Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Over all, this really was a good collection, and I would recommend it, but still no more than three stars from me. The frame narrative really isn't that important, at least not the part relating to being bored at airports, but I did like the idea of interplanary tourism and exploring other, alien cultures.
There are many fascinating societies described here, but unfortunatly, only a few of these stories are told from the perspective of a (very anonymous) main character visiting them. The rest are like a non-fiction description or summary of a world's or people's history or way of life. Some where a bit boring, especially the ones that were just an account of a series of wars. (These were basically a lot of worl building with no characters.)
The stories were we got to know individuals were better, and the ones were a new world is seen through the eyes of a interplanary tourist/traveler were the best. And as usual with short story collections, there was a sense of dissappointment when, after reading a few really good stories, there were many in a row that were not as engaging.
There are many fascinating societies described here, but unfortunatly, only a few of these stories are told from the perspective of a (very anonymous) main character visiting them. The rest are like a non-fiction description or summary of a world's or people's history or way of life. Some where a bit boring, especially the ones that were just an account of a series of wars. (These were basically a lot of worl building with no characters.)
The stories were we got to know individuals were better, and the ones were a new world is seen through the eyes of a interplanary tourist/traveler were the best. And as usual with short story collections, there was a sense of dissappointment when, after reading a few really good stories, there were many in a row that were not as engaging.
I'd walked into this expecting a novel, based off the back-of-book blurb. What I received was a travel guide which far exceeded my expectations, a format that I wouldn't trade for the world. With each chapter dedicated to a different aspect of a different plane, Changing Planes was rife with thoughtful allegory and intentionally gentle satire. Each examination of a different species took time to explore consequences or the aftermath thereof -- and oftentimes the behaviors which thinly-veiled human ones, things we practice every day -- but only once with condemnation.
I haven't enjoyed a book as much as I did Changing Planes in what feels like ages. This was loaned to me, but I'll absolutely dig up a copy for my own bookcase.
I haven't enjoyed a book as much as I did Changing Planes in what feels like ages. This was loaned to me, but I'll absolutely dig up a copy for my own bookcase.
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Equal parts whimsical and poignant, this story collection whisks the reader away from the dull interminable waiting room they happen to be in and sends them off into another plane of existence, replete with fully fleshed out civilizations and cultures, performative wars and impenetrable languages. Where other authors might take an entire series of novels to construct one of these worlds, Le Guin’s imagination has such capacity that she gives us only a peek into the lives and histories of the many worlds, societies, and peoples she has dreamt up. This book is a charming and thought-provoking exploration of how people live and interact, how societies form around collective behaviors and habits. Definitely a book to return to.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
adventurous
medium-paced
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I usually like LeGuin but this one is my least favorite. It’s sort of a combination of Through the Looking Glass and Lord of the Rings and Goldilocks & the Three Bears and Gulliver’s Travels. Just didn’t hit me right.
I took this book out of the library almost a year ago now (shoutout to my local library for having no late fees) and it’s been sitting unread on my desk until today. how fitting that I happened to finally pick it up a few days before I fly across the country for a vacation! I’ll definitely be attempting some interplanar travel in the Pittsburgh airport.
I looked at some of the other reviews on here and found it funny that people were upset about the lack of plot and character development, and complained about it reading like an encyclopedia. those characteristics were actually what I loved most about it! no one creates a world like Le Guin, and I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visits to the worlds in this book :)
I looked at some of the other reviews on here and found it funny that people were upset about the lack of plot and character development, and complained about it reading like an encyclopedia. those characteristics were actually what I loved most about it! no one creates a world like Le Guin, and I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visits to the worlds in this book :)
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated