Thursday, January 12, 2012

What Are You Bitches Reading?

Mistress MJ wants to know what you’re reading.

[via]

And she especially wants to know what books you’ve read that you can recommend to the rest of us.

[via]

Thanks to Thombeau, Mistress MJ is currently riveted by a fascinating book entitled, “Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist and Sexual Renegade” by Justin Spring.

“Samuel Steward’s 'Stud File' contained a meticulously documented record on index cards of every sexual experience and partner that Steward said he had had over 50 years."

You can read Thombeau’s book review here.

It’s going to be a long, cold winter and Mistress MJ’s neck of the woods could see 20 cm of snow by Friday. (That’s almost 8 inches for you Americans.) So I want a big stack of books to get me through the winter …


… and perhaps some warmer clothes.

Tell us what books YOU recommend!

50 comments:

  1. Erste sahne!

    Dirty German by Daniel Chaffey.

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  2. One day I will be first ...

    I have hoarding "Secret Historian" in the wings once I finally finish (amongst others) ...

    Swish - Joel Derfner
    inb4 a few years too late. twee in parts, some "ha" moments. great if "bitch on outside, heart of gold on inside" character trope is your thing.

    Role Models - John Waters
    Very cool as expected by one of my own role models. Waters is becoming a little like an eccentric uncle that just repeats himself - I find that endearing.

    A Wolf at the Table - Augusten Burroughs
    (Another belated book) What a mistake to take this to my fathers as my Christmas reading. Aside from getting "crying drunk" Xmas day, the rest of my holiday tears were due to this book.

    secret universe 2 Paul Laffoley -
    the book if, like me, you appreciate deranged anal artists. Lots of pictures, and words in pictures. Only consider if you still have the eyesight to scrutinise teensy-weensy detail.

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  3. LX: Is “Dirty German” a biography about Herr Mago?

    “Included is a section on native banter that can help readers make friends over a pitcher of beer and convince the local bratwurst vendor that they actually like sauerkraut.”

    I’m convinced that’s a euphemism.

    Mistress MJ would find this book useful for many reasons.

    What are some of the words and phrases you'd like to share with us?

    ZENFANCY: Thank you for your suggestions!

    I love the subtitle for Swish…“My Quest to Become the Gayest Person Ever and What Ended Up Happening Instead.” I remember his “Gay Haiku” but haven’t had the pleasure of Swish. I’ve read a few reviews since you left this comment and my finger is on the “order” button.

    I’m thrilled that you love John Waters as much as I do. I have a copy of “Role Models” on my bookshelf along with all his other works. I’m actually an even bigger fan of his writing (books, articles) than of his films!

    “A Wolf at the Table” is the only one of Augusten Burroughs books I haven’t read. Quick! Open up Role Models again to dry your tears!

    “Secret Universe” the work of an anal artist? Well, this is The Year of the Arse!

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  4. Reading "The Good Soldier" by Ford Maddox Ford (published around 1915. I recommend The Line of Beauty by Arthur Hollingsworth. Next up is The Maltese Falcon and I want to read "Moby Duck".

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  5. I'm reading now Jane Robert's The Nature of Personal Reality.

    I read it when I was 19 and it put me on a fascinating self-discovery path. Just want to say that Roberts is a medium who is transmitting material from an entity called Seth! True or false? I don't care.

    Call me Shirley McLaine if you want!


    Then I'm going to re-read The Shack by WM Paul Young. It is the story of a man whose little daughter died in some tragic event and about his journey at coming to term with his loss and getting back his peace of mind, serenity and faith in life and in humanity!

    A good friend of mine has lost her little girl 2 years ago and she is about to read the book. So I want to accompany her in her journey if she wants to share with me some of her reactions to the book.

    Have a wonderful blizzard, my dear!
    Hugs
    Jon

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  6. TOPHER: Of your choices, I think I’ll go with “Moby-Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Lost at Sea and of the Beachcombers, Oceanographers, Environmentalists and Fools, Including the Author, Who Went in Search of Them.” And I’ll try not to think about feet.

    I started “The Line of Beauty” but couldn’t get into it. Perhaps it deserves another try as it got good reviews.

    DEEP BLUE JON: Well, Shirley, I often hear voices in my head even when I’m not wearing my tinfoil hat so perhaps I should take a peek at “The Nature of Personal Reality.”

