Literature

[Serpent Eye]

By the way I live in New Zealand.

Oops.

 

I don't get out much. :P

[Bows]

Finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the 5th time a few days ago. I really love that book. Probably my second favorite book, next to The Catcher in the Rye.

[Zygimantas]

Finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the 5th time a few days ago. I really love that book. Probably my second favorite book, next to The Catcher in the Rye.

I think TKAM is overrated.

[Bows]

Finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the 5th time a few days ago. I really love that book. Probably my second favorite book, next to The Catcher in the Rye.

I think TKAM is overrated.

Why is that? I'm not going to bash your opinion or anything, just wondering. :P

[Zygimantas]

Finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the 5th time a few days ago. I really love that book. Probably my second favorite book, next to The Catcher in the Rye.

I think TKAM is overrated.

Why is that? I'm not going to bash your opinion or anything, just wondering. :P

Its ok, but I never really enjoyed it much until the court case, that was really the only interesting part of the book. I don't consider it to be a "classic."

[Bows]

Finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the 5th time a few days ago. I really love that book. Probably my second favorite book, next to The Catcher in the Rye.

I think TKAM is overrated.

Why is that? I'm not going to bash your opinion or anything, just wondering. :P

Its ok, but I never really enjoyed it much until the court case, that was really the only interesting part of the book. I don't consider it to be a "classic."

The court case is my favorite part. Everyone has their own taste though, some like it, some don't.

[Serpent Eye]

Finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird for the 5th time a few days ago.

One of my favorite books of all time. :thumbup:

[Zygimantas]

Picked up 3 books from the bookstore today: Socrates Cafe: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, The 48 Laws of Power, and Moral Minds: The Nature of Right and Wrong. On top of that I also want/need to start reading The Odyssey for school. A lot of reading I want to do with little time :P

[Mr_Adam]

Read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It was hilarious :twss: I think I might read more of the trilogy.

[Assume Nothing]

I want to buy 'An Omnivore's Dilemma' on Amazon but it'll cost me like £6 :(

 

I think I still have 'Small Steps' and 'Of Mice and Men' in my cupboards somewhere..

[Skeptical]

Finished Slaughter-house 5.

 

It was certainly a strange book. I wouldn't say that I enjoyed it all that much, but I have to say that I did read it in less than 48 hours, and didn't have to coerce myself into it at all. Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy was good, but I think is was overrated. I'm willing to bet that without it, there would be no Futurama or Spaceballs, though.

 

I highly recommend Michael Pollan to the above poster. Your local library doesn't have a copy of any of his books?

 

Next, Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, and No One Left to Lie To: The Triangulations of William Jefferson Clinton. I'll probably read Brave New World again in celebration of banned book week.

[aeternitatis]

It's kinda sad that this thread gets more posts than the whole Varrock Library forum does... Anyone else think that VL needs a revamp? Maybe a new name too?

I posted this there but I didn't get much criticism... I wrote it last night and I'd like to know what people think.

[hide=Living But Still]Living but still, a peaceful mentality

No danger, no fright; no chance of fatality

Away from the world, a tranquil bliss

No need to awaken, all I need is this

 

I see it in front of me, ever so still

Sitting on a table, a simple pill

Slowly fading in, to anger and haste

I swallow it whole; that tingling taste

 

My body is numb, my conscious is weak

My mind wants to scream, but I cannot speak

Happy or sad, I cannot decide

Lifes troubles I face, but pass with a glide

 

Theres nothing to do, no pain left to feel

No need for a drink, a kiss or a meal

I skip through obstacles, day after day

No more running around, for here I will stay

 

The pain has returned, the pills are all gone

My body cant move, cant let out a yawn

My minds on the loose, but my body stands still

The damage I take for a small mental thrill

 

As I open my eyes, all I see is a blur

The candle by the window has begun to stir

Flames and curtains meet, the walls begin to burn

Thinking to myself, soon it will be my turn

 

My last moments, as I thought

I cannot run, I have not fought

This is my casket, home, my cave

My empty death, my burning grave

 

What could it be? What do I seek?

Reality? It's much too bleak

My mind is fried, I cannot think,

But now it ends, a final blink [/hide]

[tripsis]

It's kinda sad that this thread gets more posts than the whole Varrock Library forum does... Anyone else think that VL needs a revamp? Maybe a new name too?

