How do you pick your books????

Has anyone here read Asimov's Nightfall? Pre & Post-apocalyptic, with very interesting ideas.

"I just couldn't believe in the whole 'middle class people start to rape and murder within 2 hours of finding out the world is dying' thing."

People acting like savages when law and order collapses has a long record & tradition in RL & literature. See ex-Yugoslavian neighbours quickly getting around to raping and murdering each other, for example.

As I told you before, I found the opposite take in On The Beach laughably unrealistic - grown adults debating whether they can start fishing season a month early this year, knowing full well that they will all die in a few months, talking about some marriage in the future as if it's ever going to happen, etc

GoodReads is really helpful for this. Look up things you've read and enjoyed and you'll see links to lists that include similar picks, other items in that genre etc.

See, I don't think it does. The Stand - entirely plausible. Even World War Z. Even Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. :)

But I just couldn't believe in the whole 'middle class people start to rape and murder within 2 hours of finding out the world is dying' thing.

Falls down with a lot of post-apocalyptic stuff really,unfortunately.

Which is why I disable my bullshit detectors and just go along with it for the blood and guts ride.

:) I'm v v v fussy, but mayhem and the breakdown of society are good, providing the writing is half decent. And I like a bit of plausibility with my mayhem too, which is where D of Grass fell down a bit imo.

I thought the death of grass was 'delightfully' of its time Remus.

We always have a slightly differing view on these threads! Tbh I think I'm quite easily pleased - so long as there's a bit of mayhem and breakdown of the fabric of society,I'm a happy bunny

:) I like Triffids but didn't think much to The Death of Grass.

I do find the nuclear ones chilling TheOneAndOnly.

I think that's got to have some proper scientific basis HomeIs.

My copies of The death of Grass and Day of the triffids have sandy coloured spines and they're two of the best books I've ever read.

So which sandy coloured books would you recommend? :)

Sometimes by the cover... A sandy coloured cover is a good sign!
And sometimes I have a browse in Waterstones and pick one 'safe' choice and one 'wildcard' when they have buy one/get one half price.

*verysmallsqueak' it is deeply disturbing btw. Proper post-nuclear war horror.

I use www.literature-map.com. Put in an author's name you've found that you like and a springy map appears with names of authors who write similar types of books! S'easy - the nearer the names appear to your chosen author (which will be in the centre!) the more like THAT author they will be! Sort of if you like this one, here's others you would like!! Its very entertaining I don't get out much though! I have found some good books though!!!

Z for zachariah,yes (excellent book)

The last children,no (so I'm scribbling a note to look it up as we speak )

Thanks!

verysmallsqueak have you read 'Z for Zachariah' or 'The Last Children'?

I joined a book group. I've read so many good books I would never have picked up. Plus I love the library and have a look at the returns trolley.

Recommendation on threads discussing the genre I like on MN.

Looking on Amazon and checking out the customer ratings on other suggested books.

I only read post apocalyptic/zombie fiction though.

I am more adventurous with non-fiction (of which i read a lot more) and often search on ebay under my particular interest.

I have a kindle and go on every dAy to get the daily deal at 99p and buy them, then whatever tickles my fancy. I have about 300 downloaded at the minute

Sorry, but I feel the need to talk about flatulent pains in the arse. Great name. :)

GoodReads can sometimes be good for recommendations. Otherwise, I tend to just go to the library and browse. I'm reading more and more non-fiction, and tend to pick certain 'topics' for those.

For fiction, I tend to look for writers I've liked before, or occasionally pick according to the cover/blurb. And if I don't like something by 30 pages in, I don't bother. This is why I use the library for fiction!

So much modern fiction is just awful...I must speak frankly!

Yes I've read it and I'd like to see the film too.

Other books you might like MrFrankly:

www.dannyscheinmann.com/BOOK_CLUB.pdf

www.goodreads.com/book/show/9013.The_Long_Walk

www.amazon.com/City-Thieves-Novel-David-Benioff/dp/0452295297

I have particular authors I like, and always look out for when they've got a new book out.

I also look at the review sections of newspapers (particularly Guardian and Observer). I often buy prize-winners, and will often read some or all of the books on a shortlist. I occasionally go on recommendations from friends or places like Mumsnet.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reluctant_Fundamentalist

There's also Morrissey's autobiography of course!

Avoid books aimed at women, written by most women authors, with pink/pastel covers and fluffy fonts.

Avoid books called "life-affirming", "warm", or said to make the reader cry.

Avoid Bestsellers and books everyone talks about like 50 Shades Of Grey.

Take recommendations from like-minded people in RL & on MN.

Check out Amazon's Kindle deal every day.

And when I like a book, I usually read every book by that author.