Sunday, February 22, 2015

Authors to Love:David Simpson Part II

 
 My husband's review on Post Human (Amazon)
 
5.0 out of 5 stars Ambitiously Imaginative and Fast Paced, December 14, 2012
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Post-Human (Paperback)
I'm picky about my sci-fi, and I'm a hard sell, but I loved this book!
I generally stick to "hard" science fiction; e.g., "Neuromancer". I like my sci-fi with some grit and an edge. I would describe "Post-Human" as "gritty sci-fi delivered in a 'soft' way", but that's not meant as a criticism - this is not a kid's book, and there are some scenes that conjure very dark images in one's mind. Hard, gritty sci-fi usually demands a commitment to dense and lengthy writing, but some writers can deliver something that can grab one from the very start and urge one to yearn for the next page. I was very happy to find both edge and urge in David Simpson's "Post-Human".

Simpson unloads a plethora of big and bold ideas. He hurls them at you mercilessly and his imagination is impressive to the point of intimidating. At the start of this book he quotes Arthur C. Clark; "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic". To many readers, the technology conjured in this book will be unbelievable, but isn't that the way sci-fi should be? Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" was published in 1870. By today's standards, submarine technology of that age is almost comical, but Verne took the germ of the concept, ran with it, and in fact ran a very long way with it. Exactly how the "Nautilus" was powered remains unexplained to this day, yet the book is regarded as an historical classic. I've read a few rather harsh reviewers who criticise Simpson for invoking "super-science". I disagree and challenge them to issue the same rebuke to Verne's work. Furthermore, would those reviewers be so critical of Michael Chrichton's "Prey", in which nano-sized bots perform miraculous and (to us, at the present time) unbelievable feats? I doubt that many critics would do be so quick to speak out against such respected authors.

Unexpectedly, a feeling came over me shortly after beginning "Post-Human". It was something I'd not felt for a very long time, like a mix of wonder and nostalgia. "Post-Human" brought forth the same feelings I'd felt as I read sci-fi books in my youth. I've repeatedly read all of Asimov's robot stories and they too were completely implausible when published. And yet they completely captured me. I can't recall any book I've read over the last 20 years that evoked that warm, nostalgic feeling. I felt like I was in "old territory" again and enjoyed that feeling throughout the book

"Post-Human" also touches on some very deep and thoughtful themes. The fact that they appear alerts me that Simpson is indeed a very deep and insightful thinker and a person who understands human behaviour as much as he understands technology. The fact that some themes are not developed in more depth (in some instances they consist of a mere sentence or two) seems to point to Simpson's goal - to simply deliver an exuberant, highly creative, fast-paced and entertaining read. If you're in the mood for something very dense, like Herbert's "Dune", then this book is not for you; however if you want to experience a deluge of amazingly original and breathtakingly huge ideas popping up in a fast flowing, action-packed stream, you will enjoy this book. I found Simpson's imagination nothing short of breath-taking, which I suspect is what reminded me of Asimov's robot stories.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Post-Human" and have the trilogy. I've just begun "Sub-Human" (the prequel) and am loving it. "Post-Human" and what I've read of its prequel leaves me with the confidence to highly recommend the trilogy to sci-fi lovers, and given the price, you really can't go wrong. It's been a long time since an author's transported me back to the golden age of science fiction, and I thank David Simpson for doing so. I hope there's a lot more to come.

Peter Musgrove

Authors to Love: David Simpson Part I


A few years back I stumbled upon Post Human by David Simpson (Book #2) and read the whole book in no time. I was curious to see who this author was, as I've always checked out the authors of new and different books, especially since I had a book group and was always looking for new reads to post.Who is this author and what else has he done and what is he going to do for a follow up, I had to know.

Somewhere it said to "follow me on Facebook" which lead me to a private account. 
Holy cow, how do I do this? I mean, this is an account, not a page but a friend account! Will I meet his family or old school mates? What the hell??? 

 So, after making that horrible, do I or don't I decision I finally clicked the friend option and truly met one of the nicest "humans" in the world! And yes, I met his wife, Jenny too so I did meet family! As an author, Simpson not only engages in all kinds of conversations with his fans but truly cares about what they think. He knows his "tribe" as he calls them. And this isn't just a grateful acknowledgement for a friend it's a huge five star acknowledgement for an author I would love to have you know.

(Ironically, the other "Author to Love" Dani Shapiro, who I showcased first on here had the whole, come follow me on Facebook but I chickened out when I saw it was a private account. Very happy that I took the plunge into Simpson's account, I will never hesitate again with any author to follow.)

You can visit his Facebook page here: 


Let me introduce you to my friend, Estella, another "tribe member" who wrote this wonderful blog post (review for Amazon.)  I was very happy when she said yes in sharing her thoughts.


The following was my review on Amazon of Post-Human by David Simpson:
This review is from: Post-Human (Book 2) (Post-Human Series) (Kindle Edition) This was not your average apocalypse style story... it was better! I was completely unprepared for the twist of how humanity ended, which I loved. I thoroughly enjoy a book that can surprise me and keeping guessing about what will happen next. Humanity has become so evolved that planes, trains, and automobiles are a thing of the past. Anything you want is there in your "mind's eye"... just think for it. But what kind of A.I. is needed to control the demands worldwide. Is there a point in evolution when enough is enough? This was a great read for me and very easy to follow technically. I can be very computer illiterate sometimes. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Scifi. I love finding odd or unusual scenarios. I can't wait for the next book in the series! But there is so much more going on in this book series. David has a vision of humanity’s evolution that caught me totally off guard. I’ve thought about Super AI’s and robots being manufactured to benefit all, but not to the extent that David has taken the concept. His style and humor make for a very enjoyable read. Even though the sciences and technical terms are hard for me to wrap my brain around, I didn’t need a PHD to understand and enjoy the story. This book was a real page turner for me. Apocalyptic, robots, science fiction, all of my passions were embraced. I was through the book before I realized it. I love his writing as an author, but was even more gratified of the person. David Simpson truly enjoys reaching out to his readers. He appreciates the comments and interaction from others. He is very friendly and in my opinion, humble, but he can expand indefinitely about the subjects that interest him, that he is passionate about. All in all you can’t go wrong getting to know this author and his Post-Human series. Estella Allender 2/21/15


~I will showcase each book in tomorrow's blog, it is a very good series, check it out! And thank you, Estella! 


Saturday, February 21, 2015

Tomorrow: David Simpson, author of the Post Human series

Tomorrow I am going to write a blog on David Simpson's Post Human series. I will showcase him in Authors to Love. Be prepared, you never know what genre I will blog about next, even I don't know which is the beauty of knowing me, it's chaos, sheer chaos. 

No one has complained yet except for my husband only because the chaos tends to rub off on him. Poor soul. But what a reader! And he wrote a lovely review of David's first book that I must post as well. I may strong arm my other Simpson fan friend to write something as well. Let me work on that.

And Simpson, by far, is one of the nicest authors in the galaxy. More on that tomorrow!

See you tomorrow! 

 #davidsimpson #posthuman 
Do those tags even work on blogger? I need to get in touch with my inner blogger, I truly suck at reading the fine print, I tend to jump in first.

Some bookish things and the Winter of 2015

I haven't been blogging for a while due to the incredible busyness of life and all that it entails. I am wiped out and ready to hide somewhere so I can catch up on reading! The weather. I can tell you this about our home. There isn't much hunkering down with a good book when it snows. We spend a lot of time doing other things, like keeping the fire going, keeping drafts down and keeping our little monkey, Christa, warm. I am starting to think that the summer has more opportunities to read than winter. That is a huge difference in my life. Plus I have to go to physical therapy three times a week and that wipes me OUT. So, I am ready to pack the beach bag and head to the Jersey Shore! I truly miss reading but I have done some so I should be reviewing a few here and there soon.
 As I had mentioned that I was doing Fat Mum Slim's Photo of the Day and this was from a week or so ago, subject: at my bedside. Those are the books, except Naomi Klein's book, that are always at my bedside. All classics in my mind. Klein's book is next on my list, which will be read along with another book as I truly cannot read her dense books without a light fiction book going as well.
My mom's mom, Gan, was a true spirit of books, reading and collecting things to make her own scrap books. I was honored to get her church scrapbook after she passed on. The things she cut out were from the church flyers and programs and Ideals. When I had read each taped poem verse or story, I understood her more as a woman. She was not one to show or speak of her troubles so I had a bird's eye view of the things she felt through other people's words. I love that so much. I think if you are a quiet soul (obviously I am NOT) a little scrapbook to leave behind is truly the most precious gift to give a child or grandchild. I have left a legacy of my words all over the Internet but have a book started for your loved ones would be much loved. I intend to do it myself.

Lastly, the current reading list of books to the ~~~>  I am reading have all been put aside for a couple of other books I have read that I will review. A book of short stories by Ann Packer, Herman Koch's new book and maybe a read along with a fun book. Not sure. This is a new blog so I can pretty much hybrid it. 

Until later...

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

TBRs and being "Real"

My reading slump has continued but I am slowly getting through the books I have listed under "Currently Reading"here on this blog, though at a nearly comatose pace. I am a the point where I need to take notes or I will forget the characters. Or worse yet, the plot! However, I am working it.

My sweet husband, knowing the terrible slump I've been in decided to give me a book. It came in on a day I was very stressed and I sat down with it (after giving him the biggest hug.)  It's a very yellowed paged paperback called Bag Balm and Duct Tape by Beach Conger, M.D. What a great story! I am now reading four books at one time. This book stands out, not only because my H gave it to me, but I love to read about old fashioned medicine practiced  in a rural area, non fiction. Can't wait to get back into it today. I will be sure to review it. 

The other book I placed on that "I have started you and will never leave you" list, is my Herman Koch book:
After reading the first bit of this (about a doctor, of course) I knew it was going to be a straight up favorite, though his last book gave me many uneasy strange feels, this one will probably do the same but I just can't seem to stay away from Herman. I just can't. His writing is completely spot on with every tiny nugget he writes.  I won't leave him or his books. Ever.


Lastly, we were all yapping about The Velveteen Rabbit on Facebook (my wall, not the group) and what memories people have of this wonderfully written sweet story about being "Real." 
 My mom gave this to me long ago and wrote to me in the inner flap of the book. She wrote beautiful words about being "Real." Her love for reading and understanding the concepts that I took to heart mind and soul was the foundation of my life. She unlocked the world of being Real for me.

I do believe that this  book should be given to every child,with a note about being "Real" from you! They will carry your words and this book with them forever.
I sure did. Thanks, Mom! 

“Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'

'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.

'Sometimes,' said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'

'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'

'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”
Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit


 “Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”
Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit




Starting a new blog.

Hello bookish friends!  I’ve decided to download this blog and move on. The next book blog will have the same name but a whole new vibe.  Af...