What are you reading?

[BikeDutchess]

Miles from Nowhere is still my all-time favorite cycling trip book! I didn't realize it was available in an e-reader version, thanks!

[Catrin]

Crankin, I guess that is just an indication of subconscious masochistic tendencies because it IS for pleasure ;-) Then again, it takes some of that to even consider training for kettlebell sport so it probably isn't a surprise!

All of you keep getting me interested in Harry Dresden - once I've completed my current Terry Pratchett book (lunch time reading), I will see what my library has for Harry Dresden. I also have other Gaim books to read on my list.

[shootingstar]

One of my birthday gifts to dearie in a few weeks, is a book I bought for him which I'm sneaking in my read: By the Canadian astronaut who played guitar in space, Chris Hadfield: An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth.

I really recommend it: it's his autobiography not only about how astronauts train, more about life lessons the humbling experience of training hard to fly for space but in the end, most astronauts, don't get selected to fly. So it's all about the journey, in the moment, instead of the goal itself.

Also there's a piece about training for a one's own death, in case an astronaut die should accidentally on a space mission.

Here's a great quote (p. 35): "See a funny thing happened on the way to space: I learned how to live better and more happily, here on Earth".

And for experienced cyclists here, we all know for difficult rides, it's all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination/goal itself

[Irulan]

I adore Cmmdr Hadfield. His twitter feed and facebook page are awesome.

[Owlie]

I've been reading The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. The biology is a little simplistic, but I can forgive it for that. It's an interesting read.

[ny biker]

I'm in the middle of Chris Hadfield's book and also started reading the free Kindle version of Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi recently. I'm enjoying both.

My first Kindle read was another free book, A Rogue's Life by Wilkie Collins. It was amusing, except for a huge bit of anti-Semitism in one chapter that I did not like.

So far my strategy of buying a Kindle to make reading more convenient is paying off. I've downloaded more than 20 free books. Most are pretty obscure, like writings by Teddy Roosevelt and memoirs by unfamous men who fought in World War I or the Civil War. But there's no risk if I don't like them, since they were free, and they might turn out to be interesting.

BTW Chris Hadfield is working on another book, a compilation of the photos he took from while on the ISS.

[salsabike]

Hey, nybiker--my husband bought a thumb drive from American Science and Surplus for $13---called the "e-library" in their catalog. It has over 3000 public access Kindle books. Plenty of classics, including Jane Austen. Plenty of obscure stuff too, but lots and lots of interesting books for darn near nothing. He's been sharing them out with friends, too.

[OakLeaf]

I'm switching back and forth between two short story collections right now. One classic - The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie - and one new, Kabu Kabu by Nnedi Okorafor. Each collection by itself is pretty incredible but the combination is just mindblowing!

[Catrin]

I adore Cmmdr Hadfield. His twitter feed and facebook page are awesome.

You got me curious about this man Irulan, I've not heard of him. Very interesting indeed!

[Irulan]

I'm in the middle of Chris Hadfield's book and also started reading the free Kindle version of Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi recently. I'm enjoying both.

My first Kindle read was another free book, A Rogue's Life by Wilkie Collins. It was amusing, except for a huge bit of anti-Semitism in one chapter that I did not like.

So far my strategy of buying a Kindle to make reading more convenient is paying off. I've downloaded more than 20 free books. Most are pretty obscure, like writings by Teddy Roosevelt and memoirs by unfamous men who fought in World War I or the Civil War. But there's no risk if I don't like them, since they were free, and they might turn out to be interesting.

BTW Chris Hadfield is working on another book, a compilation of the photos he took from while on the ISS.

I was getting those daily on my twitter feed. Those photos are what got me onto Twitter, actually. He's done some really cool things in terms of bring the space program truly into the new century. His videos on YouTube are a hoot - everything from how astronauts brush their teeth to why you need music in space. Love that guy!

E books - lots of free and cheap down loads off off Book Bub. They offer new realeases and publishers specials at a huge discount.

[shootingstar]

I'm enjoying his book..which I'm trying to finish in 2 wks. because I have to wrap up this birthday gift. He would be a fabulous speaker because there were so many life lessons he learned in his training and space walks.

Frankly I didn't have a tv nor was I paying attention when he was in space.
Admittedly a lot of Canadians probably see him as Chris Hatfield, instead of Commander...though that was his formal title.

By coincidence the Canadarm that was described...I think version 1 or 2 was being built in huge lab in building where my brother-in-law had his faculty office --north end of Toronto (Downsview), University of Toronto. There is an Institute for Aerospace Studies --aerospace engineering. I did see the huge arm....behind glass viewing window.

[Veronica]

I'm finally reading The Book Thief and really enjoying it.

I've got the third book in the Saxon series, Bel Canto, and Dangerous Women on my tablet. I think I'm also going to get the Chris Hadfield book and All the Light We Cannot See. It's a ten hour flight to Ecuador, plus time on the ground. Internet access will be spotty, so I want to have them before we go. I love summer vacation because I can read adult books. I did just plow through the first three books in the 7 Wonders series by Peter Lerangis. Like Rick Riordan did with Roman, Greek and Egyptian gods, he's taken what could be a tired topic and made it into a fascinating adventure series for 10 year olds.

Veronica

[Veronica]

I forgot, I also read Pi in the Sky by Wendy Mass. She is one of my favorite children's authors. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life and A Mango Shaped Space were both amazing reads.

Veronica

[emily_in_nc]

Just finished The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent -- a beautifully written book. If you're interested in the Salem witch trials, check it out: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...tic-s-daughter

Now reading a very lightweight James Patterson mystery, The 9th Judgment.

[Pax]

Reading Start the Conversation again. Having a rough go right now dealing with my moms death and that book has helped me immensely in the past.