Simone’s Comments (group member since Jun 03, 2012)

Simone’s comments from the Not Quite A Topless Robot Book Club group.

My first considerations. I still haven't finished my re-read, but have memories from my first read, so it's perfectly ok. I'll try to start from Bri's proposed topics and touch them all.

Going in sparse order, the first thing that I feel like pointing out is that this definitely felt more Gaiman-y than Pratchett-y. The comedy is Pratchett's signature mark; but the themes and styles are definitely Gaiman's. Gaiman wrote about Hell, Lucifer, and the Fall in "Sandman", and there's influence from that. He also collaborated to Kevin Smith's "Dogma": can't overlook the similarities there too. I feel like Dogma, Sandman, and Good Omen all relate in a way and reflect the same world vision. I won't spoil Dogma or Sandman for those who didn't watch the first or read the second; they both are mighty good. But some ideas are present in all of them: the Fall as something planned, perceived even as unjust, being consequence only of an Ineffable plan; the importance of free will, and the envy of angels/demons towards humans for that; the shyness about confronting directly with the character "God". I think that this spans from the desire of not giving a distinct atheistic/critic feeling to the novel - because given the premise, the entire Ineffability thing ends up sounding pretty annoying from our point of view. The ending prevents this reasoning, by suggesting that the Great and the Ineffable Plan may be two different things, and thus saves at the last minute God from defacing (not to speak about the possibility of His Plan being subverted by an angel, a demon, and a twelve years old boy. Well, actually the Antichrist, but still).
Both Gaiman and Pratchett portrayed Death in their works; but the way it is portrayed in Sandman, well... wouldn't have fit in here. Pratchett's Death instead is just perfect.
Finally, Good and Evil. I don't think G&P want to raise too many moral questions here. It is explicitly stated that the greatest goods (and evils), in the moral sense, are the work of humans. It surely feels like the overall idea of good is very refreshing and pleasant - not related to religious morals, simply an humanistic point of view, where all that matters is not harming other people, and living well the time we have. Adam pretty much sums it up, when he's not in super-destruction mode trying to take over the world. If anything, this book states ultimately this: that morals make sense when they're built on actual people, not on what's been written or prophesized in old, dusty, thousands-of-years-old holy books. Heaven and Hell are sides, in this case; good and evil are broader concepts, and God is above all of this, superior enough to be extraneous to the conflict itself.

James wrote: "Simone wrote: "I have not read lots of Bradbury in my past, sadly. I remember, however, having a copy of Martian Chronicles back in the day, when I was a kid. Still today, I remember with special f..."

That one too! Yes, it comes back to my mind. That was creepy, however - my best memory was of a story which had actually given me heartwarming feelings.

After reading the summary, I'd say Something wicked this way comes sounds extremely interesting. I'd be thrilled to have it as our next group read.

I have not read lots of Bradbury in my past, sadly. I remember, however, having a copy of Martian Chronicles back in the day, when I was a kid. Still today, I remember with special fondness a story about two missionaries who go to Mars to bring faith to alien peoples; and with lots of ingenuity and maybe some naiveté they go looking for these 'luminous spheres' they've heard about, build an open church for them, play an organ, and even make a flaming glass sphere to represent the local version of Jesus. I found them to be wonderful characters for their open-mindedness and willingness to share their positive feelings with other people, without any prejudices or malice; a perfect image of what religious ministers should be (and sadly often are not). Well, if only for that little memory, I am thankful. I never got down to read Fahreneit 451, which I always begun and never ended, I have to confess :(. I guess I will read something else in the future (or maybe pick back Martian Chronicles. I liked its atmosphere).

1. Simone Nonvelodico (not my real name, but my Facebook name at least)
2. Sad story. I was trying to make a point with a friend on a forum and googled "Worst Fanfiction ever". You know how it goes from there.
3. Fantasy, science fiction, and anything that's well written and entertaining. I hate bad style; hate shit like Dan Brown's, to say one. I tend to not read novels who don't seem like they make a point to me. Even though I don't despise them, I just don't get as interested. My perfect book is one which is well-written, has a peculiar style, gripping narrative and deep meanings; bonus points if it's about religion or philosphy in general. Current absolute favourite is "The Gospel according to Jesus Christ" by José Saramago, "Baudolino" by Umberto Eco is close second.
4. ...the emails from Amazon, waiting for a couple books I ordered: "A fire upon the deep" and "Programming the universe" (respectively, Sci-Fi novel and Science book. I occasionally enjoy those, too).
5. I wonder. I have lots of good books I could suggest... an absolute best may be one of those I mentioned earlier. Or if anyone has not read it (but I find it hard), well... "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman?