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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
rather poorly written (“throaty snorty noises” and used the word “nontrivial” upwards of ten times) but a fascinating premise that addressed the philosophies of different responses to our climate crisis. The writing style was juvenile, but the themes were not.
I love weird books (i.e. those that don't subscribe to conventional formulas or genres, that question boundaries of our perception or "reality", that refuse to be constricted by reader expectations). And, despite having read reviews for months praising the oddity of All the Birds in the Sky, I still managed to be taken aback by the ways in which this book stands outside - or forges its own - tradition.
First, the two broad strands that inform this work are (1) the tech-geek world and (2) nature-appreciating, ethically conservationist, justice seeking activist world. Anders speaks convincingly on both sides. There is Laurence, who, as a child, constructs his own supercomputer from scraps in his bedroom closet as he hides from engaging with the world, and Patricia, a witch, both 'healer' and 'trickster', who speaks with animals, summons natural forces, and spends her free time reaching out into the world, healing the sick.
So All the Birds in the Sky is a parable of sorts that captures the now-classic 21st century dilemma: human conquest of nature through technology vs. the prioritization of the health and viability of The Whole (earth, other species, ecosystems, atmosphere, etc). In a thoughtfully balanced way, Anders paints a complex landscape free of traditional "good-evil" dualities. Characters on both sides have constructive and destructive instincts. Similarly, they are all flawed, well-meaning human beings who are passionate about their work, but also just want to be loved and find meaning through community.
It comes down to a question of first principles: do we understand the world as constructed of distinct components, that can more or less be taken apart (the-world-as-machine, in the Newtonian tradition), or do we understand the world as a holistic emergence that is not only constituted by, but constitutes the parts? (the-world-as-organism). Laurence, our scientist, is of the former camp, and thus believes humans can just be extricated from a devastated Earth and shipped off to colonize distant planets (perhaps repeating the cycle - it's all about human survival). Patricia, our witch, sees humanity's travails as very much a part of the story of the decaying Earth, and seeks to heal both by mending their relationship.
Loved the message, characterizations, questions, philosophy, and style of this book. Still, the emotional/maturity scale of Birds in the Sky never tipped beyond a YA novel - the characters speak as children throughout the story (into their young adulthood). Or rather, as adults, they speak as superhero-adult imaginings of children. As complex as the story was in other dimensions, relationships were presented in somewhat simplistic construction of long-known-but-suppressed-thwarted-by-circumstance-ya-angst-love. Probably, in my early 20s, this may have been a 6-star book, but a decade later, I feel no connection to the characters (although I did relate, emotionally, to the message).
Still, overall, a beautifully written, thoughtful, quirky, weird, unique story about our relationship with nature and about our ethical responsibilities in an age of environmental devastation derived from human actions. Highly recommended!
First, the two broad strands that inform this work are (1) the tech-geek world and (2) nature-appreciating, ethically conservationist, justice seeking activist world. Anders speaks convincingly on both sides. There is Laurence, who, as a child, constructs his own supercomputer from scraps in his bedroom closet as he hides from engaging with the world, and Patricia, a witch, both 'healer' and 'trickster', who speaks with animals, summons natural forces, and spends her free time reaching out into the world, healing the sick.
So All the Birds in the Sky is a parable of sorts that captures the now-classic 21st century dilemma: human conquest of nature through technology vs. the prioritization of the health and viability of The Whole (earth, other species, ecosystems, atmosphere, etc). In a thoughtfully balanced way, Anders paints a complex landscape free of traditional "good-evil" dualities. Characters on both sides have constructive and destructive instincts. Similarly, they are all flawed, well-meaning human beings who are passionate about their work, but also just want to be loved and find meaning through community.
It comes down to a question of first principles: do we understand the world as constructed of distinct components, that can more or less be taken apart (the-world-as-machine, in the Newtonian tradition), or do we understand the world as a holistic emergence that is not only constituted by, but constitutes the parts? (the-world-as-organism). Laurence, our scientist, is of the former camp, and thus believes humans can just be extricated from a devastated Earth and shipped off to colonize distant planets (perhaps repeating the cycle - it's all about human survival). Patricia, our witch, sees humanity's travails as very much a part of the story of the decaying Earth, and seeks to heal both by mending their relationship.
