brianreadsbooks's Reviews (820)

3.5 rounding up. I really enjoyed the structure of the book telling 4 characters’ stories, each with their own style of writing. The most compelling part for me was Raks’ story, narrated through a series of people he encounters. I did think there were a few spots that could have been edited slightly shorter, and the last section came across a bit heavy handed. But overall I would definitely recommend if you enjoy inter generational or intertwined stories.

It started off so well! And then it turned into an experience much like being cornered at a party by the pedantic guy who fancies himself a writer and won’t stop talking about some theory he has about the universe while simultaneously bragging about his own meagre achievements. I think this was partly intentional, but sometimes when you make fun of something for a long enough time you accidentally become it.

5 stars to the cover art and design by Thomas Colligan.

High camp. This series is worth reading if you want to enjoy yourself. It’s very 90s but still fun.

I really enjoyed this. It’s a very immersive book, but very easy to read. Each 1-4 page chapter is a vignette across one year in the life of the protagonist. There’s seemingly very little plot but it absorbed me into the daily observations and the experience of being alone in the world but not unhappy.

This is what Stranger in a Strange Land should have been. LeGuin is a masterful world builder (universe builder?) and The Dispossessed is excellent as usual. It uses a science fiction framing to comment on gender, government, anarchy, beliefs, war, discontent, and the nature of human relationships. If I’m being critical, it’s not fast-paced or plot driven. LeGuin takes her time examine and telling about hundreds of aspects of life on this pair of planets. But if you take it as a study in classic sci fi of the best kind, and social commentary, it’s well worth reading.