Are you looking for a summer challenge? Do you like science fiction? Then consider diving into our August CC Book Club selection, Seveneves by Neal Stephenson.
Stephenson’s novel begins with the explosion of the moon, rendering the earth uninhabitable and forcing nations to work together to ensure the future of humanity by sending as many people as possible into space in hastily built ships.
Clocking in at over 800 pages, Seveneves may seem daunting, but Amazon, naming it a Best Book of May 2015, noted, “Newcomers to Stephenson should reject any trepidation. This science-fueled saga spans millennia, but make no mistake: The heart of this story is its all-too-human heroes and how their choices, good and ill, forge the future of our species.”
Mitchell and Stephenson do discuss the world created in Seveneves, along with certain aspects of the plot, so if you’re the type who likes to start a book without knowing anything, you might want to hold off.
David Mitchell, by the way, says he “binge-read its 800 pages over a single weekend, and hugely enjoyed it,” and suggests that Neal Stephenson get to work on a sequel entitled, Madam, I’m Adam.
Palindrome (Seveneves) after palindrome (Mitchell’s suggestion of Madam I’m Adam for a sequel title - post #2). Curiosity strikes. Palindromes? Anyway, I’m looking forward to reading Seveneves. I like thick summertime books: reading outside by the pool. Science fiction adds to the feel of escapism.
I just got my book and am heading outside now. Happy reading, everyone.
I’m up to about page 60 and and am really enjoying it. There was a scene at the end of the second chapter, “The Seven Sisters,” that I thought was just terrific. (Hint: it occurred on the Caltech campus and, among other things, introduced the character “Amelia” :).)
I hope we will have plenty of non-spoilerish reports from people as we go along. That would be different – and fun!
I about halfway through-- still going like gangbusters I listened to Science Friday’s summer reading suggestions yesterday and was not surprised to hear that Seveneves made the list. In case anyone has time for more science-y reading, here’s the link: http://www.sciencefriday.com/segment/06/19/2015/throw-these-science-books-in-your-beach-bag.html. I couldn’t resist ordering a few after hearing the SciFri summaries, especially * On the Move: A Life, Oliver Sacks (2015)* and * Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, Robin Wall Kimmerer (2003)*.
I’m about half way through as well. I have to admit that any book that starts at the Atheneum at Caltech has already won my heart. We had our wedding reception there. I’ve run into one - way too techie chapter - but for the most part it’s very much character driven sci-fi, which is what I like.
I read a very favorable review of the Oliver Sachs memoir in one of the NYT book reviews and would like to read it.
I’m on page 182, almost up to Part Two of the book, and I’m definitely liking it. So far, I don’t feel that there has been an excessive amount of technical info. I find the technical stuff plausible and rather fascinating.
There was a dramatic episode involving Tekla that was quite memorable.
A couple of days ago I noticed a mysterious picture inside the back cover of the book. The thing in the picture seems to resemble objects that can be dimly perceived, upside-down, in the reflection in the eye on the cover of the book.
I also discovered two illustrations on a glossy sheet between p. 600 and p. 601.
I worried that I wouldn’t finish in time. Then I worried that I’d finish too early - the narrative just flows. If I finish before July 1 - a good month before discussion - the book won’t be as fresh in my mind. Anyway, I’ve slowed it down and am reading it along with other books. I’m currently about page 150 or so.
I’ve resigned myself to finishing too soon, but unlike the Anne Tyler which I also finished too soon, I think I’ll enjoy going back to reread this. I just finished Part Two - off to the distant future!
Even though some events have happened that might explain some of the pictures - I’m still pretty baffled by most of them!
I’m having trouble putting this book down, even though it’s unlike anything I’ve ever read.
Currently I am on p. 381, in the dramatic Ymir section. At this rate (I couldn’t possibly slow down…what discipline you have, ignatius!), I’ll probably be finished with the book in another week or so. Then I’ll go back and skim it and take notes before the discussion…
I am on page 145 and appreciating Neal Stephenson’s mini Astronomy for Dummies lessons (via Doc Dubois), since the only reading I have ever done about the moon also involved a great green room, a telephone, and a red balloon.
