Post by OneEye on Feb 11, 2004 0:17:34 GMT -5
Alright assholes, since I've had plenty of time to catch up on my literature, I'd like to tell you about a couple of books I got for the holidays. If this review sucks, then you can review a copy of Club magazine for yourself. It'd probably be more rewarding. I have never written a book review and it's sure to show.
First of all, I enjoy science fiction. I really have yet to read something I didn't like, or that sucked horribly. Ben Bova seems to be highly respected amongst his peers and critics as one of the best. I had never read any of his works before, so this was to be a treat.
The story starts with an African American astronaut named Paul Stavenger in the not too distant future. Fortunately, a future that George W. Bush has nothing to do with. He is viewing in retrospect what has landed him in his present situation. An unpleasant situation indeed, given the harsh environment of a surface devoid of atmosphere. Man has taken steps to set up a base on the moon, and nanotechnology is being pushed forward as a way to make work easier.
Enter the politics of an aerospace corporation, owned by Paul's wife, out to profit, of course, from the development of new manufacturing techniques. Moonbase is Paul Stavenger's dream, but something goes wrong. Sons and past flings bring a human side to the story, delicately woven in with global politics.
Years pass and Paul's son, Doug, has carried on in his father's footsteps. By this time the world's nations are signing a U.N. treaty to abolish nanotechnology, coerced by religious fanatics. In order to continue operations at moonbase, Doug must weigh his options in what seems to be Moonbase's futile existence against a world out to shut it down.
A climactic finish ensues, with the very future of man's reaching towards the stars on the line.
I have almost finished these books, and have enjoyed the story thus far. Ben Bova brings the human element into the story, showing how even with the best intentions, things are bound to get fucked up. Speaking of fucking, there is plenty of it happening on the moon. It almost seems as though Bova spends a little too much time detailing the characters' personal feelings towards one another, as it is prevalent throughout. I'm in agreement with him however in that this is probably what will happen when you lock several hundred people up together in a harsh environment where the only other thing to do is work.
Politics, murder, advancing technology, sex, these books have it all. Ben Bova has certainly created a plausible future for us to look forward to, as well as one we should hope to avoid.
First of all, I enjoy science fiction. I really have yet to read something I didn't like, or that sucked horribly. Ben Bova seems to be highly respected amongst his peers and critics as one of the best. I had never read any of his works before, so this was to be a treat.
The story starts with an African American astronaut named Paul Stavenger in the not too distant future. Fortunately, a future that George W. Bush has nothing to do with. He is viewing in retrospect what has landed him in his present situation. An unpleasant situation indeed, given the harsh environment of a surface devoid of atmosphere. Man has taken steps to set up a base on the moon, and nanotechnology is being pushed forward as a way to make work easier.
Enter the politics of an aerospace corporation, owned by Paul's wife, out to profit, of course, from the development of new manufacturing techniques. Moonbase is Paul Stavenger's dream, but something goes wrong. Sons and past flings bring a human side to the story, delicately woven in with global politics.
Years pass and Paul's son, Doug, has carried on in his father's footsteps. By this time the world's nations are signing a U.N. treaty to abolish nanotechnology, coerced by religious fanatics. In order to continue operations at moonbase, Doug must weigh his options in what seems to be Moonbase's futile existence against a world out to shut it down.
A climactic finish ensues, with the very future of man's reaching towards the stars on the line.
I have almost finished these books, and have enjoyed the story thus far. Ben Bova brings the human element into the story, showing how even with the best intentions, things are bound to get fucked up. Speaking of fucking, there is plenty of it happening on the moon. It almost seems as though Bova spends a little too much time detailing the characters' personal feelings towards one another, as it is prevalent throughout. I'm in agreement with him however in that this is probably what will happen when you lock several hundred people up together in a harsh environment where the only other thing to do is work.
Politics, murder, advancing technology, sex, these books have it all. Ben Bova has certainly created a plausible future for us to look forward to, as well as one we should hope to avoid.
