koberreads's reviews
91 reviews

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A beautiful end, not the most perfect ending for anyone, but it is beautiful and a must read if you read both the previous books. This book is the most immense and awe inspiring, conclusion to a scifi universe that is already so vast and complex based on the previous books, but this book immensely out played the other books in its vastness of time and space.

I honestly would give it a 4.5 because I did not like the ending so much but made it 5 after realizing, I cant write a perfect ending as well on this grand scale Triology. I have nothing but respect and awe for Cixin Liu and hope he lives a long and happy life. And I hope as well that the films adaptations in netflix and future adaptation would give these 3 books the justice it deserves. Of course they cant copy or replicate all the scenes in the book into a film but at least bring out the best ones and hopefully they give the rest of the characters a more fulfilling end roles. But the books alone for me are enough of an ending.

I would have appreciated as well, and do not mind if the book gets longer because of this, that there is a great focus or exploration of the different "other" aliens in the universe, especially the master race, but turns out we only get glimpses of stories about this Aliens that can be considered "Gods" because they can manipulate the laws of Physics and mathematics. Love the part about the "Singer" the sniping, sentimental singign alien from a a highly advanced world. I wish Cixin Liu could have given more of that and introduced a new alien, in a new way. But so far the only aliens we get in this complex and almost proustian length trilogy are two alien races and other vaguely described godly ones.

I wonder what happened to Dashi and his son? I hope they lived a long happy life even before bunker era commenced.

SPOILER COMMMENTS BELOW!!!!

The ending left me thinking that me and my family could be seperated by immense millions years of time and I could never get to see them grow old. Which is the saddest and most heartfelt thing for any one to experience. A after reading the ending last night, the next morning I wanted to watch marvel movies with my siblings and parents (because that is one of the things we do as a form of "family time") because I cant stop thinking no matter how irrational and probable it is that we get seperated by immense vast swats of time later or in the future.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

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5.0

One of the best nonfiction books you could read even if you are not an aspiring author or novelist or writer.

Filled with his memories since childhood up to present publication date
Note he mentions his memory is not as profound and as clear and complete as other memoir writers but he describes writing this book as if walking in an open foggy field. And his memories aer "bare" leaveless trees that he gets to encounter from time to time but these trees are far in between from each other. Even though he writes all memories vividly and as candidly as he can.
First part of the book is mostly his life, writing career and later at the other half or near the last 1/4 part of the book is the writing techniques of aspiring writers (mostly fiction writers) and his very long but beautiful book reading recommendation list. Reading is as important as writing to an aspiring writer. Writing without any time or love for books makes you into a person is the equivalent of who is doesn't have weapons while he charges into a war. A carpenter without his tools attempting to build something.
Memoir in itself are beautiful read for their own sake because you are literally getting into another person lives but this time instead of it being fictional, it is quite real and at times can be more heartfelt and also more horrifying than fiction. It is one of the best memoir's I read. Along side with "Glass Castle" by Jeanette walls and "Educated' By Tara Westover.

The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu

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Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Dark Forest is a massive and daunting hard science fiction novel that, in my experience, offers an unparalleled level of detail and scale (Most other reviewers felt the same way and I know they read more scifi than me).

Side note:

I always thought Robert Greene (author of Laws of Human nature) is the smartest author regarding the encompassing and grand scale of humanity society but Cixin Liu toppled him. (And he Cixin Liu is a fiction writer while Robert Greene is nonfiction writer.)

I still love Robert Greene works. I simply added Cixin Liu as one of the authors I admire along side with Robert Greene and others.

SPOILER ALERT

The dark forest theory presented in the novel is the most convincing solution I've encountered.

What caught my attention the most is how grounded the science fiction feels (it felt like it can happen or is the true reality of the universe.), particularly regarding its solution to the Fermi paradox and the existence of alien life. The dark forest theory, where exposing oneself in the cosmos is akin to inviting annihilation (Sending signal outerspace regarding your existence/location is akin to soldiers calling artilery upon themselves.) is the most convincing explanation I've read. So far no other explanation for the fermi paradox can beat the Dark Forest Theory (at least the ones I read so far.)

It's a chilling concept reinforced by the scene where Luo Ji utilizes his “spell” on a nearby star system. After several years the result is a unknown lightspeed object pierces the star which result for the star to go supernova and obliterates the entire star system planets that are surrounding it, highlighting the ruthlessness of interstellar competition.

