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Friday, January 31, 2014

Greybeard

The Cephalopod Coffeehouse is a monthly get together in which we talk about the book(s) we've read and this month I've been reading Greybeard -
After the "Accident," most mammals on earth become sterile. Society ages and falls apart bit by bit. First toy companies go under. Then record companies. Then cities cease to function.

Now earth's population lives in spread-out, isolated villages, with its youngest members in their 50's. When the people of Sparcot begin to make claims of gnomes and man-eating rodents lurking around their village, Greybeard and his wife set out for the coast with the hope of finding something better.

First, I have to admit my reading level has dropped off substantially in comparison to last year so this is only the second book I've read this year and I haven't quite finished it. It reminds me a little of The Road in its bleakness and also Children of Men with its similar theme of sterility and because of the somber theme it isn't the kind of book I can rush right through. I am, however, enjoying it thus far but my final judgement will have to wait until I actually get to the end.

That said, I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes serious science fiction/dystopian. 

What are you reading?


20 comments:

  1. Hey Marcy! Did this post early?

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    1. Oops...it did; better get busy and finish...

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  2. It sounded intriguing until we got to the man eating rodents.... then I screamed and started shaking....

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    1. I had a similar reaction... I don't think I can handle that, ha!

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  3. I'm reading Refrain From the Identical. It's a devotional for writers.

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  4. I just finished the arc for The Eighth Day. I haven't started anything else yet.

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  5. I only enjoy books like you're describing if there's redemption and hope to be found at the end. I'm not a fan of depressing books.

    I've been reading a LOT of books so far this year. Just finished Juli Musil's new release "The Boy Who Loved Fire"... and truly loved it. I think you would, too.

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  6. I do like dystopia and this looks interesting. Just finished One Second After and wishing I had my 2.99 back. Makes me wary about going after another apocalyptic theme but I'll give this one a try.
    Thanks.

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  7. I'm like Desmond and freaked out about the man eating rodents LOL.

    Absolutely LOVE your new header pic! My dog loves the snow and it's so fun to see the joy some dogs get from playing in it.

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  8. Writing that title down in my little black book. Love your new picture on top.

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  9. I hear you. I'm also reading one of those depressing-but-interesting books (I've been reading it for over a month now) called Case Histories. It's interesting/well written but the subject a little hard to digest, especially because I know darker stuff is coming my way (!!) In the meantime, I started a light read: The Rosie Project, which is actually pretty charming/upbeat.

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  10. Depressing books are hard to get through, good that your sticking to it.
    Love the picture!

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  11. Post-apocalypse is all the rage these days. Sounds like an engaging read, even if it is a bit heavy.

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  12. I just finished THE PARIS WIFE, by Paula McLaine, a fictional account of Ernest Hemingway's first wife that I found fascinating. I've started IF MORNING EVER COMES by Anne Tyler which is only my second book this year too. After last year's reading marathon, I'm taking it slow.

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  13. Post-apocalyptic books are so popular, our local bookstore has an entire wall dedicated to them. They call this section, "Futureland." I seem to have a bottomless appetite for this stuff, assuming the premises are interesting enough, and I love the sound of Greybeard's premise! It sounds like a Star Trek episode, a TNG titled "When the Bough Breaks." One of my favorites; if you end up liking this book you may want to watch it and compare the two.

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  14. I'm reading The Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin, but I don't have a lot of reading time, so I'm falling behind in my YA/MG TBR list.

    I love the new picture of your dog in the snow!

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  15. "I have to admit my reading level has dropped off..."

    I nodded my head in agreement until I realized you meant quantity not content!

    The concept of this book is intriguing....but might be above my current reading level!

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  16. This is a really interesting premise -- and I like the inclusion of scary rodent-monsters! -- but I'm not really sure of the plot, goals or stakes. I prefer books where those are exciting and easy to understand. I hope you enjoy the rest of it.

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  17. It sounds interesting, and definitely my cup of tea - even if it also sounds a bit bleak. heh.

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  18. Gnomes and man eating rodents? Sounds like our old house! A little dystopia can be fun :-)

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