2024-09-08 I finished this few days ago. VERY gripping. I fully see why Hugo is considered a Master! Below, I have highlighted many parts of the book 2024-09-08 I finished this few days ago. VERY gripping. I fully see why Hugo is considered a Master! Below, I have highlighted many parts of the book that seemed really insightful to me.
This book is a bit of a roller-coaster, since it is not always easy to see what Hugo is getting at when he goes deep into character description, historical settings, customs, peccadillos and justice/injustices.
The book is about the BRITISH aristocracy and how lower born individuals have a very different life, expectations, difficulties, etc. The author is constantly considering what is the "just" thing to happen or do by the characters and the time.
The writing is mostly beautiful, though Hugo can belabor a point well beyond any need, with almost countless examples and juxtapositions.
If I have time I will review my notes and perhaps add some additional thoughts &/or examples.
Oh, almost forgot, this book has an early section on and deals throughout with a group of people known as the Comprachicos. For those who have read the Ayn Rand essay on this topic, this will be very significant. And for almost anyone, your blood will run cold reading how Hugo describes the and their "craft."...more
2024-06-01 I finished the book 5-6 days ago and am now updating my review of each story below. 2024-05-21 Started this about 10 days ago. Some is fasci2024-06-01 I finished the book 5-6 days ago and am now updating my review of each story below. 2024-05-21 Started this about 10 days ago. Some is fascinating. Some is creepy. The author seems a little too into some politically correct ideas for me, and does not seem to deal with (understand) classical liberal ideas. But he sure seems to voice various Marxist, Labor Union, interventionist, and generally statist ideas. However, I did note a flavor of anti-bureaucratic/anti-government control comments in one of the stories. He also seems pretty pessimistic about the human condition, even though some of the passages are very pro-humanity.
I'm about 65% into it and looking to finish to have a better idea of what it is all about. The book is a compilation of short stories/novellas:
Tower of Babylon - about miners brought into Babylon to work on expanding the tower past the barrier that the heavens have become which halted progress on building the tower. The sense of dread for what is coming permeates the story.
Understand - man who went into a coma due to being drowned gets revived by a new drug... and enhanced to have genius + mental and some physical powers and what he does with them, and what another patient who also needed and got the drug, a little bit before him, does too. LOVED some of the descriptions of the new mental state/powers, but the description of and dichotomy with his and the other person's philosophy left a taste in my mouth that I don't like.
Division by Zero - a logical flaw, that involves this disallowed mathematical operation, can drive you mad. I thought it was pretty neat till I figured out this was not going to end well.
Story of your Life - Fascinating story. Was the basis for the interesting movie "Arrival." Charming description of a linguist's (with the help of a physicist's) trying to communicate with aliens by learning their language, written and spoken. Concurrently her notes to her daughter about impressions of the daughter and their lives together and not, with some appearances of the father too. Not sure I have come to terms with the unexpected ending and how time and future events are dealt with yet. The key is Fermat's Theorem, and that is not exactly in my wheelhouse. Will need to reread that part, at least. And maybe see the movie again too.
Seventy Two Letters - Very funky futuristic story set in the past with references to 1800s Victorian England, but with robotic toys of clay. The 72 letters are a type of program/instructions for toys &/or automatons ... and humans? It's a bit confusing. The story is about "nomenclatures" (and others) playing god with creation of future humans & robots, to save the human race from expected extinction. Many "divine powers" are discussed and situations described for various individuals to act their parts. Lots of funky biological terms are used (autonym, euonym, ontogenic encoding, etc.) Good and evil, good and bad motives, power & helplessness, you know, that sort of stuff. This story could be related to the AI debates about its limited/unlimited capabilities. ON this score, the story is actually pretty good in showing some of the significant limits and potential abuses of AI. But I prefer other ways and qualities in discussing such things. The work of Adam Thierer on "Permissionless Innovation" is much more to my liking.
The Evolution of Human Science - More AI doomy scenarios. Worth thinking about, yes, but I'm not as enthralled about his scenarios vs. others and their uses of actual historical reality in seeing the most important forces and potential outcomes. I mentioned Adam Thierer's work for the previous story and it fits for this one too. David Friedman's "Future Imperfect" may be another alternative that I prefer too, though again, not fiction, just reasonable, and mind stretching logic. Interesting to see the use of the word "hermeneutics" in this story. Reminds me of a faction of Austrian school of economics, economists in the 1980s who got into that rubric. I was not impressed then, or now. But maybe my confusion and dislike just shows the limits of my brain/abilities?
Hell Is the Absence of God - Chiang LOVES to go back and forth with the reader, showing the ideas and benefits of one line of thinking, then abruptly changing to show the problems with it by advocating the/an opposing view. Again, I found this story fairly confusing, and not very satisfying. But not terrible, just more funky than fun or helpful.
Liking What You See: A Documentary - this ending story again repeats the formula of describing one side of a philosophy/technique - this one is "calliagnosia" to "cure" "lookism" then giving some critiques of it, then back to promoting it, then back to critiques - back and forth, back and forth, throughout the story. Lots to discuss... and consider, since some of what this is all about seems highly relevant for the coercive debates/policies/actions taking place on campuses, in congress and state governments right now. But the coercive nature of such policies, and the non-reversibility & actual non-treatable harm of actual real-life policies/operations/actions seems to be pooh-pooed here in this story.
The author seems far too cavalier with individuals lives needing to be controlled by those individuals themselves to my mind, even though he appears to consider that issue in some/most of the stories. But I believe if you look, most of the stories end with self-determination/independence and freedom getting the short end of the stick. But I may be wrong - the stories are pretty complicated and end on varying notes with not always clear implications....more
2024-05-14 Finished early this morning - what a neat book! Excellent ending - the big tension and mystery was not revealed till the very end. Cool endi2024-05-14 Finished early this morning - what a neat book! Excellent ending - the big tension and mystery was not revealed till the very end. Cool ending - quite fitting. Such an uplifting book.
I don't think that Eliot has much clear to say about economics or politics (except how sleazy the latter can be in some significant aspects), but her clarity on morality, exalted purposes of life, the value of an intense pursuit of the truth and other important aspects of life is unequaled!
I have shared many quotations from the book below, to give you plenty of snippets of what I thought were often rare insights or turns of phrase that were just delightful, or profound.
2024-05-08 About 55% into this and this is turning into a very big mystery story too, besides all the other things Eliot describes. Becoming a real "page-turner."
2024-05-06 only about 35% into this so far, but am enjoying it very much. A note on the edition I am reading. It is a Kindle Edition, though I am not sure it is the one here highlighted. The one I am reading has some significant deficiencies: - far too many annoying and sometimes confusing typos (leading me to wonder if a word I don't recognize is really the word that should be there or a typo?) - no table of contents - sure would be nice to have that for reference, navigation, etc. - no editor notes - which would be very helpful for the words, phrases and references that are not able to be found in the pop-up dictionary & Wikipedia references that the Kindle edition DOES provide
Funny that the book, so far, is NOT mostly focused on the title character and his political type. Exploration of that type was one of the main reasons I actually started reading the book. But since I have continued this far, and am looking forward to finishing, you can probably tell I find other aspects of the book quite compelling.
2024-03-27 I remember reading this book about 25 years ago and really loving it.
Fascinating SF scenarios about possible futures. Vinge is a really good2024-03-27 I remember reading this book about 25 years ago and really loving it.
Fascinating SF scenarios about possible futures. Vinge is a really good writer. I remember the book & author were recommended to me and others in the audience by David Friedman at a talk or two he gave in Silicon Valley in the late 1990s at either Santa Clara University for the Civil Society Inst. or Ming's Restaurant, for the Jefferson Society or both. When I mentioned it to a colleague at work (Verisign) he mentioned the little book by Vinge called Real Names, which is also VERY cool, preceded the internet but predicted some of its power. ...more
2024-03-18 This book was the choice of a book group I am in, and I did not choose it to read otherwise. But I love the group and other members, so I r2024-03-18 This book was the choice of a book group I am in, and I did not choose it to read otherwise. But I love the group and other members, so I read it and am glad I did.
It is a non-fiction telling of a harrowing, deadly and ultimately ridiculous mission of the British government of 1740, as part of the little known War of Jenkins Ear, vs. the Spanish.
