Killing Time
3 journalers for this copy...
Released on Sunday, August 22, 2004 at Recreation Park in Ypsilanti, Michigan USA.
In the Community Garden (next to the Senior Center) by the bulletin board.
In the Community Garden (next to the Senior Center) by the bulletin board.
I found this book in my community garden where I have a small vegetable plot! It was so much fun to find a Book Crossing book there.
I have read about 215 pages of this book, but I think I'm just going to let it go again and not finish it. It's the kind of alarmist book that's not sitting well with me right now. I agree with Carr's premise that there are underlying dangers to the Information Age, but things are scary enough with what we DO know about our government's actions, without bringing in such far-fetched conspiracy theories.
I've tried reading Caleb Carr before (The Alienist), and I just don't care for his writing style, particularly his habit of having characters explain things in dialogue that would be common knowledge in his story setting: "As you know, Japan's economy never really recovered after the '07 economic crash..." It's clunky and annoying. Also unrealistic: everyone in this novel seems to have extremely detailed knowledge of the political situation in every far-flung locale in the story. I also dislike books in which there is ONE famale character, who is then forced to embody enough aspects of behavior for ten characters -- so of course, she's a sex kitten AND a nuclear scientist AND an assassin AND the product of genetic manipulation AND a victim of child abuse AND a mommy-figure to her brother...
I have read about 215 pages of this book, but I think I'm just going to let it go again and not finish it. It's the kind of alarmist book that's not sitting well with me right now. I agree with Carr's premise that there are underlying dangers to the Information Age, but things are scary enough with what we DO know about our government's actions, without bringing in such far-fetched conspiracy theories.
I've tried reading Caleb Carr before (The Alienist), and I just don't care for his writing style, particularly his habit of having characters explain things in dialogue that would be common knowledge in his story setting: "As you know, Japan's economy never really recovered after the '07 economic crash..." It's clunky and annoying. Also unrealistic: everyone in this novel seems to have extremely detailed knowledge of the political situation in every far-flung locale in the story. I also dislike books in which there is ONE famale character, who is then forced to embody enough aspects of behavior for ten characters -- so of course, she's a sex kitten AND a nuclear scientist AND an assassin AND the product of genetic manipulation AND a victim of child abuse AND a mommy-figure to her brother...
Journal Entry 4 by wombbat at Amer's Coffee Shop, 611 Church Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA on Monday, September 27, 2004
Released 19 yrs ago (9/27/2004 UTC) at Amer's Coffee Shop, 611 Church Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Left it on the counter where other free literature was stacked.
Left it on the counter where other free literature was stacked.
What a rush! I picked this book up and noticed a sort of superficial writing style designed to keep people hooked, but the subject matter kept me going. And of course I thought, why the heck not enjoy the book, despite the criticism?
One very cool revelation was with how Caleb picked the title. I'm not saying when, or how...just that it brought a little smirk that made me appreciate the book in a new way.
Caleb's ideas are rich and unique, but a bit over the top. Also, everything seems so simple and appears to fit so neatly into place. The philosophy makes sense, but is never challenged or cross-examined. I'd say if you like it, definitely read it to the end. If you don't think it's for you, the style never really changes, so save the time you have left!
I'm loaning it to a friend in the dorm [U of Michigan Ann Arbor] who was interested...
One very cool revelation was with how Caleb picked the title. I'm not saying when, or how...just that it brought a little smirk that made me appreciate the book in a new way.
Caleb's ideas are rich and unique, but a bit over the top. Also, everything seems so simple and appears to fit so neatly into place. The philosophy makes sense, but is never challenged or cross-examined. I'd say if you like it, definitely read it to the end. If you don't think it's for you, the style never really changes, so save the time you have left!
I'm loaning it to a friend in the dorm [U of Michigan Ann Arbor] who was interested...
