkien: A Bestiary

by David Day

I had intended to read all the way through, but kept getting bored with it. The book might make a decent coffe-table piece, to be read in bits and pieces, but perhaps not even then; part of the problem was that I didn’t feel that the author was doing Tolkien justice.

A story about "Characters from Tolkien: A Bestiary"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:15 GMT

Characters from Tolkien: A Bestiary

by David Day

On loan from Rebecca.

A story about "A Fire Upon The Deep (Zones of Thought)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:14 GMT

A Fire Upon The Deep (Zones of Thought)

by Vernor Vinge

Immensely conceived and executed universe, good story, and great writing. The word “epic” tends to come to mind.

A story about "Inversions"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:14 GMT

Inversions

by Iain M. Banks

Only really recommended for people who are already fans of Banks (especially if familiar with the Culture novels). Otherwise, it’s not really all that interesting.

A story about "The Child That Books Built: A Life in Reading"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:13 GMT

The Child That Books Built: A Life in Reading

by Francis Spufford

Recommended by Neil Gaiman.

A story about "Time of the Dark (The Darwath Trilogy Series)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:13 GMT

Time of the Dark (The Darwath Trilogy Series)

by Barbara Hambly

On loan from Sara.

A story about "Foucault's Pendulum"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:12 GMT

Foucault's Pendulum

by UMBERTO ECO

More or less an impulse buy. I was looking for a different book when this caught my eye. I liked The Name of the Rose, so I figured I’d grab this one.

A story about "Jingo: A Novel of Discworld"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:45:12 GMT

Jingo: A Novel of Discworld

by Terry Pratchett

Christmas present from Ray.

A story about "Perdido Street Station"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Phil! Gold) — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 18:44:52 GMT

Perdido Street Station

by CHINA MIEVILLE

The twin strengths of this book are the drenchingly dense language and the products of Mieville’s imagination. I love Mieville’s use of language in his descriptions—in some sections, every word drips with meaning. And the world that he’s created is stunningly rich. Even if the story and characters weren’t well done (which they are), reading the book would be worth it just for the exploration of the the city of New Crobuzon and, by extension, the world of Bas-Lag.