5 best or favorite books you've read (Fiction)

[MuggsyB]

I've been meaning to read I, Claudius by Robert Graves.   Has anyone read it and what's your verdict?

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I didn't think so Ziggy but you're entitled to your opinion.

On the Churchill book?  While the Nazis were evil, it didn't have the same spark for the "bad guys" vs some of the the other books.

Plus, so much of the Churchill side read like his social calendar.  Didn't think the story was as captivating as it could have been.

The bombing parts and the parts about war production were interesting.

[MuggsyB]

On the Churchill book?  While the Nazis were evil, it didn't have the same spark for the "bad guys" vs some of the the other books.

Plus, so much of the Churchill side read like his social calendar.  Didn't think the story was as captivating as it could have been.

The bombing parts and the parts about war production were interesting.

Since I haven't read Larson's other stuff I can't make any comparisons.  Reading a few reviews I can see that some were a bit disappointed like you.  Personally, I enjoyed it a lot and have read a few Churchill bios.  I was interested in the characters within Winston's family and people like Goring and Hess as well.  The significance of the B of B and Churchill's ascension to power is so dramatic and important that I tend to find it pretty gripping. 

Additionally, it made me think how sad it is that leaders like Mr. Churchill seemingly no longer exist.  All that said I will read Devil or G of B and may very well find ithem more compelling.  Usually, I don't read best sellers but I made an exception in this case.

[pbiflyer]

C of D is hilarious.  And Toole took that title from Jonathan Swift who was a complete badass with the pen.  It's extremely sad that J-K-Toole couldn't enjoy his brilliant novel but at the same time amazing how it got published.

Favorite of mine too. Plus I have a huge love of New Orleans. Been visiting since I was 7 years old, sister graduated from Loyola, got engaged at Commander's Palace, been part of the Mardi Gras parades as a member of the Krewe of King Arthur.

For those that haven't read it or know the story of how it was published, read the book, then read the story of how it came to be published.

For those that like it, you might like Christopher Moore's Fool or his book Lamb.

[MuggsyB]

Ever wonder why "Confederacy of Dunces" was never made into a movie?  It' been in Development Hell for over 30 years.  Part of the reason is that the actors chosen to play Ignatius C. Reilly keep dying:

John Belushi
John Candy
Chris Farley

Let's all say a prayer for Zach Galifianakis.  He's the one who has been tapped most recently.

This is a great question.  Off the top of my head I can't think of any actor that would be a slam dunk for that role. 

[warriorchick]

This is a great question.  Off the top of my head I can't think of any actor that would be a slam dunk for that role.

There was a stage version that starred Nick Offerman.  I think he's a good choice, although he might be a little too slim for the role.

[MuggsyB]

There was a stage version that starred Nick Offerman.  I think he's a good choice, although he might be a little too slim for the role.

Ignatius was heavy....very heavy.   I was thinking Jonah Hill but now he's too slim.   There's gotta be someone out there... like a Irish/British actor?  Offerman is an  interesting thought but isn't he too old?

[MuggsyB]

Ignatius was heavy....very heavy.   I was thinking Jonah Hill but now he's too slim.   There's gotta be someone out there... like an Irish/British actor?  Offerman is an  interesting thought but isn't he too old?

[Coleman]

Ignatius was heavy....very heavy.   I was thinking Jonah Hill but now he's too slim.   There's gotta be someone out there... like a Irish/British actor?  Offerman is an  interesting thought but isn't he too old?

Nick Frost?

[JWags85]

Ignatius was heavy....very heavy.   I was thinking Jonah Hill but now he's too slim.   There's gotta be someone out there... like a Irish/British actor?  Offerman is an  interesting thought but isn't he too old?

John Goodman was rumored for a long time when he was younger.  And obviously much heavier.

I heard people suggest Zach Galifinakis, who I actually think could have been fantastic.  But he's slimmed down quite a bit too.

The Steven Soderbergh version that was casted but has been on hold for 15 years was Will Ferrell.  But IMO thats a HORRIBLE choice.

Honestly, given costuming and CGI, I'd rather a truly excellent comedic actor who knows the role well put on some weight, or a fat suit, or whatnot than try to shoehorn someone in just cause they are overweight.  That being said, I'm not confident about a movie being made ever for some reason.

[Silent Verbal]

John Goodman was rumored for a long time when he was younger.  And obviously much heavier.

I heard people suggest Zach Galifinakis, who I actually think could have been fantastic.  But he's slimmed down quite a bit too.

The Steven Soderbergh version that was casted but has been on hold for 15 years was Will Ferrell.  But IMO thats a HORRIBLE choice.

Honestly, given costuming and CGI, I'd rather a truly excellent comedic actor who knows the role well put on some weight, or a fat suit, or whatnot than try to shoehorn someone in just cause they are overweight.  That being said, I'm not confident about a movie being made ever for some reason.

I think John C Reilly would've been a great choice, and still could be with makeup to make him look younger.

[MuggsyB]

Goodman would have been great in his prime.  Remember the actor not only has to be heavy, but must pull off the hunting cap look combined with the New Orleans accent.  I just don't know who can do it.....how old is Ignatius?  I forgot.

[Lennys Tap]

Goodman would have been great in his prime.  Remember the actor not only has to be heavy, but must pull off the hunting cap look combined with the New Orleans accent.  I just don't know who can do it.....how old is Ignatius?  I forgot.

IIRC he pretty young. 30s maybe?

[MuggsyB]

IIRC he pretty young. 30s maybe?

Just looked it up.  30 is correct.  Ergo we can't have guys like Galifianakis or other oldies playing him.  We also need someone to play his mom.  This is tough.

[warriorchick]

Just looked it up.  30 is correct.  Ergo we can't have guys like Galifianakis or other oldies playing him.  We also need someone to play his mom.  This is tough.

All of the high school students in Grease were pushing 30 IRL.  And adding ten years Ignatius's age would not change the character much.

[MuggsyB]

All of the high school students in Grease were pushing 30 IRL.  And adding ten years Ignatius's age would not change the character much.

Galifianakis has to be 50?  Who can pull this off?

[The Sultan]

All of the high school students in Grease were pushing 30 IRL.  And adding ten years Ignatius's age would not change the character much.

Stockard Channing (Rizzo) was 34 when Grease was released.  She's less than a year younger than my mom.

[Coleman]

I was going to suggest Bobby Moynihan but even he is 44.