On Reviewing

Hello, Stranger.

Let's talk about how I'm writing these reviews.

First and foremost, these are my opinions, with which you're welcome to disagree.

The Short of It
When you got no time and you want no spoilers.

Worth a Read
This one is pretty obvious. Is the book worth your time? Has it aged well enough that it is enjoyable now?

World, Character, or Plot
I've aimed to restrict my books to one of these as much as possible, looking for the core of the story. In some cases more than one are central; if so, more than one will be highlighted. These seem like the three main story drivers in Science Fiction. If something else comes up, well, I'll work that in as well.

The Bechdel Test
The Bechdel Test is a simple question: do two named female characters converse about something other than a man. Whether or not a book passes is not a condemnation so much as an observation.
I'm using a slightly modified version for the sake of science fiction; I'll consider it a pass if two non-male named characters have a conversation about something other than a man. This should work to encompass the gender fluidity of The Left Hand of Darkness as well as interactions between aliens, robots, AIs, and so forth. 
Again, not condemning books that fail, just trying to see how the genre has changed over the years.
A more damning approach is the "Sexy Lamp" test. In short: could every female character just be replaced with a sexy lamp? Would it make any difference? I'll probably comment on this a bit in some of the longer reviews.

Technobabble
This is partly about gut feel. Does it seem like there is a reason for an extended dive into technology? Do the words actually make sense, or are pages just getting filled with random nonsense? Is the technology at hand part of the story?

The Long of It
When you got some time and you don't mind spoilers.
A bit more free form, I'll try to focus on what I did and did not like more than plot. In some cases, however, plot comes to the fore. Usually when it's not great. I'll do my best to be fair.

That's how these are going to work, unless it changes, which it could.

Such are the vagaries of life, Stranger.
And don't forget to read a book!

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