The author does a very gripping job of telling the tale after doing extensive research into the: - time period 1740-46 - logs/diaries of those involved - court martial hearings papers - books and other documents about the war, mission, shipwreck, hearing, etc.
The ability of some of the crew to survive the horrors of the mission is pretty incredible to believe. The descriptions of the reality of the imperialist policies of the British government, such as the coercive "impressment" of many crew members is well done and quite a reminder of how much more "gentle" our world is today comparatively.
The descriptions of how the local "savages" were better able to survive the conditions where the crew was shipwrecked was a nice contrast in the language used, if not the mentality of the people concerned.
The justice of the court martial hearing/proceedings was a bit of a shock to realize after going through all the misdeeds by so many of the crew and officers, but it was something very good to ponder, depending on one's point-of-view and what one wanted to get out of it.
So, if any of what I have written above peaks your interest, I highly recommend the book....more
2024-01-02 Just finished this novella a couple days ago. Funky book. Not really my style. Does a good job of explaining the fundamental moral problem 2024-01-02 Just finished this novella a couple days ago. Funky book. Not really my style. Does a good job of explaining the fundamental moral problem with socialism/communism, and the first regime to embrace that idea - the USSR. The idea is that citizens are to live for the state, not the other way around. The perniciousness of this idea is described in the purpose of the prison and the affect it has on the prisoners, the guards as well as the commandant.
The idea of the book is about the plan of the wife of one of the prisoners to free him. It is not your typical plan. It involves a some interesting psychology and philosophy, but I don't think I buy it.
The artist who drew this graphic novel has talent, for sure. But I'm not sure I buy his style, or perhaps his interpretation of the characters.
The guards and commandant are drawn in so grotesque a style, that it was a turn-off. The prisoners were reasonable, except for the main one, who was made to look like a super-human, muscleman. The woman was drawn beautifully and very seductively - nice - but incongruous with all the other characters, though perhaps not her husband.
I really like most of Ayn Rand's work, but this one is not quite right for me. It does follow the psychology/philosophy of another one of Rand's stories, the play: The Night of January 16, so that fits for me....more
2023-10-11 I just finished the first story "Ragged Dick" a couple days ago - a rereading for a book club discussion coming up in a few days. Loved it.2023-10-11 I just finished the first story "Ragged Dick" a couple days ago - a rereading for a book club discussion coming up in a few days. Loved it. A few years ago I had first listened to the book and liked it so much I listened 3-4x! See my review on Goodreads of a different (pb?) edition., since there is no Librivox audio edition listed. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I bought this Kindle book a few days ago so that I would have the actual text, instead of just listening (which I did again anyway on a little car journey a few days ago also.) I chose this edition, since it was cheap and had 10 (out of 70!) of the famous author's top stories - very handy and thrifty.
Wonderful book - highly recommended. Great values promoted in this story: honesty, hard work, perseverance, good humor, charity, respectability, importance of a good education, saving, good habits, self-discipline, positive attitude, good friends and friendship, etc. Luck is acknowledged as helping, but capitalizing on it, and not relying on it, is shown to be the key.
(Reminds me of the quote of a famous attorney in Chicago when asked about his luck in winning trials and becoming generally successful: (paraphrasing from memory - "I somehow seemed to gain more luck in my career the more hours I spent in the law library compared to the golf course.)
Great historical insights on survival (without government welfare mentioned at all). Note the prices for goods/services in the book and compare them to today! Note how easy it is to get a good education at very reasonable cost.
I do see some typos and other glitches in this edition, but they are quite minor, for such a low cost edition, that provides so much value.
2023-Oct - The 2nd story "Fame and Fortune" shows how corrosive and negative envy and an entitled attitude can be to all. This story was a nice continuation of the main characters in Ragged Dick, with more added and nicely varying plot, action and conflicts.
These stories are 160 years old, from when society was VASTLY materially poorer! Think of the possibilities for today, with the same values, and present wealth levels!
We need many more books like this, written about modern situations, issues and settings.
