So, maybe metaliterature isn't really a word, and maybe it isn't what I mean anyway, but meta seems to be the thing, so how could I pass up the chance to metafy?
This week, I finished reading The Eyre Affair, by Jasper Fforde. It's a good read. Not a "can't put it down" book, because I could put it down, but it did crowd out some other things I was reading, which I think makes it a compelling read at the very least, although I'm not sure I'd describe it as compelling in the connotative sense of the word. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
First, the biography of this book.
Genre: novel, sci-fi/alternate history, female protagonist, bit of a love story as a secondary plot, mystery/detective fiction.
Main character: Thursday Next
Setting: England, 1985
Premise: Time travel is a given, and this has interesting consequences on history and on literature. Then someone figures out how to travel into literature, and how to bring fictional characters into reality. Villain threatens to destroy famous piece of literature, and heroine's job is to stop him.
What really stands out about this book is the premise. What if we could travel into fiction and bring fictional characters into reality. The writing is good (it's not Dickens or Austen or anything, but it's good writing), the characters are likeable enough (although somehow I never feel like I really know Thursday Next. I think her dad is pretty fantastic, though. This may not be your experience though--who knows why I didn't connect with the main character). I will say that it helps to be familiar with the plot of Jane Eyre, and this may be part of why I felt a bit distant from the characters. I have read Jane Eyre, but it has been a long time, and I'm not extremely familiar with the plot or the characters. So when Rochester takes on a behind the scenes personality, I don't know how congruous it is with his character in the novel. You can get by with a vague idea of the plot, but I recommend brushing up on it. I think it would have improved the reading experience.
Like I say, though, what really snagged me was the premise. The idea behind the book is pretty original, and the author does a good job of not ruining a good plot idea. Nothing is so sad as a great plot with poor execution. (I myself am an idea person, but not necessarily an idea executioner, so I appreciate people who can take a good idea and make it the best it can be). I think it's an idea that can go a thousand directions, and I never would have predicted this particular direction, but I was intrigued and enjoyed it.
The premise also led the book to be literature about literature itself, although not in an analytical or academic way. There are continuous discussions by the characters about the true author of Shakespeare's plays and various poets and novels and so on, which possibly makes the book read like this blog--the author's opinion on various literary works. This thread is in and of itself an interesting thing to consider (and it reminds me of Don Quixote, which I should review at some point. Fantastic literature, that.) It's fairly overt metaliterature, so be warned if that kind of thing bugs you. But on the whole, it's just good light reading, and I'm planning on reading more Thursday Next novels.
And is it just me, or does Jasper Fforde kind of vaguely remind anyone else of Daniel Craig?
Showing posts with label science fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label science fiction. Show all posts
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Finishing
It is really satisfying to finish books, especially ones that are on your to-read list. This week, I finished a few books, most of which were on my list, including:
Maphead, by Ken Jennings: Good read. Not a geography textbook, more a look at the history of geography, the uses of it, how it's changed, and the quirks of people into geography. Don't think you'll come away with a basic knowledge of the world map. Instead, you'll come away wanting that knowledge. Don't be intimidated. Jennings' style is light and entertaining.
Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis: First thing you think of when you hear C.S. Lewis? Narnia and books on Christianity. Science fiction? Not so much. But, he did author a sci-fi trilogy. I started reading it, then lost my copy (fortunately it was a 50 cent copy. Still, sad) and had to check out a copy from the library. I think having read it over so much time made it a bit harder to follow, but at the end, I really wanted to know what happens next. So, looks like at some point, I'll be picking up the next book. True to his style in The Chronicles of Narnia, there are religious overtones. It's interesting to read sci-fi from so early (mid 1900's), and to try to imagine what Lewis envisioned as he wrote. Also interesting, because he's writing about a man who visits Mars (hope that's not too much of a spoiler), which probably seemed impossible then, but we've got stuff on Mars now. There are lots of dimensions to explore here.
Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm: This is one of those books that just tells a story. There's no overt moral or theme or lesson. It is just a story about life in Florida during the Depression. Written for the upper grade school age (by my estimate), it is an enjoyable read. Good style, the characters are real and believable. Now, as far as plot goes--don't expect a plot. This book is like life. It just unfolds. I like books like that, and this one is a good one.
Princess Ben, Catherine Gilbert Murdock: I don't know why I'm so into fairy tales rewritten lately, but it seems like I am. Think retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with an element of Snow White and a tower factor (Rapunzel, anyone?), with references to a lot of other fairy tales. Young adult girls will definitely like it. Not all retellings are equal, but this is on the high end of the scale.
Don't think I wasted any time filling up my list, though. I've been investigating the Hamish MacBeth books by MC Beaton, I'm enjoying some Terry Pratchett, and I've got Mao's Last Dancer on the list.
Fingers crossed, soon I'll have less time for so much reading because I'll have a job, but in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy things.
Hope I haven't bored you too much--I'll come up with something really exciting for next week!
Maphead, by Ken Jennings: Good read. Not a geography textbook, more a look at the history of geography, the uses of it, how it's changed, and the quirks of people into geography. Don't think you'll come away with a basic knowledge of the world map. Instead, you'll come away wanting that knowledge. Don't be intimidated. Jennings' style is light and entertaining.
Out of the Silent Planet, by C.S. Lewis: First thing you think of when you hear C.S. Lewis? Narnia and books on Christianity. Science fiction? Not so much. But, he did author a sci-fi trilogy. I started reading it, then lost my copy (fortunately it was a 50 cent copy. Still, sad) and had to check out a copy from the library. I think having read it over so much time made it a bit harder to follow, but at the end, I really wanted to know what happens next. So, looks like at some point, I'll be picking up the next book. True to his style in The Chronicles of Narnia, there are religious overtones. It's interesting to read sci-fi from so early (mid 1900's), and to try to imagine what Lewis envisioned as he wrote. Also interesting, because he's writing about a man who visits Mars (hope that's not too much of a spoiler), which probably seemed impossible then, but we've got stuff on Mars now. There are lots of dimensions to explore here.
Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer Holm: This is one of those books that just tells a story. There's no overt moral or theme or lesson. It is just a story about life in Florida during the Depression. Written for the upper grade school age (by my estimate), it is an enjoyable read. Good style, the characters are real and believable. Now, as far as plot goes--don't expect a plot. This book is like life. It just unfolds. I like books like that, and this one is a good one.
Princess Ben, Catherine Gilbert Murdock: I don't know why I'm so into fairy tales rewritten lately, but it seems like I am. Think retelling of Sleeping Beauty crossed with an element of Snow White and a tower factor (Rapunzel, anyone?), with references to a lot of other fairy tales. Young adult girls will definitely like it. Not all retellings are equal, but this is on the high end of the scale.
Don't think I wasted any time filling up my list, though. I've been investigating the Hamish MacBeth books by MC Beaton, I'm enjoying some Terry Pratchett, and I've got Mao's Last Dancer on the list.
Fingers crossed, soon I'll have less time for so much reading because I'll have a job, but in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy things.
Hope I haven't bored you too much--I'll come up with something really exciting for next week!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
But wait! There's more....
This week, I finished listening to The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi. It was terrific, especially if you like history. I really wanted to see the movie, but couldn't for the simple fact that I have this standard of no R movies. So, I did the next best thing--or maybe the better thing--and listened to the book. It was terrific. You get your British history, your world history, your WWII history, your medical history (the history of speech therapy), a lot of biography, and your speech therapy/psychology. Highlights:
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.
But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.
But wait...there's more!
I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.
But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.
But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!
-King George VI was a really good person. There have been a lot of rotten rulers from a lot of countries and from every time, but this guy was a pretty stand-up person. It's always great to read about a quality person.
-The perspective people had on stammerers and speech 'defects' (not my phrasing). It is kind of mind boggling. The trend was to treat it all as a psychological problem. So, Lionel Logue approached it as a physical problem, and it got some good results. Of course, there is a psychological element--any physical problem has psychological effects. But Logue helped people move past the physical problem, and that resolved any psychological side effects.
-Score one for archivists! This is a great example of how valuable our records can be.
Verdict: Well written story, definitely a worthwhile read.
But wait...there's more!
I also finished The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. So, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was interesting, and I would say it was good, but to say it was good seems the wrong approach. And it isn't really a question of did I like it or not. This is one of those books that just doesn't fit into the regular categories. 'Good' and "liked it' don't seem to be the right words. Should you choose to read it,you should know it is a bit risque, on the surface, but there is more to the story than that, and that is not what the story is about. -Ask people you trust, people who know you and your standards before you read it. There are a lot of really interesting issues addressed in the book, but the route it takes may not be up your alley. (I don't know if there is any other route that could have been taken).
