Books matching: human ambition
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- #1
Save:'Walk the Vanished Earth' by Erin Swan is a unique blend of science fiction, dystopia, realism, and fantasy, set in a future where genetic manipulation creates beings capable of surviving on Mars. The novel spans different timelines and locations, from a climate-damaged Earth to Mars, portraying a post-apocalyptic world with intriguing characters and complex relationships. Despite some inconsistencies in the plot, the book offers a thought-provoking narrative that delves into themes of human ambition, survival, and the consequences of climate change.
May 2022•384 pages A thought-provoking, deeply human look at the men behind one of history’s greatest adventures. Not the book for technical specs or a purely factual account, but perfect if you want to understand the legacy of Apollo - and why it still matters to us today.
"Moondust: In Search Of The Men Who Fell To Earth" by Andrew Smith explores the lives of the surviving Apollo moonwalkers, delving into their experiences and personal reflections decades after their historic journeys. The book poses a thought-provoking question: After going to the moon, what comes next for those who achieved such a monumental feat? Smith interviews the remaining moonwalkers, including Neil Armstrong and David Scott, as well as other astronauts and individuals involved in the Apollo program, weaving their larger-than-life stories into a narrative that balances historical context with personal memoir. His writing style combines journalistic detail with a philosophical discourse, inviting readers to consider not just the events of the moon landings, but their significance in shaping human ambition and collective memory.
The book does not aim to provide a technical account of the Apollo missions; rather, it offers a reflective examination of the impact of these events on both the astronauts and society at large. Smith's narrative is a blend of collective biography, personal essay, and philosophical inquiry, making it a unique exploration of a pivotal moment in human history. While some readers may find the non-linear storytelling and personal anecdotes distracting, others appreciate the emotional depth and context they provide, ultimately enriching the reader's understanding of what the moon landings meant to those who lived through them.
To be the skipper of the only boat on the Moon was a distinction that Pat Harris enjoyed. As the passengers filed aboard Selene, jockeying for window seats, he wondered what sort of trip it would be t...2004•394 pages- #3
Save:A challenging, dark, and incredibly ambitious read - a must for fans of grimdark, complex antiheroes, and big philosophical questions. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable for those who dive in.
Several years after the events in Heroes Die, Hari Michaelson, known as Caine on the fantastical inter-dimensional planet called Overworld, is now wheelchair bound. Despite this, he still holds onto administrator status in the martially enforced caste system of Earth's grimly overpopulated and ultra-corporate controlled future. When Hari Caine discovers a plot to gain control of Overworld's natural resources by infesting its people with a deadly virus, all hell breaks loose. Caine's many enemies take the opportunity to strike at him, targeting his wife, the Overworld goddess Pallas Ril, and their daughter. In Blade of Tyshalle, the fate of Overworld hangs in the balance as the conflict escalates to include ancient and forgotten gods. The story delves into philosophical and psychological themes, offering a more complicated and darker narrative than its predecessor, Heroes Die.
The book follows the protagonist Hari Michaelson AKA Caine, a complex and violent antihero, as he navigates his life in the real world and his adventures on Overworld, a parallel universe resembling a hyperactive Middle Earth. The narrative structure alternates between Michaelson's struggles in the real world and Caine's actions on Overworld, blending elements of speculative fiction and fantasy to create a rich and complex character who faces humbling surprises and ethical dilemmas while striving to protect his loved ones and achieve his goals.
- #4
Save:A fun, foundational sci-fi adventure with brilliant imagination and sharp social commentary - best enjoyed as a product of its time, warts and all.
'The First Men in the Moon' by H.G. Wells is a science fiction novel published in 1901, revolving around two men who construct a spherical space ship using a material called Cavorite to travel to the moon. Once on the moon, they encounter a race of intelligent insect-like beings known as Selenites, who take them into an underground world. The book explores themes of exploration, discovery, and human nature, with a blend of humor, social commentary, and vivid scientific imagination.
As I sit down to write here amidst the shadows of vine-leaves under the blue sky of southern Italy, it comes to me with a certain quality of astonishment that my participation in these amazing adventu...1901•227 pages - #5
Save:A fun, high-octane YA adventure with a clever puzzle twist - perfect for fans of action-packed dystopian stories and real-world scavenger hunts, but it might lose you if you crave depth or a slower pace.
The Calling, part of the Endgame series by James Frey, presents an intriguing plot where twelve young representatives, or Players, battle for the survival of their ethnic groups in a dire contest against the backdrop of a threatening alien judgement. Each Player comes with distinct motives and unique strategies as they race to uncover secrets and solve puzzles tied to their own survival and humanity's fate. The action is intense, and the world-building taps into themes of cultural identity and individual conflict.
