tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post205396855234622772..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: The Dark Forest by Cixin LiuBrian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-64581602490007470092018-06-17T23:35:51.648-04:002018-06-17T23:35:51.648-04:00Hi Caroline- I also have been watching Discovery. ...Hi Caroline- I also have been watching Discovery. I mostly like it. I also found this book s lot better then the first. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-82671588157229371042018-06-17T09:56:21.077-04:002018-06-17T09:56:21.077-04:00While when reading your first review of this serie...While when reading your first review of this series I thought this wouldn’t be fir me, now I’m not so sure as I just watched Star Trek Discovery. It’s actually fascinating to think these books span some many centuries. <br />This sounds excellent.Carolinehttp://beautyisasleepingcat.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-12717864517090879702018-05-31T23:51:26.220-04:002018-05-31T23:51:26.220-04:00Thanks Stefanie - It is so rare that I call a sequ...Thanks Stefanie - It is so rare that I call a sequel better then the original. If you read this I would love to know what you thought of it. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-46975096700150984222018-05-31T14:32:27.052-04:002018-05-31T14:32:27.052-04:00Better than the first one? I have to get my readin...Better than the first one? I have to get my reading under control so I can have some time to read this sooner rather than later. Enjoyed the review!Stefaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943596258182968212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-52740930412699559202018-05-29T07:12:51.585-04:002018-05-29T07:12:51.585-04:00Thanks Maria.
There are all sorts of fascinating...Thanks Maria. <br /><br />There are all sorts of fascinating concepts floating around this book. There are more that I did not even mention. <br /><br />I also prefer benevolent aliens. I also think that they are a lot more likely. <br /><br />It is hard to know for sure how humanity would react to an alien threat. I think that we would probably unite. I agree that this ridiculous rhetoric about immigrants would be a thing of the past. <br /><br />Liu seems to be very much a humanist. He sees the danger of both right and left wing extremist governments. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-19383029378155455862018-05-29T07:02:04.484-04:002018-05-29T07:02:04.484-04:00Hi Evelina. Both the Sophans and The Wallfacers we...Hi Evelina. Both the Sophans and The Wallfacers were great concepts. Liu is so imaginative. I have actually finished the third book. I will have commentary up soon. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-26593510653588127302018-05-29T06:59:05.343-04:002018-05-29T06:59:05.343-04:00Hi Baili - It is rare that a second book is better...Hi Baili - It is rare that a second book is better then the first. <br /><br />Though I think that there are both positive and negative aspects to existence, I think that as societies and cultures advance, the positive nature wins out. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-71564283212311999572018-05-29T06:38:10.887-04:002018-05-29T06:38:10.887-04:00Hi Lainy - My commentary on the first book is here...Hi Lainy - My commentary on the first book is here http://briansbabblingbooks.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-three-body-problem-by-cixin-liu.htmlBrian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-87299493960810254522018-05-29T06:35:22.401-04:002018-05-29T06:35:22.401-04:00Hi Susan - A lot when on in this book. I have actu...Hi Susan - A lot when on in this book. I have actually finished the last book. Even more happens. I will have commentary up soon. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-103512998314108662018-05-29T01:18:28.830-04:002018-05-29T01:18:28.830-04:00either i find this version more appealing than fir...either i find this version more appealing than first one Brain which occurs less<br /><br />there are many movies and books with the topic but this one seems fascinating through your wonderful commentary <br />i liked your chosen lines from the novel which display the complete concept of the novel <br />i agree with the idea that one day man will know finally that he is , and everything in universe is creation of love and he needs to plan the further survival according to this basic theory bailihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06498012175058870980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-70568200440197923162018-05-27T17:17:33.166-04:002018-05-27T17:17:33.166-04:00AWESOME analysis of this book, Brian! As always!! ...AWESOME analysis of this book, Brian! As always!! :)<br /><br />Even before I got to your observation that this novel is superior to the first one, I had thought as much. I think this is due to the introduction of the sophons, as well as the Wallfacers. Both are totally fascinating concepts! Furthermore, as you have stated, this plot does seem far more interesting, with more nuanced characters. <br /><br />I also like the way the author comments on extremist left and right-wing ideologies, and the resolution of the problems created by them. As you know, I am a political moderate (although I have been leaning a bit more to the left of late, thanks to YOU KNOW WHO), so this is something I find not only interesting, but also very rational and well-balanced.<br /><br />It also seems that Liu excels at making the Trisolarans sound like a very real menace. Again, as I stated in my comment to your review of "The Three-Body Problem", I much prefer benevolent aliens in the SF genre (thank you, Mr. Spock!). However, I've always thought that, if there was ANYTHING that might succeed in having us humans treat each other humanely, as well as unite, it would be the impending threat of alien invasion. Such an impending event would, I'm sure, put an end to such things as all of the MORONIC rhetoric regarding immigration by the present Trump administration. If HOSTILE EXTRATERRESTRIALS were a REAL threat, you can bet your bottom dollar that NO ONE would worry about HUMAN IMMIGRANTS being a so-called "impediment" to "making America great again"! In the same way, NO ONE would worry about "whites" being "superior"! <br /><br />So perhaps the threat of alien invasion would make us forget all of our ridiculous beliefs in "us" versus "them". Heck, it might even make us forget about insisting that men are "superior" to women! <br /><br />On the other hand....maybe I'm being too naive and idealistic here.....maybe these morons would hold fast to their prejudices, even in the face of impending invasion and world domination by hostile aliens.... And the beat goes on.....sigh.... <br /><br />Thanks for your thoughtful insights on this novel!! <3 :)<br />Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-90886351089990874952018-05-27T12:49:11.116-04:002018-05-27T12:49:11.116-04:00I think I need to check the other review as I hav...I think I need to check the other review as I haven't read the first xxx<br /><br />Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net So many books, so little timehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07564778178609301461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-65215632974808187902018-05-27T06:25:15.248-04:002018-05-27T06:25:15.248-04:00The Wallfacers was such a cool concept, wasn't...The Wallfacers was such a cool concept, wasn't it? I love it how Cixin Liu is just so creative with these things. And sophons were the coolest! I don't really like the direction the sophons go in the third book, but I'll let you first read it and then we can talk :D<br /><br />This book was mind blowing in many ways! But the third one, that one just completely blew my mind. I can't wait for your review :) I feel like I should reread these...Evelina @ AvalinahsBookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09564183695294142501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-90075160275481118602018-05-25T18:06:45.351-04:002018-05-25T18:06:45.351-04:00"Crews of two of the ships murder the crews o..."Crews of two of the ships murder the crews of the other ships in order to obtain fuel and spare parts. These actions are presented as the only possible way that the ships will be able to reach their destinations."<br /><br />I think this really speaks to the fears people have now - not of alien invasion but of fewer resources and fewer jobs, and the possible consequences.<br /><br />Anyway, excellent review!<br /><br />HKatzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17653570160517335758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-16351363423634796252018-05-25T17:53:29.562-04:002018-05-25T17:53:29.562-04:00I like the sound of this one: confronting an alie...I like the sound of this one: confronting an alien invasion with the Wallfacers leading the way. How interesting. This one seems to have a lot going on in it! Glad you liked this one even better. I look forward to hearing about the third book ... which will likely be all about the invasion, right? thecuecardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08870323589682197091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-84292832065216928842018-05-24T05:56:14.535-04:002018-05-24T05:56:14.535-04:00Hi Sharee - This book really only works as a seque...Hi Sharee - This book really only works as a sequel to the Three Body Problem. I cannot imagine reading it without reading the first book. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-36924295201924340442018-05-24T01:38:52.115-04:002018-05-24T01:38:52.115-04:00Hmmm, this one sounds far more complex, I'm th...Hmmm, this one sounds far more complex, I'm thinking I'd need to tackle the Three Body Problem first. It's another great review, Brian, cheers!Sheree @ Keeping Up With The Penguinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09387035714160789080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-3745709410558216542018-05-23T13:44:20.157-04:002018-05-23T13:44:20.157-04:00Hi Tracy - Based on what you have written in the p...Hi Tracy - Based on what you have written in the past, I think this would be right up Mr. T’s ally. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-63934146577002965842018-05-23T13:27:05.942-04:002018-05-23T13:27:05.942-04:00Whilst I'm sure I'd find the characters fa...Whilst I'm sure I'd find the characters fascinating, I'm not convinced I wouldn't find this too serious a work of Science Fiction. I will however pass the details onto Mr T as I'm sure he'd be interested.Felicity Grace Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17852843882007267665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-11046392222131254902018-05-21T17:56:43.236-04:002018-05-21T17:56:43.236-04:00Thanks Sharon. I think that you would like this. L...Thanks Sharon. I think that you would like this. Lou Ji seems the most reluctant of heros. <br /><br />Liu still lives in China. The Chinese government is certainly totalitarian and repressive. But I think that they are odd and act like they are not. Thus I think that they allow general criticism of repressive systems. At least sometimes. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-16948526872508103462018-05-21T17:05:03.213-04:002018-05-21T17:05:03.213-04:00And again, a great review, Brian. This book has a...And again, a great review, Brian. This book has a lot of ingredients I like: action/adventure; world-building; scientific fantasy concepts and a commentary on historical social events; and last, but not least, a reluctant hero who finds himself in all sorts of situations he does not feel equipped to deal with. I love that kind of character.<br /><br />Does the author still live in China? I wonder if he could get away with making negative comments about totalitarian governments.<br /><br />Who knows when I'll get around to reading this trilogy, but I'm glad you put this author on my radar.<br /><br />Take care!Sharon Wilfonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17466621290140789056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-12308210376133920412018-05-21T14:03:39.684-04:002018-05-21T14:03:39.684-04:00Hi James - I actually thought of you when writing ...Hi James - I actually thought of you when writing about this book. I know that you have reservations about the first book. I wonder if you might like this one better. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-22474573262768437972018-05-21T13:28:26.952-04:002018-05-21T13:28:26.952-04:00Thanks for the great review. I appreciate your as...Thanks for the great review. I appreciate your assessment that this is a better novel than its predecessor. I think I will recommend it to our SF reading group.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00561320676355168336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-14113671521740138832018-05-21T06:58:20.204-04:002018-05-21T06:58:20.204-04:00Hi WG - I thought that particular Trisolaran’s com...Hi WG - I thought that particular Trisolaran’s comments reflected a future that humanity should be striving for. I heard Curry’s sermon. It was similar. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-9401547982694579912018-05-20T21:29:10.784-04:002018-05-20T21:29:10.784-04:00I love your description of Luo Ji and his selectio...I love your description of Luo Ji and his selection as a Wallfacer! <br /><br />And I like the Trisolaran's desire for a future based on love. That's pretty much what Archbishop Mark Curry argued for in his sermon at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. If only ...Whispering Gumshttp://whisperinggums.comnoreply@blogger.com