This one is more fantasy/mysticism/religion than the original. Basically, nothing happens in the first 2/3rds of the book. They talk (a lot) about theThis one is more fantasy/mysticism/religion than the original. Basically, nothing happens in the first 2/3rds of the book. They talk (a lot) about the cost/casualties of war, nature vs nurture debate, collective consciousness and the role of religion/personal identity in society. While Dune was eco-friendly sci-fi, this is harder to get through and a bit simplistic. ...more
Humanity is doomed. Technological advances led to mass devastation. It does seem like a hopeful tale, though, for this ironically anthropomorphized woHumanity is doomed. Technological advances led to mass devastation. It does seem like a hopeful tale, though, for this ironically anthropomorphized world which is shedding a human influence and waiting for a new dawn....more
Ah, Prometheus! Forefather of forethought, human knowledge, human progress, and.. um.. friendship? This is the conflict between might and guile. When Ah, Prometheus! Forefather of forethought, human knowledge, human progress, and.. um.. friendship? This is the conflict between might and guile. When new powers upset the old, and all fidelity is in question....more
A commentary on stalking one's "crushtomers," and building relationships with people based solely on things one can assume from outside behavior. It'sA commentary on stalking one's "crushtomers," and building relationships with people based solely on things one can assume from outside behavior. It's... endearingly... creepy (?) but also all too familiar....more
This might be a story of genuine madness, it might be a story of learned helplessness or of forced sequestration. Either way, this story is definitelyThis might be a story of genuine madness, it might be a story of learned helplessness or of forced sequestration. Either way, this story is definitely unsettling. It reminds me of my own unemployment so much that it's horrifying....more
I didn't like this one. Sure, the idea behind the spirit of selflessness is nice and Christmas-y, but I think Della missed the mark on her gift. The lI didn't like this one. Sure, the idea behind the spirit of selflessness is nice and Christmas-y, but I think Della missed the mark on her gift. The line that struck me most was right after Jim entered. "He needed a new coat and he had nothing to cover his cold hands." She is also mentioned as having an old coat.
It's sweet that she wants to give him something to complement his "most prized possession," but the man needs a coat! Frivolous and feel-good....more
Cicero's advice to his son on what it means to live a good life, be a good person, and a good citizen. A philosophical and moralistic treatise about wCicero's advice to his son on what it means to live a good life, be a good person, and a good citizen. A philosophical and moralistic treatise about what Cicero hoped to see for the progeny. ...more
Wilde's short fiction is considerably better than his plays. These tales are creepy, elegant and engaging page-turners.Wilde's short fiction is considerably better than his plays. These tales are creepy, elegant and engaging page-turners....more
Humorous and dark, I find myself enjoying Wilde's short fiction much more than his plays. This one is about scaring away the ghost of a haunted house.Humorous and dark, I find myself enjoying Wilde's short fiction much more than his plays. This one is about scaring away the ghost of a haunted house. It could have ended a bit before it did, though....more
Plato's Republic is rich in ideas. Thought-provoking, contradictory, and even comical, Republic emphasizes philosophy in action. This is more than a rPlato's Republic is rich in ideas. Thought-provoking, contradictory, and even comical, Republic emphasizes philosophy in action. This is more than a read, it's an experience....more
This was better than I'd expected. Even though I've read Chekhov's plays, I'm not typically a fan. However, this three-story collection of shorts, tolThis was better than I'd expected. Even though I've read Chekhov's plays, I'm not typically a fan. However, this three-story collection of shorts, told as a Russian-doll narrative-within-a-narrative, is a captivatingly beautiful portrait of self-disillusionment. Lovely little trilogy....more
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