SPOILERT ALERT

STOP SCROLLING

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

BE SPOILED TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT

Spoiler Discussion key Points

“Unable to decieve” Aliens (not completely though)

This is actually unexpected and beautiful explanation to them. I dont know no life form is truly complete or perfect. So in contrast that this civilization can restart itself after a chaotic era death and dehydrate itself at will. One’s thoughts and speech are the same. Good thing about this: Super advanced cooperation just like computer nodes. A hive mind is literally created. Bad side: Lacking on the knowledge on deceit or to hide one’s intentions. And also having the lack of ability to understand or see through the deceit of other civilizations. (But they did hide it using the sophons to make scientist think that physic is a chaotic discipline without any absolute laws which hindered the science development on Earth. Only fellow trisolarians can read other trisolarian thoughts. We humans cant even read your brain waves or neuron firings in your brain. Just dont tell everything. But I guess even Evans have to tell them that is okay not to tell them everything. Not telling is also small form of deceit or lying.

Wallfacers and wallbreakers

I dont think I read a concept like this in any other book. This is unique highlight and use of the humanity’s ability to deceive. No wonder that is also a deciding factor at the end of the book

The human mind’s ability to deceive can at times defeat a more technologically advance opponent.

THE UNREADABLE MIND OF HUMANITY is seems like a poor weapon against trisolarians actually is quite effective and succesful in the end

Luo Ji, a person you would truly not like if you met him in person because of his selfishness and hedonistic ways (if you give him almost unlimited cash, he would use it in getaway house and expensive wine. And might even ask you to find his perfect woman.

(he is not even smart or even a strategist) and truly you want to punch him in the face for being so self-centered through out the book, actually saves the whole humanity (temporarily with uneasy peace.) And I can see through all his wall facer plans except the last one though. I gotta give to him, he at least redeemed himself for all the shit he done at the end by making a good plan and making it actually work. (Partly because the mistakes as well the trisolarians in neglecting or letting the ETO die. If the ETO is here, they would see right through him.)

A character has told Luo Ji directly that “You are the most self-absorbed person I ever met” And that is a joking insult that Luo Ji will call himself later in the book

Now he would be more self-absorbed after his succesfull fufilmment of his final plan against Trisolarians because he is literally became most important person in humanity because if he dies all humanity literally dies. And that fact is more amplified knowing that another civilization (Trisolarians) will die with humanity if ever he does die.

It is how funny that cixin Liu made the most self-absorbed almost like Haruki Murakami character be the literally hero/messiah of Humanity.

It is fascinatingly funny for me but I have to forgive him though, because I wouldnt be able to do what he did if I became a wallfacer. Pretty good ending.

Summary of the whole book in one sentence: “There is always a bigger fish.”

Zhang (Chinese James Bond)

He is relentless

Even the Santi and ETO call him call and compentent

The signal/spell

At first I did not honestly understand what Luo Ji is saying

The Droplet

The most jaw dropping and horrifying scene regarding the power of technology over those with lower tech. And a highlight that humans beings because their great power for deceit can often indirectly deceive themselves into death, doom, and oblivion. The battle

of darkness is also equally horrifying but a great way to also explain the Dark Forest theory.

What is the fermi paradox? And how the dark forest theory the solution to that paradox?

Luo Ji explain this in the dark to Dashi while they smoke is one of creative ways to explain a scientific concepts

The Fermi paradox is a thought experiment that highlights the apparent contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial life and the lack of evidence for it. Given the vast size and age of the universe, some scientists believe that it's likely that other civilizations have developed advanced technology. Yet, we haven't found any signs of intelligent life beyond Earth. This paradox has sparked numerous theories and discussions about why we haven't encountered aliens yet.

But how does the Dark Forest theory relate to this?

Cixin Liu's dark forest theory offers a solution to the Fermi paradox. It suggests that alien civilizations remain quiet and avoid contact to hide from potential threats. According to the theory, the universe is a dangerous place, and any civilization that reveals itself risks being destroyed by others competing for limited resources. This explains why we haven't heard from aliens despite their possible existence.

The limites resources is the result life continually expanding? In the marvel films, the villian “Thanos” motivation on killing half of life in the universe so that there would be enough for the limited resources we have

You're right! Both the dark forest theory and Thanos' motivation in the Marvel films touch on the idea of limited resources driving conflict. Here's how they differ:
* Dark Forest Theory: This theory emphasizes the uncertainty and paranoia surrounding resource scarcity. Civilizations are assumed to be selfish and prioritize their own survival. They remain silent to avoid attracting attention from potential threats who might compete for the same resources.
* Thanos' Motivation: Thanos takes a more direct approach to resource scarcity. He believes the universe has finite resources and population growth will inevitably lead to suffering. His solution is brutal but logical (from a twisted perspective) - culling half of all life to ensure enough resources for the survivors.
Real World:
* Whether resources are truly limited in the vast universe is a complex question. We're constantly discovering new resources and finding ways to utilize them more efficiently.
* However, the concept of limited resources does play a role in real-world conflicts. Competition over water, land, and energy can create tensions between nations.
Beyond Limited Resources:
There could be other factors driving the lack of contact with aliens or the motivations of fictional villains. These could include:
* Vast distances and difficulty of interstellar travel: Traveling vast distances in space might be technologically impossible or simply impractical, hindering contact.
* Different forms of life: Life as we know it might be extremely rare, and alien life could be so different that communication or even detection is impossible.
Overall, the tension between life's potential for expansion and the limitations of resources is a fascinating theme explored in science fiction and real-world discussions.