The writing style is marked by a rapid, choppy narrative that shifts perspectives frequently among multiple characters, which may challenge readers' engagement with individual stories. The short chapters create an immediacy that some readers find engrossing while others deem disjointed. Although not without its critiques regarding character depth and emotional resonance, many appreciate the book for its pace and the added layer of real-world puzzles that invite readers to interact beyond the page.
October 2014•479 pages - #6
Save:A richly detailed Tudor drama with fascinating historical insight - ideal for those who love their history with a side of scandal. Not all characters are likable, but the court intrigue more than makes up for it!
"My Enemy, the Queen" by Jean Plaidy (Victoria Holt) delves into the complex relationships of Queen Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley, and Lettice Knollys. The book portrays Elizabeth as a multifaceted character, showcasing her love for her nation and her rivalry with Lettice, who is depicted as an enchanting yet unfaithful competitor. The plot unfolds through Lettice's supposed memoir, offering a fictional biography that provides insight into the ambitious and self-centered individuals of that era.
The story captures the dynamics of power, love, and betrayal within the Elizabethan court, focusing on the intertwined lives of Elizabeth, Robert Dudley, and Lettice. The writing style, although at times dry, skillfully portrays the characters' complexities and foreshadows the dramatic events to come, reminiscent of the author's other works like "The Queen's Confession."
January 1978•485 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully written, science-driven meditation on space exploration, knowledge, and humanity - full of awe and empathy, but slow and contemplative. Perfect if you like thoughtful sci-fi, but may not satisfy those craving action or tidy conclusions.
'To Be Taught, If Fortunate' by Becky Chambers is a novella that follows a crew of four astronauts on a scientific mission to explore distant planets that may contain life. The book is written in the form of a diary, providing insights into the narrator's experiences and thoughts as they navigate through different planets, facing moments of jubilation and crisis. The story delves into themes of space exploration, human adaptation, and ethical considerations in encountering alien life forms.
Chambers' writing style in this novella is described as compelling, philosophical, and thought-provoking. The narrative focuses on the crew's scientific exploration, their excitement about discoveries, and the ethical dilemmas they encounter while maintaining communication with Earth. The character development, particularly of the narrator, is highlighted, providing a personal touch to the story as the crew grapples with the vastness of space and their own place in the universe.
If you read nothing else we’ve sent home, please at least read this. I ask knowing full well that this request is antithetical to what I believe in my heart of hearts. Our mission reports contain our...September 2019•168 pages - #8
Save:A cult classic full of wild imagination and immersive settings - absolutely essential for weird fiction enthusiasts, but expect a slow, sometimes exhausting journey if ornate prose and loose plots aren't your thing.
'The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of stories about the adventures of Randolph Carter in the dream world and parts of the waking world. Lovecraft shapes a dream world with elements of nightmares, creating scenarios that are both creepy and fascinating. The novella takes readers on a journey through the Dreamlands, encountering loathsome creatures, ancient evils, and gods from outer space. The writing style is described as lush in opulent detail, although it can become repetitive and tiresome at times.
Three times Randolph Carter dreamed of the marvellous city, and three times was he snatched away while still he paused on the high terrace above it. All golden and lovely it blazed in the sunset, with...1943•242 pages - #9
Save:"Man Plus" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of transforming a man into a cyborg to survive on Mars. The story delves into themes of the limitations of humanity, political paranoia, and the manipulation of human politics. Pohl's writing style is described as chatty, conversational, and occasionally somber, with a touch of dark humor and satirical elements. The novel incorporates technical details seamlessly into the story, creating a world that feels prescient and thought-provoking.
It is necessary to tell you about Roger Torraway. One human being does not seem particularly important, when there are eight billion alive. Not more important than, for example, a single microchip in...January 1976•246 pages - #10
Save:In "Galapagos Regained" by James Morrow, the story follows Chloe Bathurst, an actress turned zookeeper turned thief, on a quest to collect money to rescue her father from debtors' prison. Set in mid-19th Century England, Chloe embarks on an adventure with Malcolm, an Anglican Creationist, as they clash over their beliefs while pursuing different goals. The narrative weaves together elements of drama, humor, and satire as Chloe navigates a contest to prove or disprove the existence of God, encounters eccentric characters like the Emperor Judge of the Galapagos, and faces unexpected challenges on her journey to the Galapagos Islands.
Morrow's writing style in "Galapagos Regained" combines elements of historical fiction, satire, and surrealism to create a whimsical and thought-provoking narrative. Through Chloe's escapades, the author explores themes of evolution, religion, and human ambition with a touch of humor and philosophical depth. The book presents a unique blend of adventure, social commentary, and character-driven storytelling that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
January 2015•495 pages
