misanthrope's reviews
123 reviews

Holy City of Mars by Ralph Milne Farley

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Pulp quality story.  Pulp has a charm to it if not consumed too frequently.

1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric H. Cline, Barry S. Strauss

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective fast-paced

4.0

A great read.  The author highlights the limits of information and context.  The author acknowledges the  perspectives and disagreements in this field of research.  I would read more from this author. 

The Cyberiad by Stanisław Lem
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.

Not sure who the audience is for this book.  It is work of great imagination, but very little payoff. I’ll look forward to reading more from this author.

Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

A very important book that every American should read.

The Marching Morons by C.M. Kornbluth

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

A superficial lark.  I will read more from this author.

Consider Her Ways and Others by John Wyndham

adventurous challenging dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I enjoyed his writing style.  I will read everything by this writer.

Out of the Sun by Arthur C. Clarke

adventurous informative mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Interesting premise.  I will read all of ACC.

The Crack in Space by Philip K. Dick

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Few interesting ideas, dated language, plot holes and one dimensional characters.  I will attempt to read all PKD.  

A Martian Odyssey by Stanley G. Weinbaum

adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

City by Clifford D. Simak

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

3.5

A moving story.  Well written.  The episodic nature of the text was not a weakness to me.  The shifting perspective kept it interesting.  I will read more from this author.