Sam Firke wants to read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Published in 2004, it is an alternative history set in 19th-century England around the time …
This has been recommended to me by multiple friends but it's so long 😩
Reviews and Comments
Dad, data analyst, novelist, nature lover. Living in Ann Arbor, MI.
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Sam Firke finished reading Radicalized by Cory Doctorow
Here are four urgent stories from author and activist Cory Doctorow, four social, technological and …
Got on my radar when it went viral early this month, as the titular novella "Radicalized" predicted the assassination of health insurance executives. "Model Minority" was a little clunky but had a good premise and good ending. The other three novellas sparkled all around, both in their writing and political dimensions.
Sam Firke finished reading Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
Hubert Vernon Rudolph Clayton Irving Wilson Alva Anton Jeff Harley Timothy Curtis Cleveland Cecil Ollie …
Content warning Plot point discussed
Different and thought-provoking. This goes far out on its limb and it worked for me. The idea of recycling all kinds of material as feedstock for 3D printers is appealing.
I would have liked to see someone refuse to get scanned for being run as a sim. The idea of living forever would be unappealing to some people, right?
Sam Firke commented on Walkaway by Cory Doctorow
Hubert Vernon Rudolph Clayton Irving Wilson Alva Anton Jeff Harley Timothy Curtis Cleveland Cecil Ollie …
It appears out of scope for this book but I wish there were mentions of people raising children in walkaway.
Sam Firke started reading Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright
A journey through psychology, philosophy, and lots of meditation that shows how Buddhism holds the …
I might already know and agree with much of what's in this book, but I'm curious to see what a plain English, pop-science-style intro for newcomers looks like.
Sam Firke wants to read Frostbite by Nicola Twilley
An engaging and far-reaching exploration of refrigeration, tracing its evolution from scientific mystery to globe-spanning …
Another rec from my neighbor
Sam Firke wants to read Table for Two by Amor Towles
Recommended by my neighbor
Sam Firke finished reading Red plenty by Francis Spufford
Was this dense or light reading? I couldn't decide. Weird, creative, and sui generis way of looking at a historical political topic.
Sam Firke reviewed Red plenty by Francis Spufford
Strange but good
5 stars
Unlike anything I've read. The strong writing kept me moving, for instance the chapter describing how a cancer came to be was excellent even though the contribution to the overall plot was minimal. Same with Galina in labor.
On its surface, a collection of short stories. Too late I realized that some characters recurred. And underneath, the story of the attempt at a planned, fully computerized economy and its demise.
I imagine long textbooks have explored that subject. Spufford illustrates it with just a few brush strokes.
Sam Firke wants to read Remake the World by Astra Taylor
I enjoyed Taylor's essay on unschooling (www.nplusonemag.com/issue-13/essays/unschooling/), she is a sharp and provocative essayist
Sam Firke finished reading Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
With her shocking material and customary sharp wit and dark humour, Atwood projects readers into …
Wasn't hooked at first but now considering reading the next book in the trilogy... It left off right in the thick of it.
Sam Firke finished reading Landline by Rainbow Rowell
"Two days before they're supposed to visit his family in Omaha for Christmas, TV writer …
Content warning The ending
The time travel aspect ended up pretty subtle. Things wrapped up nicely. Nice meditation on marriage and balancing the different parts of life.
I'm glad she didn't sleep with Seth 😌
Sam Firke started reading Landline by Rainbow Rowell
"Two days before they're supposed to visit his family in Omaha for Christmas, TV writer …
One side effect of organ donation is lots of quiet time in bed during recovery ❤️🩹 I think I'm up for reading...
Sam Firke finished reading I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
A brilliant, luminous story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John …
I liked the moral of the story. Nice evocative imagery, characters, pacing. I could have used less internal big feelings monologue but at least it happened in the teens' unique voices.
Sam Firke commented on This Life by Martin Hägglund
I had to give this back to the library months ago when I was 2/3 done. Just purchased a used copy so I can see it across the finish line. It was rich, dense, slow-going.
I enjoyed the interview with the author on The Dig podcast.