I’ve read this. It’s thought provoking in places, but definitely not a very fun read. It feels like most of the narrative exists to provide (1) a platform for ideas on managing climate change, and...
I’ve read this. It’s thought provoking in places, but definitely not a very fun read. It feels like most of the narrative exists to provide (1) a platform for ideas on managing climate change, and (2) background context for the essays spaced about between chapters.
I found it weirdly being both utopian and dystopian at the same time. Robinson clearly sees a future for us with devastating climate changes, but he also tries to spur some positivity and hope...
I found it weirdly being both utopian and dystopian at the same time. Robinson clearly sees a future for us with devastating climate changes, but he also tries to spur some positivity and hope with how we could think differently - while also saying that it probably won't be enough.
I actually really like the format, as the narrative motivates the legal/economic texts. While I find the subject matter interesting, I wouldn't willingly read a lot of legal text in one block....
I actually really like the format, as the narrative motivates the legal/economic texts. While I find the subject matter interesting, I wouldn't willingly read a lot of legal text in one block. This way makes it pretty palatable for bedtime reading.
Although I agree with the other poster, it's a strangely depressing but hopeful book. The disaster scenarios and resultant actions seem very plausible in the near future and I can only hope that the positive sides will also come to pass.
This captures well my feelings about the book. I've had the book for over a year and I'm slogging through it, reading a chapter every now and then. I want to finish it, and I want to like it: I...
This captures well my feelings about the book. I've had the book for over a year and I'm slogging through it, reading a chapter every now and then.
I want to finish it, and I want to like it: I love sci-fi and I'm interested in climate change and speculations of possible future calamities — but the book feels like an endlessly long New York Times Op-Ed in story form. There's a vague lecturing overtone that keeps taking me out of the story.
I very much prefer Ted Chiang's writing style. His computer science background and day job as a technical writer for Microsoft really show in the precision and tightness of his writing. Every word and sentence has a purpose, a larger role, and a destination; yet they feel like they naturally... emerge from the story itself, and the presence of Chiang's invisible hand is undetectable, whereas Kim Stanley Robinson's hand feels very visible and active.
Read a sample from THE MINISTRY FOR THE FUTURE by Kim Stanley Robinson
From the visionary New York Times bestselling author of New York 2140 comes a near-future novel that is a gripping exploration of climate change, technology, politics and the human behaviours that drive these forces.
I always feel I should get around to reading this but the first chapter really feels very white saviouresque to me. Aid worker, from the Global North, taking initiative among the aimless masses of...
I always feel I should get around to reading this but the first chapter really feels very white saviouresque to me.
Aid worker, from the Global North, taking initiative among the aimless masses of Indians, the only ones among whom who take action are violent youths who steal his air conditioner and compressor, and somehow he's the only one who finally survives the night. Yes, there are some stabs at the culpability of the First World in climate change but in the end it seems that one of our two main characters is going to be a white man traumatised by survivors guilt.
I haven't finished reading it yet, but so far the first chapter isn't particularly representative of the book IMO - every chapter is a bit different. In fact, I think he really focuses on the fact...
I haven't finished reading it yet, but so far the first chapter isn't particularly representative of the book IMO - every chapter is a bit different. In fact, I think he really focuses on the fact that the Western world is particularly responsible for climate change, while other cultures might have a better way to think about things. I really like it so far :)
I’ve read this. It’s thought provoking in places, but definitely not a very fun read. It feels like most of the narrative exists to provide (1) a platform for ideas on managing climate change, and (2) background context for the essays spaced about between chapters.
I found it weirdly being both utopian and dystopian at the same time. Robinson clearly sees a future for us with devastating climate changes, but he also tries to spur some positivity and hope with how we could think differently - while also saying that it probably won't be enough.
I actually really like the format, as the narrative motivates the legal/economic texts. While I find the subject matter interesting, I wouldn't willingly read a lot of legal text in one block. This way makes it pretty palatable for bedtime reading.
Although I agree with the other poster, it's a strangely depressing but hopeful book. The disaster scenarios and resultant actions seem very plausible in the near future and I can only hope that the positive sides will also come to pass.
(Disclaimer: I haven't finished reading it yet!)
This captures well my feelings about the book. I've had the book for over a year and I'm slogging through it, reading a chapter every now and then.
I want to finish it, and I want to like it: I love sci-fi and I'm interested in climate change and speculations of possible future calamities — but the book feels like an endlessly long New York Times Op-Ed in story form. There's a vague lecturing overtone that keeps taking me out of the story.
I very much prefer Ted Chiang's writing style. His computer science background and day job as a technical writer for Microsoft really show in the precision and tightness of his writing. Every word and sentence has a purpose, a larger role, and a destination; yet they feel like they naturally... emerge from the story itself, and the presence of Chiang's invisible hand is undetectable, whereas Kim Stanley Robinson's hand feels very visible and active.
(Just my opinion, of course.)
I always feel I should get around to reading this but the first chapter really feels very white saviouresque to me.
Aid worker, from the Global North, taking initiative among the aimless masses of Indians, the only ones among whom who take action are violent youths who steal his air conditioner and compressor, and somehow he's the only one who finally survives the night. Yes, there are some stabs at the culpability of the First World in climate change but in the end it seems that one of our two main characters is going to be a white man traumatised by survivors guilt.
I haven't finished reading it yet, but so far the first chapter isn't particularly representative of the book IMO - every chapter is a bit different. In fact, I think he really focuses on the fact that the Western world is particularly responsible for climate change, while other cultures might have a better way to think about things. I really like it so far :)
Thanks for sharing- it's definitely on my to-read list.