I posted this there but I didn't get much criticism... I wrote it last night and I'd like to know what people think.

[hide=Living But Still]Living but still, a peaceful mentality

No danger, no fright; no chance of fatality

Away from the world, a tranquil bliss

No need to awaken, all I need is this

 

I see it in front of me, ever so still

Sitting on a table, a simple pill

Slowly fading in, to anger and haste

I swallow it whole; that tingling taste

 

My body is numb, my conscious is weak

My mind wants to scream, but I cannot speak

Happy or sad, I cannot decide

Lifes troubles I face, but pass with a glide

 

Theres nothing to do, no pain left to feel

No need for a drink, a kiss or a meal

I skip through obstacles, day after day

No more running around, for here I will stay

 

The pain has returned, the pills are all gone

My body cant move, cant let out a yawn

My minds on the loose, but my body stands still

The damage I take for a small mental thrill

 

As I open my eyes, all I see is a blur

The candle by the window has begun to stir

Flames and curtains meet, the walls begin to burn

Thinking to myself, soon it will be my turn

 

My last moments, as I thought

I cannot run, I have not fought

This is my casket, home, my cave

My empty death, my burning grave

 

What could it be? What do I seek?

Reality? It's much too bleak

My mind is fried, I cannot think,

But now it ends, a final blink [/hide]

Well the forums are different. This thread is for discussing literature and the Varrock Library is for posting literature. But if you have any ideas on how to improve/revamp the forum, you're welcome to post them in Forum Updates & Suggestions :)

[aeternitatis]

It's kinda sad that this thread gets more posts than the whole Varrock Library forum does... Anyone else think that VL needs a revamp? Maybe a new name too?

I posted this there but I didn't get much criticism... I wrote it last night and I'd like to know what people think.

[hide=Living But Still]Living but still, a peaceful mentality

No danger, no fright; no chance of fatality

Away from the world, a tranquil bliss

No need to awaken, all I need is this

 

I see it in front of me, ever so still

Sitting on a table, a simple pill

Slowly fading in, to anger and haste

I swallow it whole; that tingling taste

 

My body is numb, my conscious is weak

My mind wants to scream, but I cannot speak

Happy or sad, I cannot decide

Lifes troubles I face, but pass with a glide

 

Theres nothing to do, no pain left to feel

No need for a drink, a kiss or a meal

I skip through obstacles, day after day

No more running around, for here I will stay

 

The pain has returned, the pills are all gone

My body cant move, cant let out a yawn

My minds on the loose, but my body stands still

The damage I take for a small mental thrill

 

As I open my eyes, all I see is a blur

The candle by the window has begun to stir

Flames and curtains meet, the walls begin to burn

Thinking to myself, soon it will be my turn

 

My last moments, as I thought

I cannot run, I have not fought

This is my casket, home, my cave

My empty death, my burning grave

 

What could it be? What do I seek?

Reality? It's much too bleak

My mind is fried, I cannot think,

But now it ends, a final blink [/hide]

Well the forums are different. This thread is for discussing literature and the Varrock Library is for posting literature. But if you have any ideas on how to improve/revamp the forum, you're welcome to post them in Forum Updates & Suggestions :)

 

If I get ideas I'll post them, for sure.

[Skeptical]

Reading The Hobbit to my younger brother (~10 years old) and I have to say that I'm glad he enjoys it as well: it was originally what turned me on to fantasy.

 

I think he's a bit young for LOTR yet, so I was planning to read him the [Farsala/i] trilogy by Hilari Bell next. Anyone have any suggestions, or any comments to add to that?

[Dupin]

It's kinda sad that this thread gets more posts than the whole Varrock Library forum does... Anyone else think that VL needs a revamp? Maybe a new name too?

I posted this there but I didn't get much criticism... I wrote it last night and I'd like to know what people think.

[hide=Living But Still]Living but still, a peaceful mentality

No danger, no fright; no chance of fatality

Away from the world, a tranquil bliss

No need to awaken, all I need is this

 

I see it in front of me, ever so still

Sitting on a table, a simple pill

Slowly fading in, to anger and haste

I swallow it whole; that tingling taste

 

My body is numb, my conscious is weak

My mind wants to scream, but I cannot speak

Happy or sad, I cannot decide

Lifes troubles I face, but pass with a glide

 

Theres nothing to do, no pain left to feel

No need for a drink, a kiss or a meal

I skip through obstacles, day after day

No more running around, for here I will stay

 

The pain has returned, the pills are all gone

My body cant move, cant let out a yawn

My minds on the loose, but my body stands still

The damage I take for a small mental thrill

 

As I open my eyes, all I see is a blur

The candle by the window has begun to stir

Flames and curtains meet, the walls begin to burn

Thinking to myself, soon it will be my turn

 

My last moments, as I thought

I cannot run, I have not fought

This is my casket, home, my cave

My empty death, my burning grave

 

What could it be? What do I seek?

Reality? It's much too bleak

My mind is fried, I cannot think,

But now it ends, a final blink [/hide]

Both Varrock Library and Falador Tavern are dead, and it's a shame. I think it's really because there aren't enough people passing through. People knew from the beginning that it would be TLDR, so don't even bother looking anymore.

 

I like the poem. The theme is great, and I like how you developed it. The rhythm and rhyme flow well, but towards the end it felt a bit off. If you want advice, I would say keep the same ideas, but fix up those last three stanzas. Also, if I were writing it I would continue it on a bit longer - perhaps mention the flames licking at the speaker's feet, but he feels no pain, and an incredible warmth creeps over him, cutting through the cold, emotionless haze. I would also include more figurative language. I think it would be really interesting to develop the whole "this is my casket" idea, and perhaps personify the fire or create an imaginary setting in the speaker's mind (parallelled by hallucinations).

 

Basically, I like it, and continue thinking about it and developing it. The beauty of writing for pleasure is that you can revise and change whenever and whatever you want.

[Serpent Eye]

I think he's a bit young for LOTR yet, so I was planning to read him the [Farsala trilogy by Hilari Bell next. Anyone have any suggestions, or any comments to add to that?

I own Fall of a Kingdom, Rise of a Hero, and Forging the Sword, but have only read Rise... so far. It was a really good book, and I'm sure the other two are just as great... I just haven't read them yet because I need to read the first one again, so I remember what the heck happened or who everyone is, hehe. Honestly, the only thing I remember about that book is, I seem to remember a scene where a girl is running in a desert of some kind, and she climbs up a cliff face to avoid being eaten by wolves... or... something. :blink: I think.

 

You should look in to "The Prydain Chronicles" by Lloyd Alexander. The first book in the series is titled The Book of Three, and it's a pretty awesome read.

 

The book I would most highly suggest is The Thief Lord, by Cornelia Funke. It is the story of two orphaned boys -- Prosper and Bo -- living in Venice, Italy, who have just recently run away from their aunt and uncle. In the streets of Venice they meet a young boy called the "Thief Lord," the leader of a group of misfit children who have no home of their own. Together, they get into all sorts of mischief, all under the guidance and protection of the Thief Lord. However, none of them know about the Thief Lord's darkest secret, or what sort of misadventures it will soon take them on.

 

I would also suggest Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. It is the first book in her "Song of the Lioness" quartet. I'm such a fanboy of this book I could go on and on and on and on about it, so I'll just write out the copy from the back cover for you. :)

 

"

From now on I'm Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I'll be a knight.

" And so young Alanna of Trebond begins the journey to knighthood. Though a girl, Alanna has always craved the adventure and daring allowed only for boys; her twin brother, Thom, yearns to learn the art of magic. So one day they decide to switch places: Disguised as a girl, Thom heads for the convent to learn magic; Alanna, pretending to be a boy, is on her way to the castle of King Roald to being her training as a page.

 

But the road to knighthood is not an easy one. As Alanna masters the skills necessary for battle, she must also learn to control her heard and to discern her enemies from her allies.

 

Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alanna's first adventure begins -- one that will lead to the fulfillment of her dreams and the magical destiny that will make her a legend in her land.

Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors of all time, so I would highly suggest looking in to her. What's so great about her books (she has published roughly 26 novels) is that the majority of her heroes are actually heroines! I think it's quite a downfall of modern fantasy fiction that all of the main characters are boys, as it often fuels a myth that girls aren't capable of saving the day or being strong knights and warriors. Tamora Pierce shines a light on the best qualities of her heroines, and her characters are some of my favorites that I have ever read about.

 

Once a year Barnes and Nobles (a bookstore chain) hosts a book drive where you are able to purchase books in the store and donate them, to be given away to young boys and girls who aren't always able to get their hands on a good book. Every year I've participated, I've bought one copy each of The Thief Lord and Alanna: The First Adventure. :thumbup:

[aeternitatis]

It's kinda sad that this thread gets more posts than the whole Varrock Library forum does... Anyone else think that VL needs a revamp? Maybe a new name too?

