MadiZen commented on a post
The humanoid biology the author has created here with its resultant culture is genius and very interesting. That said, the story itself is not very interesting and she leans so heavily on invented and dry language that when I forget about the book for a few months (because the story is not engaging) and come back to it, the incessant fabricated language can make it a slog. I started this book a year or so ago and am maybe half way through. Just not enjoying the read.
MadiZen started reading...

Successful Psychopharmacology: Evidence-Based Treatment Solutions for Achieving Remission
Stephen V. Sobel
MadiZen started reading...

Neighbors
Thomas Berger
Post from the The Left Hand of Darkness forum
The humanoid biology the author has created here with its resultant culture is genius and very interesting. That said, the story itself is not very interesting and she leans so heavily on invented and dry language that when I forget about the book for a few months (because the story is not engaging) and come back to it, the incessant fabricated language can make it a slog. I started this book a year or so ago and am maybe half way through. Just not enjoying the read.
MadiZen started reading...

The Left Hand of Darkness
Ursula K. Le Guin
MadiZen commented on a post
As a fan of the old John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd film (well, the first half is genius, but then it sort of falls apart, apparently owing to on-set infighting), when I saw it was based on a novel, I decided to give it a read.
The prose is a mix of a very old-school literature and high-browed academic writing. It makes everything come across as very stuffy, which can amplify some of the humor, sure, but it dulls, flattens, and obfuscates most other bits.
Unfortunately I can't yet say it's a particularly enjoyable read. And thank goodness they changed "Harry" to "Vic."
Post from the Neighbors forum
As a fan of the old John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd film (well, the first half is genius, but then it sort of falls apart, apparently owing to on-set infighting), when I saw it was based on a novel, I decided to give it a read.
The prose is a mix of a very old-school literature and high-browed academic writing. It makes everything come across as very stuffy, which can amplify some of the humor, sure, but it dulls, flattens, and obfuscates most other bits.
Unfortunately I can't yet say it's a particularly enjoyable read. And thank goodness they changed "Harry" to "Vic."
MadiZen wants to read...

ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Russ Harris
MadiZen wants to read...

No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness
Michelle Segar
MadiZen finished a book

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Blade Runner)
Philip K. Dick
MadiZen wants to read...

The Peripheral (Jackpot #1)
William Gibson
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SciFi Starter Pack Vol I 🧪👽🌍
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An introduction to the SciFi genre, these books are part of the cultural zeitgeist or the 'canon' that many would recognize. Look for more niche titles in later Starter Pack volumes.
MadiZen wants to read...

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Blade Runner)
Philip K. Dick
MadiZen commented on a post
I finally understand more of this book than in the beginning, I just feel I'm part of a minority that isn't 100% in love with this...
MadiZen finished reading and wrote a review...
There are some jewels in here, especially during the first 2/3 or so. Towards the end it sort of falls apart, and there could have been better editing, as well. Still, it's an easy read and may be worth it for those jewels it does have.
MadiZen finished reading and wrote a review...
This is a very fun read. Lots of interesting ideas to play with.
MadiZen finished reading and wrote a review...
A childhood favorite. This is the transcript of the discussion with the world's leading mythologist that aired on PBS several decades ago. This mythologist's view of transformation became the basis for a lot of story writing, known as the hero's journey. There are a lot of little quotable nuggets from this conversation. I think my favorite went something like, "When you follow your bliss, you will find doors that have been waiting for you, and only for you."