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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I would like to think my dear friend Josh from back in my college days for introducing me to the questions at the core of this book.
We once had a discussion around whether it was ever ethical to kill or use violence, even in the name of independence and justice. We had similar but differing answers: the kind that can end a friendship simply because the other person’s answer doesn’t strictly align with yours. We ended before it got heated and never spoke of it again, but I’ve continued to have that conversation in my head for many years.
Did this book provide an answer? No, it didn’t. What it did do was provide very interesting insights into the question. Le Guin provides no answers, only questions and facts. The world does the same.
Also!
Some interesting stuff about dreams versus reality. As someone who shoots watered down horse tranquilizers up my nose every week (under the supervision of a medical professional), I’m fascinated by this kind of thing and the “realities” I see.
We once had a discussion around whether it was ever ethical to kill or use violence, even in the name of independence and justice. We had similar but differing answers: the kind that can end a friendship simply because the other person’s answer doesn’t strictly align with yours. We ended before it got heated and never spoke of it again, but I’ve continued to have that conversation in my head for many years.
Did this book provide an answer? No, it didn’t. What it did do was provide very interesting insights into the question. Le Guin provides no answers, only questions and facts. The world does the same.
Also!
Some interesting stuff about dreams versus reality. As someone who shoots watered down horse tranquilizers up my nose every week (under the supervision of a medical professional), I’m fascinated by this kind of thing and the “realities” I see.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Le Guin is always a great writer. In this book she, yet again, writes about the failures of society that we don't question. For this one I found the importance of dreams especially interesting alongside the themes of environmental protection and colonialism. 4 rather than 5 stars because this book didn't have the subtle, slow build up I loved in The Left Hand of Darkness and The Dispossessed. But I also prefer novels to short stories so it's simply my personal taste.
One other note: I can't think of many sci-fi things with "instant" communication across galaxies. That was especially cool here.
One other note: I can't think of many sci-fi things with "instant" communication across galaxies. That was especially cool here.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Word for World is Forest is an amazing book. It’s so immersive and full of little details that add to the environment, characters, and plot. I also found it very thought-provoking. It’s a short book that I definitely will want to reread.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Resounds differently given today’s global situation, but really, this book could resonate with any moment in human history