books: July 2004 Archives

0553380168.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpgOne of the most anticipated books that I wanted to read is in truth one that I won't recommend -- A Brief History of Time by Steven Hawking. Not because scientific non-fiction isn't interesting; it is. Not because the topics weren't well put together; they were. And not because Hawking doesn't know what he's talking about; he does. The reason I won't recommend this book is because for 95 percent of those reading my words here, I can sum up the book in one sentence: as smart as we think we are, our brains will likely never be able to comprehend the majesty of the divine creation. There you go; you don't have to read this book.

Unless, that is, you would like to hear about what it might be like to get sucked into a black hole. Then you should read the book. If you'd like to read about dark matter, or quantum theory, or wormholes you might be interested too. Gravitation and light-speed travel? Okay, okay. Read it. But for everyone else, there are others I would recommend.

Kevin says: One to avoid
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Bantam; 10th Anniv edition (September 1, 1998)
ISBN: 0553380168
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Timeline by Michael Crichton audio CDDoing a lot of driving back and forth to Muncie provides some time to listen to literary audio -- books on tape. One of my recent 'listens was Timeline by Michael Crichton.

Most of Crichton's novels surround a burgeoning field of scientific research -- this book surrounds the idea of time travel and alternative dimensional timelines. As usual, he focuses on the "tech gone bad" possibility and out comes the yarn.

All I knew about this book before beginning was from the trailer from the motion picture of the same title which showed characters immersed in medieval times -- no, not the restaurant -- complete with joisting, castles, and wenches. Well, that makes up about 70-percent of the book; an olden-day knight's tale within a modern-day techno thriller. Quite a mix! Even so, I admit I was riveted.

Kevin says: One listen and back on the shelf
Audio CD: 9 discs
Publisher: Bantam Books-Audio; 0 edition (November 16, 1999)
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This page is an archive of entries in the books category from July 2004.

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