    “The Shack” by William P. Young? Since it’s filed under the “Christian novels” category, this is not typically something I’d read but with a recommendation by Deep Blue (and reviews that assure me it’s not a doctrinal treatise) how could I go wrong?

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  7. The two standouts that I have read recently are "Caleb's Crossing" by Geraldine Brooks and "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay. The first deals with the Puritan attitude toward Native Americans and the latter the attitude of the French toward Jews during WWII. Both are character driven. Despite the fact I seem to have developed the the attention span of a gnat I found these two books riveting. Back to my usual pace I'm currently reading "Quickie" by James Patterson, nice and trashy.

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  8. whatever i was reading, i had to put it down.

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  9. I doubt the Christians would approve a representation of God personified by an African-American overweight woman and Jesus as a sexy lumberjack!!! I think it was mis-filed! ;)

    This book should surprised you!
    Hugs
    Jon

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  10. Right now I'm reading 'The Brother Gardeners" subtitled 'botany, gardening, and the birth of an obsession' which is a light but fascinating non-fiction treatment of gardening dorks c.1700 and how they changed the science of botany and the practice of gardening.
    The Arborist called me two nights ago exclaiming over 'Tree-a Life Story' by David Suzuki and Wayne Grady. The description of the very real system of mycorrhizael interconnectedness and exchange at work in any given forested biome is supposed to be breathtaking. If it's spirituality you want, this is the book to read. Life as we know it depends on the plant kingdom. The overwhelming beauty and elegance of its operations are things worth contemplating. My finest moment as a human and a gardener will be the return of my carbon to that circle.

    (And that, my fellow bitches, is just how big a dork you have in dear old FirstNations.)

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  11. I have just finished Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class by Owen Jones and am currently reading What Did The Baby Boomers Ever Do For Us? by Francis Beckett. Both books are appropriately anger inducing.

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  12. TB: “Calebs Crossing”…I’m always up for historical fiction and from a Pulitzer Prize winning author, no less.

    I’ve noticed a lot of people with their heads stuck in the “Sarah’s Key” book but didn’t want to interrupt them to ask their opinion. The fact that it’s garnered good reviews AND is on sale at a local bookshop add to the temptation to pick it up.

    I’ve never been tempted by a James Patterson book. They say never judge a book by its cover but I don’t like the cover art on his books. I suppose I should probably blame the publisher for that as it’s unlikely it’s any reflection on the content.

    NORMADESMOND: For heaven’s sake, Norma. Your reading glasses are on your head.

    DEEP BLUE JON: I’ve been reading the reviews and apparently “The Shack” created quite a lot of controversy in the Christian community…always a good thing!

    NATIONS: Well, they say you can’t lead a horticulture. Ha! *slaps knee*

    Listen to The Arborist when he recommends ANYTHING by David Suzuki. That man is a national TREASURE! *thumps chest patriotically*

    I’m interested in your recommendation and in turn I offer you “Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities.”

    You dork, you.

    p.s. I am going to have you interred in your toilet planter.

    GEOFF: I would expect no less than anger-inducing books from you. I always turn to you when I want to sour my mood in an enjoyable way.

    Do you suppose Ken Barlow would borrow the “Chavs” book from the Weatherfield Library?

    And what DID the Baby Boomers ever do for us?

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  13. Heff don't read....

    But it looks like THEY should be reading "Penis Enlargement 101".

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  14. HEFF: I know for a fact that you peruse the pages of Playboy as I recall you used to review each issue and score it on the “Woodometer.”

    Oh, but in your case you don’t buy it for the articles.

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  15. Swamplandia
    The Hunger Games
    THe Game of Thrones series (couldn't put it down!)
    I don't read for intellectual reasons, I read to entertain myself. These books kept me engrossed and turning the pages. Perfect for a cold winter or a sunny day on the deck, take your pick.

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  16. Today it's Give Me My Father's Body: The Life of Minik, the New York Eskimo, by Kenn Harper. It's the interesting (but sad) true story about something I'd never known of before.

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  17. I'm so impressed with the erudition of the Infomaniac Bitches. I only read teenage oriented trash. Right now, a fantasy called the Death of the Necromancer. Fabulous. Ghouls infesting the sewers of 19th century Vienna.

