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mpclemens's review against another edition
3.0
A fast, light read, not entirely unpredictable but not unenjoyable for it, with enough in-story parallels and references to keep the reader entertained and amused all the way through. Fun.
rebcamuse's review against another edition
3.0
What do thirty sheep, a disheveled chaos theorist, and a statistician have in common? Everything, according to this very eccentric love story from [author: Connie Willis].
I found myself waiting for "something" to happen, yet being interested enough in the characters not to put the book down. While a bit repetitive in driving home its chaos theory-related/serendipity-is-the-mother-of-invention points, the book is unique it is approach to romance running through the lines of scientific dialogue.
Willis creates vivid characters who border on the absurd, but not in a fictional way. The reader will laugh out loud in recognizing co-workers, friends, and probably even family members in the characters in the novel.
An unusual and fun reading experience recommended for scientists, animal lovers and everyone in between.
I found myself waiting for "something" to happen, yet being interested enough in the characters not to put the book down. While a bit repetitive in driving home its chaos theory-related/serendipity-is-the-mother-of-invention points, the book is unique it is approach to romance running through the lines of scientific dialogue.
Willis creates vivid characters who border on the absurd, but not in a fictional way. The reader will laugh out loud in recognizing co-workers, friends, and probably even family members in the characters in the novel.
An unusual and fun reading experience recommended for scientists, animal lovers and everyone in between.
neeneeharalson's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
humanignorance's review against another edition
4.0
This book is outside of my usual genres, and I found the plot somewhat uninteresting, but everything else was great. The prose was crisp, the characters were unusual, and there was something funny on nearly every page. The parts with the sheep in particular were hilarious. The extreme exaggeration threw me off and raised many questions, but as it was in service of good humor I forgive it.
_lj_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
xubu42's review against another edition
2.0
A stylistic rant about how most people are sheep that follow each other without thinking about why they're doing what they're doing at all. Also that people are dumb. I read it on and off in a single day and asked myself wtf I was reading multiple times. I did finish so I can't say I hated it, but I questioned stopping at several points and don't think I would have regretted doing so.
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
I do love a Connie Willis book - this one is different than the other science fiction books of hers that I've read. Yes, there is science, but it's set in a very modern world. Willis continues to make her witty observations on life while telling the story of two scientists working for a research company that embodies all that is wrong with corporate america. Along the way, there are sheep, incompetent employees, fad following people, and bureaucracy at it's worst. Oh yes - a little bit of romance and humor too. Very enjoyable!
suzemo's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this book up as part of my Grand-Masters challenge. And while it's written by a good sci-fi/spec fic writer, I don't think it really qualifies. But for politeness sake, I'll keep it there.
It's a fun little book that actually teaches you things (science-y things!), and isn't tedious. It's a quirky little fun thing, and I highly recommend it.
It's a fun little book that actually teaches you things (science-y things!), and isn't tedious. It's a quirky little fun thing, and I highly recommend it.
woodchuckpie's review against another edition
3.0
Nice, lower key sci-fi story that doesn't involve saving the world. Excellent, funny characters make this a fun read.
glowyrm's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. My favorite parts were the trend trivia, and there were humorous bits. Made me think about fads and trends in my lifetime and how much they affect everyone I know. This was fun and interesting and made the book worth reading.
The characters didn't ring true for me and I didn't feel emotionally invested in them. The satirical characters were so out-there and unbelievable to me that the satire did not resonate. I kept waiting for the plot to pick up, but then the book ended.
A little blah, but interesting in its own way.
The characters didn't ring true for me and I didn't feel emotionally invested in them. The satirical characters were so out-there and unbelievable to me that the satire did not resonate. I kept waiting for the plot to pick up, but then the book ended.
A little blah, but interesting in its own way.