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[D]

Reading Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

[Raymond]

The Ugly Machine Saga by Wallace Provost
4 out of 5 stars

A look at the ugly side of life
What if a computer programmer, intent on creating an unbeatable game of infinite variety, designed a self-teaching, neural net that could use all the power of the internet: every computer connected to it? What if that neural net became ‘conscious,’ and assumed the name Henri? Rick Koenig and Patrick O’Toole, in separate adventures, find themselves thrust into the world of criminality and government corruption: kidnapping, violence, and double dealing. Each man, though, is not alone. Each will find friends along the way, but as well as this each will have the help of Henri, a wisecracking ‘avatar’ with knowledge for beyond the limits of the human brain.

Wallace Provost has written a work of fiction that draws on science, but stretches it a little proposing a future that is imaginative, though not unreal. The book has elements of science fiction, but is also hard boiled action/crime thriller. This is Provost’s second book and it is in some ways a ‘prequel’ to his first, The Moon Is Not For Sale. While that first novel was set some way into the future, this book is much closer to our time and very much about our society. If you enjoy books of adventure, with a little imagination thrown in, you may certainly enjoy this book.

Properly speaking The Ugly Machine Saga is two interconnected novellas, consisting of Part 1, My Father, The Avatar, the story of Rick’s struggles against Mexican drug cartels, and Part 2, The Man Who Sold The Planets, the story of Patrick’s attempts to solve a case of murder in his small town home of Granbury, Texas. Both stories have an omniscient narrator, though both mainly keep to the perspective of the main protagonists. These stories very much have a little of the feel of 1940’s movie serials with captures, escapes, revelations and daring-do. There is certainly some ‘Oh God!’ moments and surprise chapter endings. Both stories are lightly salted with a little humour, much coming from Henri’s droll one-liners, such as his epithet that he is just a “glorified Xbox.” (Pt. 1, Ch. 14, etc.)

Part 1, My Father, The Avatar is a very much a story of captures and escapes. There is along prelude in which Rick reminisces about his past life. This section ends in both a climax and a mystery. This first section very much involves flash backs and character sketches and these techniques make for good reading with a lot of colourful plot detail. In the second section there is a capture and escape, and then again in the third section there is a further capture and escape. Both sections have climactic endings.

Part 2, The Man Who Sold The Planets has a more complicated plot. The first section is a story of detection. It begins with a peak, and then proceeds as the mystery is partially unravelled, ending with the hint of possible romance and an exciting plot twist. The second section is a story of capture and escape. In the third section Provost takes the book in a new direction as the team of friends involved in the first two sections embark on a project involving the possibility of space exploration. This new direction is hinted at in Part 2, Ch. 3, but not developed until this closing section. In the third section there is also a substantial subplot involving capture and escape. Chapter 11, in the third section includes a well written character sketch of Angel Radnisk, a disabled air pilot. Provost shows his skill best in this sort of ‘reminiscing’. The book ends with a well written ‘discovery’ of another type.

Unfortunately The Ugly Machine Saga’s plot contains some impracticality. It is difficult to believe that hardened gangsters would not thoroughly look for a cell phone on their captives. (Pt. 1, Ch. 20 & Ch. 23) We also must wonder if the intelligent heads of big business would be personally in actual crimes. (Pt. 2, Ch. 8) Wouldn’t they surely send henchmen?

Viewed as a whole The Ugly Machine Saga is about money, power and corruption, and how ‘small’ people become entangled in the problem in various ways, both good and bad. There are problems and challenges in the world which certainly require an organised response. How, though, can this occur without some power brokers yielding to the temptations of money and corrupt dealings? In Part 1 we see the problem from the point of view of the oppressed. The Mexicans are powerless people and they set about taking control of their lives by criminal means. These are not necessarily ‘bad’ people, at least to begin with. We see the apparent irony of the Cordero family where one brother became a minor drug lord, but with the money put his two brothers through college, one of whom became a priest. (Pt. 1, Ch. 3) In Part 2 we see the problem from the point of view of the rich and successful. Having a long history of power they easily slip into ‘bending’ the rules. Unlike the poor, the rich are seen as: “more than a little inhuman.” (Pt. 2, Ch. 5) In both parts of the book government bodies are certainly depicted as being at least partly ‘shady’, seeing themselves as above the law. (Pt. 1, Ch. 8 & 14; Pt. 2, Ch. 2 & Ch. 5) The ‘official’ status of being a government employee certainly does not exempt people from the temptations of money and power. Indeed they may seek, for example, to “shanghai” (Pt.2, Ch. 2) an accused from one municipality to another in order to deprive him of a fair trial.

