Sunday, August 4, 2013

Scott's Nominations

I decided to include something from a variety of genres, though I have included two non-fiction titles which is unusual for me. Aside from the two non-fiction books, I am very familiar with each author, but have deliberately picked titles I have not yet read so I will be equally pleased with whatever wins. Here goes.

In Sunlight And In Shadow - Mark Helprin

Elantris - Brandon Sanderson

Team Of Rivals - Doris Kearns Goodwin

Down The Great Unknown - Edward Dolnick

Childhood's End - Arthur C. Clarke

A Perfect Spy - John Le Carre


17 comments:

  1. Shoot, I want to read all of these. But I can't get enough of LeCarre, and have still never read Clarke, so they go to the top for me.

    Perfect Spy - 6
    Childhood's End - 5
    Down the Great Unknown - 4
    Team of Rivals - 3
    In Sunlight and in Shadow - 2
    Elantris - 1

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  2. Perfect spy - 6
    Great unknown - 5
    Team of Rivals - 4
    Elantris 3
    In sunlight and shadow 2
    Childhoods end 1

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  3. Perfect spy - 6
    Great unknown - 5
    Team of Rivals - 4
    Elantris 3
    In sunlight and shadow 2
    Childhoods end 1

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  4. A Perfect Spy (6)
    Down the Great Unknown (5)
    Childhood's End (4)
    Team of Rivals (3)
    Elantris (2)
    In Sunlight and in Shadow (1)

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  5. What date are you thinking, Scott? 2nd Thursday in Nov?

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  6. I'm thinking the 2nd Thursday in November (14th), and, at the risk of being accused of having no imagination, I am proposing a return to Joe's. What better spot (at least in Provo that I can think of) to talk about a spy novel than a pool hall? Any other suggestions would be more than welcome.

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  7. The only better place would be if Joe's has a secret door that leads to a basement with cement walls and a round table lit by a single bare lightbulb overhead. And a green filing cabinet in the corner.

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  8. I like Joe's. I've got to a conflict on the 14th, though. The 21st is open for me but I understand if you've got to keep the usual schedule for this one.

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  9. Far as I know, I'm good for either the 14th or 21st

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  10. Let's do the 21st then. That will work for me as well.

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  11. Just ordered it. Hopefully it comes in time for me to read it on the plane. Too bad that plane isn't flying me to Joe's.

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  12. Come on, Myles. Can't you schedule a layover at the Provo airport? Or even better, book a plane ticket to your supposed destination (Prague?), then catch a last minute standby ticket to Provo using your fake passport.

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  13. Prague was last week :) Actually, I'll be in Denver for a conference. Too bad it's hard to play pool over Skype.

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  14. Somehow I didn't see coming that my daughter's birthday is Thursday. Since she's turning 3 and still goes to bed early, I can join you guys at 8 p.m.

    The Deseret News ran a story Sunday about how a group of 10 sister missionaries nearly drowned in the super typhoon. Even though there are gaps in the story, there's enough detail to make you think of Isaac's Storm: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865590735/Surviving-the-typhoon-A-story-of-fear-faith-and-what-it-means-to-be-prepared.html?pg=all


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  15. I hate to do this, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm not going to make it tonight (and its even my book, making it even more frustrating for me). Long story short, I recently spent 10 days get up close and personal with the flu, including 4 days days off from work sans pay. This week (or should I say 'this weak') has been my first back since being laid low and we have had mandatory overtime. Not being anywhere near 100%, it has been a rough week to say the least and I am almost completely exhausted with one more long day to go. Add to that the fact that Merilee is sick today and I feel like I am in my own personal Isaac's storm. I'll be more than ready for December, but tonight is just not happening for me I'm afraid. I hope you all have a good time and I look forward to next month. I hope everyone enjoyed the book. I really like the way he worked the letters in as part of the narrative. Anyway, have fun.

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  16. Sorry you couldn't make it, Scott. We missed you. I still want to hear what you thought of the book and how it compares to all the other LeCarre you've read.

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  17. Good thing I didn't catch that flight from Denver to Provo. I hope you're feeling better, Scott.

    I was really enjoying the writing, how the names of the characters had meanings in their respective languages, the perfection of the intrigue... I couldn't get past the sexual violence. Maybe I was identifying with the main character too much. The thought of someone treating my wife that way made me put the book down :(

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