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Books matching: exploration and discovery

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Relic by Alan Dean Foster
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    As the book starts, we learn that humans, after many years of peace and prosperity, and after having colonized dozens of planets throughout our part of the galaxy, have reverted to their old ways and killed themselves off. A lone survivor of the deadly plague, Ruslan, is discovered on his home planet by a race called the Myssari, one of a number of alien races core ward from the spiral arm humans had colonized who are finally starting to explore our area. As Ruslan assimilates into Myssari society, he helps them interpret the many things they find on now empty human colonies. Eventually, other races decide that having a human on staff would be a good thing, and the conflicts begin. The book is a change from your post-apocalyptic novel, providing a pleasantly read with good main characters and plot development. The story flows evenly with occasional peaks of excitement to a very satisfying end, leaving the reader with some bitter thoughts about human nature.


  2. #2

    Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon
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    "Mason & Dixon" by Thomas Pynchon is a historical fiction novel that follows the lives and adventures of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, the surveyors who marked the famous Mason-Dixon line in the 1760s. The novel is written in a unique Olde Style of writing, blending digressive sentences and stories within stories to capture the clash of reason and the supernatural during the Enlightenment era. Despite being a work of historical fiction, the book delves into themes of friendship, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships, all while incorporating elements of humor and intellectual depth.

    Bay, Mr. Delver Warp and the Brothers Vowtay, coming home from Bengal non-Nabobickal as when they went out, with only enough in their pockets to draw the interest of Cape Belles, who are far less part...

  3. The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia by Peter Hopkirk is a gripping narrative history that delves into the race between Victorian England and Tsarist Russia to conquer Central Asia. The book reads like an amazing spy novel, detailing the battle between Britain and Russia for control of India and Central Asia during the Victorian and Edwardian era. The author succeeds in reclaiming an obscure corner of Imperial history, presenting it as a thrilling adventure story filled with espionage and political maneuvering.

    But the sudden lurch from Communism to free-for-all capitalism has not been achieved without a heavy toll. Small but vicious conflicts – in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, not...

  4. 'The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey' by Candice Millard is a gripping non-fiction account of Theodore Roosevelt's perilous expedition down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon rainforest. The narrative delves into the harrowing journey that pushed the limits of Roosevelt and his crew, showcasing themes of endurance, survival, and the complexities of exploration in an unforgiving environment. Millard's writing style expertly weaves together history, geography, character studies, and thrilling storytelling to offer readers a captivating insight into Roosevelt's tenacious character and the challenges faced by the explorers.

    After his defeat in the 1912 election, Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a joint American-Brazilian expedition to explore the treacherous River of Doubt, a journey filled with physical and psychological challenges that tested the limits of the men involved. Millard's narrative skillfully captures the essence of adventure, bravery, and questionable decision-making, painting a vivid picture of the dangers faced by the expedition in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book provides a fascinating exploration of Roosevelt's post-presidential adventure and the indomitable spirit that drove him to undertake such a daring quest.

    THE LINE OUTSIDE MADISON Square Garden started to form at 5:30 p.m., just as an orange autumn sun was setting in New York City on Halloween Eve, 1912. The doors were not scheduled to open for another ...

  5. #5
    The Legacy of Heorot
    Book 1 in the series:Heorot

    The Legacy of Heorot - Heorot by Larry Niven
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    The Legacy of Heorot by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, and Steven Barnes is a science fiction novel set on an alien planet where Earth colonizers face unexpected challenges. The story revolves around the survival of the colonists as they battle indigenous fauna and navigate through a hostile ecosystem. The plot is filled with suspense, action, and elements of horror, making it a thrilling adventure for readers. The writing style is described as science fiction that reads like science fact, with well-developed characters and a rich, deep background that adds depth to the narrative.

    He politely busied himself, adjusting the rangefinder on his camera. After months on Avalon he still found the shadows too sharp and the sunlight too blue, subtle things, noticed only when he used fam...

  6. #6

    The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo
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    The record left by Marco Polo of his travels sparked European imaginations about the world beyond their horizons, leading to new trade routes and the discovery of the American continents. The book provides a detailed tour of various parts of China, India, and the Middle East, showcasing a wide array of cultures, customs, and landscapes encountered by Marco Polo and his companions.

