Brisingr: I began reading this book, very conscious of the negative reputation Paolini has in many literary circles, but I'm convinced that the book is underestimated. Although the prose is sometimes a bit stilted, Paolini deals well with any of the cliches of fantasy fiction. At a loser look, much of what appears to be unoriginal is in fact rather thought-provoking. I'm not sure I enjoyed his exploration of religion, though.
King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table: I'm reading Roger Lancelyn Green's version of the story. I think it is one of the most tragic accounts of the story that I've read, constantly foreshadowing Arthur's death and the fall of Logres. It does seem to be fairly consistent with the older stories, which many of the newer retellings lack.
The Science of Discworld: This book encouraged me to think more scientifically than I have in a long time. Chapters alternate between Unseen University with it Pratchettian parody of academia and entertaining explanations of science from quantum theory to biology, where Pratchett is assisted by Stewart and Cohen. I enjoyed the Discworld more than the science, partly because I am lazy and partly because at times it didn't seem entirely coherent, but I am glad I read the book.
1 comment:
I think that version of King Arthur is the only one that I have ever read! We used it as the basis for a Scripture Union holiday club theme once. It worked really well. Do you own it, or is it a library book?
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