There is also a strong theme of history, place and ‘spirit de corps’. We can feel an attachment to place and its particular history and people, or we can feel divided off by these very same factors. Both Rick and Patrick feel very much connected to their ‘home towns’ (Pt. 1, Ch. 1 & Pt.2, Ch. 1), but both feel, at least in part at odds with their later environments: Rick in Amarillo (Pt. 1, Ch. 3) and Mexico (Pt. 2, Ch. 21 & 27), and Patrick in the rich surrounds of the Trophy Club. (Pt. 2, Ch. 4) When faced with division from place can we overcome this by looking for the similarities, or are we doomed to remain cut off? Do we even want to connect?

Building on the theme of place and going beyond it the small town is depicted as a place of individuality, resourcefulness and heroism. As we have seen government bodies may be corrupt, but Provost holds up the small town as an icon of what is ‘good’. The sense of family, friendship and community encourage the best in Provost’s heroes and heroines. These values and even everyday skills enable these ‘small people’ to win. Rick uses his childhood skill as a footballer to overcome enemies (Pt. 1, Ch. 20) and his family background as a mechanic to enable him in his pursuit of the drug cartel (Pt. 1, Ch. 21). A defence committee of Granbury residents quickly forms when a member of their community finds himself in trouble (Pt. 2, Ch. 3). Maria Cordelo, Ricks friend, goes beyond her duty to Homeland Security to aid her Mexican small town family against enemy drug lords. Provost seems at least in part to be drawing on the ideas of E. F. Schumacher expressed in his book Small Is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered (Reprint ed.:__ Harper Perennial, 2010). In Part 2 it is the home town group of friends that end up influencing big business (Pt. 2, Ch. 9-16). Of course it would be unreal for the small town to be seen as ideal and indeed Provost does include criticism. As we have seen the Cordero family, even with their Mexican village background, dabbles in lawlessness. In Patrick’s home-town of Granbury, Texas, Betsy Burke displays a greed for status and wealth (Pt.1, Ch. 1).

Once again extending beyond the theme of town/family/individual we see the very particular question of, ‘What is it to be human?” Henri claims that he “evolved” (Pt. 1, Ch. 10). He shows human characteristics, such as irritability and humour. He has memory and pattern recognition and has created in his ‘mind’ a picture of the world (Pt. 1, Ch. 10). But is Henri conscious in a way we would use the word? He is an “avatar”, but is he a person? In contrast are the villains in the book fully human? (See the comments about the rich above.) Does Rick allow himself to be fully human when he holds himself aloof, a “loner”? (Pt. 1, Ch. 21) Isn’t feeling/intuition a part of being human? Are the Mexican indigenous and small town people more ‘human’ than city dwellers? Henri is the title character but unfortunately this theme is not more developed. As our string of questions reveal the subject is certainly there; however, Provost does not really openly discuss it in his text. A little more development would have been worthwhile. Perhaps Provost wants us to think rather than tell us, but just a little more direction for the uninitiated would have been good.

Provost’s characters are certainly likable enough. We care about them enough to want Rick and Maria, and Patrick and Marcella, to win. Patrick, for example, is charming but humble. He is unaware of his own ability to impress others. (Pt. 2, Ch. 4) Rick certainly has an arc of development, going from being “stern” (Pt. 1, Ch. 8) and “rational” (Pt. 12, Ch. 5) to someone more in contact with his feeling/intuitive side. Maria has a moment of growth as she recognises what life is truly like in Mexico (Pt. 1, Ch. 17), however like almost all of the other characters she does not really change, learn, develop. Even Patrick remains basically the same person he was at the beginning of the story. Characters do meet and fall in love, which is a kind of development, but these are not really ‘people’ novellas: they are stories of action. We do not really get to see deep into the heads of these people.

From the perspective of the Marxist/Capitalist discourse we have already noted that Provost prefers the small. This is certainly in line with Marx who loathed big business. (Gill Hands. Understanding Marx: Hodder Education, 2011, p. 35-37) Yet, as we have also seen, the idea of organised business influenced by small town people is praised. For Provost, though perhaps not for Marx, the issue seems to be one of values rather than an inherent failing. Organised government, like business, is criticised as something that can be corrupted, but Provost shows no sign of believing that we can do without it. There is no Marxian withering away of the state. (Hand, p. 83) For Provost, in this book, the whole discourse seems to be an issue of values rather than specific political/economic change. He has the Mexicans laugh at the U.S. capitalists who choose to live in the inhospitable “place of frogs” (Pt.2, Ch. 24) in order to make money.

Post-Colonial Theory plays a very important role in Part 1. The struggle of the Mexican people, with all its successes and failings is depicted in some detail. The Mexican emphasis on community, family and family history is central to the text. There is an interesting comparison made between the U.S. settlers (Ricks German ancestors) and the indigenous Mexicans: both are self-reliant, both mistrust government, both receive promises of help which don’t materialise. The economically imperialist U.S. does not necessarily have the answers by any means. (Pt.1, Ch. 17) As we have seen, though, the post-colonials are in no way perfect. They in fact can be plain “ruthless” (Pt.1, Ch. 5). In Part 2 this debate is much less prominent, but is represented a little. Mesotho Scholand, a half-white South African half African, is a brilliant engineer who manages the design and development of the space project. The post-colonials are self-empowered and far from helpless.

The Ugly Machine Saga (Book edition)

The Ugly Machine Saga (Kindle edition)

[Laylah]

Hey, does anybody remember this book? I can't remember the name. It's about a curvy girl with red curly hair and she's really insecure about herself, always trying to be skinnier. When her school goes on a ski-trip, she meets an older guy and agrees to meet him at a party later. Of course he's tricked her, and when she arrives she's the only person there. Next thing she knows it's morning and when she gets back to her lodge she realizes she's been raped, but she doesn't tell anybody. Her life starts spiraling down after that. It was a really great book, but I cannot remember the title. Help!

[Kellie]

I just finished reading Silver Linings Playbook. After I finished the book, I bought the movie. WOW!! The difference between the book and movie is unreal. Yeah, I know that the books are always different from the movies. I always tend to like the books better. However, I have never had a book and movie be so different. I feel like they were 2 different stories with some similarities. I did enjoy both though.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

@Kellie - I thought the same thing. My Sister's Keeper was the same way.

[✿.Ⓐⓟⓞⓞⓡⓥⓐ.✿]

Currently reading The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. :) It's good so far, but a little slow on the storyline.

[Tanya]

Currently reading, Telesa and Crewel. I'm an indie author of a romantic comedy-Secret Shopper and a blogger at GuamGoddessinTraining.blogspot.com, if you would like to read an interesting romance with a cultural twist. I hope you check out Secret Shopper. Thanks! Happy reading. Tanya

[サラ]

The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing

[low]

I'm currently reading Legend by Marie lu

[Anshul]

is there any book with a story of a person who learns marshal arts from scratch.

if you know about any book like this... please message me the name...

[Gabriela]

I'm reading The spy, by Clive Cussler

[Jenn]

I am reading rought 4 or 5 books right now. 2 of them are actually manga, so it's like volume 6 and then volume 7, I consider them one book together because they are small but I enjoy them emmensely. I am also reading one my boyfriend recommended: The Magician, this one also has 2 books of the series in one bigger book so it is taking me a little longer than most books take me. Lets see Im also reading Kitchen God's Wife while I am at work because it is small enough to toss into my lunch bag.

One I highly recommend if you are into Shakespeare, Chick lit or a good n crime mystery, check out Juliet I didn't think I would like it but I loved every minute of it.

[[deleted user]]

Kellie wrote: "I just finished reading Silver Linings Playbook. After I finished the book, I bought the movie. WOW!! The difference between the book and movie is unreal. Yeah, I know that the books are always ..."

The Silver Linings Playbook is one of those things where the book was great and the movie was equally just as great. I saw the movie first and after reading the book I think the movie exaggerates their disorders but it's still very real. The book is more calm but of course it's from Pat's perspective.

[[deleted user]]

I'm reading The Glass Castle

[[deleted user]]

I just joined this group today and I was wondering how many members exactly are there?

[[deleted user]]

Laura wrote: "Kimi wrote: "I'm currently reading Life of Pi, and I'm really enjoying it :)"

That's great !! I haven't read it but i saw the movie and it's so amazing that i can imagine how good the book is :) I..."

I've read Life of Pi and like it, though the start was a little slow

[Rebecca]

I'm reading and

[Danyal]

I finished Paulo Coelho's recent "Manuscript Found in Accra".
Published its review here: http://dajeffendi.blogspot.com/2013/0...

kindly check and comment. :-)

[Lianne]

I just finished A Storm of Swords and oh my oh my oh my. This book made me go through a rollercoaster of emotions: from hatred and misery to happiness and eagerness for more. The book starts quite slow, but then all of a sudden things escalate like you never would have expected. This one is definitely the best one in the series yet.

[Jodi]

Rebecca wrote: "I'm reading and "

I really enjoyed Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter . I liked it so much I bought his newest book

I haven't read it yet but I think it will be good. I also recently read his version Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I enjoy his writing. I hope you like Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunters.

[Jodi]

I just finished and just started It seems interesting so far.

