Books matching: self reference
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Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter is a monumental work that delves into the interconnectedness of mathematics, art, music, and philosophy. The book navigates through complex topics such as self-reference, formal systems, and consciousness, drawing analogies between different fields to explore the essence of human intellect and creativity. Through a series of dialogues, the author weaves together the works of Gödel, Escher, and Bach to create a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating narrative.
Hofstadter's writing style is described as witty, erudite, and engaging, making even challenging subjects accessible to readers. The book is a fusion of various disciplines, offering a unique perspective on intelligence, patterns, and the nature of reality. With a blend of humor, deep insights, and intricate explorations, the book takes readers on a journey that challenges their thinking and perception of the world around them.
Introduction: A Musico-Logical Offering. The book opens with the story of Bach's Musical Offering. Bach made an impromptu visit to King Frederick, the Great of Prussia, and was requested to improvise ...- #2
Save:Supermarket by Bobby Hall, also known as Logic, is a novel that delves into mental health issues and creative exploration. The story follows Flynn, an aspiring writer struggling with depression, who takes up a job at Muldoon's Supermarket to find inspiration for his new novel. As Flynn's fiction and reality begin to blur, the plot takes a dark turn, exploring themes of madness, identity crisis, and the thin line between creativity and mental instability. The writing style of the book is described as being packed with cliches, predictable twists, and blatant foreshadowing, with some readers finding the resolution to mental illness and the tortured artist stereotype to be superficial and lacking in subtlety.
I guess in that moment it was attempted murder. He was still desperately gasping for air. Sucking in his last breaths. But there was no doubt about it—he was dying a violent death and experiencing eve... - #3
Save:'Strange Wine' by Harlan Ellison is a collection of fifteen short stories that delve into the realms of science fiction and fantasy. The book showcases Ellison's unique writing style and storytelling abilities, with tales ranging from didactic to entertaining to outstanding. Each story is accompanied by fascinating insights from Ellison himself, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his writing process and the 20th-century publishing industry. From thought-provoking narratives like 'The New York Review of Bird' to hard SF tributes like 'Seeing,' the stories in 'Strange Wine' offer readers a diverse and captivating literary experience.
At 9:38 A.M. on July 15th, 1974, about eight minutes into Suncoast Digest, a variety show on WXLT-TV in Sarasota, Florida, anchorwoman Chris Chubbuck, 30, looked straight at the camera and said, “In k... - #4
Save:Despair by Vladimir Nabokov is a dark and strange murder tale that delves into the mind of an unreliable narrator named Hermann. The story follows Hermann, a Russian emigre businessman, who becomes obsessed with a tramp in Prague whom he believes to be his exact double. As Hermann hatches a plan to profit off their shared likeness, the narrative unfolds into a twisted plot of deception and madness. The book is narrated in a playful yet droll style, characteristic of Nabokov's intricate and dazzling prose.
If I were not perfectly sure of my power to write and of my marvelous ability to express ideas with the utmost grace and vividness … So, more or less, I had thought of beginning my tale. Further, I sh... - #5
Save:'The Robots of Dawn' by Isaac Asimov is the third installment in the Robot series, following the adventures of Earth detective Elijah Baley as he investigates a murder involving a humanoid robot on the planet Aurora. The book delves into themes of robot vs human exploration of space, societal contrasts between Earth and Spacer planets, and the implications of artificial intelligence. Asimov's writing style is described as a blend of classic science fiction with progressive elements, featuring engaging dialogue, rational conclusions, and masterful transitions of exposition.
The plot revolves around a complex mystery that challenges Baley's investigative skills, aided by robot companions R. Daneel and R. Giskard. The book explores societal issues, the concept of roboticide, and the application of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics in a futuristic setting. Despite some readers finding elements of the book verbose or contrived, 'The Robots of Dawn' is praised for its engaging storyline, thought-provoking ideas, and the seamless integration of science fiction with detective elements.
One never perspired (unless one wished to, of course) in the City, where temperature and humidity were absolutely controlled and where it was never absolutely necessary for the body to perform in ways...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #6
Save:'Mr. Mercedes' by Stephen King is a departure from his usual horror genre, delving into the realm of detective mystery. The plot centers around a retired detective, Bill Hodges, who becomes obsessed with catching a deranged killer named Mr. Mercedes after receiving a taunting letter from him. The story unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game between Hodges and the killer, with alternating chapters providing insights into both characters' perspectives. The book is praised for its fast-paced and tension-filled narrative, with a mix of quirky characters like Jerome, a smart young neighbor, and Holly, an autistic relative of a murder victim.
The writing style in 'Mr. Mercedes' is described as skillful and engaging, with short mini-chapters within chapters that keep the reader hooked on the story. Despite being a departure from horror, King's storytelling ability shines through, delivering an intricate and fun narrative about a serial killer and the battle between him and the determined retired cop. The book is noted for its entertaining plot, well-drawn characters, and effective use of multiple points of view to drive the story forward.
Hodges walks out of the kitchen with a can of beer in his hand, sits down in the La-Z-Boy, and puts the can down on the little table to his left, next to the gun. It’s a .38 Smith & Wesson M&P revolve... - #7
Save:Flee by J.A. Konrath and Ann Voss Peterson is a fast-paced thriller centered around the character Chandler, a badass woman who finds herself in dangerous situations with assassins hot on her trail. The book is filled with non-stop action, suspense, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The writing style is described as explosive, engaging, and unputdownable, drawing readers in and making them feel like they are part of the thrilling story.
"Whenever possible, avoid engaging the enemy," The Instructor said. "If engaged, run. Fighting should be your last resort. Patriotism has its place, but it costs millions of dollars to train people li... - #8
Save:"I Am a Strange Loop" by Douglas R. Hofstadter delves into the concept of consciousness and the mind through the lens of strange loops and paradoxes. The book explores the idea that complex patterns of symbols can give rise to consciousness, challenging traditional notions of self and identity. Through discussions on Godel's incompleteness theorem and analogies related to minds and mathematical proofs, Hofstadter navigates the reader through a journey of self-reflection and philosophical contemplation. The writing style incorporates humor, alliterative lists, and analogies to make complex concepts more accessible, while also questioning the nature of reality and consciousness.
ONE gloomy day in early 1991, a couple of months after my father died, I was standing in the kitchen of my parents’ house, and my mother, looking at a sweet and touching photograph of my father taken ... 'The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature' by Matt Ridley explores the role of sex in evolution and human nature. It delves into topics such as the Red Queen hypothesis, sexual reproduction, sexual behavior, and the differences between genders in various species, including humans. The writing style is described as insightful, thought-provoking, and capable of providing clear explanations of complex evolutionary concepts.
The most curious part of the thing was, that the trees and the other things round them never changed their places at all: however fast they went, they never seemed to pass anything. “I wonder if all t...- #10
Save:'The Perennial Philosophy' by Aldous Huxley is a masterpiece that delves into the commonalities among mystics of all times and religions, presenting religions as obstacles to total knowledge and love. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of Western and Eastern mysticism, critiquing Western religions while embodying Eastern philosophies. Huxley's work is described as a wandering intellect's encyclopedia that changes minds forever by bringing spiritual and religious thoughts down to basic commonalities. The book is seen as a metaphysical study of saints and sages' experiences, aiming to help readers approach the Ground of Being or Reality through knowledge from various wisdom traditions.
IN STUDYING the Perennial Philosophy we can begin either at the bottom, with practice and morality; or at the top, with a consideration of metaphysical truths; or, finally, in the middle, at the focal...
