A Blog on Books

A few days ago, I finished reading Rendezvous with Rama , and after letting it settle in my mind, I’m ready to share my thoughts. This is a book that, while not without its dry moments, stands as a truly imaginative piece of science fiction. The sense of wonder Arthur C. Clarke brings to his stories is unmistakable, and Rendezvous with Rama is no exception. One thing to note, though, is that Clarke's focus is not on his characters, but rather on the science fiction itself. This is a common trait in his works and typical of the era in which the novel was written. For some readers, this might feel a bit detached, but if you're someone who enjoys science fiction for the sheer ideas and possibilities, then Clarke’s work is nothing short of brilliant. His stories feel grounded in reality while also stretching the limits of imagination. The pacing of Rendezvous with Rama is one of its most interesting features. Although the novel is relatively short, Clarke takes his time to unfold

When I picked up A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick, I was expecting a fun, slightly offbeat read in the vein of Fight Club . I’ve read two of his other novels, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and The Man in the High Castle , and found them intriguing, so I was eager to dive into this one. The back cover promised a story about a cop trying to bust himself, which sounded like it would be a quirky, psychological ride. Boy, was I wrong. This was a much darker, more chaotic experience than I ever anticipated, and it’s a testament to both the writing style and the subject matter. I’ve noticed this pattern with Dick’s books—like The Man in the High Castle , where the blurb doesn’t fully prepare you for the depth or complexity of the story. A Scanner Darkly is no exception. A Darker, More Personal Story What I didn’t expect was the heavy tone that runs throughout the novel. While there are some moments of humour or absurdity, A Scanner Darkly is, at its core, a raw and terrifying exp

During the pandemic, I finally gave in and decided to watch Game of Thrones . When it was airing, especially the later seasons, it felt like everyone I knew was watching and loving it. I thought it was okay, but by season 5 or 6, I lost interest and stopped watching. Last night, however, I finished the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire , A Game of Thrones , and it completely blew me away. The book was incredible. From start to finish, I was fully engrossed in the story. The writing is both dense and layered, yet still easy to follow. The characters are all fascinating, even the ones you’re meant to hate. And the world George R.R. Martin has created feels rich with history and lore, making it feel alive in a way that few fantasy worlds do. I’d always heard that the books were amazing, but I didn’t fully understand why—until now. It’s phenomenal. Why Didn’t the Show Click for Me? After reflecting on why the show didn’t have the same impact, I think a big part of it comes down to the m