2025 Books Read

153,459 Views | 1521 Replies | Last: 18 hrs ago by Roll the Bones
Fairview20
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:59a, 3/10/25
AG
About to finish up Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson.

It's about the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, with a lot of first person accounts from Isaac Cline who was a local meteorologist at the time.

Dives into a lot of the backstory on the early days of meteorology and more specifically hurricane forecasting. Then a lot of accounts of people during and after the storm. Crazy to think what Galveston was like pre-storm and how it kinda opened the door for Houston to become what it is today.

I've previously read Devil in the White City and Garden of Beasts by him and would probably put those over this one.

Still a good read though and only 270 pages so if you have an interest in hurricanes or Texas history I would recommend it. Not a big time commitment at all.
Reply Quote
1 edit
nai06
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Fairview20 • 12:12p, 3/10/25
AG
I really enjoyed that book. It was required reading for my freshman history class at A&M Galveston and it really got me into the history of the Island. I agree it's not as strong as his others but it's interesting see how he has developed as a writer over the years.
Reply Quote
Philo B 93
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to StinkyPinky • 12:26p, 3/10/25
StinkyPinky said:
So finally finished the behemoth known as Lonesome Dove. Definitely a top 5 book of all time for me. This one will stick, no doubt. After 900 pages and LM characterization I feel like I know these people. I actually thought I would immediately jump to Dead Mans Walk and Comanche Moon, but decided I want to come back to them. Loved Lonesome Dove enough I don't want to taint it with the lesser stories. Would rather let this linger and then in a fit of nostalgia will go back and read those after another book or two. I thought I was going to jump to Stormlight Archives, but don't want to read another 1k pg book so soon after. So have opted to start the first book in the Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season) by NM Jemisin. I hear its a near masterpiece. It was either this or the Sun Eater Books which I'll get to soon as well. Of course I will continue on with Dresden Files as well. So little time….
I've only read 2 books with 1k+ pages in the last three years. They were Lonesome Dove and Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Way of Kings is revered by most, but I'd say its good. Nice story about kingdoms, slaves, jedi-like magic, soldiers, wars, empires, combat, and family. But that story could have been told in 400 pages. It gets a little wordy.

Lonesome Dove changed the way I perceive books. It felt more like a time-travel virtual experience where I was actually out on the cattledrive with Gus, Call, Lori, and the rest of the fellas. I have no idea how, but McMurtry did some magic with that book.
Reply Quote
2
Btron
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:37p, 3/10/25
AG
Finished the Lost City of Z by David Grann. Great Amazon adventure nonfiction. This was the second book I've read about the Amazon and early exploration. The other is River of Doubt. I liked River of Doubt more and put Lost City Z behind Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wager for other Grann books. 4 out of 5.

Next is "From Strength to Strength" -by Arthur Brooks.
Reply Quote
lurker76
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:28p, 3/10/25
Recently completed reads:

Starter Villain, by John Scalzi
Zero Six Bravo: 60 Special Forces. 100,000 Enemy. The Explosive True Story, by Damien Lewis

I recently picked up on the Agatha Christie (Crime & Mystery Collection, All Time) with Murder In Mesopotamia and Three Act Play.
Reply Quote
1
StinkyPinky
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Philo B 93 • 6:03p, 3/10/25
AG
Philo B 93 said:
StinkyPinky said:
So finally finished the behemoth known as Lonesome Dove. Definitely a top 5 book of all time for me. This one will stick, no doubt. After 900 pages and LM characterization I feel like I know these people. I actually thought I would immediately jump to Dead Mans Walk and Comanche Moon, but decided I want to come back to them. Loved Lonesome Dove enough I don't want to taint it with the lesser stories. Would rather let this linger and then in a fit of nostalgia will go back and read those after another book or two. I thought I was going to jump to Stormlight Archives, but don't want to read another 1k pg book so soon after. So have opted to start the first book in the Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season) by NM Jemisin. I hear its a near masterpiece. It was either this or the Sun Eater Books which I'll get to soon as well. Of course I will continue on with Dresden Files as well. So little time….
I've only read 2 books with 1k+ pages in the last three years. They were Lonesome Dove and Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Way of Kings is revered by most, but I'd say its good. Nice story about kingdoms, slaves, jedi-like magic, soldiers, wars, empires, combat, and family. But that story could have been told in 400 pages. It gets a little wordy.

