I've read Mandel's 2 other novels, and I absolutely loved Station Eleven. I even added it to my favorites shelf here. The Glass Hotel was also a reallI've read Mandel's 2 other novels, and I absolutely loved Station Eleven. I even added it to my favorites shelf here. The Glass Hotel was also a really good and short read. Sea of Tranquility has interconnected plots, and even referencing a heavy reference to The Glass hotel. Unfortunately the reference to The Glass Hotel was probably my favorite part of the novel. The writing is melodic and beautiful, however the shallowness of the plot was my biggest problem with it. It feels like a very soft core Sci-Fi novel that was written in order for majority of the population to enjoy, which in this case actually worked. I'm no physicist or hardcore Sci-Fi reader, but I still found the plot really dumbed down. Also the novel is a bit too short. Some plot points felt rushed and some parts felt a bit too convenient. I do see why the novel has had such positive remarks from majority of the readers, and it will probably stay that way and continue future readers. 2.5/5 at most for me. Mandel will still stay as an "instant read" author for me as long as she releases a novel, but this novel was just luck luster in my opinion and experience...more
This was supposed to be a short read but final year of med school got in the way. Only had time to read again this week. Length of time does not equatThis was supposed to be a short read but final year of med school got in the way. Only had time to read again this week. Length of time does not equate to how I enjoyed this novel. This was terrific. If you loved The Martian then you're also going to enjoy this...more
I really enjoyed Ready Player One and had no idea that this book was coming out last year. I think RPO really ended well as a standalone and Im sure mI really enjoyed Ready Player One and had no idea that this book was coming out last year. I think RPO really ended well as a standalone and Im sure most didn't expect this not so needed sequel. Did Cline just ride up the hype from the movie (was pretty good) or if not what was the purpose of this? I vaguely remember RPO listed (here and on Amazon) as a standalone book
My main problem with this novel was not the vast amount of pop culture references. In fact I enjoyed those despite not knowing every single one that he mentioned every few sentences. My main problem with this one is that the premise is really good but executed poorly. Nothing was happening for a really long time and my interest just wasn't enough for me to push through with this anymore
While Ive always seen RPO as a standalone, I still started this novel with high expectations. One of my most disappointing reads ever. I just can't waste any more of my time trying to finish this. I even tried to just power through the last (6 hours) via audiobook but I didn't even make it 2 chapters more in the audiobook before deciding to abandon this completely...more