MIT did an interview with him, and they asked him about how he was able to get the metaverse so right back in 1992. His answer: because it was so obvious. It's kind of like wondering how someone came up with the idea for Google Earth.
I'm also a huge System of the World fan, but I learned while looking it up the other day that it is not, actually, called that. The official name of the series is the Baroque Cycle, which, I think you will agree, is a crap series name. it's a good lesson. Don't overthink these things. The Baroque Cycle sounds like the result of a tortured week or two of reflection on scope and meaning, etc, to capture everything in all three books, while System of the World is the title of book three and is what every fan of the series I know calls the trilogy.
I was vaguely aware that it had another, unmemorable name. Yeah, like you, I've only ever thought of it as The System of the World trilogy.
Then the concept was very closely copied by Ernest Kline for Ready Player One.
I read it but realized I would need a trip back to grad school to understand it. So I just read it as a book to be enjoyed, whatever I got out of it. Love Wodehouse almost as much as Thurber, both father, and son. The Russians are Coming--hilarious.Having a bit of Wodehouse therapy. Just finished Joy in the Morning for the fifth time at least, and now halfway through Uncle Fred in the Springtime.
There is no one quite like Wodehouse. He stands alone.
I’m also around 3/4 through Ulysses. The audiobook version read by Jim Norton (Bishop Brennan from Fr. Ted)
Now, depending on my mood I am swaying wildly between loving it one moment then getting bored to tears at others. Norton’s narration is fabulous, but I can’t decide whether (for me) if it’s brilliant or a load of old tosh.
Oh by the way, I began it in 2020 so it’s very much small doses. However, I’m determined to finish the damn thing one day, then bathe in the glow of what will be my new credentials as a literary heavyweight
This exactly.
Might I suggest instead..... the German brief.Having a bit of Wodehouse therapy. Just finished Joy in the Morning for the fifth time at least, and now halfway through Uncle Fred in the Springtime.
There is no one quite like Wodehouse. He stands alone.
I’m also around 3/4 through Ulysses. The audiobook version read by Jim Norton (Bishop Brennan from Fr. Ted)
Now, depending on my mood I am swaying wildly between loving it one moment then getting bored to tears at others. Norton’s narration is fabulous, but I can’t decide whether (for me) if it’s brilliant or a load of old tosh.
Oh by the way, I began it in 2020 so it’s very much small doses. However, I’m determined to finish the damn thing one day, then bathe in the glow of what will be my new credentials as a literary heavyweight
I wonder if that would fit in the blurb?
I loved Fools and Mortals. Great book!
LOL! My family did something similar with the Harry Potter series when it came out. Everyone was allowed to read one chapter a day (except whoever had it last that day, who would invariably stay up late bingeing).
Fun times, Eh. Such cutthroat moments are the joys of happy families.
I'm afraid my boys were far too piratical for "one chapter" rules. "One chapter" would have lasted til the end of the book. " Honestly, I'm a slow reader, you know that." "Then why are you now on page 568?" I of course had it in the morning since I regained custody after they fell asleep. Fagin would have been proud of the way they lifted it off me.
Katie Ellen, I think you should just publish your reading list. You always have the BEST books I've never heard of but wish I'd read, yesterday.
It's a bold move, but maybe have him read it to you? I found that it was more effective to give our sons the information , like "This is what the greybeards are saying about you young ones-what's your take?" I mean it's obvious you as parents are concerned. It won't be news, but somehow it's like talking about them when they are in the room when they catch you reading these books. My tactic was to give them the info. At the very least it said whatever it is that is troubling you-you are not alone in your coping mechanism. Also these are the consequences. Our son was the other end of the spectrum. He began gaining weight as a preteen and he couldnt shake it. He began dieting in a way that made me worry about an eating disorder. Then the summer he was 14 he shot up 5 inches and his weight was finally proportional. I think there is a correlation between fat and growth in children.Oh, I feel your pain! I must get this. Our nearly 15 year old won't eat much (though he'll eat crap fine). Driving us crazy. My husband's fav saying is, "if Josh turns sideways, he'll disappear." His dad was a rake when a teen, but Josh is worse
Blast! It's only in paperback, which I can't hold
Interesting. Not thought about that. What have you found? That they're more in the moment than retrospective or is it the language?
Have you tried American Gods?
I haven't, but I expect I will as that seems to be one of NG's most highly thought of. I am currently listening to Norse Mythology which is quite entertaining although obviously just retellings of the old texts and stories. I have also bought the new version of Sandman Book 1 (a snip at £3.00
) and that's lined up too.