Lonesome Dove changed the way I perceive books. It felt more like a time-travel virtual experience where I was actually out on the cattledrive with Gus, Call, Lori, and the rest of the fellas. I have no idea how, but McMurtry did some magic with that book.
I agree, I was transported to that world in a way never experienced by about all other books. That is the holy grail as a reader.
Reply Quote
2
StinkyPinky
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to lurker76 • 6:04p, 3/10/25
AG
lurker76 said:
Recently completed reads:

Starter Villain, by John Scalzi
Zero.


How was it? Have it on my list to read.
Reply Quote
lurker76
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to StinkyPinky • 6:13p, 3/10/25
Loved it. If you like Scalzi, it fits in. Lots of twists and turns, action and confusion. it's very entertaining and a very quick read. I hope you enjoy it.
Reply Quote
1
Absolute
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to NC Ag • 6:35p, 3/10/25
AG
Huge Sanford fan. Some where along the way you have to work in the Virgil Flowers series because in the latest books they work together a lot. Sanford is definitely my favorite in that genre.
Reply Quote
HawthornAggie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:51p, 3/10/25
AG
The Book of Charlie by David Von Drehle

Really enjoyed this one. Not a thriller or a book that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat, but a collection of interesting and entertaining stories from one of the oldest humans in America.
Reply Quote
StinkyPinky
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to lurker76 • 7:29p, 3/10/25
AG
lurker76 said:
Loved it. If you like Scalzi, it fits in. Lots of twists and turns, action and confusion. it's very entertaining and a very quick read. I hope you enjoy it.
Sounds fun. Thank you very much
Reply Quote
1
Absolute
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to StinkyPinky • 7:56p, 3/10/25
AG
Agreed. Funny read with some interesting thoughts. No thought really required.

Wish he could recreate the old man's war vibe. I loved the first three. Couldn't make it through the disconnect of characters on the last three or the sequential release that he did at the time. Are they worth a second try to get through?
Reply Quote
lurker76
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Absolute • 9:07p, 3/10/25
It would be hard for me to say give them a second try. If you didn't like them the first time, you probably wouldn't like them now. You're right as far as not being as good as the first 3 books, but I did enjoy the different viewpoints.
Reply Quote
General Jack D. Ripper
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:37p, 3/10/25
The Great Train Robbery, Crichton. About 70 pages in. Wow. I wish there were more by this master.

Reply Quote
4
The Marksman
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 10:24p, 3/10/25
AG
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.
Reply Quote
1
Apache
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:40a, 3/11/25
AG
Been on a sci fi kick:

Read "Rendezvous with Rama"

Next was "The Forever War"

Now I'm on Hyperion. This is definitely a level up in complexity from the previous two. Lots to follow and good world building.
Reply Quote
1
General Jack D. Ripper
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to The Marksman • 7:50a, 3/11/25
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.
Reply Quote
Absolute
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 8:08a, 3/11/25
AG
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.


I read the volcano one. It was just okay. Not sure if it was a left over manuscript or one that they republished with his real name. That led me to try one of the old ones. Apparently those were early works that her wrote while actively doing medicine.