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  18. Oh, yes, I'm also reading The Peenee Diaries. Who knew San Francisco was so gay?

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  19. Good to see a recommendation for Moby Duck, it's a great read. May I suggest Down the Garden Path by Beverley Nichols? Deliciously camp tale of moving to the country and creating a garden.
    And, pertinent to your photo, I'm currently reading Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome. No one is naked yet but I live in hope.

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  20. KELLY RED: I’m getting a “young adult” vibe from your choices.

    Or is it simply that you fancy young men?

    THOMBEAU: I fear that “Give Me My Father's Body” would send me over the edge in terms of melancholy. I couldn’t read it without picking up The Peenee Diaries IMMEDIATELY afterwards for comic relief.

    PEENEE: Oh, speak of the devil.

    Rumour has it that you like books with lots of pictures.

    Do you use your index finger to read?

    THOMBEAU: Funny you should mention The Peenee Diaries as an excerpt is being featured here on Infomaniac tomorrow.

    NURSEMYRA: “Down the Garden Path” by Beverley Nichols sounds delightful and I’m sure Ms. Nations would like it too. I’m all for following his gardening advice…”have a couple of cocktails before you go to the nursery to buy plants.”

    Three men in a boat? It’s only a matter of time ‘til they’re nekkid and going at it like rabbits.

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  21. For the time being that it is, the only books that I am reading are accounting ledgers...

    But I do recommend Kramer's Hotel and Restaurant Suppy!

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  22. WALLY: Surely you’re reading L’il Abner?

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  23. Having spent the evening with David Sedaris I am now reading my personally signed copy of his latest
    "Squirrel seeks Chipmunk... a wicked bestiary"

    I've read a couple of his books
    "Me talk pretty one day" and "Naked"
    And both had me splitting my sides with laughter... So it was a delight to finally meet the guy in the flesh...

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  24. PRINCESS: Pressing the flesh with David Sedaris, were we?

    Did you get his number?

    I’ve read all his books with the exception of “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk” so I’ll add it to my list.

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  25. Thank you all, bitches. Now I've updated my "to-read" list with all your recommendations.

    That'll surely keep me entertained while my neighbours keep at shoveling (and swearing at) the 12-15 inches of snow that were dropped on the city today!

    Hibernation isn't so bad after all!
    Ta-da!

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  26. I can actually tackle real books, I'll have you know. I just have to sound out the big words.

    In fact, I read Secret Historian ages ago and liked it. An excellent novel about pre-Stonewall gay life is How Long Has this Been Going On? by Ethan Mordden.

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  27. DEEP BLUE JON: It’s alternating between snowfall and ice pellets here at the moment.

    Enjoy the -16°C (3.2°F ) temperature tomorrow.

    Snuggle up with a good book.

    PEENEE: If I follow “Secret Historian” with “How Long Has This Been Going On?” I could make it Gay History Month.

    I can see your lips moving, by the way.

    Ooo! I’ve just come across a particularly naughty photo of you from The Peenee Diaries. But you’ll have to wait ‘til Friday to see it.

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  28. I have been reading Cornelia Otis Skinner's classic autobiography, Our Hearts Were Young and Gay. I have been trying to finish it since 1976.

    But it just hasn't hooked me, yet.

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  29. COOKIE: Naturally, I jumped to conclusions when I saw “Young and Gay” in the title but it turns out this book isn’t about twinks at all.

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  30. ohmygawd, I read Our Hearts Were Young and Gay when I was high school! I loved it. Explains a lot.

    And bitch, I'd think long and hard about them photos. Canadia isn't that big that you can hide forever.

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  31. BITCHES: Thanks, everyone, for your fab recommendations!

    PEENEE: Too late, bitch.

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  32. I'm still plodding through National Geographic's "The Knowledge Book" which I received last Christmas!

    Like I need more trivia rattling around in my skull.

    Other than that I enjoy re-reading Stuff White People Like & Whiter Shades Of Pale by Christian Lander.
    They are both a hilarious poke at the current reign of Runaway Hipsterism and Political Correctness that our culture has invented to alleviate the guilt of our Caucasian Euro-Anglo-American Judeo-Christian Empire building which was mercilessly constructed on the demise of other white people and all of the "other" cultures from every corner of the globe that were enslaved, robbed and trampled into the dust for thousands of
    years.