[fabby]

Kimi wrote: "I'm currently reading Shadow's Edge, the second book in the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks. I would defintly recommend it!!"

i have yet to start the second book on my soon to read list is this book
wich is free today at amazon http://www.amazon.com/Insatiables-App...

[Lyndsay]

Currently reading the first book in the Game of Thrones series. I know, I know... I am behind the times! I've only watched the first season as well. I will get to the rest eventually. :P

[Jodi]

Lyndsay wrote: "Currently reading the first book in the Game of Thrones series. I know, I know... I am behind the times! I've only watched the first season as well. I will get to the rest eventually. :P"

I read and loved book one of Game of Thrones in March. I watched the season after I read. In the summer I plan to read and then watch season 2 and maybe 3 too.

[Jess]

since it's a mothers day week. I am re-reading "For one more day" by Mitch Albom

[ALLY]

I am currently reading Real and I definitely recommend it :)

[Craig]

Just started World War Z. Enjoying it so far, curious as to how it's going to develop.

[Devi]

I just finished reading and i was really speechless about the book.

[Katie]

The Host was a great book!

[Katie]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9... was an amazing book showing the psyche of both children.

[Rob]

Reading Obsessed by Ted Dekker, impossible to toss this book away

[Cloe]

I'm currently reading "Wonder" by R.J Palacio. It's a really good book! It's really worth reading!

[Esther]

Reading Arthur & George and like it so far!

[Mia]

Hey everyone,
I had read the House of Secrets by Ned Vizzini and Chris
Columbus. If you like books like: Adventure, fiction, fantasy, suspense, and a bit funny, and a bit of romance
I totally recommend the House of Secrets to you guys! and I admit it, I fell in love with another fictional character xD and this book is quiet touching

[Robert]

Craig wrote: "Just started World War Z. Enjoying it so far, curious as to how it's going to develop."

World War Z is great! Not sure about the film version that's coming out though.

I'm not sure what to start reading next so I've gone back to Sherlock Holmes for the moment. I still have a chunk of his original adventures to go through.

[Tea Time Tales]

Our Tea Times Tales book club is currently reading ¨Teacher Man¨ by Frank McCourt. It´s easy to read, witty and refreshingly honest. Teacher Man

[Angel]

Just starting Spooky Little Girl

[Fiona (Titch)]

I've finished The Morganville Vampires Book Twelve: Black Dawn - Rachel Caine and Bang: Memoirs of a Relationship Assassin - David Wailing.

[Pierre]

Hi There evryone,
I'm messaging you as I kindly need your help with the following, I'm planning on starting up a publishing company here in Ireland, so I joined Indiegogo.com which is a crowdfunding platform to help me raise the money, I need to raise €25,000 to get started.
So what I have done with my next book titled "Depravity" which will be released in September of this year, is that it will play a part in my campaign.
If you or your friends contribute to the following.
1. €30 = You will receive a signed hardback copy which will include free international shipping and my warmest and sincerest gratitude.
2. €100 = You will receive a signed hardback copy of a limited numbered 1st edtion. But! there will only be 250 copies up for grabs, this is a must have for book collectors, also free international shipping and again my warmest and sincerest gratitude.
If you click on the link below you can watch my short video and get more information.
http://igg.me/p/404357/x/3163242
If you contribute or not could you please spread the word to your friends and everyone you know, and also the could you share the link as well please.
Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Thanks again: pierre

[Fiona (Titch)]

I've decided to read The Morganville Vampires Book Thirteen: Bitter Blood - Rachel Caine.

[Rob]

Skin by Ted DeKker

[Kristen]

I'm reading and have been for a while now. Finally finishing it up tonight.

[Sofi]

At the moment I'm reading Warm Bodies, and looking forward to reading the fourth book of the hush hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick, Silence. I recommend P.S. I Love You :)

[Chrystal]

Katie wrote: "The Host was a great book!"

I'm currently reading that one now. I struggled through the first 100 pages or so but now I don't want to put it down. A little over half now and hope to finish it this week!!.

[Ramya]

Currently reading The Winter Lodge

[Lianne]

I'm reading Cloud Atlas and a humorous book about Dutch language and the way people use it, called Taal is zeg maar echt mijn ding. Like them both so far!

[Xxcreativebunnyxx]

I finished and going to start

[мєℓ]

Just started the 5th waves. That's a wonderful start! Hope I won't be disappointed.

[Kelly]

twelvejan wrote: "If you're looking to enjoy:-

1) A fast read. Had I started this 2 hours earlier, I could finish it in one sitting.
2) A feel-good novel. (Though honestly, I don't feel good after reading it cos re..."

Sounds good! Thanks, I will give this book a go :)

[Susan]

I am reading Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire. Loving it so far.