Historical, contemporary, and science fiction are masterfully executed to tell a story beautifully in their exploration of philosophy and physics. AutHistorical, contemporary, and science fiction are masterfully executed to tell a story beautifully in their exploration of philosophy and physics. Auto-biographical influences are clear in the narrative, as are pandemic themes. The plot leaves readers as lost as some characters but that doesn't distract from the storytelling. Ambitious is an understatement for where the author takes the story, each chapter, and each character increases the complexity of the plot with rich flavors of mystery, poignant moments of loss, and welcome assurances of joy.
Mandel may write fiction, but it's really long-form poetry disguised as prose. Highly recommend this book to anyone who reads fiction or is interested in where physics and philosophy intersect with life. It's a book to read, then share. ...more
Liu's fans will enjoy this collection; his work is often self-referential and hints of both his translated and authored pieces. See The Three-Body PrLiu's fans will enjoy this collection; his work is often self-referential and hints of both his translated and authored pieces. See The Three-Body Problem and The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories). All of the stories are original, but hints of cross-pollination from previous works are present.
This might not be the place to start for others not familiar with his short, academic, and poetic hard science fiction. The stories are almost connected, but not; It's an uneasy feeling that takes getting used to. New readers might not adjust.
An emotional and wonderful read none the less; more original than most. Recommend to sci-fi and fantasy readers.
Quotes:
"The story is co-told by the author and the reader, and every story is incomplete until a reader comes along and interprets it."
"You humans think you are what you've done, ...But you're really what you remember."
"Your biology is such that with each act of recall, you also rewrite the memory."
"Sometimes I wonder if we have misunderstood the notion of freedom. We prize "freedom to" so much more than 'freedom from'."
"America is only a democracy for those lucky enough to be Americans. To everybody else, it's just a dictator with the biggest bombs and missiles."
"I understand her language, but she doesn't understand mine—or care to. That's how power works in this world."
These are well-written stories that will no doubt resonate with a certain type of reader. However, none of them resonated with me; well written as theThese are well-written stories that will no doubt resonate with a certain type of reader. However, none of them resonated with me; well written as they are, they're bad stories. This is because the experiences the protagonist go through don't change them. They just experience something, and then the prompt abruptly ends. The character isn't changed, and nothing of value is learned. That's unfortunate as most the characters are self-absorbed, petty, mean, banal, or any pick of mediocre adjectives. No story stood out to me as much better or worse than the others. The themes and messages of some of the stories are unsettling or very stereotypical; in no particular order, here are a few: - Rape isn't a big deal; you can just move on like nothing happened - Gay males are a girl's best friend, and they are fashion experts - Cheating on your partner is okay if you're in love with the other person - Material possessions can and should define you
Additionally, the representation of men in this book is extremely unfavorable. Almost every story depicts straight men in a negative light (cheaters, careless heartbreakers, meanies, or even radical muslim extremist... seriously).
The type of reader who will enjoy these stories might be: - the misguided feminist - the "I'm done with men" girl (recently single) - the "cheating is okay if you are in love or if it feels like destiny" person
I don't recommend this book to most, but had to give it three stars because it's very well written and does have some great lines in it, my favorite being:
"There’s something terribly sad about a very young girl sobbing on the street without restraint. You just know she must have a broken heart."
If you think you can read objectively without getting tricked by the non-plight of the protagonist, it might be worth a read for some of the brilliant prose. ...more
These stories are metaphorical extremes of the trials a lot of guys go through when playing the dating game. The thirty or so stories are unique... buThese stories are metaphorical extremes of the trials a lot of guys go through when playing the dating game. The thirty or so stories are unique... but about subjects that are so commonplace they are relatable. The stories are written by an average male, so his stories are biased as such. If you are rich, famous, a model, or a woman, you likely won't find this book as funny. You might instead find it melodramatic or a little pitiful because you've never had these problems in your life; enjoy having and eating your cake.
If you are an average single male who's desperately in search of companionship (see: sex), and have gone through the right of passage of online dating known as being "catfished". Or had a date roll her eyes when she first saw the car you drove or watch you wore. Or been dumped for inexplicable reasons for somebody as bad as Hilter and don't understand why... you'll likely relate to this book. It's not all sad stories twisted to be funny; some are just sad, some are just funny, and some are just twisted. It's a fun book, making light of a subject that needs more humor in it. This book reminds its readers how absurd the things we take seriously really can be....more
Reading this book is like watching the action-thriller movie "Taken," except with a bit more finesse in the story telling. The story puts the reader iReading this book is like watching the action-thriller movie "Taken," except with a bit more finesse in the story telling. The story puts the reader in a noir state of mind; making them imagine everything in black and white... until a sudden splash of red colors their imagination. Short enough to finish in one sitting, long enough to feel substantial, this story is quick, brutal, and satisfying. ...more
An anthology of short stories is usually a pretty safe bet for me; there is a good chance at least one story will be good and make it worth the read. An anthology of short stories is usually a pretty safe bet for me; there is a good chance at least one story will be good and make it worth the read. This book seems to be the exception. The stories were short, original, and perfectly forgettable. The title to this book was the best part of the book....more
It's short story, so here's a short review: It's good; great, if you like any of Chuck's work. It's short story, so here's a short review: It's good; great, if you like any of Chuck's work. ...more
Almost all the stories are good, if not great (okay some of them are just poems or thoughts. Good ones though). Regardless, at least one of these storAlmost all the stories are good, if not great (okay some of them are just poems or thoughts. Good ones though). Regardless, at least one of these stories will resonate with you; with so many (sixty or so), I'm sure a statistical principle exist that one of them is bound to hit home for you.
As soon as it does... you'll feel that this set of short stories went from being "funny casual reading", to "a beautiful work of genius". And if you are a careful reader, you'll find the "Easter eggs" in these stories which serve to make this compilationof independent stories, just a little less independent.
Novak doesn't have a writing style, he has writing styles. And he has mastered them all....more
This is a collection of several short stories, all of which are unrelated and very original. Be ready to be challenged if you decide to read this bookThis is a collection of several short stories, all of which are unrelated and very original. Be ready to be challenged if you decide to read this book, the author will not dumb anything down, and anything is fair game... topics range from the second law to thermodynamics, god, mathematics, non-linear notion of time vs free will, superhuman intelligence, and my favorite... Lookism. all the stories are excellent, but the story "Liking what you see: A Documentary" has really left me thinking, maybe even reevaluate some of my ideas. Highly recommend. ...more
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