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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
Good, but I can see why this book is so controversial. There are about a half dozen moments where someone says something so shockingly offensive it forces a double take, then the story just keeps on rolling as if such comments are unremarkable. The ideas are also rather dumb. This book is very much a product of its time, and should be read as such.
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked the first part a lot.
Not so much the second part with the Church and the orgies and all that jazz.
I liked the book in general.
But i didn't care about the plot as much after settling Mike's sovereignty.
The characters are nice.
A bit sexist as well.
Jubal is a heck of a nice character.
Not so much the second part with the Church and the orgies and all that jazz.
I liked the book in general.
But i didn't care about the plot as much after settling Mike's sovereignty.
The characters are nice.
A bit sexist as well.
Jubal is a heck of a nice character.
Four hundred thirty pages of "You're stupid, and here's why." Less of a space expedition and more of a one-sided philosophy of humanity, a seeming excuse for the author to write his own oh-so-holy opinions. A book from its time: sexist, racist, homophobic, and just generally unrelenting in its slam of anyone who believes anything. Watch as a really cool concept of a human born on Mars, returning to earth, turns into "humans are despicable, now watch us make him human." Not enough outer space.
Main journalist relies on too much exposition, not enough focus on the titular character. Couldn’t stomach the way the journalist talks to Jill-“little one” and other infantilizing terms. Learned later JIll is a rape victim blamer. Looked up the ending and decided it wasn’t worth my time.
Either an introduction into a pseudo philosophy or a deeply disturbing book, depending on your perspective. The first half reads like Ray Bradbury, the second, like something out of Jonestown.
Awkward, uncomfortable, but totally worth it all.
Micheal Valentine Smith was a great character to be the man from Mars. Seeing how he went from someone so alien to someone more than human was the most interesting thing about this book.
Micheal Valentine Smith was a great character to be the man from Mars. Seeing how he went from someone so alien to someone more than human was the most interesting thing about this book.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Interesting satire. I feel like the author has a better pacing method compared to his Starship Troopers book. Not much can say you'll just have to grok it for yourself.
An interesting story about a human raised by martians turns into a story about a brainwashing-sex cult. Works a lot better if you decide you're reading the book from the perspective of the antagonist.
Absolutely painful to finish. The first half was enjoyable and interesting, and the entire second half I was just trying to finish it to say I did. Utterly painful.