Let's start with the bad:
Odyssey by Stephen Fry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
If you are considering reading this for context before seeing Christopher Nolan's movie "The Odyssey," trust me, you'll be disappointed.
Less than a quarter of the book, if that, concerns Odysseus, but you do get a lot of footnotes, references to Fry's prior works in the "great mythology" series, opinions about AI, and probably, somewhere in this haze I'm emerging from, a story about a kitchen sink. I started listening to this, but then (credit the author's marketing genius) bought the Kindle version so I could finish it more quickly. I did not like the narration.
Now, having written all that, let me admit: I've seen a preponderance of overwhelmingly positive reviews about this mythology series, and Fry's career has been remarkable. He is talented and accomplished... and not some one-off contemporary in New Jersey banging out Goodreads reviews. So, once again, I must admit, it's just me... and I won't give this less than 3 stars. But, truly, I just don't get it.
For me, it's back to Emily Wilson. Or maybe, for hoots, I'll return to the nemesis of my college days, the ghost of Richmond Lattimore. Oh, and I'm looking forward to the movie, too.
PS - 5 stars for the movie. It's excellent.
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Given my obsession with AI, I thought I'd give this classic a read. I was disappointed, though. Alas, I've given up about halfway through. I found the writing out-dated or, to put it more kindly, "quaint." Here's a tip about this loosely tied short-story collection: never play a game where you take a drink at the mention of the word "positronic."
Let's end with the good:
I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything by Joanna Stern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book very much -- MUCH better than "I, Robot" which is actually referenced by Joanna Stern. It's relevant, and an easy read. I learned a few things along the way. It's not a manual on how to use AI, but it details a particular personal voyage across deep waters.
PS- Some negative review comments about this book have more to do with AI than the book itself. I wouldn't blame the author for this existential mess!
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This "accidental novel" was rejected by a book club for being too religious or Catholic or Christian, so I read it (listened to it) anyway to see what was so spiritually radical. And, instead of religion, I entered a vast, imaginary world that uplifted my spirits. There is no dogma here, just a reaffirmation of the power of "acceptance, forgiveness, love" (Uncle Sydney's maxim in "Broadway Danny Rose").
I would have liked the book to have been shorter, because I am so impatient these days. At the same time, I would have liked the book to have been longer, because I am so impatient these days. I need to be reminded of the importance of time well spent. So now I'm imagining sitting on a park bench and talking to my friend Kathy. I'm sure you have a friend, or future friend, like that too.
PS- Here's a read on why others reject this novel: https://wendygrace.substack.com/p/why... - Now, I don't know if I should feel guilty!
View all my Goodreads reviews
