Meet New Books

Books matching: free will

100 result(s)

Page 2
Showing 11 - 20 of 100 
  1. #11

    Timequake by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
    Save:

    Timequake by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a unique blend of fiction and autobiography, where Vonnegut himself becomes a central character in the narrative. The book revolves around the concept of a timequake, where the universe resets every ten years, causing people to relive a specific period. Through a mix of short stories, philosophical reflections, and interactions with his alter ego Kilgore Trout, Vonnegut explores themes of free will, aging, and the human experience. The writing style is characterized by short, pragmatic paragraphs that touch upon deep undertones while maintaining a humorous and poignant tone.

    Ernest Hemingway in 1952 published in Life magazine a long short story called The Old Man and the Sea. It was about a Cuban fisherman who hadn't caught anything for eighty-four days. The Cuban hooked ...

  2. #12

    Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman
    Save:

    'Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain' by David Eagleman is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of the human brain and its influence on behavior. Eagleman, a neuroscientist and writer, delves into topics such as perception, consciousness, decision-making, and criminal behavior, challenging readers to consider the extent to which our actions are predetermined by our neurobiological chemistry. Through thought-provoking discussions and examples, Eagleman sheds light on the hidden levels at which the brain operates, ultimately questioning concepts like free will and blameworthiness in the context of the justice system. The book offers a mix of scientific insights, real-life examples, and ethical considerations, making readers ponder the intricacies of the brain and its impact on human behavior.

    Eagleman's writing style in 'Incognito' is described as clear, accessible, and engaging, making complex neuroscience concepts easier to grasp for readers. The book is praised for being informative, thought-provoking, and well-researched, providing a layman's account of the inner workings of the brain. Despite some readers finding the book repetitive or too wordy at times, Eagleman's ability to present scientific information in an understandable manner is commended, with his use of metaphors and examples helping to elucidate the intricacies of the brain's functions.

    Take a close look at yourself in the mirror. Beneath your dashing good looks churns a hidden universe of networked machinery. The machinery includes a sophisticated scaffolding of interlocking bones, ...

  3. #13
    The Mechanical
    Book 1 in the series:The Alchemy Wars

    The Mechanical - The Alchemy Wars by Ian Tregillis
    Save:

    In 'The Mechanical' by Ian Tregillis, the story is set in an alternate 17th-century Europe where the Dutch have developed clockwork robots called Clakkers imbued with the self-aware force of life. These Clakkers have helped the Netherlands become a dominant power, with only the French resisting in Canada. The narrative follows characters like Jax, a rogue Clakker seeking freedom, and Berenice, a French spymaster, as they navigate a world of alchemy, espionage, and philosophical dilemmas. Tregillis blends elements of alternate history, science fiction, and fantasy to create a gripping tale of autonomy, loyalty, and revolution, all set against the backdrop of a world shaped by magical technology and conflicting ideologies.

    The book explores themes of free will, artificial intelligence, and political intrigue in a world where clockwork robots dictate the balance of power. Tregillis weaves a complex narrative filled with well-drawn characters, moral quandaries, and philosophical musings that challenge readers to ponder the nature of destiny, agency, and humanity. The blend of action, worldbuilding, and character development, coupled with Tregillis's skillful writing style, creates a compelling story that delves into the depths of ethics, autonomy, and the consequences of wielding power over others.

    It was the first public execution in several years, and thus, despite the cold drizzle, a rather unwieldy crowd thronged the open spaces of the Binnenhof. The rain pattered softly on umbrellas and awn...

  4. #14

    Life Is a Dream by Pedro Calderon de la Barca
    Save:

    Pedro Calderon de la Barca's 'Life Is a Dream' is a play that explores the themes of destiny, free will, and the blurred lines between reality and dreams. The story follows Segismundo, a prince who has been imprisoned since birth based on a prophecy predicting his cruel rule. When he is suddenly placed on the throne as an experiment to test his ability to rule justly, Segismundo must navigate his newfound power, question his existence, and confront the injustices of his past. The writing style of the play is described as baroque, with complex language and intricate arguments that challenge perceptions of reality and dreams.


