Don't Forget to Read a Book!

Hello, Stranger. Let's talk about Larry Niven's  The Integral Trees. The Short of It Plot:  The Smoke Ring has everything needed for survival - except for ground. Survival itself is a struggle in constant freefall. Page Count:  272 Award:  1985 Hugo ---- None, actually. Wikipedia erroneously says this won in 1985. Worth a read : No Primary Driver:  (Plot,  World , or Character) Bechdel Test : Fail Technobabble:  You betchya. Review:  A fascinating and cleverly constructed world full of unique fauna and striking vistas. Unfortunately it is populated by a bland, interchangeable, and generally uncompelling cast of characters. This is a striking downfall in a survival story; tragedy and difficulty mean little if one is not invested in any of the players involved. Worth skimming at a library for a taste of the world, but that alone does not carry a novel - this felt much longer than its 270 pages. The Medium of It Spoiler Free! The Integral T...

Hello, Stranger. Let's talk about Larry Niven's Ringworld. The Short of It Plot:  Louis Wu has seen a lot in his 200 years, which makes him a perfect candidate for exploring an unknown world alongside a couple aliens.  Page Count:  342 Award:  1970 Nebula, 1971 Hugo, 1971 Locus Worth a read : Yes. Primary Driver:  (Plot,  World , or  Character ) Bechdel Test : Fail Technobabble:  Moderate Review: Aliens with their own cultures and norms? Check. Compelling protagonist? Check. A completely foreign and fanciful world? Quick and lighthearted? Fun gadgets? Check, check, and check. Sexism? Oh. Oh no. Oh my. The Medium of It Spoiler Free! I feel a bit guilty for having enjoyed this one as much as I did.  Niven begins with an excellent first chapter, which simultaneously showcases some of the wonders of technology in his distant future and introduces Louis Wu as a cool and sympathetic character. Had they realized yet that he had walked out on his ow...