Comments on: TIME FOR BOOKS, (Lots of it!)

By: planetnanaimo

planetnanaimo — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:46:47 +0000

Oooo…just thought of another really great one you could read. It’s called “The Tomorrow File” by Lawrence Sanders. He writes novels that are really varied in theme. This one in particular is future-based and thoroughly disturbing. Not for the kids though I think. While he doesn’t get into the sex scenes in detail (in the book, the characters refer to this as “using”), there is abundant amounts of it. Also drinking, drugs, and much debauchery. What’s truly amazing is Sanders’ well-thought-out future and the decline of civilization. It is entirely believable that that is where North American society is headed right now.

And thanks for saying I’m funny. :o)

By: Rick

Rick — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:40:15 +0000

That’s great Michelle, thanks! I’ve heard of it, but haven’t read it yet. I’ll hafta keep an eye out though. My favorite “modern” future-fi (not really sci-fi in the classic sense) is Snow Crash. The first 40% is interesting, but the latter half (plus) is REALLY captivating. I lent my copy to my friend Tim, who has promised to finish it before I return home (HINT! are ya reading this oh Tim?)
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I’m almost caught up on PN now. I had downloaded all the monthly archived posts and was reading them in “in between” times when we didn’t have net access. You’re pretty funny! I just finished to the end of Feb now, and eagerly await the impending confrontation with the painting boss wondering about the extensive lost productivity while you whip the little book out. How unfortunate that you’ll have to do so, but it still fills in the cracks of life until September.
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I worked with a few guys at Diavik who actually live in Campbell River. They take about 20-30 hours of travel, each way, for their two week shift home. It must be a fairly nice place!

By: planetnanaimo

planetnanaimo — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:15:44 +0000

If you enjoy Asimov and Bradbury, try “Anthem” by Ayn Rand (assuming you’re not familiar with it already). The inside cover reads, “The existed only to serve the state. They were conceived in controlled Palaces of Mating. They died in the Home of the Useless. From cradle to grave, the crowd was one - a great WE. In all that was left of humanity there was only one man who dared to think, seek and love. He, Equality 7-2521, came close to losing his life because his knowledge was regarded as treacherous blasphemy…he had rediscovered the lost and holy word — I.”

While I’m not a sci-fi reader at all (I prefer police procedurals and mysteries), Brent does read it a bit (his preference is Fantasy). That said, we both LOVED this book.

Of course, there’s also the old standbys: Animal Farm and 1984. We re-read these recently. I’d forgotten how excellent and disturbing they are.

Have fun! Love, cousin Michelle