  5. #15

    Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
    Save:

    Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao is a standalone fantasy novel that blends whimsical elements with a deeper exploration of free will and the choices that shape us. The story follows Hana, who inherits a magical pawnshop where people trade their regrets for tea. On her first day as the owner, she discovers her father is missing, prompting her to team up with Kei, a newcomer seeking to reclaim his childhood memories. Together, they journey through a fantastical world filled with imaginative settings and unique adventures, while racing against time to find her father and evade the ominous Shiikuin creatures.

    The writing style is straightforward and cozy, evoking Ghibli vibes and offering a dreamy quality to the narrative. The world-building is inventive, but at times, it may feel overwhelming or detract from character development. While the relationship between Hana and Kei develops quickly, their contrasting backgrounds create an interesting dynamic. Their journey is both magical and contemplative, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and connection amidst a backdrop of whimsy and danger.


  6. #16

    Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
    Save:

    'Notes from Underground' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novella that delves into the existential crisis of the unnamed protagonist, referred to as the Underground Man. The story is presented in a diary form, exploring the protagonist's self-loathing, bitterness, and feelings of insignificance. The narrative is a mix of philosophical musings, societal critique, and introspective reflections, showcasing the protagonist's struggles with alienation and his disdain for societal norms. Dostoyevsky's writing style is described as beautiful yet painful, capturing the essence of a man living a life of terrible insignificance.

    The novella is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the Underground Man's philosophical ramblings and the second part providing a narrative that sheds light on the protagonist's background and descent into the underground. Dostoyevsky weaves themes of free will, existentialism, and the human condition throughout the narrative, presenting a character who grapples with his own sense of identity and purpose. The book is praised for its smooth writing style, compelling storytelling, and the profound insights it offers into the complexities of human nature and societal conventions.

    I am a sick person . . . A spiteful one. An unattractive person, too. I think my liver is diseased. But I don’t give a damn about my disease and in fact I don’t even know what’s wrong with me. I do no...

  7. #17

    Neuropath by R. Scott Bakker
    Save:

    'Neuropath' by R. Scott Bakker follows protagonist Dr. Thomas Bible, a cognitive psychologist, as he navigates a painful divorce and engages in deep discussions with his friend Neil Cassidy, a neurosurgeon, about the nature of consciousness and the human brain. As the story unfolds, the novel delves into the implications of neuroscience and human consciousness, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of personal identity, free will, and the dark side of manipulating the brain and consciousness. The narrative style combines elements of a thriller with horror, touching on themes of loss of control, volition, and violation on deep psychological levels.

    Two years they had been divorced, and still he dreamed about her… Nora. As slender as an intake of breath, shining with the light of all those admiring eyes. It had been her day—her day first—and Thom...

  8. #18
    WebMage
    Book 1 in the series:Webmage

    WebMage - Webmage by Kelly McCullough
    Save:

    'WebMage' by Kelly McCullough follows the story of Ravirn, a college student and hacker sorcerer who discovers a virus in the Fate Core and gets blamed for it. Caught up in a conspiracy, Ravirn must clear his name while navigating family intrigue and facing off against the Goddess of Discord, Eris. The story blends elements of Greek mythology with spell programming and high-tech cyberpunk, creating a unique world controlled by magic and gods. The characters, including powerful and cruel Fates, a clever web goblin familiar, and demi-gods, provide highlights in this fast-paced adventure filled with action and excitement.

    The spell was very tightly written, and elegantly coded. Embedded in the crystalline matrix of a memory jewel, it was beautiful. Even incomplete, it was the scariest thing I'd ever seen. Worse, it did...

  9. #19

    Father Elijah - Children of the Last Days by Michael D. O'Brien
    Save:

    Readers of 'Father Elijah' will gain insights and awareness into Scripture, truth, and the signs of the times while experiencing a gripping plot that delves into end times theology, conflict, and culture. The novel explores the struggles and tensions of living a Christian life in the present challenging culture, highlighting the temptations faced by Christian characters and the eerily familiar parallels between the end times depicted in the book and our current times.


  10. #20

    Adjustment Team by Philip K. Dick
    Save:

    'Adjustment Team' by Philip K. Dick is a short story that inspired the movie 'The Adjustment Bureau'. The story explores themes of free will and individuality, with a fast-paced plot that provokes awe and excitement. Readers found the writing style to be skillful, with surrealist images that evoke a sense of wonder and creativity. The concept of the story is compared to Asimov's 'The End of Eternity', but with a clearer exploration of the subject matter of free will on an individual level.