read any good books lately...

I've read some such books indeed...

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

 A classic, and I strongly guess that a canonical work of American literature. As I know, one of the books that the students of the "American Culture & Literature" department in Turkey are (at the very least, were) made to read. A masterwork, for sure. Rather easy to read, in general (gets sophisticated at times). Demanded far more knowledge than I've had, to fully grasp its "essence". Tinged by a very humorous intellect, with a serious purpose. Very insightful. Deep characters, and intriguing events. Vivid imagination. Loved it. 9/10

King of the Dead & Lord of the Necropolis, by Gene DeWeese:

15th and the 17th novels of the Ravenloft series, telling the story of Azalin Rex: a lich wizard. I've already had more than enough knowledge about this stuff. D&D, fantasy etc... First time reading King of the Dead in its original language (English). It was hell of a fun ride!!! Both the novels are very good. The use of the language is not THAT great, but decent enough. Also, a masterful style might have ruined the adventurous air of the books. So, no complaints for my part. Some flaws can be proven better. The first novel among the two is not that gripping, but very intriguing. The latter is extremely gripping. Both books are great in their own rights. Sublimely and subtlely tinged by the dark charm of the '90s. 9/10 for both.

P.S. I had already read the 19th Ravenloft book entitled "I, Strahd: The War Against Azalin". But I may consider rereading it soon.

BaldFriede wrote: Shadowyzard wrote: ^ Out of curiosity: Is there a particular/fixed/ultimate "path" in mind to follow for being a chess master? If so, I'll be hugely surprised. I just want to add something to my last post on that subject. Practicing alone is not enough. You have to focus entirely on chess; no other interests at all. I once was on the brink of following that path; I trained together with Romuald Mainka and Eckhard Schmittdiel, who today are German grand masters. Although I am a woman I could beat them (and they me as well). But I finally decided I was not willing to follow this path.

Please stop that "although I'm a woman" thing, dear. As far as intelligence is concerned, you may even be superior to us: men. Dunno. We both know, why women are not that much "successful" in most fields. I hope your hindrances will be lifted sometime in the future. It is certain in some sports, the muscle and fat ratio thing... Some women can be equal to men in that regard too, but normally you're disadvangateous in physically demanding sports. Other than that, I see you our equal, at worst.

There's something I can tell about my grand mastery in arcade games... While I'm my best after years of playing a certain game, I'm "close to" my best, when I'm very little experienced but too much passionate and eager to play that game. The "in-between" period is the worst for me. It can be a game, where your opponent is the computer intelligence, or a game that you're rivals with real people. I don't know if such a thing can be possible in chess too. I'll not dare to translate it to another type of game, in which I have only a little more than little experience. (My primary school teacher couldn't beat me once, in the 4th grade though. Perhaps I'm talented... Though not that much interested in chess.)

Edited by Shadowyzard - June 24 2021 at 11:27

"Loving John" - May Pang

Hi,

If you like noir action/adventure I highly recommend the 'Travis McGee' series by John Mc Donald written from 1964-1984 . Well written hardboiled detective fiction.

I've been re-reading Kurt Vonnegut lately. I've read all of his novels but that was ages ago so my recollections of them are rather vague. I'm doing this in chronological order and have made through Player Piano (excellent dystopia in the vein of Brave New World (I think Vonnegut said himself that he basically ripped off Huxley's classic)), Sirens of Titan (where he finds his own voice I think), Mother Night and Cat's Cradle. I'm now halfway through God Bless You, Mr Rosewater. I've very much enjoyed what I've read this far. 

Recently read.....

Currently reading...

The Sorcerer's Tale: Faith and Fraud in Tudor England, by Alec Ryrie - 9/10

This was a very fast read, if not lightning fast. The use of the language (English) is excellent. A fiction, but the writer undergirds it with abundant and multifaceted details from the 16th-century England. Here are some quotes I picked that might be of interest:




Edited by Archisorcerus - February 25 2022 at 16:12

I'm currently reading Peter Bergen's book, "MANHUNT - From 9/11 to Abbottabad: The Ten Year Search for Osama bin Laden". In the book it states that Guantanamo Bay detainees were "given a sharp blast of some especially annoying music by Christina Aguilera" to get them to talk. That sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me.