Read Runners discussion

To quote Dante, "Abandon hope all ye who enter here"

For Rachel and I seem to have a common taste for the macabre. Bring on any kind of thrillers and horrors, and we're up for them.

On a serious note, reader discretion is advised in this thread. We will be nice and friendly with spoiler tags, but considering we read books with a lot of strong language and violence, you might still encounter something you hadn't bargained for.

Anyone who wants to join in is welcome, but at their own risk. After all, the zombie apocalypse is coming... and we need all the help we can get.

The added bonus will be if you run slower than we do...

FEAR is 'Fuck Everything And Run' ~Stephen King

Sumit very nice.

Also as a fun side note since you started off with Dante, we shall take the Dante's Inferno Test!

Here are my results:

The wretched King Minos has decided your fate. His tale wraps around his body 7 times.

The sweet light no longer strikes against your eyes. Your shade has been banished to... the Seventh Level of Hell! Seventh Level of Hell

"Guarded by the Minotaur, who snarls in fury, and encircled within the river Phlegethon, filled with boiling blood, is the Seventh Level of Hell. The violent, the assasins, the tyrants, and the war-mongers lament their pitiless mischiefs in the river, while centaurs armed with bows and arrows shoot those who try to escape their punishment. The stench here is overpowering. This level is also home to the wood of the suicides- stunted and gnarled trees with twisting branches and poisoned fruit. At the time of final judgement, their bodies will hang from their branches. In those branches the Harpies, foul birdlike creatures with human faces, make their nests. Beyond the wood is scorching sand where those who committed violence against God and nature are showered with flakes of fire that rain down against their naked bodies. Blasphemers and sodomites writhe in pain, their tongues more loosed to lamentation, and out of their eyes gushes forth their woe. Usurers, who followed neither nature nor art, also share company in the Seventh Level."

You're a level 7, Rachel. I'm a lowly 6! :(

"You approach Satan's wretched city where you behold a wide plain surrounded by iron walls. Before you are fields full of distress and torment terrible. Burning tombs are littered about the landscape. Inside these flaming sepulchers suffer the heretics, failing to believe in God and the afterlife, who make themselves audible by doleful sighs. You will join the wicked that lie here, and will be offered no respite. The three infernal Furies stained with blood, with limbs of women and hair of serpents, dwell in this circle of Hell."

But on that note, what are your thoughts about Dante's inferno?

My thoughts is it's a large chunky book that I've only read half of it. I actually enjoy the description of the levels, he is walking through all the levels. Have you read some of it or all of it? It's on my TRL. The book on the end table next to my bed. It stares at me every night saying, "read me".

I find the book pure entertainment value and nothing more. You know my views on religion. So you know I don't believe in the fiery brimstone hell. You also know that if there was a hell I'm down in the 7th level with blasphemers and sodomites. I am surprise you made it to the 6th level. I thought you'd be at most a level 4. Naughty, naughty Sumit!

I found the whole concept of it interesting, but that's all. Also, as a human resource professional, I find it extremely silly to have a 'reward' structure that just consists of people on clouds playing harps (i.e. in heaven) and a 'punishment' structure that is just so elaborate.

I haven't read Dante's work (but just bought a translation that's been highly acclaimed). I'm familiar with the basic premise though.

I fail to understand that if people are sinners as per their god, why many of them have to undergo 'hell on earth'. If there is such a great structure after they die, let them have fun on earth and then go postal on their posterior later. No?

Interesting test there Rachel. And what's more interesting is that I am right there with you at the 7th level!! Guess I have more evil in me than I am acknowledged for!

Congratulations you two. And hope to see and join in on some of the interesting discussions that I am sure we will witness :)

Sumit, we can go on and on about religion and the entire "cast system" of heaven and hell. You and I are on the same page, but for me I see it as a weakness in those believers. Why do that to themselves? I don't understand it, it's all based upon judgements, assumptions, and biases. All the things the say not to do. I just read a fun book (horror) The Final Winter by Iain Rob Wright. I loved the devil in this book. You should give it a read. It's buddy read book I just did. I finished it a few days ago. They guys are at the half way mark. I love the devil in this book.