Loved the message, characterizations, questions, philosophy, and style of this book. Still, the emotional/maturity scale of Birds in the Sky never tipped beyond a YA novel - the characters speak as children throughout the story (into their young adulthood). Or rather, as adults, they speak as superhero-adult imaginings of children. As complex as the story was in other dimensions, relationships were presented in somewhat simplistic construction of long-known-but-suppressed-thwarted-by-circumstance-ya-angst-love. Probably, in my early 20s, this may have been a 6-star book, but a decade later, I feel no connection to the characters (although I did relate, emotionally, to the message).
Still, overall, a beautifully written, thoughtful, quirky, weird, unique story about our relationship with nature and about our ethical responsibilities in an age of environmental devastation derived from human actions. Highly recommended!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book, even if there were parts/reveals/plot points I predicted. It was beautifully constructed and the characters understanding of the world needed to grow and develop slowly. I liked that the characters spoke like real children and young adults, only striving to sound important and knowledgeable, rather than actually saying anything of substance.
What a beautiful exploration of humanity.
What a beautiful exploration of humanity.
A very tough book to finish. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, the writing is polished and the story interesting. But the main characters never seem to catch a break and are put through so much suffering it becomes too painful to continue, much like watching 20 episodes of Law & Order SVU back-to-back can leave you feeling empty and tired. There's no breathing room within the whole of the text, no moments of levity or respite. It's just one awful moment after another.
When the ending finally comes along, and it does eventually, it's so short and quick that it fails to balance the heaviness of the rest of the book.
But do I regret reading it? No way. It's a very unique story, captivating from start to finish. Just... as difficult for the reader as it is for the protagonists.
When the ending finally comes along, and it does eventually, it's so short and quick that it fails to balance the heaviness of the rest of the book.
But do I regret reading it? No way. It's a very unique story, captivating from start to finish. Just... as difficult for the reader as it is for the protagonists.
Really good to start -- zany, weird, kids with unique genius-talents & horrible parents on the order of those in Roald Dahl's Matilda -- great for the first 1/3rd and the very end is ok... but goes a bit haywire & haphazard through the middle with the storyline becoming so fragmented & skimming along with lots of little bits of info that it loses direction and falls apart a bit.
I had high hopes for this fantasy/sci-fi story. I did like the writing and the concepts, but felt that the character development was weak. There was so much there, but I found the resolution unsatisfying and overall it fell flat for me.
Pirmā 1/3 par varoņu bērnību bija ļoti laba, bet tie ņēma un pieauga, un viss lēnām aizgāja šreijā. Tik idiotisku finālu sen nebija nācies lasīt.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. After the first chapter, I really thought this was going to be a new favorite - but it just felt boring. I slogged through it and almost DNFed.
It takes a lot for me to put a book down after I've committed, but couldn't bear to slog away at this.
I found it slow and completely all over the place, 35% through and still don't feel like I'm reading a story.
I found it slow and completely all over the place, 35% through and still don't feel like I'm reading a story.
I was sorting through my bookshelves and picking out books I was given or found in little free libraries, or even purchased myself but never read to put on my read this next pile and I pulled this book off the shelf. Had I read it? I had vague memories… but it didn’t lock in fully. So I started it. A few pages in, the story clicked in my brain. I’ve definitely read this book before. Usually that means, back on the shelf, or pass to a friend or LFL if it’s not important enough to my soul to keep. It is a testament to the writing, empathy inducing characters, and provocative plot that instead of putting it away, I was compelled to continue reading. I remembered it, knew what was going to happen, but liked the characters, inventiveness, style, relationships, and the mix of magic and science so much, I read it again. Don’t get me wrong — I’m a BIG re-reader (Good Omens- probably 10 times; LOTR— bi-annually, all the Anne of Green Gables whenever I need wholesomeness, every Jane Austen when I want some funny snark with my polite romance, Outlander series cuz yes, Harry Potter, LittleBig, anything Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, PG Wodehouse… these books and many others are friends I love to revisit and learn from; I re-read and am delighted every time. But it is a rare thing to add to that curated collection. I’m Not sure this will be one of those books, but I really could not put it down. It will go back on my shelf as a great loaner (but give it back!) and maybe in a couple years when it feels vague again, I’ll pull it down and revel again in how sadly close it is to reality and how much I wish we did have powerful witches and scientific wunderkinds coming together to bring nature and AI together.