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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
This is a spectacular collection of stories. I don't typically enjoy collections but this is probably the first where I have been interested in and engaged with every single story. They're all diverse and make you really think about the world. Even without extensive worldbuilding, they read like a truly plausible society and have a huge philosophical lean. As other reviewers have said, this collection has a Black Mirror quality that is sure to appeal to fans of the show. I highly recommend reading and will certainly seek out more from the author.
Rating each of the short stories from previous book separately because I didn't end up wanting to finish it.
This had a really good and interesting meaning of life story from the perspective of a species completely different to humans.
This had a really good and interesting meaning of life story from the perspective of a species completely different to humans.
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn’t love this…
I expect some sci-fi to maybe have great ideas but poor writing, but I don’t necessarily think this book has either. A lot of people seemed to like it, so I must have an unpopular opinion.
My favorite story was the shortest one about free will.
I expect some sci-fi to maybe have great ideas but poor writing, but I don’t necessarily think this book has either. A lot of people seemed to like it, so I must have an unpopular opinion.
My favorite story was the shortest one about free will.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Overall a very well done collection of sci-fi short stories. As always, Chiang's stories make me think and question the way I view the world, technology, and what it means to be human (if anything). My favorite stories are "What's Expected of Us," "The Lifecycle of Software Objects," "Omphalos," and "Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom." I am so impressed by how imaginative Chiang is and how he creates so many fleshed out world, each with interesting dilemmas and struggles. I think if I was in a different mood when I read these, I would rank this collection 5/5; I just was not in a sci-fi mood but I didn't want to pass on my Libby hold.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Probably the first short story collection where I enjoyed all of them. Inspired writing, really.