Kenneth’s Comments (group member since Sep 04, 2014)

Kenneth’s comments from the Discourse in a Digital Age group.

I saw the movie last night. I thought it was a reasonably faithful adaptation of the book in spirit. Or at least, from what I remembered from reading the book several years ago. I missed a few scenes like navigating the Tomb of Horrors, but it's probably fair to skip things like that which aren't particularly mainstream.

The film reveled in what could be done with the visual medium. The love story was forced, as often seems to be the case with big budget releases like this, and Aech's revelation lost some of its significance this way. Sorrento leaving his password out like that was particularly inspired stupidity - you mean to tell me that big budget company doesn't at least have a password management software the protagonists could hack instead? Finally, closing the Oasis on Tuesdays and Thursdays is not the answer they are looking for, and not really the lesson to be gleaned from this film. (How about spending some of their wealth to turn IOI facilities into affordable housing?)

So, it had problems. But I frequently laughed out loud in the theater at something or another, and I had a lot of fun.

I will be there via teleconference. I'm hoping to see Ready Player one tomorrow night so I can also have some comments about that. I'm not exactly optimistic that it will match the book.

I posted my (almost always spoiler-free) review just now. I didn't love the book; I thought it was well-written, but very disjointed. My mind could yet be changed, though.

My one big question... did Harriet know? I think it's possible she did.

Links!

The Brooklyn Navy Yard was decommissioned in 1966, and the area is now largely a sustainable industrial hub. BLDG 92, the former Marine Commandant's residence, actively promotes the area's history, as well as serving as an employment facility.

Here are some discussion questions, if you're into that. We usually don't need them, but if you look it over, you might find something interesting there.

Here is a photo of the Naples Beach. It seemed relevant.

It sounds like we're mostly good to go on Manhattan Beach, so it doesn't sound like we need to switch the book or anything. There are options for those who don't have it yet. The May book (When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi) is a kit available from SLCL, so hopefully you can get that to hand out at the next meeting.

After much debate and struggle, I present to you the official list for the remainder of 2018!

April 11: Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
May 9: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
June 13: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
July 11: The Power by Naomi Alderman
August 8: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
September 12: Version Control by Dexter Palmer
October 10: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
November 14: Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart
December 12: Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
January 9: Kindred by Octavia Butler

I checked out the ebook (from your library, unfortunately for your availability) and I should be on track to finish and return it over the weekend. I saw the hold list in trying to acquire it and thought "whoops, we didn't think that through."

Do we want to emergency audible to a (shorter) book that may be easier to acquire? Or maybe a book that a lot of us have already read? Since there's only 12 days until the next meeting, a course correction is not great, but it's an option.

We could also bookmark some time for discussing Ready Player One, as the other thread mentions.

Thanks Anne, for keeping it going, and for allowing me to still participate. And thanks for slotting the dates. The initial glance looks great - give me some time to juggle things a bit before we publish it here.

I look forward to Skyping in with you guys tomorrow. I hesitate to ask... did anybody get around to playing 80 Days? I really want somebody else to talk about this game with...

We have read Asimov (I, Robot - the length of Foundation scared me off) and Gaiman (after 3 titles, I imposed a temporary ban on him to give other authors a chance, but it's been a while now). Ringworld is one we haven't touched yet, but could be good. I'm a sucker for Allende's work, but never found a good opportunity to put it on the list.

Thanks everybody for all the suggestions!

Hello Geoffrey! Great to have you following and contributing online! I led this book club for several years, and recently moved out of the physical area. Fortunately, there are many structures in place to allow me to keep participating.

Those are the categories that I typically used to decide what to read, as they were the ones I could most often find an interesting technology thing to show off for the group. You can see everything we have ever read on the group's bookshelf. (https://www.goodreads.com/group/books...)

Definitions roughly as follows:

Classic Sci-Fi: A formative author or title in science fiction like Ursula K. Le Guin or Dune. To me, "Classic" means it has to be at least around 30 years old.

Modern Tech: Any book that brings up interesting applications of modern or near-future technology. This includes fiction like Welcome to Night Vale (podcasts) or nonfiction like Modern Romance (online dating) or Packing for Mars (space tech). I also include in this category experimental format books like Multiple Choice.

Graphic Novels: These stories are just as thought-provoking as regular novels, and cover both fiction and nonfiction. Any book with extensive illustration falls into this category. Examples include Fun Home, Maus, and Watchmen.

Bestsellers: It doesn't have to be a literal bestseller, but it's anything people are really into right now. This category is designed to get new people into the group. (Bonus points if they hit the other categories!) Examples include Hidden Figures, The Martian, and I Am Malala.

We also have an eye towards diverse and inclusive literature (... current month's book notwithstanding). They don't have to match these categories exactly, either. A lot of them don't, really. So, suggest what you like, and thanks for participating!

Thanks very much for the compliment about my reviews!

I'm going to put 4 books forward, but feel free to overrule me if my suggestions sound awful. I could use you guys expanding my horizons for a change.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Above you can find my review for the book.

I've never read anything by Chris Ware. Travis likes his books a lot, and a review of his bio suggests he could be a good candidate for us. "Building Stories" looks like the most likely choice, from an availability perspective. SLPL has 6 copies. "Monograph" and "Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth" also come well-reviewed.

Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne is a classic adventure novel from 1873 that has been adapted countless times. In the intervening 145 years, we can expect a certain amount of outdated phrases, plot points, and the like. Also, the book has rather less science fiction than I anticipated - seemingly, none. Nevertheless, it has a quirky humor that I'm enjoying so far.

Let me be honest here. I chose this book for one reason. Felicia Day recommended this game, 80 Days, and it is fantastic. I know you aren't exactly a group of gamers, but I hope some of you will give it a try. It's five dollars. You play as Passepartout, and are in charge of planning the route, choosing your story, and managing Fogg's money and inventory. This game features a unique literary experience, and injects all the social consciousness and steampunk that the original lacks. Read about the game (then purchase it!) here: https://www.inklestudios.com/80days/

Since I am no longer there and spending a lot of time familiarizing myself with a new place and a new job, I am enthusiastically in favor of you making a ballot and reading the books you want to read. However, I would like to impose 4 books on you and retain some input. (One each of bestseller, classic sci-fi, modern tech, and graphic novel, yet to be determined.)

Kenneth dot hardcastle at Yahoo is where I am! Thanks for facilitating this Anne!

I've been sick for the last couple weeks, which is my excuse for neglecting this board. I hope to see you all tonight at the Vino Gallery at 7 PM!

The 14th sounds great, then!

They approve of treats!

Here is where you put comments about this strange book with an unorthodox inspiration. I suggest you give listening to the Podcast a try here: http://www.welcometonightvale.com/listen

I finally called the Vino Gallery, and we are cleared to meet there! Are we fine with meeting on Valentine's Day? I can do it if that's when we decide. Would anybody have an objection if we aimed for Wednesday, February 7 instead?

Vera: The next book is Welcome to Night Vale by Fink. We are tasked with getting it ourselves, but the library has several copies. I have not yet divined a meeting place, but I'm eyeing the Vino Gallery.