Playground, by Richard Powers, 4.5 stars

[NancyJ]

I really enjoyed reading this book even though the core conflict in the story didn’t quite make sense to me. There were enough really wonderful sections that made the book very worthwhile. My rating of 4.5 could go up or down as I continue to think about how all the pieces fit together.

The female characters were the most interesting to me, especially the diver turned oceanographer. I would like to read her book - or a book like it. I’ll have to reread the end notes to see if he hints at the inspiration for the character. I loved the island setting, with it’s real life history and the colorful characters. The AI and Alzheimer’s stories were both interesting, though the character of Todd felt incomplete to me. I know I’ll continue to think about this book for some time.

[Nicole R]

This is my next audiobook and I am really looking forward to it.

[Joy D]

I loved this book! It made my 2024 Top 10. Powers is such a wonderful writer. I made him my "author of the year" and am planning to read at least 5 books from his backlist this year.

Nicole - I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

By the way, Nancy, you might be interested in a book I just finished:
The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works.

[Nicole R]

Joy D wrote: "I loved this book! It made my 2024 Top 10. Powers is such a wonderful writer. I made him my "author of the year" and am planning to read at least 5 books from his backlist this year.

Nicole - I ho..."

The Blue Machine is on my list as well!

[Joy D]

Awesome, Nicole. I thought it was excellent.

[NancyJ]

Joy D wrote: "I loved this book! It made my 2024 Top 10. Powers is such a wonderful writer. I made him my "author of the year" and am planning to read at least 5 books from his backlist this year.

Nicole - I ho..."

@ Joy - Thanks, I have it on my tbr and well as books by Helen Scale. He mentioned that book, plus Sea Change: A Message of the Oceans, Other Minds and Manta: Secret Life of Devil Rays.

(view spoiler)[ in his acknowledgments, he makes a cute reference to books that his AI “plagiarized” from. Sea change is the bio that inspired the Canadian character. (hide spoiler)]

@Nicole - I hope you enjoy it too.

[Joy D]

Thanks for the info!