post_scarcity – Made by Mikal

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom

Post author:mikal
Post published:December 3, 2010
Post category:Book

I sympathize with the other LibraryThing reviewer who had trouble finding characters to like in this novel. This book isn't very long, but took me ages to read because the main character is so whiney. The whole story seems to revolve around how he's never happy, and that didn't work for me. I think the underlying ideas are interesting, but I just hated Julius so much that I didn't enjoy the book. There is an interesting reference to Snow Crash on page 97 though. [award: nominee nebula 2004] [isbn: 076530953x]

Consider Phlebas

Post author:mikal
Post published:October 8, 2010
Post category:Book

This is a good read, although its a bit weird in places (cannibal scene, here's looking at you). Its easy to read, enjoyable, and fun. Very much in the vein of other sweeping space operas such as Saturn's Children. [isbn: 9780316005388;031600538X]

The Diamond Age

Post author:mikal
Post published:September 16, 2010
Post category:Book

I loved this book. I think its going on my list of all time favorites. The first half of the book is better than the second, but I think that might be because young Nell resonated much more strongly with me than older Nell. I read this book because it came up at a scientific conference where I went to a presentation about 3D fabrication, and its now entirely clear why the presenter thought this was relevant, given 3D nanotech fabrication plays a strong part in this book. Excellent read.