On a bookish podcast interview this week, the host asked me if I was into a particular genre or subject matter these days. It was pretty easy for me to tell him that I’ve been really enjoying books that have fully taken me out of our current time and place — sci-fi and fantasy especially, but also thrillers and historical fiction.
Cloud Cuckoo Land was great. If you don’t like SF, don’t worry, it’s not very “science-fictiony” if I can coin a phrase. Yes, one of the interleaved stories is set inside a spaceship, but just think of it as a mystery story: why is Konstance locked alone in this room, and will she be able to escape?
CCL is certainly high on my list of best books read this year in any genre (I’ve read 20 so far). Given how good All the Light We Cannot See was, too, I’m going to be looking out for anything which Doerr writes in future.
I'm with you on Cloud Cuckoo Land. It was one of the best books I have ever read. The plot line of a single book crossing several centuries and cultures all comes together well. And some of my favorite characters are in this book. Although I finished it in January, I have been thinking of rereading it sometime soon as I am sure that rereading it I will discover new things and it will still remain a favorite. Highly recommend David and Neil read the book. I am not a fan of fantasy (but I am of SF), so, David, give it a try.
Jeremy- I place All the Light We Cannot See in my top five books of all time. I was very, very moved by it. Cloud Cuckoo is getting fantastic critical reviews. Still, I'm reluctant to buy and read it. Sorry, I'm one of those early baby boomers who does not like science fiction and fantasy. Have other naysayers been able to overcome their prejudices about those genres and find a way to love Cloud Cuckoo as much as the critics and professional reviewers?
I picked up a copy of Cloud Cuckoo at a thrift store for a dollar last weekend. I enjoyed All the Light and was thinking I'd get around to reading this one someday, but now you've got me eager to jump right in. Thanks!
"out of this world..." ;)
Cloud Cuckoo Land was great. If you don’t like SF, don’t worry, it’s not very “science-fictiony” if I can coin a phrase. Yes, one of the interleaved stories is set inside a spaceship, but just think of it as a mystery story: why is Konstance locked alone in this room, and will she be able to escape?
CCL is certainly high on my list of best books read this year in any genre (I’ve read 20 so far). Given how good All the Light We Cannot See was, too, I’m going to be looking out for anything which Doerr writes in future.
I'm with you on Cloud Cuckoo Land. It was one of the best books I have ever read. The plot line of a single book crossing several centuries and cultures all comes together well. And some of my favorite characters are in this book. Although I finished it in January, I have been thinking of rereading it sometime soon as I am sure that rereading it I will discover new things and it will still remain a favorite. Highly recommend David and Neil read the book. I am not a fan of fantasy (but I am of SF), so, David, give it a try.
Jeremy- I place All the Light We Cannot See in my top five books of all time. I was very, very moved by it. Cloud Cuckoo is getting fantastic critical reviews. Still, I'm reluctant to buy and read it. Sorry, I'm one of those early baby boomers who does not like science fiction and fantasy. Have other naysayers been able to overcome their prejudices about those genres and find a way to love Cloud Cuckoo as much as the critics and professional reviewers?
I picked up a copy of Cloud Cuckoo at a thrift store for a dollar last weekend. I enjoyed All the Light and was thinking I'd get around to reading this one someday, but now you've got me eager to jump right in. Thanks!