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Phillip J

Crepusculi@bookwyrm.social

Joined 1 year ago

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Cixin Liu: Death's End (EBook, 2016, Actes Sud) 4 stars

Death's End (Chinese: 死神永生, pinyin: Sǐshén yǒngshēng) is a science fiction novel by the Chinese …

Review of "Death's End" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This is really a 4.5 for me. As this series has progressed, the writing has been better and better. Once again, the author has been able to mix a vast, epochal scale, with a small, intimate story. It was optimistic at its core, despite being riddled with pessimism.

If you like (extremely) hard sci-fi, this whole series is wonderful.

Kurt Vonnegut: The Sirens of Titan (Hardcover, Octopus/Heinemann) 4 stars

The Sirens of Titan is an outrageous romp through space, time, and morality. The richest, …

Review of 'The Sirens of Titan' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I don't know what I thought about this book. There were times where I thought it was too unfocused, but then I was enjoying the story. I may need to read up more on what it means, but taking it at face value, it's enjoyable.

Kc Davis, Dr Martin: How to Keep House While Drowning (AudiobookFormat, 2022, Blackstone Pub) 4 stars

How to Keep House While Drowning will introduce you to six life-changing principles that will …

Review of 'How to Keep House While Drowning' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

An interesting book. The author stresses gentleness and flexibility, things I don't think I've heard from other people in this space. She also goes beyond just "cleaning," but touches on other areas of care in one's life.

Catherine of Siena, Saint, Henry L. Carrigan: Little Talks With God (Christian Classic) (Paperback, 2001, Paraclete Press (MA)) 4 stars

Review of 'Little Talks With God (Christian Classic)' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I would rank this book up with [b:Introduction to the Devout Life|398834|Introduction to the Devout Life|Francis de Sales|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348376068l/398834.SY75.jpg|388282]. While that book was more practical in nature, this book is more spiritual. It was difficult to get into at first, but it hooked me about 1/3 through. If you're starting on a faith journey, I highly recommend Devout Life first, then followed by this book. I know it will stick with me far into the future.

Martín Solares: The black minutes (2010, Black Cat) 3 stars

"When a young journalist named Bernardo Blanco is killed in the fictional Mexican port city …

Review of 'The black minutes' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

A decent mystery/ action book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but there were times when the characters seem to get a little jumbled in the writing. It may be a cultural thing for me, or I couldn't recall everybody, but that was the only hang up for me. The plot was solid, and kept me engaged.

Cixin Liu: The Dark Forest 4 stars

The Dark Forest (Chinese: 黑暗森林, pinyin: Hēi'àn sēnlín) is a 2008 science fiction novel by …

Review of 'The Dark Forest' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

MUCH better than the first book in the series. The author was able to weave grandiose fantastical situations, with small personal intimate ones. The first book was hard sci-fi, and this one is even harder. I had an issue with the time skips in the first book, but this one was executed much better in my mind.

Karl Schroeder: Lockstep (2014) 4 stars

"When seventeen-year-old Toby McGonigal finds himself lost in space, separated from his family, he expects …

Review of 'Lockstep' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Very good hard sci-fi book. The world building was excellent, especially the FTL solution. There were a couple of clunky moments, but I'd put this on par with Card and Weir, as far as plausibility and my enjoyment are concerned.