Srividya wrote: "Interesting test there Rachel. And what's more interesting is that I am right there with you at the 7th level!! Guess I have more evil in me than I am acknowledged for! "

At least we are in good company. ;)

Sumit will just have to watch all the fun we have in his lowly level. :P

I do think this threat will have some great discussions. Looking forward it. I've been bugging the poor guy about it. :P

This is embarrassing :(

Second Level of Hell

You have come to a place mute of all light, where the wind bellows as the sea does in a tempest. This is the realm where the lustful spend eternity. Here, sinners are blown around endlessly by the unforgiving winds of unquenchable desire as punishment for their transgressions. The infernal hurricane that never rests hurtles the spirits onward in its rapine, whirling them round, and smiting, it molests them. You have betrayed reason at the behest of your appetite for pleasure, and so here you are doomed to remain. Cleopatra and Helen of Troy are two that share in your fate.

Awww Akshay, you innocent soul! :P

Akshay wrote: "This is embarrassing :(

Second Level of Hell

You have come to a place mute of all light, where the wind bellows as the sea does in a tempest. This is the realm where the lustful spend eternity. H..."

Hey, you are in great company, Cleopatra and Helen of Troy. I wish I was in the lustful second level. ;)

This is even more embarrassing :'( :'(
Purgatory!
You are one of the lucky ones! Because of your virtue and beliefs, you have escaped eternal punishment. You are sent to Purgatory!


Purgatory

You have escaped damnation and made it to Purgatory, a place where the dew of repentance washes off the stain of sin and girds the spirit with humility. Through contrition, confession, and satisfaction by works of righteousness, you must make your way up the mountain. As the sins are cleansed from your soul, you will be illuminated by the Sun of Divine Grace, and you will join other souls, smiling and happy, upon the summit of this mountain. Before long you will know the joys of Paradise as you ascend to the ethereal realm of Heaven.

I guess I like the fine life :P

Ah! The virtuous one :P lol

Sixth Level of Hell - The City of Dis

You approach Satan's wretched city where you behold a wide plain surrounded by iron walls. Before you are fields full of distress and torment terrible. Burning tombs are littered about the landscape. Inside these flaming sepulchers suffer the heretics, failing to believe in God and the afterlife, who make themselves audible by doleful sighs. You will join the wicked that lie here, and will be offered no respite. The three infernal Furies stained with blood, with limbs of women and hair of serpents, dwell in this circle of Hell.

Fifth Level of Hell

The river Styx runs through this level of Hell, and in it are punished the wrathful and the gloomy. The former are forever lashing out at each other in anger, furious and naked, tearing each other piecemeal with their teeth. The latter are gurgling in the black mud, slothful and sullen, withdrawn from the world. Their lamentations bubble to the surface as they try to repeat a doleful hymn, though with unbroken words they cannot say it. Because you lived a cruel, vindictive and hateful life, you meet your fate in the Styx.

Sumit, What shall we read? Did you want to finished up the Newsflesh Trilogy? or are you interested in something else?

We could actually do that, Rachel. I'm currently powering through both the BOTMs for the month and if all goes well, should be able to get back to Mira Grant tomorrow.

After she replied to my email, I owe her at least that, don't i? :)

I sure think you owe her after all that bum kissing. ;)

I really would like to finish the trilogy. When I get off from my morning shift I will make a small list of books I am interested in reading.

I am only on chapter 2 for House of Leaves. A guy in my horror reading group said he fizzled out in the book. I was bummed to hear about that and have asked why. if I think why then I am going to be one sad girl.

Sorry for spamming, I just wanted to tell that I got First Level of Hell :D

Rachel, I'd have loved to read House of Leaves. But, can't seem to find it on the Kindle. I'm told it's best read in paperback form and cannot be converted to digital format without losing its essence. True?

Yes it is true. I'm actually reading it hardcover because of that. It is very true, because the house is written in blue and there are words in red and strike out words. If you can get the hardcover or paperback with the color in it--it's the best route to go.