The one I tried wasn't all that good and I didn't finish it. Don't even remember the name. Something about drugs and snake venom harvesting.
Reply Quote
The Marksman
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 8:56a, 3/11/25
AG
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.
I have not read the books he put out under a pseudonym, but I like all of the books he wrote under his own name
Reply Quote
lurker76
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Apache • 11:20a, 3/11/25
Apache said:
Been on a sci fi kick:

Read "Rendezvous with Rama"

Next was "The Forever War"

Now I'm on Hyperion. This is definitely a level up in complexity from the previous two. Lots to follow and good world building.
Have you read "Old Man's War" yet? I had read that long before "The Forever War" and was surprised by Scalzi's intro to the Haldeman book. I can see why everyone asked Scalzi when he read Haldeman's book.
Reply Quote
1
lurker76
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 11:30a, 3/11/25
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.
I haven't read all of his books but the only one I didn't like was "Eaters of the Dead". I did like the theme of "State of Fear", which is the one I think you are referencing, as it felt like a good rebuttal of the global warming hysteria until the afterward where he seemed to backtrack on it.
Reply Quote
Backyard Gator
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:48a, 3/11/25

Just finished *I'll Do My Own Damn Killing*, about Benny Binion/Herbert Noble, and organized crime/gambling in Dallas/Fort Worth in the Depression era through the '50s before Binion moved to Las Vegas. As a Dallasite, it was a fascinating read.

Currently reading *Blood Aces*, which is the same topic but goes more into his time in Vegas.
Reply Quote
Apache
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to lurker76 • 11:52a, 3/11/25
AG
Quote:
Quote:
Apache said:
Been on a sci fi kick:

Read "Rendezvous with Rama"

Next was "The Forever War"

Now I'm on Hyperion. This is definitely a level up in complexity from the previous two. Lots to follow and good world building.
Have you read "Old Man's War" yet? I had read that long before "The Forever War" and was surprised by Scalzi's intro to the Haldeman book. I can see why everyone asked Scalzi when he read Haldeman's book.
I listened to that on Audio Books last year, absolutely loved it! Scalzi's tech & world building was awesome. Got a little goofy at times, but overall 8.5/10. I'm surprised this hasn't been made into a movie or mini-series.
Reply Quote
1
Absolute
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Apache • 2:38p, 3/11/25
AG
Apache said:

I listened to that on Audio Books last year, absolutely loved it! Scalzi's tech & world building was awesome. Got a little goofy at times, but overall 8.5/10. I'm surprised this hasn't been made into a movie or mini-series.
I have thought this too. Wonder if they think it will come off as a Starship Troopers wannabe or something. There are aspects that are a little similar if you are not up on the details.
Reply Quote
1 edit
StinkyPinky
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
2:56p, 3/11/25
AG
So wrapped up The Fifth Season last night (NK Jemision- Broken Earth trilogy). Lots of people online have referred it to one of the best fantasy books up there with Make Of The Wind and Sanderson's sagas, and First Law series. Book one is suppose to be epic, books 2 and 3 suppose to be not as good but still good. The short of the long is I didn't like Book 1 enough to want to read the next two. I have a rule I finish a book if I start it. But that doesn't apply to trilogies. Premise was interesting, ,the prose and story just did not execute like it could have. Of course this is subjective so many might like it, so take it with a grain of salt. Just not epic like so many claim it to be. So have instead started Starter Villain as recommended already love how it has started off. So happy with this decision.
Reply Quote
caleblyn
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:37p, 3/11/25
Almost done with The Way of Kings. I have about 10% left, which equates to about 600 pages!
Reply Quote
The Dog Lord
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Apache • 4:43p, 3/11/25
AG
Apache said:
Been on a sci fi kick:

Read "Rendezvous with Rama"

Next was "The Forever War"

Now I'm on Hyperion. This is definitely a level up in complexity from the previous two. Lots to follow and good world building.