    LET me begin with Armenia. The truth is that there are actually two Armenias, a Greater and a Lesser. The lord of Lesser Armenia is a king who maintains good and just government in his country under t...

  7. #7

    Our Moon: How Earth's Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are by Rebecca Boyle
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    Our Moon by Rebecca Boyle is an intriguing exploration of the relationship between Earth and its celestial companion, the Moon. The narrative takes readers on a journey from the Moon's creation, through its geological history, and into its profound influence on human culture, religion, and civilization. Boyle enthusiastically connects historical events, scientific developments, and cultural shifts, painting the Moon as a source of knowledge and wonder through space and time.

    The writing style is engaging and accessible, often reading like a thrilling adventure. Boyle's graceful prose makes complex topics manageable, while her sweeping overview sometimes risked overwhelming readers with information. The book is well-researched, though some readers felt it was bogged down by excess historical detail. Overall, Boyle's account is enlightening and poetic, encouraging readers to view the Moon in a new light.


  8. #8
    Thunderbird
    Book 2 in the series:Ancient Shores

    Thunderbird - Ancient Shores by Jack McDevitt
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    In 'Thunderbird' by Jack McDevitt, the story continues from the original 'Ancient Shores' with a modernized sequel that explores the discovery of a space station with a Thunderbird symbol, sparking curiosity about its origins and the civilizations behind it. The book delves into cultural science fiction, focusing on the impact of new discoveries on societies and individuals, while leaving some questions unanswered to add realism and depth to the narrative. Through the eyes of various characters like April, the dreamer, and Walker, the realist, the plot unfolds with encounters with advanced civilizations, mysterious gateways to new worlds, and the complexities of international relations and ownership of newfound technologies.

    The narrative in 'Thunderbird' weaves together elements of diplomacy, curiosity, and courage as characters navigate through political tensions, encounters with aliens, and the implications of technological advancements. The book touches on themes of exploration, mystery, and the consequences of interacting with unknown forces, prompting readers to question the choices made by characters and the impact of their decisions on the unfolding events.


  9. #9

    Swallows and Amazons - Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
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    'Swallows and Amazons' by Arthur Ransome is a children's book set in the summer of 1929, where a family of children go sailing in the Lake District, camping on an island while their mother stays on the shore. The book follows their adventures, which involve exploring the island, making friends, dealing with potential problems in a civilized manner, and engaging in real adventures complete with danger, action, and a triumphant resolution. The writing style is described as charming, with vivid nature descriptions, affectionate character development, and occasional humor that ranges from charming to hilarious.

    The book is praised for its nostalgic value, reminding readers of a time when children were less supervised and more independent in their explorations. It is noted for being a wholesome and charming read, with a sense of adventure and imagination that captures the essence of childhood. The story is described as engaging, compelling, and timeless, offering a blend of real adventures, imagination, and well-developed characters that resonate with both children and adults.

    ROGER, AGED SEVEN, and no longer the youngest of the family, ran in wide zigzags, to and fro, across the steep field that sloped up from the lake to Holly Howe, the farm where they were staying for pa...

  10. 'Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest' by Wade Davis is a detailed account of the British expeditions in the 1920s to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The book delves into the experiences of the men involved in these expeditions, many of whom also fought in World War I, exploring the horrors they faced during the war. Wade Davis provides a comprehensive background on the history of India, Tibet, and Nepal, as well as Britain's relations with these countries, before detailing the first attempts to organize an expedition to Everest.

    The author meticulously researches all aspects of the events surrounding the British attempts to climb Mt. Everest, shedding light on the motivations, characters, and actions of the individuals involved. Wade Davis weaves together narratives of the Great War, the climbers' experiences, and the historical context to provide a rich and coherent picture of the culture of the Raj and post-war Britain. The book not only focuses on the conquest of Everest but also on the impact of the war on the climbers' psyche and the nation's desire to find purpose and meaning after the devastation of World War I.

    ON THE VERY DAY that George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared on Everest, another party of British climbers slowly made their way to the summit of a quite different mountain and in very different c...

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