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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Figuras ocultas, but make it whiter. Este libro lo empecé con ganas, pero las he ido perdiendo poco a poco. La historia es interesante, sobre todo la parte en que la Historia se aleja de la real. La forma de llevarla a cabo ya no me gusta tanto. Elma me resulta cargante, pero a Nathaniel no lo soporto. Respecto a su relación, no me costaría creer que alguien hubiera insistido a la autora en la necesidad de una historia de amor para llamar a cierto público al más puro estilo Hollywood. Las referencias sexuales son cargantes, pesadas, anodinas, innecesarias... ¿Qué fin tiene describir el inicio de sus relaciones sexuales cada 40 páginas en un libro de menos de 400? No puedo. Llegado cierto punto solo quería terminarlo de una vez.
This is an alternative history of the 1950s that is written like a 1950's golden age style science fiction story- full of hope and optimism about how science and engineering will save the world through the protagonist's hard work. Despite nostalgia, going back and rereading any older sci-fi book, golden age books tends to be awkward and uncomfortable with racism and sexism that society was more open about at the time- which tends to get in the way of enjoying it. This book tackles those themes head on- which may or may not make readers uncomfortable I suppose. However, I enjoyed it and found the combination of optimism of scientific progress and the main character overcoming biases both internal and external refreshing. If you are looking for something grimdark about the end of the world- don't look here.
I really enjoyed the hard science fiction bits. At first, I thought the exciting
set up was ridiculous (I hate the trope that humans have to leave earth for another planet because the Earth will become inhabitable as 1) most of the time it never makes any sense, and 2) it makes the earth seem disposable), but this book did make a convincing argument for me (especially when it factored what they could predict with 1950s technology, which is really difficult to do without supercomputers). I appreciated that predictions and science changed with better information. I also liked the limitations that they had to go to space a decade early. Perhaps the set up is ridiculous, but the author had a lot of fun making sure it made sense.
I really enjoyed the hard science fiction bits. At first, I thought the exciting
set up was ridiculous (I hate the trope that humans have to leave earth for another planet because the Earth will become inhabitable as 1) most of the time it never makes any sense, and 2) it makes the earth seem disposable), but this book did make a convincing argument for me (especially when it factored what they could predict with 1950s technology, which is really difficult to do without supercomputers). I appreciated that predictions and science changed with better information. I also liked the limitations that they had to go to space a decade early. Perhaps the set up is ridiculous, but the author had a lot of fun making sure it made sense.
As a space buff, I was really impressed with how well Kowal captures challenges and technology of the early space program, and well as the social issues of the day, and uses those to frame the story here. It's an entertaining read with an interesting lead character, engaging plot, and a fun "what if" look at a past where space exploration was a higher priority. The Hugo was well-deserved.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book. It really wasn’t a great book. But I liked it anyway, and here’s why.
Yeah, some of the writing was pretty cringy and Elma lacked some character as a character. Some of the coincidences induced eye-rolling. But Kowal did her homework (Andrew Chaikan AND Brandon Sanderson??
Yeah, some of the writing was pretty cringy and Elma lacked some character as a character. Some of the coincidences induced eye-rolling. But Kowal did her homework (Andrew Chaikan AND Brandon Sanderson??
I thought this book was trying to do too much. It was really interesting as the world was collapsing around them--fast paced, thrilling. Then, they devolve into board room politics and it starts to drag.
This book makes me want to learn math, and any book that can do that must be pure magic.
Great alternative history story and awesome perspective!! While the ending was probably expected the rise to get there was well written and showed grit and determination
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Very fast easy read. Loved the relationship between the main character and her husband - made me realize I want more books with main characters in long term relationships with healthy communication. A lot of the side characters lacked depth and I often couldn’t remember who was who but overall I really enjoyed the reading experience and was a fun what if.