I posted this there but I didn't get much criticism... I wrote it last night and I'd like to know what people think.

[hide=Living But Still]Living but still, a peaceful mentality

No danger, no fright; no chance of fatality

Away from the world, a tranquil bliss

No need to awaken, all I need is this

 

I see it in front of me, ever so still

Sitting on a table, a simple pill

Slowly fading in, to anger and haste

I swallow it whole; that tingling taste

 

My body is numb, my conscious is weak

My mind wants to scream, but I cannot speak

Happy or sad, I cannot decide

Lifes troubles I face, but pass with a glide

 

Theres nothing to do, no pain left to feel

No need for a drink, a kiss or a meal

I skip through obstacles, day after day

No more running around, for here I will stay

 

The pain has returned, the pills are all gone

My body cant move, cant let out a yawn

My minds on the loose, but my body stands still

The damage I take for a small mental thrill

 

As I open my eyes, all I see is a blur

The candle by the window has begun to stir

Flames and curtains meet, the walls begin to burn

Thinking to myself, soon it will be my turn

 

My last moments, as I thought

I cannot run, I have not fought

This is my casket, home, my cave

My empty death, my burning grave

 

What could it be? What do I seek?

Reality? It's much too bleak

My mind is fried, I cannot think,

But now it ends, a final blink [/hide]

Both Varrock Library and Falador Tavern are dead, and it's a shame. I think it's really because there aren't enough people passing through. People knew from the beginning that it would be TLDR, so don't even bother looking anymore.

 

I like the poem. The theme is great, and I like how you developed it. The rhythm and rhyme flow well, but towards the end it felt a bit off. If you want advice, I would say keep the same ideas, but fix up those last three stanzas. Also, if I were writing it I would continue it on a bit longer - perhaps mention the flames licking at the speaker's feet, but he feels no pain, and an incredible warmth creeps over him, cutting through the cold, emotionless haze. I would also include more figurative language. I think it would be really interesting to develop the whole "this is my casket" idea, and perhaps personify the fire or create an imaginary setting in the speaker's mind (parallelled by hallucinations).

 

Basically, I like it, and continue thinking about it and developing it. The beauty of writing for pleasure is that you can revise and change whenever and whatever you want.

 

Thanks. I actually have been looking it over during my spare time. I've changed the last few stanzas because they basically weren't good enough for me. I also like the freedom I get from writing for pleasure... it's a nice change from my writer's craft course where everything is so... planned.

[Dupin]

The Thief Lord, by Cornelia Funke

<3: <3:

Funke is a great writer for children/young teens. She also wrote Inkheart (iirc) which was one of my favorite books ever. I don't remember The Thief Lord very well, beyond the fact that it was a great read, because it was quite a while ago that I read it. The Inkheart trilogy, on the other hand, ended recently, and it was great.

 

I also like the freedom I get from writing for pleasure... it's a nice change from my writer's craft course where everything is so... planned.

Argh. Seriously, "Creative Writing class" is an oxymoron. I'm rarely satisfied with my writing for school because it's always so forced.

[KittyKat]

Just finished the Master and the Margarita, I really liked it. Now i'm going to start on Camus' The Stranger.

[aeternitatis]

Argh. Seriously, "Creative Writing class" is an oxymoron. I'm rarely satisfied with my writing for school because it's always so forced.

 

Yeah I noticed... Oh well. I'm still learning basic things I already knew, but more in-depth and I'm actually putting them to use, so whatever.

[Harakiri]

Reading The Pyramid of Doom by Andy McDermott. Eh...

 

I've got The Hunger Games next, and then Mogworld by Yahtzee Croshaw, which I can't wait to read.

[Dizzle229]

Currently reading Catcher in the Rye. Why was thing thing banned?

[Skeptical]

Reading The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham.

 

It's a fairly good book, although not quite as dark as I would've expected from where the story takes place. Interestingly, it could just as easily take place in the modern day, if not for the prominence of cigarettes.

[Serpent Eye]

Currently reading Catcher in the Rye. Why was thing thing banned?

The Catcher in the Rye has been banned in the past for its:

 

• Sexual content
  
• Offensive language
  
• Mild violence/references to suicide
  
• Use of alcohol and smoking