Distraction by Bruce Sterling

I didn't realize that I had read this one before, from the library at least a year ago. It is sort of biopunk, but not particularly revolutionary, either in content or within the context of the story. Things are nifty, but not exciting. Also, this story doesn't have a "and they lived happily ever after because they were together, even if everything else sucked" or even a "at least they died together". It has a "it would never actually work" ending.

Some of the ideas are interesting, but I'm not sure it is worth the time to read five hundred thirty-two pages.

Pages: 532

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

I purchased this book at Borderlands. The staff there is fairly helpful--I am doing my early Christmas shopping and wanted a sci-fi or fantasy book for my cousin. Her parents are rather religious and tend not to let her read a lot of stuff. I got her Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for last Christmas and that was not acceptable. Levaithan was the suggestion made by the Borderlands staff. It is steampunk and apparently slightly subversive, but doesn't have any magic or undead people.

The book was okay. A very fast read (three or four hours) with somewhat compelling characters. Maybe I just don't connect as well with teenage characters. I don't want to search out the next book right now, but I would be willing to read it if I came across it. I think a very interesting book could be written in this universe, with the steam/biopunk interactions. The genetic engineering is less polished than in universes such as The Windup Girl. Levaithan is good enough as a gift for my cousin, but I'll wait for her reaction before buying the next in the series.

Pages: 440

The Ware Tetralogy by Rudy Rucker

Recently, Rudy Rucker released his Ware tetralogy as a CC licensed ebook. I read Software a few years ago (found at the same time as The Slaughterhouse Five in Wendt Library). Unfortunately, the books have gone out of print and most libraries do not have any of the books. I've yet to run across one in a used bookstore either. It was a bit uncomfortable to read 703 pages on my laptop screen. I should have transferred over to the netbook, but that means I can't switch between the book and general computer usage as easily.

These books are sometimes disturbing. There is a lot of sex and violence and violation. There is also a lot of imagery and introspection and commentary. I think it was worth my time. Even though Rucker pioneered the ___punk genre, I have never enjoyed his work as much as others'--Gibson for example. I think the difference is the prevalence of drugs because that's not something I can empathize with. Also, I have a harder time staying interested in the hard science of biology or the tough math. Rucker definitely knows his math. These stories have people, not heros. There are events and people sometimes lead through the events and sometimes react.

Also, the ending kind of sucks. Well, it is a very happy ending and that feels weird after everything that has happened in the Ware universe.

Pages: 703 (didn't read the foreword or Software)