Monday, December 22, 2014

Speaker for the Dead

I have no made reviewing books an easy task. The Hobbit. Now this? Good grief.

Whew. 

If you have not read Ender's Game, then just do that first...and right now... It's insanely good. Orson Scott Card is a superb writer, too smart for us, that's for certain. I adore Ender Wiggins. He may be my favorite literary character ever. So start with Ender's Game...

Done? Okay, now for the sequel - Speaker for the Dead.

This is one of those books that I think you have to have a specific mindset or attitude when you approach. When I tried reading it immediately after Ender's Game, I didn't get very far. The tone and story is so different I found it difficult to continue. This book requires patience.

A few years later I was desperate to read some science fiction, and too cheap to buy a new book, so I figured why not try again? I think it was the right time, as I've changed quite a bit in those years, so this time I was so glad I found this book.

I feel like this is the science fiction equivalent to those literary novels with gravitas - like The Alchemist or something (love that one, by the way). I've heard it described as much more "meta" than Ender's Game, but otherwise not really talked about at all. I suppose "meta" is accurate, but rather vague, so let me do my best to further describe this book. First, it is philosophical, sure. But in a satisfying way. Card seems to challenge us as individuals, communities, and humanity as a whole. It's like a thought experiment, but entertaining, and inspiring. I felt the same way reading this book as I did reading the works and convictions of practical ethicists like Peter Singer or Lisa H. Newton - reminded of my moral obligations and inspired to act on them. I read this and felt absolutely inspired to be a better person, and to see myself as a better person.

I'm a religious person, a Christian. And I really enjoyed Card's take on human religion outside of Earth. That part was especially intriguing. It was a critique for balance and perspective, grace and humanity - as in benevolence - especially in practice toward non-humans. I found this side of the story especially encouraging, and faith building. I realize Card and I may not agree on specific religious tenants, but faith is faith. If you are not religious, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on his presentation. but I did not find it preachy at all.

I feel like this is a book that everyone should read, like a required text for students. It's much more important than say - Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre, which I had to read in high school...it's even one part love story, like those books, but it is so much more...

“No human being, when you understand his desires, is worthless. No one's life is nothing. Even the most evil of men and women, if you understand their hearts, had some generous act that redeems them, at least a little, from their sins.” 

Saturday, December 6, 2014

The Hobbit

Well, I have successfully managed to put off this review for a while. It's not from dread, but anxiety - what can I possibly say about one of the Greats? This definitely cannot stand as a book critique, since I don't feel at all qualified to remark about the pros and cons of one of the greatest writers ever. You don't have to agree-- but I'm not wrong! ;)

I think the best part about reading the Hobbit is how I've changed reading the Hobbit. I don't mean some sort of literal growth and maturity. Boo. I'm still as weird and immature since the first time I read this book in middle school. But perhaps "literary maturity" is a better term for it...

In middle school, I thought this book was amusing, but mostly a required intro to the world of Lord of the Rings. The movies had just started coming out, and I was so excited after seeing the Fellowship movie that on a friend's advice I started reading the Hobbit. (I will now claim this was the moment that determined we would become BFFs 4 Life! (middle school remember?!) and we are as nerdy now as we were then). But really, if I was being honest, I didn't care for it a ton. It was kind of slow, and oddly technical, and I remember the part where they are in Mirkwood lasting EONS. I would have swore it was half the book.

I was so dumb.

I've been on a kick to revisit my old favorites, and since that includes Lord of the Rings, once again I started with the Hobbit. This time it was kind of hilarious, but in a sneaky surprising humor, that I did not understand or appreciate in my youth. Dry wit, I guess.

And excitement! I can't believe I found this book boring in the past. There is so much that happens, and none of it takes too long, unless you stubbornly refuse to keep reading. It does seem after a while that the structure is repetitive - the dwarves get in trouble, it seems hopeless, until Bilbo uses the ring and saves the day. But it's still a lot of fun anyway.

But I think my favorite part of the book was the writing style, which I was much more sensitive to this time around, especially reading it during Nanowrimo - when I failed to successfully complete the target words in my own fantasy novel. But really, The Hobbit has so much voice. Honestly, my favorite character was the narrator. It was so spot on, and clever, and I loved that he spoke to the reader directly. He's a story teller! It was brilliant. I could never come close to recreating that, and wouldn't even dare to try, but it was so wonderful. The true brilliance of this story, I think.

Anyway. That's my initial thoughts. I don't want to dig deep on it, this is a book review not The Hobbit and Philosophy. But it's great. No, Great. Capital G.

I can't wait to read it again in another decade!

P.S. - On the movies... well. They are crap. They are entertaining, and some of it stays true to the *spirit* of the book, but it messes with the story for the sake of an action sequence and CGI for no real benefit. But it doesn't need to be three movies, it didn't need to be done so special effects heavy, and that's what I have to say about that!