More Too Late Book Reviews. Resurrected Post.
I admit that I get around to reading certain influential, well-regarded, even seminal books rather late. Given finite time, the truth is many of them I���ll give a miss entirely. Better late than never, goes the axiom, a truism that���s probably circumstantial in application. In the circumstance at issue, it holds up.
���What are you babbling about,��� you ask? Fair question. I���m on the cusp of sickness, and feeling a bit loopy, so it���s likely I���m meandering. This is what I���m babbling about:
I finally got around to reading Dan Simmons��� Hyperion. Man, have I been missing out all these years. Hyperionis a staggering achievement. It is dense, layered, moving, funny, even scholarly. Normally when I read a book like this, unaware that it is followed by sequels, I feel irritated at an ending that doesn���t provide answers, doesn���t tie up the loose ends. I did not feel that when I reached the end of Hyperion. That in itself is a credit to the book. I imagine the follow-ups will be disappointing. How could anything live up to this masterpiece? But Mr. Simmons has earned the benefit of the doubt.
Charles Yu���s How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe is another worthy read, though quite a different animal. It is funny and insightful. I can���t declare it in the same literary league as Hyperion, though. Not due to any particular inferiority, but because the book leans entirely upon a gimmick. It is a good gimmick, no question, but it sets it in a slightly different category than Hyperion. Additionally, it is a slight read, less than half the length of Hyperion. You could breeze through it in an afternoon. Though I recommend taking it slow, appreciating the puzzle box Mr. Yu��has constructed.
So, a little late. But I got to them. I recommend both.
On another note, my wedding anniversary is tomorrow. I know My Beautiful Wife doesn���t read these scribblings of mine, but nonetheless, Happy Anniversary, Isa. I love you.
