1 to 4 of 4
Review Date: 3/26/2012
This is a neat collection of sci fi stories. There is one from each of thirteen categories of crime story, whodunit, police procedural, etc. Some are excellent, some are just pretty good, but with a one page Asimov introduction to each and juxtaposed in this way, it's fun to read and makes you think about the varieties of crime drama and their relationship to science fiction, but since these are older stories you start thinking about how sci fi has changed and how crime stories have and have not changed. If you like classic sci fi this also gives you a chance to sample thirteen authors with short pieces. There are two or three I plan to seek out here on PBS and at the library.
I read this book book a couple times as a kid in the '70s; I reacquired it through PBS (thanks, PBS!) and read it again, and re-reading something after thirty years is always revealing.
I read this book book a couple times as a kid in the '70s; I reacquired it through PBS (thanks, PBS!) and read it again, and re-reading something after thirty years is always revealing.
Review Date: 3/26/2012
This book is okay. It's your basic space merchant adventure story, and the usual things happen: they're short of money, they almost make some money but something goes wrong, a chance encounter in a starport bar leads to a chance for a big haul, they hook up with some mercenaries and a gangster, they steal something, things go wrong, they're pursued by overwhelming force, a clever stunt from an unlikely source gets them out of it, they end up with a pile of money even though their ship is badly damaged.
But there's a lot missing. Characters develop complex relationships too quickly, without adequate explanation. Our main trader main characters move on to a commando raid to steal valuable merchandise which involves killing a bunch of people without a moment's moral hesitation. You never quite get why some people are attached to each other, or why others are willing to drop everything and join the adventure.
If you like quick, easy reads with an adequate scifi story, here you go. There's some cool stuff. But it's not a great book.
But there's a lot missing. Characters develop complex relationships too quickly, without adequate explanation. Our main trader main characters move on to a commando raid to steal valuable merchandise which involves killing a bunch of people without a moment's moral hesitation. You never quite get why some people are attached to each other, or why others are willing to drop everything and join the adventure.
If you like quick, easy reads with an adequate scifi story, here you go. There's some cool stuff. But it's not a great book.
Review Date: 3/26/2012
This is a perfect military history book, an ideal example of its species. It talks about the politics, it talks about the background. It talks about the in-cockpit experiences of the pilots and what was going on in the vans controlling the SAMs trying to shoot them down. It talks about what was going on in the planning rooms of the Air Force's high command and what was going on in diplomatic negotiations. In every area it is well-researched and provides concrete details. Its fascinating and easy to follow throughout. The book is perfectly neutral: no act of heroism or cowardice, folly or brilliance is omitted. This is a must read for those interested in Viet Nam or modern air war, and a very good choice for anyone interested in military history. I just got the author's other book, and I'll pretty much automatically buy anything else he writes.
Review Date: 12/15/2014
In short, the most challenging and inspiring book I read all year.
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