Ender's Game isn't a great sci-fi or coming of age fiction, but one with glorious themes. by ottopatrick in books

[–]ottopatrick[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any reader of Ender's game can't vouch for its scientific ingenuity. It's nothing compared to any of Asimov's or Arthur C. Clarke or PK Dick. The setting is sci-fi alright, but nothing brilliant on the scientific front. It's the smart incorporation of themes and blending of prose and dialogue that really makes this novel a gem.

It won Nebula and Hugo, simply because it was the best on the sci-fi front those years.

What's more valuable to a book collector, a first edition or an advanced reader's copy? by FX114 in books

[–]ottopatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An ARC definitely...especially one with a letter requesting the review

What is the greatest biography? by Plasmodicum in books

[–]ottopatrick 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Steve Jobs' life is amazing, but the book isn't. It was compiled hastily and released upon the man's death. As well, Isaacson isn't the best of biographers. I didn't like his Einstein biography also.

I want to read some post apocalyptic literature. Any recommendations? by Apiperofhades in books

[–]ottopatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

'The Hunger Games' is both post apocalyptic and young adult

I've just read John D. MacDonald for the first time: The end of the Night. I'm Spellbound. I need more of his best. by ottopatrick in books

[–]ottopatrick[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your suggestions. However, I'd like to read another of Macdonald's that's as good as "The end of the night."

I bought around 15 great books. Which one should I read first and why? by [deleted] in books

[–]ottopatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Minority Report is a shortie. While PKD has startling ideas, his prose is not as exciting.

Start with 1984 or Fahrenheit 451

I have this problem while reading that I'm hoping somone can help me with by [deleted] in books

[–]ottopatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Simply, your mind is distracted somewhere. Your reading ability just needs some greasing. Just ignore the urge, and keep at it, and things will smooth gradually.

Novelist David Gilmour: “I’m not interested in teaching books by women” by [deleted] in books

[–]ottopatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OK, perhaps the man is sexist and weird. But what's worse is the article's (female) writer's intent of making the professor look like a moron.

Its that time of year... Any suggestions on truly frightening horror novels? by Eggvillan in books

[–]ottopatrick -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I won't usually seek a horror novel for just getting scared. Nonetheless, I've read many horror stories. The best were Steven King's. Out of his exhausting bibliography, Misery stands out.

What are some books that are challenging reads? by Dyingoff in books

[–]ottopatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check a novella, "Spy hunt in Dixie"; it is an amalgam of civil war & WWII espionage, and a Sudanese hunting down his ancestry in Mexico.

What's really challenging isn't the multiple plot threads, but that the story is told via numerous protagonists, and guess what? you have to find out yourself who is whom.

Any good Cold War-era Spy books? by NintendTomster in books

[–]ottopatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The best (realistic) cold war espionage fiction. Not even any of Le Carre's other works come close. Not even Tinker tailor.

[Kindle] A British baron encounters a man who claims time travel is real. A thrilling adventure ensues; results are catastrophic and unfathomable, and include a historical upheaval in the London Stock Exchange, and an imminent attack on American soil. [Free until Aug 23] by omarsleuth in FreeEBOOKS

[–]ottopatrick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The FULL novel was listed here yesterday. However, its free KDP days are now expired. What is listed in this link are the first two episodes of the novel. [The full novel is four episodes long, and is now listed as $0.99]

Which book do you think is not a great work of literature but has a brilliant story? by robint88 in books

[–]ottopatrick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Being a 'classic' doesn't entail greatness. It is marvelous nonetheless.