2023 Nov - 3rd story - "Mark the Match Boy" - another good one, with another poor street boy profession highlighted - selling matches. Good reinforcement of positive values and fighting difficulties in circumstances, bad influences, bad values, etc. The economics of the business is quite instructive for the time and in a timeless way too. Wonderful.
2023-12-5? - 4th story - "Rough and Ready" - Rufus' nickname is well deserved - a bit rough around the edges, but basically very, very good, and super dedicated to his little sister and always ready for opportunities to help her, his customers/employers and himself. The benefits of honesty and hard work/dedication to what is right and good, vs. idleness, envy, sloth, vindictiveness, etc. Great lessons. Neat story, as usual. No one is perfect, which is what life is really like. But some people are so down to earth, basically good, that you can really count on them. And facts matter. And good questions to actually reveal fact from fiction is important. Crucial.
2023-12-07 Just finished the 5th story within this book: "Ben, The Luggage Boy" - another wonderfully uplifting story. This one is about Ben, who left home at the age of 10 due to his wanting to be independent of his father, who had wronged him. He finds out how difficult earning one's way in the world can be for someone that young, but survives. He also learns about the importance of doing more than just surviving day-to-day, and some really important things in life. The basic math skills exhibited in all the stories is great. Even though most of the "heroes" of the stories - the young boys - have had very little formal education, they all seem to understand basic math, and regularly calculate earnings/day (or partial day) and whether it is more profitable to do one thing or the other, how much time is needed to work for meals, or a room, or a cigar or a Bowery show.
2023-12-11 6th story - "Rufus and Rose" - Returning to Rufus (Rough and Ready) and his sister Rose, the continued saga, where the thoroughly nasty "step-father," James Martin, returns to wreck havoc, and he gets nastier and more dangerous with the aid of even more sinister conmen, but Rufus is up to the challenge. The problems of overdrinking or smoking are demonstrated well, so moderation or abstention benefits are made pretty clear.
2023-12-11 7th story - "Tattered Tom, or the Story of a Street Arab" - Well, well - this is the story of a young street girl, with only a mean and worthless "granny" to help her survive. She would rather be a boy, so acts similarly to the boys, and can take on any of them, if they are near her size, if she needs to. I loved her attitude, grit, "pluck" and turns of expression. And so does the ship's captain who has come back to the city to see his sister. He takes a liking to this plucky little gal with the boy's nickname (Did you know the expression Tomboy dates back to at least the 1870s?) and sets her up in a seemingly decent situation, vastly better than she endured with "granny." But things don't go as planned and granny reappears for some pretty tense and hopeless situations. But Tom is up to the trying situations, and never gives up, but rather somehow always makes lemonade out of the lemons she is served.
One little quirk was that at one point the captain's sister called Tom by the name Tom said may have been her real name: Jenny. But then later in the book, without any explanation, all of a sudden she is being called Jane. I dunno what happened.
2023-12-18 8th story (only 3 more to go!) "Paul the Peddler" - has a mother and brother, but their husband/father was killed a year or two before the story begins, so Paul (and his family) had a better beginning than most of the other stories' "heroes", but they are living in much tougher straits than they did previously, and he, at only 14 or 15 is the main breadwinner. His "peddling" is his own invention, and it is kind of mini-lottery. But since it does well, and he's honest, he attracts tough (and dishonest) competition, that makes life very difficult.
Side Comment: One of the extra neat things about these Horatio Alger stories is that honest competition is shown to be natural and lauded, and dishonest competition is shown to be semi-rare and bad for everyone - including the perps of course.
Things get sorted out in all the stories with mostly private actions and a minimal amount of government police/courts action, kept to just the basics of justice. No government "regulators" are involved at all, except just one (so far) that stifles honest trade with prohibitively expensive licenses/taxes.
Such a simple, reasonable and accurate description, yet how many books, movies, high school and college classes, TV shows, political speeches or laws have it all backwards these days?
The story continued by plowing some new as well as reinforcing some existing fertile ground. Entrepreneurial thinking, economic calculations, financing a new business and the importance of trust, friendship, high morals and fast, decisive actions. Reputations and the different profit levels/needs of varying businesses (pawn shops vs. big name jewelers in particular), which included hints on discovering fair vs. foul dealing, were all very valuable to this reader, and probably most anyone who reads the story
However, there were several little, somewhat unbelievable, lapses too, which made it less real and much more reliant on luck as a key device.
2023-12-24 The 9th story "Phil the Fidler" - Filippo, the young Italian immigrant was "sold" by his poor father in Italy to a "Padrone" who treats him and the other boys he has "bought" like a slave. They are all forced to work for their living on the streets of NY, fiddling for hand-outs, provided little to eat and required to turn over all their money to the Padrone, to repay the money he gave to their fathers (but not to them). Very tough life. One of Phil's friends dies of exposure, sickness and the resulting ill-treatment. But Phil succeeds by his wits, perseverance, strong character and some luck, of course, though he had his ill-luck too and close-calls, but persevered. Kindness and open-hearts by a couple who were also gravely treated by fate was another warm and fuzzy aspect to the story. Another excellent story.
2023-12-26 The 10th & last story in this book: "Slow and Sure: THE [continuing] STORY OF PAUL HOFFMAN THE YOUNG STREET-MERCHANT. Excellent ending story to this wonderful volume. Paul's rise is by no means a sure thing, but his strong work ethic, seizing of opportunities when they present themselves, attention to his family and friends and even strangers all help him along. Remembering his humble beginnings and treating others with kindness pays off in more than just feeling good about himself. The plucky and dirt poor character Julius is introduced to very good effect. He and Paul both benefit from dealing straight with each other.
2023-12-30 Just received a GREAT compliment on my review and what I think about this book from a dear and very learned friend: "This [book] is what I need to read to [her granddaughter] when she’s a little older!" WOW!!!! YES, indeed. It is going on my list for my reading to our grandkids, if/when we ever have any....more
2023-08-16 Finished listening to this last Sat. Very cool book. I Found out about it via a book club I just joined. We had a wonderful discussion of t2023-08-16 Finished listening to this last Sat. Very cool book. I Found out about it via a book club I just joined. We had a wonderful discussion of the book, its author and the book/author's milieu.
First, the audible edition I listened to was first rate - really good narrator who made all the characters come alive, especially with their various accents, from Milton/Manchester area (which to my ear sounded quite like Scottish) to proper London to rural south England, during this 1840s/50s time period. However, because the Milton/Manchester dialect was so thick, it caused me to miss some content, unless I had time/energy to go rewind and listen again, or yet again sometimes. The realism of the narrator got in the way of my comprehension and speed of enjoying the novel, in other words. But I don't begrudge this edition, but rather only my bad hearing and comprehension abilities. If you listen to this edition, I hope you have a little easier time than I did with certain tough parts... and enjoy it all at least as much as I did!
The characterizations were excellent too - very vivid and believable. Some of the main characters were quite heroic, some were frivolous/ditzy as hell, some dour and mirthless, some scholarly and wonderfully witty, some dull and sad, etc. They ran the gamut.
The themes/ideas in this novel were super worthy of great discussions and presentation: - honesty - honor - wealth and poverty - culture and ethics - worker conditions, pollution & workplace safety - unions, strikes, productivity, market conditions, finances, etc. etc. - communications - the difficulties and importance of same - love and standards for appropriate affections - so much more
The author was a contemporary of the (now) much better known Charles Dickens and he acted as her editor, getting her to modify her title for the book and probably much more, which was first published as a serialized story in a magazine where he held that position/power. Much in this book is supposed to deal with similar themes in Dickens' "Hard Times" which I have not yet read, but may because of this book.
I really liked how Gaskell portrayed the two main characters as being originally quite prejudicial to their own background/area/point of view, but that upon being exposed to new & different facts and perspectives, they changed their views to fit objective reality. That is a very positive thing, which I admire and loved reading about.
Gaskell's style of writing was superb.
Highly recommended.
