The Book Report
A Bae Hel
The Book of Doors
By Gareth Brown
I tried, I really tried to get through this one. The marketing says it is for readers who enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Night Circus and Babel – some of my favourites. Time travel, a bookstore and a magic book! All the necessary components for the perfect tale, so how come I can’t get past chapter 5? I have tried a couple times, at least a year apart and while the initial chapters are promising as soon as the character starts to share her unbelievable book, I get the sense that this is a story written for teenagers, and very young ones at that. I have absolutely nothing against books for young readers, but something in this one irritates me. So, I will put it aside. Again. And maybe one day the stars will align and I will finish it.
Project Hail Mary (Audiobook)
By Andy Weir
I first read Any Weir’s The Martian many years ago when he was self publishing before his book was picked up and a movie created. Before the hype; and it was glorious. A science fiction novel heavy on the science. So, when I ordered Project Hail Mary, I was a bit cautious given subsequent novels may not be as good as the first.
This one is a perfect hit. I think a good part of really enjoying an audio version relies on the quality of the team hired to be the voice of the book. Lately I have noticed a decided improvement in that quality.
If you like your science fiction heavy on the science, well pull out your physics resources cause this one is really sciencey. Reminiscent of the spaceman who became an author, these types of novels don’t actually require you to understand the physics to enjoy the story. I admit there were moments where my eyes glassed over as I had flashbacks to first year physics, but, just like then, I zoned out and got through it with a very rudimentary understanding of mass, velocity, gravity, light and time.
If you have not seen the movie or any of the hype, the basic premise is the earth is in danger (again). The sun is going out and rather quickly. A group of top scientists are give free rein to find out what can be done before the mass extinction. A discovery is made – alien virus, eating the sun. More discoveries made and off sets the team that will save humanity and everything else. No spoilers, but I did not see that one surprise coming. I give it 5 stars and while it contains adult themes, it is appropriate for teens. And probably your grandparents.
