Books matching: dense and slow pacing
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- #1
Save:In the book 'Voyage' by Stephen Baxter, readers are taken on an alternate history journey imagining what might have happened if NASA had pursued a manned mission to Mars instead of diverting towards the space shuttle program. The story delves into the personal and political trials of astronauts as they strive towards this ambitious goal, with a focus on realistic characters and the intricate details of technological advancements. Baxter speculates on the impact of historical events, like John F. Kennedy surviving the assassination attempt, on shaping the course of space exploration.
It is necessary for me to have in the near future a definitive recommendation on the direction which the US space program should take in the post-Apollo period. I, therefore, ask the Secretary of Defe... - #2
Save:'That Hideous Strength' by C.S. Lewis is the final installment in the Space Trilogy where the battle between good and evil shifts back to Earth. It delves into the struggle of a small group of people resisting the forces of evil in a modern fairy tale setting. The writing style combines elements of a science fiction novel, an Arthurian Romance, a tale of Creeping Horror, and a work of eschatological Christian fiction, offering a unique and complex narrative that explores themes of academia, totalitarianism, Christian beliefs, and the eternal consequences of human choices.
THIS is a 'tall story' about devilry, though it has behind it a serious 'point' which I have tried to make in my Abolition of Man. In the story the outer rim of that devilry had to be shown touching t...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Space Trilogy ) - #3
Save:'Atonement' by Ian McEwan is a gripping novel that follows the lives of characters haunted by a crime set in 1935, spanning through WWII and old age. The story delves into the consequences of a youthful mistake made by a young girl, Briony, and how it shapes the lives of those around her. The novel intricately weaves together themes of love, memory, guilt, and atonement, portraying the impact of misunderstandings and false accusations on relationships and destinies.
McEwan's writing style in 'Atonement' is described as beautifully compelling, with rich prose that immerses the reader in different worlds and vividly depicts the minds of characters, especially a 13-year-old girl on the brink of adulthood. The narrative unfolds in three parts, each exploring different stages of the characters' lives, from youthful love to wartime challenges and the quest for redemption, making the story both captivating and emotionally resonant.
THE PLAY—for which Briony had designed the posters, programs and tickets, constructed the sales booth out of a folding screen tipped on its side, and lined the collection box in red crêpe paper—was wr... - #4
Save:Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson is a novel set during the Vietnam War that focuses on the operations of the CIA in that theater. The narrative follows characters like Colonel Francis Sands, his nephew Skip, and the Houston brothers, Bill Jr. and James. Through 700 pages, Johnson weaves a near psychedelic exposition chronicling the downfall of Skip Sands, his mentor Francis X. Sands, soldier Jimmy Storm, and missionary Cathy, exploring the damage inflicted by war on various individuals.
Last night at 3:00 a.m. President Kennedy had been killed. Seaman Houston and the other two recruits slept while the first reports traveled around the world. There was one small nightspot on the islan... - #5
Save:World Order by Henry Kissinger is a comprehensive study that delves into the geopolitical distribution of power over the course of 400 years across five continents. The book provides a detailed analysis of the challenges faced in building international order amidst differing perspectives, violent conflicts, technological advancements, and ideological extremism. Kissinger focuses on Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US, exploring the historical context and cultural differences that shape diplomatic relations. The author references the Treaties of Westphalia as a pivotal moment in history that set the stage for stability in international relations, while also examining the evolution of world order in the modern globalized era.
The history of most civilizations is a tale of the rise and fall of empires. Order was established by their internal governance, not through an equilibrium among states: strong when the central author... - #6
Save:In "A Time of Gifts" by Patrick Leigh Fermor, readers are taken on a journey through Europe in the 1930s, as the author recounts his walking expedition from Holland to Constantinople. The book beautifully captures a Europe on the brink of modernity, with detailed descriptions of the people, places, art, and history encountered along the way. Fermor's writing style is described as poetic and rich, blending personal reflections with historical context, creating a time capsule of a world about to be changed by the impending World War II.
As I have only just finished piecing these travels together, the times dealt with are very fresh in my mind and later events seem more recent still; so it is hard to believe that 1942 in Crete, when w... - #7
Save:"Pox: An American History" by Michael Willrich dives into the history of smallpox in America, focusing on the medical science, public health officials, and the political and social dynamics surrounding the disease at the turn of the 20th century. It explores the battle against fear, ignorance, and resistance to new scientific advancements in the quest to treat and prevent smallpox, shedding light on the struggles faced during that era. The narrative intertwines the stories of various epidemic outbreaks, the development of vaccinations, and the legal history of the government's growing police powers in response to public health crises.
The writing style of the book is described as engaging and fascinating, with well-researched content that reads like a medical and social novel. It covers the history of smallpox and the vaccination movement, providing historical context for understanding the opposing views on public health crises. The author presents various sides and points of view without bias, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the facts presented, making it a valuable read for those interested in medical history and scientific developments.
'Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale' by Marina Warner is a compact and concise overview of fairy tales, exploring the history and evolution of these stories. Warner delves into the differences between fairy tales and other story forms, tracing their development from oral traditions to literature. The book covers various themes such as folklore, magic, and enchantment, highlighting the cultural impacts of fairy tales over time. Warner also discusses the reinterpretation and reimagining of fairy tales in modern times, touching upon feminist interpretations and magic realism.
Warner's writing style is described as clear, engaging, and informative, making the complex subject of fairy tales accessible to a wide audience. The book is praised for its concise yet comprehensive approach, providing readers with a solid foundation in the history of fairy tales while also offering suggestions for further reading. Warner's conversational tone and well-structured chapters make the book an enjoyable and insightful read for both those new to the academic study of fairy tales and enthusiasts of these timeless stories.
Imagine the history of fairy tale as a map, like the Carte du Tendre, the ‘Map of Tenderness’, drawn by Parisian romancers to chart the peaks and sloughs of the heart’s affections: unfurl this imagina...'Women and the Fatimids in the World of Islam' by Simonetta Calderini and Delia Cortese delves into the lives of women during the Fatimid period, highlighting their literacy, education, wealth, and societal roles. It explores the historical context of powerful women such as Sitt al Mulk and Queen Arwa, as well as their contributions to architectural projects and their influence on society. also discusses women's freedoms and limitations, shedding light on the changing dynamics under different rulers like Al Hakim.
'How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed' by Ray Kurzweil delves into the secrets of human brains and explores the possibilities of reproducing human thought through Artificial Intelligence. Kurzweil argues that memories are stored as sequences of patterns, emphasizing the brain's core capability of recognizing patterns over processing logic. The book discusses the hierarchical organization of the neocortex and projects the construction of artificial equivalents of human brains with emotions and consciousness. Kurzweil also touches upon the evolution of the human brain, the structure of the neocortex, and the potential for machines to surpass human intelligence.
The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating, challenging readers to think deeply about the nature of human thought and the future of Artificial Intelligence. Kurzweil's theories on thinking, pattern recognition, and the architecture of the brain are presented in a detailed and informative manner, drawing from his vast knowledge in computing and technology. The book also explores philosophical concepts, the divide between Western and Eastern worldviews on faith, and the potential implications of AI advancements on society.
With the description of a molecule that could code the program of biology, a unifying theory of biology was now firmly in place. It provided a simple and elegant foundation to all of life. Depending o...
