Not as good as the first collection (but then it's hard to beat the catastrophy that kicks off this series). This mostly feels like a couple of stories that set things up to build on later.
Nightmarish depiction of a society controlled through artificial incentive schemes. Also contains some wonderful weirdness related to the self, the body and other minds.
Wildly funny, unique reading experience. Starts out slow but the absurdness is masterfully increased as the book progresses. The protagonist is wonderfully ambiguous, at times incredibly sympathetic, at times absolutely repulsive. This is not a book about anything, but at the same time I have not re
... (continue)
Wildly funny, unique reading experience. Starts out slow but the absurdness is masterfully increased as the book progresses. The protagonist is wonderfully ambiguous, at times incredibly sympathetic, at times absolutely repulsive. This is not a book about anything, but at the same time I have not read many books containing so many spot-on descriptions of humanities shortcomings.
What can I say? A very enjoyable read, accessible, but with some truly novel ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of Chandler-esque detective fiction and spooky metaphysical weirdness. Add to that a real sense of place and this is one trip to a pair of fantasy cities you won't forget.
With the last lines still going through my head I write this short review to tell you it is truly a one-of-a-kind book. I'm particularly impressed with how Jacobs combines very personal detailed anecdotes with big ideas and insights that have broad application. If you're a lover of cities, or deal w
... (continue)
With the last lines still going through my head I write this short review to tell you it is truly a one-of-a-kind book. I'm particularly impressed with how Jacobs combines very personal detailed anecdotes with big ideas and insights that have broad application. If you're a lover of cities, or deal with the shaping of them in any way - which is most of us, I guess - you really should read this. You'll never look at your own neighborhood in quite the same way.
Y: The Last Man, Vol. 2
Not as good as the first collection (but then it's hard to beat the catastrophy that kicks off this series). This mostly feels like a couple of stories that set things up to build on later.
Glasshouse
Nightmarish depiction of a society controlled through artificial incentive schemes. Also contains some wonderful weirdness related to the self, the body and other minds.
A Confederacy of Dunces
Wildly funny, unique reading experience. Starts out slow but the absurdness is masterfully increased as the book progresses. The protagonist is wonderfully ambiguous, at times incredibly sympathetic, at times absolutely repulsive. This is not a book about anything, but at the same time I have not re ... (continue)
Wildly funny, unique reading experience. Starts out slow but the absurdness is masterfully increased as the book progresses. The protagonist is wonderfully ambiguous, at times incredibly sympathetic, at times absolutely repulsive. This is not a book about anything, but at the same time I have not read many books containing so many spot-on descriptions of humanities shortcomings.
The City and the City
What can I say? A very enjoyable read, accessible, but with some truly novel ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of Chandler-esque detective fiction and spooky metaphysical weirdness. Add to that a real sense of place and this is one trip to a pair of fantasy cities you won't forget.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
With the last lines still going through my head I write this short review to tell you it is truly a one-of-a-kind book. I'm particularly impressed with how Jacobs combines very personal detailed anecdotes with big ideas and insights that have broad application. If you're a lover of cities, or deal w ... (continue)
With the last lines still going through my head I write this short review to tell you it is truly a one-of-a-kind book. I'm particularly impressed with how Jacobs combines very personal detailed anecdotes with big ideas and insights that have broad application. If you're a lover of cities, or deal with the shaping of them in any way - which is most of us, I guess - you really should read this. You'll never look at your own neighborhood in quite the same way.