The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu - 2 stars

[ShazM]

Scientists in China are dying and nanotechnology professor Wang Miao is asked to investigate alongside detective Shi Qiang. Through playing a computer simulation game and interviews with astrophysicist Ye Wenjie they learn that contact has been made with an extra-terrestrial civilisation and the earth must prepare for war.

I must first admit that it is entirely my own fault. I misread the blurb about this book and assumed it was a Chinese detective story that would fit the earlier PBT theme. I didn't get to it then so when I saw it on the list of Sci Fi books I thought aha! it will do nicely for this month. However, this is what is apparently termed "hard" science fiction and as I only got a C on my O level physics back in the 1980s the majority of this went right over my head. However, I persevered and actually, even with skipping a lot of the technical stuff, enjoyed the plotline. The story skips back to the Cultural Revolution, through Ye Wenjie's life and on to the present and the non-technical parts are interesting.

Unfortunately, the other point I missed about this book is that it is the start of a trilogy. I got to what my Kobo told me was page 577 out of 673 and it just ended! Absolutely no wrapping up and no resolution so my last three days of reading are completely wasted. There's no way I'm going to struggle through another two of these so I feel rather frustrated and determined to read the description a lot more carefully in future.

[Booknblues]

I love the title and it sounds appealing, but thanks for the heads up, I am just not that good at science to be hoodwinked into reading 3 books.

[Cora]

I am usually OK with hard science fiction and this was even tough for me.

[annapi]

I enjoyed it but yes it was a bit of a struggle for me too. I started book 2 earlier in the month but have not been able to get into it, especially as I'm struggling to remember what happened in book 1, so I'm not sure I will be able to finish it. If I can't find anything else I want to read tagged extraterrestrials I might power through it - right now I'm focusing on finishing at least one book for each of the states.

[Teodora]

My father loved it, but I've been reluctant to start it exactly because it's hard science fiction. I'm good at science, but right now I want my reading to entertain me, not make me think. Maybe there will be a time in my life when I'll consider reading this.

[ShazM]

Teodora wrote: "My father loved it, but I've been reluctant to start it exactly because it's hard science fiction. I'm good at science, but right now I want my reading to entertain me, not make me think. Maybe the..."

I think if you enjoy science then this may be a better book than I have given credit for but, as you say, now may not be the time. I'm supposed to be reading Dante's Inferno right now but I have reverted to some easier reads instead to keep my spirits up.