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Double Bass DB forum "what books are you reading" thread

#321
Chuck,
Bulgakov's fantasy novel "Master and Margarita" has become very popular in Russia over the last twenty years. (The Russians have really relaxed their former censorship policies) A Russian blog that I subscribe to has recently featured chapter by chapter discussions on the book. There is even a racy film version ( I first saw it on youtube) in Russian with or without subtitles. The extensive nudity will surprise some people. I believe it was first a TV serial!
Another great but little-known Russian writer is Yuri Olesha. His "masterpiece" is the novella "Envy." I discovered it many years ago in a book of short stories by Olesha : "Love and Other Stories." His provocative short stories have led me to consider him the Russian Kafka (as Gogol is Poe).
More traditionally. . . you're right, Checkov's short stories are gems. But don't forget Boris Pasternak! "Doctor Zhivago" is his masterpiece (a lot of masterpieces around here :) Most people know it as a popular romantic film, but it really should be read to be appreciated.
 
#323
Oh yeah I have to mention Mother, by Maxim Gorky--I read this just prior to all of the Occupy Wall St et al. What a coincidence. If they or Rage Against The Machine haven't read Gorky I would be very surprised. They should.
I haven't looked into the background but how did he or his plays survive censorship? I'm glad they did.
 
#324
I haven't looked into the background but how did he or his plays survive censorship? I'm glad they did.[/QUOTE]

Gorky wasn't a dummy. He was pretty hip, but he also managed to get tight with Stalin. When Zamyatin wrote an open letter to Stalin asking him in effect: " If I can't write let me leave Russia or let me die" it was Gorky who intervened and persuaded Stalin to let him emigrate to France. Some colorful history dem rooskies got :)
 
#330
See? That's what's neat about a thread like this. I read that book in the 60s and completely forgot about it.
Thanks for jogging my memory. I'm going to dig it out for a summer reread. I remember it wasn't the easiest read, but then I was young and dumber.
I'm paraphrasing it badly, but some one , I can't remember who, said, You can read a book, but you won't really read it until it reads you. :hmm:
 
#332
stingray2112 said:
I recently got a kindle fire so I'm enjoying alot of the free books on it. I just finished my first book last night titled "Beyond Hades (The Prometheus Wars)" and it was really good.
Click to expand...

A Kindle would have come in handy on the road on a band bus. But I still like the feel a a "real" book in my hands.
But I'm all for them. Anything to get people (especially kids) to read :)
 
#333
I'm on the band bus right now.... of course I've got my Kindle (highly recommended) but I'm posting on TalkBass instead. My current read: Debt: The First 5000 Years by David Graeber.
 
#334
chop_1992 said:
I'm on the band bus right now.... of course I've got my Kindle (highly recommended) but I'm posting on TalkBass instead. My current read: Debt: The First 5000 Years by David Graeber.
Click to expand...

It sounds like it's working out well.
One question: Have there been any problems with the Kindle's signal reception going in and out as the vehicle drives across various terrains or across bridges or through tunnels?
I'll have to check on your book. I don't know it or the author.
 
#336
The Kindle that I have is the 3G model with the built-in keyboard. I have it in a case that has an LED light that slides out -- handy for in the bus. I only use the wireless function when I download books, so going through tunnels and losing a signal is not a big concern. Once the book is loaded (takes less than a minute), it's on the device even with wireless off. It might be different with a Kindle Fire, if you need to surf a lot.
 
#337
chop_1992 said:
The Kindle that I have is the 3G model with the built-in keyboard. I have it in a case that has an LED light that slides out -- handy for in the bus. I only use the wireless function when I download books, so going through tunnels and losing a signal is not a big concern. Once the book is loaded (takes less than a minute), it's on the device even with wireless off. It might be different with a Kindle Fire, if you need to surf a lot.
Click to expand...

How silly of me :confused: I was thinking on the lines of streaming as with Netflix. I forgot that once the book is loaded, it's there. You now have me thinking that the 3G is the way to go.
Thanks for all the info, and enjoy both your reading and the road trip. Being on the road (I was often on Bus and Truck tours) is an unique experience-- you often hate it while it's happening, but inevitably look back on it with fondness.
Gerry
 
#338
Actually, we almost always play in this area of Germany, and then travel back the same night. So, I am basically still at home, even when I am traveling on the band bus. It just means I don't have to drive, or transport my own equipment :)

Another book I read recently was a non-Kindle: The Jazz Standards: A Guide to the Repertoire by Ted Gioia. He put together an interesting, although somewhat limited, look at 250 key jazz standards. He gives the history of each tune and why he thinks it became an often-played standard.
 
#339
Tom Sawyer on my kobo reader, I never read anything by Twain before but I think I will try to find more of his books. It's so vivid and true, I understand why he became a "classic" author.

The kobo touch was slightly cheaper than the kindle, and I find it easier to find books written in French or translated in the compatible formats. I used to prefer "real" books, but I definitely read more since I got my ereader. I also get to bring more different books with me on trips.

I also scanned and put a few charts and music sheet on the ereader. The screen isn't as big as i wish for that but it's still helpful.
 
#340
chop_1992 said:
I'm on the band bus right now.... of course I've got my Kindle (highly recommended) but I'm posting on TalkBass instead. My current read: Debt: The First 5000 Years by David Graeber.
Click to expand...

That looks like an interesting read (says this finance geek). I've added it to my list.

I'm currently re-reading "Enough.", by John Bogle (the founder of the Vanguard investment group). It's a great read...
 

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