And I watched the 2004 BBC TV adaptation series (4 episodes) and loved it. Some differences with the book (of course) but most were inconsequential, and the actors, script, set, etc. were all very well done....more
2022-11-19 Just finished this fun, humorous, first (and only?) novel by Reason Magazine editor J.D. Tuccille. I enjoyed it. Fast paced, with some like2022-11-19 Just finished this fun, humorous, first (and only?) novel by Reason Magazine editor J.D. Tuccille. I enjoyed it. Fast paced, with some likeable main (positive) characters and some incredibly goofy/ridiculous bad guys. The caricatures of the bad guys (and gals) was pretty far-fetched, though with a solid kernel of truth kept me going. The plot was a little (? LOL) "extreme" to say the least. But as with the characterizations, a solid kernel of truth or at least plausibility, based on the ridiculous philosophy of the bad guys.
The book will probably appeal to the more anarcho-capitalist type libertarians than the more classical liberal types, like me, due to two of the three the main positive characters' personal philosophy and actions. Their disdain for most laws and bureaucrats/politicians is palpable. Of course the bad guys disdain most basic laws and morals too, but in a far different way.
I liked the descriptions of the natural environment of northern AZ, a big player in the story, especially since I have visited there and got to know the somewhat similar Sonoran desert around Tucson over the last 25 years or so.
Since the book was published in 2011, and I have come to really enjoy the author's reporting and commentary in his Reason.com articles over the last 4-6 years, I wonder if he has any more novels coming? Would love to see a similar style, pace, humor type novel with some improvements (maturation?) of the bad guy characters, plot, and believability on some points.
A few parts of the book I highlighted:
"Scott didn't share his buddy's conspiracy theories, but not because of any inherent respect for government employees. To the contrary, he considered anybody who preferred a life of administering laws and rules and living off of taxes to one of persuading people to buy what you had to sell and living on what you could earn to be more worthy of contempt than fear." Highlighting the author's anarcho-capitalist perspective, which I don't share. Bureaucrats and politicians have a sacred and crucial duty to uphold basic laws that make civilization and human thriving in a difficult and dangerous world possible.
"years of writing about business had crystallized his convictions. So far as he could tell, government regulators were good primarily at tripping up the competent and propping up the screw-ups. Especially if the screw-ups were their buddies." - Wish more business writers got this perspective from their work besides the author, John Stossel, Avik Roy (?) and precious few others.
"Mostly, I’m a loafer who likes to hike and shoot and cash paychecks from companies that haven’t yet realized that they no longer need my services.” Not very moral/admirable character traits of this generally positive (otherwise) main character.
“Naked taxpayer-subsidized arsonists with the runs!” - typical bad guys? LOL
Another nit: the author uses the term "authority" as his whipping boy for the main characters. If he used "tyrant" or "authoritarian" (one who loves to coerce others) I would be MUCH more positive. But well-earned, voluntary "authority" is a very positive thing.
Enjoyed this little exchange because of the (sadly) realistic view of Youtube's connections with government officials and of the individualistic/independent spirit and knowledge of the protagonists:
"Now, why don't we get that video of yours onto our servers.” “It's already up on YouTube.” “Oh, YouTube will fold the first time somebody official waves a take-down order at them, and we already know you're dealing with government people. Our servers are in Amsterdam. And so is the company that officially owns them. I think we can keep your video online a good long time, even after they find a lawyer who speaks Dutch.” “Really?” “Yep. This isn't our first legal rodeo.”
Last bit of humor, philosophy, and perspective on the 2nd amendment. If this kind of writing appeals to you, this book is for you:
"They have horses and guns and other friends on the way.” Scott nodded, impressed. It seemed like the right thing to do, to acknowledge people he'd never met who were willing to bear arms against deranged, half-naked, government-employed arsonists."
2022-08-25 I read this in the 1970s and liked it, but not as much as "The Day of the Jackal" by the same author. Lots of neat historical references an2022-08-25 I read this in the 1970s and liked it, but not as much as "The Day of the Jackal" by the same author. Lots of neat historical references and then current issues with Israel, Germans, Nazis, etc.
Recommended if you like fast-paced and historically based thrillers....more
2022-06-08 I just saw a good little review of this book and remembered that I had actually read it in high school.
I never figured out the point of thi2022-06-08 I just saw a good little review of this book and remembered that I had actually read it in high school.
