01 Mar 2009, Posted by Cat in News, 21 Comments. Tagged writing
books
I’m reading several books at once, as usual. The trade paperback of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is too freakin big to take on the train so my weekday commuter choice is currently this book:
Florid, overwritten prose, a different mindset from a different era, but geez it’s exciting!
Note to self: my own writing might possibly benefit from more liberal use of explosives.
21 Comments
March 1, 2009 5:13 am
murasaki_1966
South by Java Head is one of Maclean’s finest. Have you read HMS Ulyssess about the naval convoys to Russia during WW2?
On other matters, I bought the boxed set of Norrell and Strange in three parts for that reason. The original was too big to be portable, and I nearly concussed myself with it reading the hardcover in bed.
March 01 2009 05:14 am
Cat @
this is my first Maclean
I'm reading Wendy's copy of Strange & Norrell. Haven't seen the boxed set
March 1, 2009 5:15 am
kateorman
I was just thinking the same thing about my housekeeping.
March 01 2009 05:16 am
Cat @
let me know how that works out
March 01 2009 05:17 am
murasaki_1966 @
Explosives can cure many ills...and create a few new ones.
A nuclear bomb would be a really effective way of cleaning up our yard.
March 1, 2009 5:42 am
threemonkeys
Alistair MacLean came the nearest of any author to breaking my allegiance to SF back when I was in my early teens. I loved the action. I’ve been afraid to re-read any in case I was disappointed by the books not aging well.
IMO South by Java Head ranks up there with his biggies – HMS Ulysses, Where Eagles Dare and Guns of Naverone.
March 01 2009 05:44 am
Cat @
I like old fashioned stuff so the ageing isn't a problem. The action is shit hot.
March 1, 2009 6:38 am
martianmooncrab
I am pretty sure I have a complete set of MacLean, my Dad and stepmom read him, and I thought the books were pretty kick ass at the time. His description of running out of air on a dive stayed with me, his description of coming close to freezing to death was very vivid too.
March 01 2009 06:40 am
Cat @
clearly I won't be able to stop at one of his books
March 1, 2009 6:39 am
strangedave
A lot of writing would benefit from more liberal use of explosives.
March 01 2009 06:40 am
Cat @
yes
March 1, 2009 7:35 am
karenmiller
I used to read all the Macleans when I was in early high school. The Way to Dusty Death! Also? Desmond Bagley.
March 01 2009 07:37 am
Cat @
noted
March 1, 2009 10:06 pm
murasaki_1966
I really recommend The Guns of Navarone which is why better than the film.
March 2, 2009 12:10 am
satyapriya
I would like to use explosives on some of the houses I have to clean.
March 02 2009 00:11 am
Cat @
yes, explosives do seem popular in on the domestic technology front
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