More book reviews

How times have changed… before, when on holiday, that was the time I would catch up on my reading. Now, when on holiday with an 11 month old… if you manage to read a page that’s a victory in itself. So, don’t expect much in the way of new book recommendations from my end for the time being. But I did manage to read a couple of books recently, so here goes:

The Bone Clocks – David Mitchell

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After a string of okay-ish books as of late, it was so refreshing to finally read a novel so incredible as The Bone Clocks. Loved every word, and it ranks quite high on the list of favourite reads this year. For any who have read Mitchell’s other works such as Cloud Atlas, you come to expect a novel that it’s impossible to assign to one genre, but one that bounds across so many that it’s impossible to keep up. Ultimately, a compelling story of immortality and the extremes to which humanity is willing to go to pursue it, told through the eyes and life of an amazing central character. Extremely, highly recommended. 5 out of 5.

The Library at Mount Char – Scott Hawkins

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Earlier this year, I read a book called The Honours, which was beautifully written, had amazing character and world building, was all I wanted in a book… except it’s extremely weak story. The Library at Mount Char is not the greatest when it comes to writing, it is very weak in character building (beyond its main protagonist), and you really wish it was better edited, but man what an amazing story. And like The Honours, you feel let down because it could’ve been so much more. I loved the premise of the book, and I really really wish it was executed better. It could’ve easily been my best book of the year if somehow The Library at Mount Char and The Honours would just merge into one… alas, was not the case. I’ll still give it 3.5 out of 5… but I wanted to give it oh so much more. What a shame…

Recently good sci-fi movies

This blog is mainly about books, but every now and then I’ll throw in some movie posts… because why not. In this case, it is closely based on a book, as I’m extremely psyched about the new “The Martian” movie. Why? Because it’s probably the best book I’ve read this year (though it came out earlier), and it couldn’t look more promising. On that basis, I had a recent chat with my friend Felipe over good sci-fi films I’ve recently seen which he should watch, and decided to share those recommendations here. In no particular order:

Edge of Tomorrow

Edge of Tomorrow (2014) Poster

Say what you like about Tom Cruise, how likeable or dislikeable he is, but when it comes to blockbusters, the man seldom gets it wrong. And with this film, he couldn’t have had it more right. It’s an amazing movie, a sci-fied Groundhog Day that hits every note. The movie suffered from terrible marketing (don’t know how many times they changed the name), which may have hindered your awareness of the film. Go see it now if you haven’t. See it again if you have.

Moon

The story of a man stuck on his own in the moon, willingly… the film that put director Duncan Jones (of Source Code fame) on the map, it’s a riveting, bleak, dark insight into the human mind. Definitely worth a watch.

Ex Machina

Ex Machina (2015) Poster

Probably one of the best films I’ve seen about AI, the film focusses on the Turing Test, whether you can tell man from machine, and what would happen when that is accomplished…. and its not good for us, I’m afraid. Very well made, worth having a look.

Interstellar

Interstellar (2014) Poster

Christopher Nolan can do no wrong. This is such a good film, superbly acted, extremely well made. Even though you have to really strain yourself to listen to what Matthew McConaughey is saying all the time (why does he have to whisper in every movie?) the movie grips you from the start and never lets you go. Love the science, love the story… great movie.

About Time

This is a funny one, because it’s more rom-com than sci-fi, but still definitely worth watching. The latest from Richard Curtis, he of Notting Hill, Love Actually, et al, this is a story of a young guy who discovers a time travelling gene runs in is family, allowing him to jump back in time to find the right girl. It’s a really sweet movie, highly recommended.