Books finished in January

[perlmonger]

» I Am Alive and You Are Dead, Emmanuel Carrere

A fascinating read, if a bit ragged around the edges (but, hey, so was PKD’s life). Why no index? Why no references? I’ve no real reason to doubt the truth of what’s there, but I’d feel more confident of it all with something I could follow up after the event...

» Accelerando, autopope

I need to re-read this; I was left feeling unsatisfied at the end, after reading passages that were amongst the best I’ve read anywhere. This could be because Charlie couldn’t quite hold the whole thing together, but I think it’s more likely I haven’t yet absorbed enough from the frenetic density of the energy and process of the book. Judgment reserved :)

» American Gods (the Directors Cut), Neil Gaiman

No reservations here at all: this really is one of the best fantasy novels I’ve yet read - and ramtops, currently about half way though would, I think, concur: there really aren’t many books around that leave both of us so moved. My only question (not having read the originally published version) is: what the gods did they cut? I really can’t think of anything that could have been excised without damaging the whole.

Comments

[ramtops.livejournal.com]

re American Gods, I'd just like to say that, thus far, I find it in places screamingly funny, very thought provoking, and such a terrific read that I just want to read *more* Neil Gaiman.

but I'm not sure that I'm moved as such!

[nerdware.livejournal.com]

I had no problem with Accelerando (apart from reading it on my computer screen). I'd already read some of it (Lobsters and Halo), so maybe that helped. If/when I re-read it, I'll want a dead-tree version.

[etriganuk.livejournal.com]

Why not ask Neil? - he's pretty damn good at answering questions on his blog, and I've not seen that question turn up yet, which gives it a high chance of being answered...

[perlmonger.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'd thought of doing just that; just a case of getting my act together to do so now :)