Every chapter is interesting, but this book seems to go in circles. I just cannot figure out what the author intended for the overall theme. Brian GreEvery chapter is interesting, but this book seems to go in circles. I just cannot figure out what the author intended for the overall theme. Brian Greene is a well-known author and physicist. He delved into so many different subjects--it was hard to keep track what he was ultimately driving at.
The beginning of the book was about the beginning of time, about the laws of thermodynamics and entropy, and the structure of DNA. So far so good. Then the book diverges into religion, philosophy, consciousness, and all sorts of other subjects. The final chapters return to physics and what will happen in the very very very distant future.
Perhaps the book could have been improved by just making it into a collection of essays. Then there would be less need to try to make it into a coherent story.
I didn't read this book--I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author. Brian Greene reads his book rather well, and his voice, at least, is not distracting. ...more
I have loved all of the books I've read by Neal Stephenson. Up until this one, that is. This book is quite disappointing. Maybe it's the length; it's I have loved all of the books I've read by Neal Stephenson. Up until this one, that is. This book is quite disappointing. Maybe it's the length; it's 883 pages long, and it would have been much better if it had been half that length.
The beginning of the book is fun; sort of science fiction, I would say. then the cast of characters shifts abruptly, and there is no continuity during Sophia's trip across the country. This lack of continuity just lost me.
Then the book gets interesting again, as the protagonist, Dodge, finds himself in a new plane of existence. At this point, the book is mostly fantasy; For a while this part of the book is fascinating, a blend of the Bible, Greek and Norse mythologies all wrapped into one. Then, a major portion of the book is a quest--which starts out just fine, but drags on and on. I didn't feel for any of the characters at this point, as the members of the quest simply faced one obstacle after another. Of course, The Quest is taken from a blend of mythology and modern video games. But it drags on and on, without any rhyme or reason until the end....more
Tomthunkit's Theory of the Universe is a rambling speculation based on illogical thinking. The first word of the title itself summarizes the book compTomthunkit's Theory of the Universe is a rambling speculation based on illogical thinking. The first word of the title itself summarizes the book completely: Tomthunkit, so it must be true. The author claims that he thought up all his ideas for the book in a few days; and it shows. Each topic covered in the book could really deserve a whole book in itself, and not just a paragraph or two. Just as an example, books have been written about "why we sleep". Yet, a short paragraph explains why we sleep; we sleep in order rejuvenate our bodies. Well, that's true, but it isn't much of an explanation. Especially, since Tomtunkit believes that the purpose of dreams is to receive messages from our Superiors.
In Part 1, Tomthunkit explains why humans could not have evolved from apes, so therefore we must have been created by superior beings. His argument for this reasoning is shallow, illogical, and based a very poor understanding of the theory of evolution by natural selection. The book is filled with quotes from some very speculative publications, such as "Files from the Edge: A Paranormal Investigator's Explorations into High Strangeness" and "Legendary TImes" and "The Ancient Alien Question". The speculations border on stream-of-consciousness from someone who has a very loose grasp of reality.
On the other hand, there are a few gems in Parts 2 and 3. In these sections, the author rants against a number of evils, including genocide, slavery, war, loan sharks, hackers, and medical warfare. He urges politicians to defend the constitution, and to heed facts--not "alternative facts". So, the author seems to have a good grasp of the difference between good and evil. But the terse writing makes it clear that the author is simply stating his opinions, and not backing them up with any logical, well-thought-out arguments.
In summary, this book is the best example of how a self-published author can delude himself into thinking that he is a writer.
I have mixed feelings about this book. The story is wonderful, about the goddess Circe, daughter of the sun god Helios. She discovers that she has theI have mixed feelings about this book. The story is wonderful, about the goddess Circe, daughter of the sun god Helios. She discovers that she has the power of witchcraft, and is banished forever to a deserted island. People and even a few gods occasionally visit her, not always with good consequences.
(Spoiler is hidden here) (view spoiler)[ Circe is threatened by the powerful goddess Athena. Athena tells Circe that she must kill her own son, but that she would be rewarded by another son who will become great and powerful. This is a pivotal moment of the story, with repercussions for the remainder of the book. I won't relate what happens, because that would be too much of a spoiler for anyone. (hide spoiler)]
The writing is wonderful, and I am struck by the articulateness of the style. But I did not read the book--I listened to the audiobook. It is narrated by British actress Perdita Weeks. She should not have been chosen to narrate the audiobook. Her voice is pleasant enough, but unsteady. The tail ends of many of her sentences drift off into inaudible whispers. The primary objective of an audiobook reader is to be audible and understood. She fails at this....more
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