A chap at work lent me Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell after a brief conversation about Orwell. I am nearly finished, and while I started off really enjoying it, it has become increasingly painful to read. It reads like a train wreck in slow motion. On the whole, I am still enjoying it though.

I am a huge fan of BADBADNOTGOOD. It is by no means pure jazz, but does have a very strong jazz element, along with instrumental hip-hop and electronica. I don't have much time to go into any detail, but just check it out.

They have three solo albums and one collaboration with Ghostface Killah (way more hip-hop than jazz on this one). All albums are available on full on youtube to have a listen.

BBNG:

Currently living in Wellington, New Zealand. Moving to Honiara, Solomon Islands in a week.

I agree that the end was rather predicable, but then that can be said about a lot of books. Regardless, the most excitement for me came not from wondering how it will end, but from the elaborate process of revenge. That, and generally seeing a character so thoroughly taking on the role of delivering providence and how this affects him.

Even after everything he does for revenge, does any of it really make up for the years and years of drawn out suffering that the others so easily forced on him?

But in saying all that, this was one of the first books I read, so maybe when I reread it I will be as disappointed as when I went back to Magician.

Easily the Count of Monte Cristo. It was the first book that I would call literature that I read and got a sense of what is possible with a truly great book, especially in terms of scope. Really got me into reading again after giving it up for most of my university life. Read it about 3 years ago and am looking forward to re-reading it in the near future.

Can't recommend it enough.

I would just like to second what this chap has said. This looks like a really great place and am looking forward to delving into it.