Verdict: I liked the book. I think Atwood is a good author. But read with caution.
But wait...there's more!
I am currently listening to Planet Google: One Company's Audacious Plan To Organize Everything We Know, by Randall Stross. It is fascinating! I think I mentioned that this was a random choice at the library. But it turned out to be serendipitous. So far, the book has covered Google's dedication to openness, their approach to business, their growth, the Google Books project (which, I have heard a lot about, but this was a new perspective), Google translate (so interesting!), and the acquisition of YouTube. Just to name a few topics. I am learning a lot about Google, which, given it's huge presence in the world, can't be a bad thing. I haven't finished the book yet, but I definitely like it. I think the major disappointment is that the book was published in 2008, so there are 4 packed years that aren't covered!
Verdict: A delightful surprise, I'm really glad I pulled it.
But wait! One more...
I am also reading A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle. An oldie but a goodie. I have read this one before, but it's been a while, so I'm doing a reread. I have a niece who has been dragging her feet about reading this one, but I've got to get her to read it. It's terrific, so far. (But having read it before, I know it's good). I think I'm going to have to read more of L'Engle's books, though.
Verdict: A must read for everyone.
But wait! Just kidding. That's all for now. I did remember one more book I'm listening to, but I'll save that for later. I think I've reviewed enough for now. So, there you go. Happy reading!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Survival Guide
I am currently commuting all over the planet, and this week, I finished How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu. (Cross one off my to read list)! When I was googling to find a link, a lot of reviews turned up. So, I guess we will add another one to the list. Although, I'm not sure I'm very good at doing reviews.
So anywho...living in a sci-fi universe. If I had to sum up this book, I would say "meta". Which is entertaining, because in my field, meta is big, but anyway, back to meta and sci-fi. I think i was expecting a spoof of the sci-fi genre, and if that is what you are looking for, this is not the right book. Although, it does have references to books and authors, like Ursula LeGuin and Star Wars. Everyone wants to be Han Solo. But not nearly as many as I'd expected. Instead, the book seems to use literature and time travel to discuss literature and time travel. Ergo, meta. It's interesting, and I enjoyed it, and it has a unique approach. But in the end, I think the real story is less about time travel and science fiction, and far more about living life to the fullest.
Which makes me wonder. If you strip away all the science fictional aspects of a story, what is really at the heart of it? I think there always has to be something that people can relate to, a very human story that draws us in. (I may have to explore this in a post at some point). But in this book, that story line is somehow more obvious.
I did enjoy the book, even though it wasn't what I expected. (Jacket summaries don't always correlate to the actual book. Have you ever noticed that?) It's not my all time favorite, but I'd pick it up and read it again. And i think next time, I'd definitely read it. It was a fun listen (I did the Book on CD) but I think I want to read it next time. Seeing words helps you focus. Trying not to get run over by semis is a bit distracting. Of course, nothing like a good book to help you recover from almost being run over by a semi!
So anywho...living in a sci-fi universe. If I had to sum up this book, I would say "meta". Which is entertaining, because in my field, meta is big, but anyway, back to meta and sci-fi. I think i was expecting a spoof of the sci-fi genre, and if that is what you are looking for, this is not the right book. Although, it does have references to books and authors, like Ursula LeGuin and Star Wars. Everyone wants to be Han Solo. But not nearly as many as I'd expected. Instead, the book seems to use literature and time travel to discuss literature and time travel. Ergo, meta. It's interesting, and I enjoyed it, and it has a unique approach. But in the end, I think the real story is less about time travel and science fiction, and far more about living life to the fullest.
Which makes me wonder. If you strip away all the science fictional aspects of a story, what is really at the heart of it? I think there always has to be something that people can relate to, a very human story that draws us in. (I may have to explore this in a post at some point). But in this book, that story line is somehow more obvious.
I did enjoy the book, even though it wasn't what I expected. (Jacket summaries don't always correlate to the actual book. Have you ever noticed that?) It's not my all time favorite, but I'd pick it up and read it again. And i think next time, I'd definitely read it. It was a fun listen (I did the Book on CD) but I think I want to read it next time. Seeing words helps you focus. Trying not to get run over by semis is a bit distracting. Of course, nothing like a good book to help you recover from almost being run over by a semi!
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