Love both of those. I need to read the other Rama books at some point. I've also been itching to read Hyperion for a few years. May finally get to it this year.
Reply Quote
General Jack D. Ripper
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to The Marksman • 7:06p, 3/11/25
The Marksman said:
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.
I have not read the books he put out under a pseudonym, but I like all of the books he wrote under his own name


My favorite pop writers are Crichton, Clancy and early Grisham. I do not like Cussler. I like Ken Follet. I also enjoyed the cartel books by Don Winslow (but didn't care for Savages). Any recommendations from you or anyone? I'm trying to get back into novels…been reading way too much stoicism, Buddhism and nonfiction.
Reply Quote
Backyard Gator
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 7:08p, 3/11/25
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.
I have not read the books he put out under a pseudonym, but I like all of the books he wrote under his own name


My favorite pop writers are Crichton, Clancy and early Grisham. I do not like Cussler. I like Ken Follet. I also enjoyed the cartel books by Don Winslow (but didn't care for Savages). Any recommendations from you or anyone? I'm trying to get back into novels…been reading way too much stoicism, Buddhism and nonfiction.
Have you read the Vince Flynn/Mitch Rapp series?
Reply Quote
General Jack D. Ripper
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Backyard Gator • 7:13p, 3/11/25
I haven't. Is it similar in nonsense to the Gray man stuff?
Reply Quote
Backyard Gator
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 7:33p, 3/11/25
General Jack D. Ripper said:
I haven't. Is it similar in nonsense to the Gray man stuff?
Not familiar with 'Gray man', Rapp is a former college athlete who becomes America's top assassin. It is well-written and entertaining. It does drop off after Flynn dies, and a ghost writer takes over.
Reply Quote
General Jack D. Ripper
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Backyard Gator • 8:02p, 3/11/25
Gray Man or Grey Man is a series by Mark Greary. It's about an assassin. Netflix made a movie with Ryan Gosling based on the character.
Reply Quote
Backyard Gator
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 8:10p, 3/11/25
General Jack D. Ripper said:
Gray Man or Grey Man is a series by Mark Greary. It's about an assassin. Netflix made a movie with Ryan Gosling based on the character.
I saw the movie, Chris Evans was absolutely outstanding as Hansen.

The Mitch Rapp series is more realistic, imo.
Reply Quote
Absolute
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 8:56p, 3/11/25
AG
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
General Jack D. Ripper said:
The Marksman said:
Read every single book Crichton put out there. He is one of my all-time favorite authors.


I noticed at the bookstore there were other books that appeared to be written under a pseudonym. Have you read those? Are they good? I think the only books I haven't read are those, terminal man and some of the posthumous works. I thought the global warming book was a little stupid.
I have not read the books he put out under a pseudonym, but I like all of the books he wrote under his own name


My favorite pop writers are Crichton, Clancy and early Grisham. I do not like Cussler. I like Ken Follet. I also enjoyed the cartel books by Don Winslow (but didn't care for Savages). Any recommendations from you or anyone? I'm trying to get back into novels…been reading way too much stoicism, Buddhism and nonfiction.


I'm similar though I could stand cussler in doses back in the day.

John Sanford for police / thriller type stuff. One of my favorites

James Rollins I liked his short series and stand alone books beater than his long series. Some were nicely based in science like Crichton.

Douglas Preston stuff can be good

Vince Flynn early stuff is great

Kyle Mills is pretty good. Liked his early stuff. He took over for the Mitch Rapp series from Flynn when Flynn died young from cancer. Pretty seamless transition, though I fell behind on them.

Gregg Hurwitz Orphan X series is solid

Baldacci's stuff can be pretty good. Though some series are much better than others

Stephan Hunter - Shooter movie book's author was decent read those back in the day

Never got into the gray man books. Jack Carr lost me after the third book.

Reply Quote
2 edits
Fairview20
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to General Jack D. Ripper • 8:31a, 3/12/25
AG
If you like Don Winslow I would check out his latest trilogy starting with City on Fire. Basically about a guy in the mob who is trying to get out. Not as good as his Cartel trilogy but still good and very entertaining. I haven't read the 3rd book yet but flew through the first two.
Reply Quote
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.