    They're really funny.

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  33. Am late, sorry.
    LCI; Brückner (my teacher)Gesamtausgabe (bit difficult to bibliographieren; Handbuch (see partes 1 and 2 too!); Huizinga, Autumn, again; Kaspar von Greyerz, Religion und Kultur - finally, should have read it a long time before; started once and thought that it is exactly the book I always wanted to write, ah crap ... And any biography available.
    Knudsen, Soren: Tooth-friendly sweets for the elderly (adult edition).

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  34. For all recovering English Literature majors, I recommend NO BOOKS until your sanity returns.

    Barring that, I'm into a compilation of Lester Bangs' reviews called Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung, and I highly recommend it.

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  35. Been a HUGE fan of the blog for a long time now, but making my first post. Yes, feel free to punish me for that. ;)

    I just finished reading some great short stories, namely Blood of Prey by R.J. Dennis and Random Realities by Melanie Fletcher. They're ebooks on Amazon, but I think you can get them other places as well if you don't have a Kindle or Kindle app.

    For novels, I just started reading books by C.E. Murphy. She has a few different series out, but I'm partial to her Walker Papers novels that starts with Urban Shaman. I also just started reading Double Dead by Chuck Wendig.

    What can I say? I like fantasy in its many forms. ;)

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  36. DONN: “Whiter Shades of Pale” should be amusing as I’ve read “Stuff White People Like” and had a laugh or two. I’m one of those “white people who like public radio.”

    They’re really funny, you say? YOU’RE really funny!

    As for trivia? Keep filling your big brain. It's one of the many reasons we adore you.

    MAGO: My German doesn’t go far beyond ordering bratwurst und bier so I’ll opt for Old Knudsen’s sweeties. Doesn’t he take his teeth out to eat?

    STACIA: "Most rock journalism is people who can't write, interviewing people who can't talk, for people who can't read."
    - Frank Zappa

    Bangs being an exception which means this ought to be a good read.

    BRIAN G: Welcome to Infomaniac!

    *slap*

    What part of the world are you in?

    *slap*

    Mistress MJ has an eReader and thanks you for your suggestions.

    *slap*

    Now make your way to The Oubliette.

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  37. I just found something that might interest my dear Mistress!

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  38. Ha! Did you know that is Infomaniac Bitch Jason's Tumblr site?

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  39. Well I'll be damned!

    This is one of my favorite and I've been following for months now, but never, I mean NEVER noticed the link to his blog just underneath the header!!!

    Slap me!

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  40. Thank you, Mistress! And you are quite welcome. I'll make my way to the oubliette right after I answer your question:

    I'm from Illinois, USA. Chicagoland.

    And a little more about me, I'm mid-30's, gay with bi tendencies, and love to be used as a little bitch slave boy by either a Mistress or Sir.

    *heads down into the oubliette to await further punishment*

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  41. BRIAN G: This makes three Infomaniac Bitches from Chigagoland.

    Does the “G” in Brian G stand for “Gonads?”

    Mistress MJ is taking you by the gonads and marching you over to a line of fine, young houseboys who intend to have their way with you.

    After you’ve licked my boots clean, of course.

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  42. @ Brian G: It is customary for newbies to ask The Mistress for a cake.

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  43. I am reading Just My Type.... it's surprisingly bitchy and is all about type fonts.
    Sx

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  44. Oh no! Here we go again!

    *sigh*

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  45. LX: Thank you for the gentle reminder.

    Are you listening, Brian G?

    SCARLET: A reviewer describes “Just My Type” as follows: “It's like the smartest dinner party you've ever attended.”

    This is just the ticket as I won’t actually have to leave the house to attend it!

    DEEP BLUE JON: Shouldn’t you be sleeping?

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  46. @lx Why do I think you're going to get me in big trouble with asking this? LOL but...

    @Mistress MJ If it pleases you, Mistress, may I please have a cake?

    And I hope I don't wear out the houseboys. ;)

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  47. Ummm.... Thank you, Mistress. I'll now be adding a 7th thing to my no-no list, which I never thought I would add to. LOL

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