I never figured out the point of this 19th century book by the great author of Moby Dick and Billy Budd. Luis's Goodreads review probably points out the right questions.... but still, it is a very strange book, and question - why the heck is the statement "I prefer not to" worth exploring... when nothing/no one could get Bartleby to act?...more
2022-08-08 I still need to go through my notes and highlights to expand/refine my review. This book deserves it and I have heartily recommended it man2022-08-08 I still need to go through my notes and highlights to expand/refine my review. This book deserves it and I have heartily recommended it many times since my reading a few months ago.
The writing style is excellent - very engaging and compelling. The characterizations fit people I know. The situations are a little bit of a stretch, but optimism is a very good quality for positive change. The author has very sound and super-needed ideas/policies that are discussed by the main characters in the book. I love books with strong discussions.
This book is much needed for those who think government gun controls/restrictions are an effective answer to crime.
Fun, vindicating and helpful read for libertarians, conservatives, 2A committed folks, & open minded individuals.
Perfect summer book - don't miss it.
2022-04-20 Just finished this morning after waking up early and reading for a couple hours. Wonderful. The book ended very strong. Great critique of political/economic/social issues of today and the near future, yet the discussion did not slow down the exciting story.
The plot is moderately believable at first, then gets better as it goes on. The ending is left somewhat up in the air, but there was pretty neat action not long before.
If you care about ideas and the future of your country, this book should touch some nerves.
I look forward to filling out this review with more details soon as I can go through my notes and organize my thoughts....more
2022-04-13 Finished this last night, just a couple weeks or so after finishing the final (#9) Expanse series book, "Leviathan Falls." This book is a c2022-04-13 Finished this last night, just a couple weeks or so after finishing the final (#9) Expanse series book, "Leviathan Falls." This book is a collection of all the novellas that the authors wrote to go deeper into various characters &/or places in the Expanse series books, and some nods to the TV series' too. I judge it an excellent addition to the series of books.
I had only read one of these earlier - "Strange Dogs," probably since I was always struggling to keep up with all the novels, that reading these "extra" stories just seemed too much, at the time.
Really liked most all the stories collected in this book, and think they gave some fascinating extra background on a few of the key characters who were not treated thoroughly enough in the main books.
So if you would like to read some cool stories about the following, this book is for you:
- The Epstein Drive - "Drive"- who created it and what were the circumstances and implications of it's creation.
- Fred Thompson - "The Butcher of Anderson Station" - good but, the story betted the question, "why did the station inhabitants fight back so foolishly, considering the true situation?"
- Amos/Timmy - "The Churn" - fit the character drawn in the main books and answered the questions that the reporter in the books (Monica?) was not able to find out - what was his background? Some very dark and twisted stuff.
- Cortázar (the mad/amoral scientist) - "The Vital Abyss" - VERY dark.
- Filip - "Sins of Our Fathers" - essential for those who want to know what the heck happened to him after he decided to leave his father and the "Free Navy" crew. Fascinating. Somewhat believable. Very interesting ending. Ties right in to an important detective Miller moment in one of the early books.
- The planet - Auberon - why it was important and what happened to it when the Laconians took over. Someone from an earlier book comes back, but it was not easy to figure out who.
One of the cool things about this book was the little authors' comments after each novella/chapter. They added some neat insights on why they wrote it, or something quirky about it, or other fun stuff.
Guess you can tell I liked it. So this means there are really 10 books in the series - 9 plus this collection of the novellas. Long series, but I loved it. Don't think I ever read any series this long before. BTW, I recommend the TV series' too - there are 6 seasons. I watched the first 4 about 4x (or more) each. The last two I have only seen about 2x each. Some differences with the books, but the spirit is quite true to the books.
If you actually read this whole review, you might possibly like to see my notes while reading the book, so here they are: https://www.goodreads.com/notes/58396...
2022-12-24 Upon rereading my review above, one downside of this book's novellas comes to me - the darkness of these novellas is significantly greater than the more optimistic and positive nature of the books/TV series'. Also the libertarian themes/insights in the books, in particular the emphasis on only defensive force being justifiable, seems to be greatly downplayed or even totally missing from these novellas. That is sad to me.
Not sure of the permissions. So if you have any issues, just send me a message and I will see what I can do....more
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