bookshelves: currently-reading, science-fiction
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bookshelves: fantasy, general-ficition, political-fiction
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bookshelves: popular-science, science
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by Neal Stephenson
Oh, I completely agree that it is a strength in an author -- or in any artist, really -- to be able to do good work in different styles and with different intent, precisely as you say. That is also why I'm curious about what different readers think about his different books. With authors of, in your words, franchise literature, you usually do not have to ask that question: the answer is usually either self-evident or uninteresting, often both.
I will probably read "Snow Crash" at some point, but I see no real need to start there. I might take your advice and go directly to 'Anathem'. It does seem intriguing.
To the best of my knowledge, none of Stephenson's books have been translated into Swedish. It is a sad fact that very little science fiction and fantasy gets translated in Sweden. There are probably many reasons for this, one being that many in the younger generations feel more or less comfortable reading in English. More importantly though, I think that those genres (or rather what gets branded as such) are sadly misunderstood by Swedish publishers, who tend to think of sf and fantasy as children's literature. ]]>
Dr M
read and liked
Beverley's
review of Anathem:
"I think that this is Stephenson's best book so far. It's set in an analog of Plato's Academy in a different universe and explores the connection between philosophy and science in Stephenson's inimitable style. There really aren't that many authors wh...more "
"I think that this is Stephenson's best book so far. It's set in an analog of Plato's Academy in a different universe and explores the connection between philosophy and science in Stephenson's inimitable style. There really aren't that many authors wh...more "
by Robert A. Heinlein
My only objection to this review is that I disagree with the notion that this book should be on high-school reading lists. Not because the book isn't important and doesn't deserve to be read, but because I believe that it is better read by someone a little older than high-school age. Heinlein is very didactic about his line of arguments, and I suspect that he expects his readers to read with a critical eye and hit back at his arguments just as hard as he hits us with them. I don't think that RAH meant to put forth a complete moral philosophy, but rather that he wanted to force us think and weigh arguments. However, RAH doesn't help us with supplying "the other side". Rather, he expects us to come up with our own counter-arguments. This is exactly what renders the book very effective to a slightly older reader (or indeed a well-versed younger reader), but may only serve as propaganda for a reader without the necessary preparation. ]]>
by Robert A. Heinlein
The society could very well work if it was implemented exactly in the fashion it is described in his novel, but the transition from our current societal structure to this system of government is EXTREMELY unlikely.
Agreed, but I don't think it was Heinlein's intention that we should believe such a transition likely: it is not a prophecy about the future of society. The society Heinlein sets up is simply a backdrop that allows him to discuss questions about what it means to be a citizen, as well as a bunch of moral issues. It also allows him to expose some of the vulnerability of modern society (his discussions about crime, juvenile crime and responsibility, and the disintegration of XXth century society). I think it is a mistake to believe that Heinlein actually intended this as a likely societal development, or indeed a desirable society.
And if you feel proud of being a soldier after reading this book, that would probably make Heinlein happy. As I understand it, Troopers was written because Heinlein was pissed off at seeing soldiers consistently portrayed as mindless grunts and wanted to give his view about what good soldiers are actually (supposed to be) like. ]]>
Dr M
read and liked
Paul Dura's
review of Starship Troopers:
"Starship Troopers is listed amongst the recommended books by the United States Air Force for a reason. For those who plan on pursuing a military career, this book exhibits the very ideals upon which our current military standards are based. Camarad...more "
"Starship Troopers is listed amongst the recommended books by the United States Air Force for a reason. For those who plan on pursuing a military career, this book exhibits the very ideals upon which our current military standards are based. Camarad...more "
bookshelves: currently-reading, history, popular-science, science
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bookshelves: fantasy, short-stories, to-read
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