Also, I asked my horror buddy read guy why he fizzled out on it at times. He said, it is an amazing book but there are some long boring parts too. He is half way through it and wants to finish it but just needs to plow through the boring parts. That's why I'm in no real hurry to finish it soon. I'm going to take my time on this one. I don't mind if others don't read it with me. It would just be nice to have a few people come along on the adventure, if not, I'm find to have my own adventure. :)

Tell me when you start Deadline.

Aye aye, captain!

You should read Parasite. The second book is released in November. I can't wait.

Ok, I guess I can start Deadline today. After the Newsflesh trilogy, let's pick Parasite. What say?

Yes we can. I've read Parasite already. It's good. I can't wait for the second book to be released. :) I can discuss it, it's a wonderful book.

I do want to read the short stories for the Newsflesh trilogy.

btw I put the Parasitology books on our trl (message 2 on this thread).

Yeah, saw that. Good decision! :)

Hey let me know when you guys plan on reading

A Clockwork Orange
The Phantom of the Opera
Battle Royale

I would love to join in for these reads as they are in my to-read list. However, I can make it only after mid November! But in case you guys decide on reading it earlier, go ahead :)

Sure thing Sri. Also don't worry about the timing. I'm sure it will take a while before we get to them. Someone reads at a snail's pace. :P

Thanks Rachel :) yeah I know about that certain someone but thought I should make it clear just in case miracles happen this month :P

x-(

Grrr, both of you on my case again? I read fast, but I can't read for long hours. I think I ought to just quit my job. Soon. x-(

Haha. Awesome. Now, onward to Burial Rites. While someone gets started on Deadline. ;)

Aww, poor wee man having a tantrum. If you quit that job, how will it pay for your books? The library only goes so far.

Isn't it fun to poke sticks (or crowbars) at zombies and Sumit? :P

can I join in too??? I wanna read Clockwork Orange

Sticks I can handle. But crowbars, seriously?

Mish, you are more than welcome to join in!

@Misha, yes you may join us. Anyone may join us. Currently we are reading Deadline, the second book in the Newsflesh trilogy.

Read, the book Sumit. ;)

Yes, seriously crowbars.

thank u Rachel & Sumit. do lemme know when u guys will be getting around it :-) :-)

Sumit, nice pic ;-)

@Misha, isn't it a good pic of him? I like the fall/winter scruff he's got goin' on, but I digress, back to reading...

I must keep my crossbow strung and ready to deal with these threats to my life.

Thanks for the compliments, girls but this is a buddy read thread, not a Sumit bashing/praising one. -_-

Back to reading!

Are you tempting me to make a "Bashing/Praising Sumit" thread?

Have you read At the Mountains of Madness? I have the complete works of Lovecraft and I have been plugging away at it. I'm currently on At the Mountains of Madness.

Rachel, let's go ahead with that thread :-P :-P

No, I haven't read that one yet. But again, been meaning to. I wish I had a Time Machine!

Can you recommend some audio books? I need one for my travels tonight. Sometimes, people on planes are very annoying and some questions they ask are:
1. Are you married?
2. Where do you work?
3. How much do you earn?

Hence, earphones save lives. More than seatbelts. If I didn't use earphones on flights (or trains), I'd have killed at least 15 people by now in the last 3 years alone.

On the plane rides you can always make up stories. I love get people going. Just make up some funny stories about your partner and how you two are going to travel to Washington State in America to get married. You are in the process of adopting a child but your partner has a criminal background getting in the way. I know I'm bad but it's so fun.

The audiobooks I have enjoyed is the Neil Gaiman books. He reads his own books which is always good. I heard a really good horror book in audio is Origin. The guy that he enjoyed it said Bub (the Devil) is awesome. I read the book but now want to listen to it.

I saw the free audiobook this month is Dracula. I'm not sure how it is. I normally read the book every year during this time. Perhaps I'll listen to the audiobook.

Oh, I've done that sometimes. So, I've been a travel photographer based in Mongolia, a forensics expert employed with Scotland Yard, a curator at the Field Museum in Chicago, and quite a few other things. :P

Two audiobook I enjoyed listening to was years ago, The War of the Worlds and Something Wicked This Way Comes. They were full productions with voice actors.