——

Spoiler notes:

Luo Ji final gamble is for once I didnt see right through it. I felt just like the trisolarians

Damn.

Imaginary GF of Luo ji

A reviewer thought it was a bit unnecessary to focus so much on his imaginary GF and she says she cant find the reason why that was even brought up.

Well I thought that Luo Ji imaginary GF because it felt so realistic and surreal to me when I read it that, his imaginary GF is actually an alien from another dimension.

I thought he would use his imaginary GF as emotional and spiritual support while he is doing his wallfacer mission for centuries. (Since at the book it was told wallfacer cant seek emotional and spiritual support from another human because it would risk exposing ones plans to the Sophons. Look what happened to Hines, loving his wife so much. Even though his wife only partially revealed his plans.)

I truly felt both enchanted and terrified with his experience of falling in love with his imaginary GF

I almost had (or at the edge of falling in that bottemless beautiful abyss) falling in love with a character you made up

After reading I could imagine already a woman next to me. Always here hahaha damn

I am so taken back about that more than alien invading the earth hahaha

But sadly I was wrong and Da shi made his dream lover real and instead of being an imaginary emotional motivation for Luo ji it became a real wife and child he had to fight for so that he could see them again

Love that he did see them again later, but goddamn it would be so call if that imaginary GF is actually and alien from another dimension here to help.

Being Myself by Rupert Spira

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5.0

What is the non-dual understanding? It contains two main foundations.

1. Peace and happiness is the nature of our being.
2. And we share this being with everyone and everything.

This is a book not about adventure or religion or mysticism or even how to meditate or prary (but it does highlight the essence or focus on why people since ancient times meditate and pray.)

But I do advice to read the book before this one if you are new to Rupert Spira’s ideas/teachings. That is: Being aware of being aware.

This book, Being myself, is not exactly a sequel to the book “Being aware of being aware.” but rather simply another different slice of cake. Both the books come from the same cake, Rupert just shared to you two different slices of it but inherently says the same thing.

I have established a meditation practice for 100 days or so now maybe the effects and meanings of the words of Rupert Spira affect me better compared to if I never done a practice before, I might find his words more difficult to digest. So that is why I suggest to read Being aware of being aware first because that is more suited for both a mediation practitioners and non-meditation practitioners.

Meditation and prayers are activities that remind us that we are already the happiness and peace we seek. If you are religious, it means God is always within you and outside of you. Our being of peace does not cease to exist the moment we stop meditating or praying, since such activities are only reminders

This does not mean we cease to experience negative emotions as we read or after we read these books but rather it reminds you that there is always that calm, and aware background in midst all experience even those unpleasant ones that we could all always lean to and is always there. The negative emotion or experience does not last forever. But you, your essential being, does last forever

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

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Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Fit for people who are interested in hard scifi

The best kind of Scifi in this modern era that has the immense beautiful scale like no other. If you are remotely even interested in Scifi or had that curious moment during science class, you would love this book. And if you do, you might love also the next two books.

This Trilogy of Cixin is the one of the best modern scifi ever yet to be penned.

Dashi is one of my fav characters.

Much more redeemable, calmer, and down to eather, who cares if he is not as smart as too well. That is why he is not going crazy because unlike the scientist. They understand too well. He can save scientist by just being with them hahaha.

Unpopular advice:
So far books that turn into Netflix films are all promising books and can stand by itself
if you want to find your next best read go look at the netflix made films and check if they are inspired by books. Some great examples:
- "Three body problem"
- "All the light we cannot see" derived from Pulitzer prize winning book by Anthony Doer with the same time
- "Gentleman in Moscow" derived from the book by the same title by Amor Towles

A lesson from Cixin to us in the postscript of this book:

There’s a strange contradiction revealed by the naïveté and kindness demonstrated by humanity when faced with the universe: On Earth, humankind can step onto another continent, and without a thought, destroy the kindred civilizations found there through warfare and disease. But when they gaze up at the stars, they turn sentimental and believe that if extraterrestrial intelligences exist, they must be civilizations bound by universal, noble, moral constraints, as if cherishing and loving different forms of life are parts of a self-evident universal code of conduct. I think it should be precisely the opposite: Let’s turn the kindness we show toward the stars to members of the human race on Earth and build up the trust and understanding between the different peoples and civilizations that make up humanity. But for the universe outside the solar system, we should be ever vigilant, and be ready to attribute the worst of intentions to any Others that might exist in space. For a fragile civilization like ours, this is without a doubt the most responsible path

A message from Cixin to us in the postscript of this book
As a fan of science fiction, it has molded my life, and a considerable part of the science fiction I’ve read comes from America. The fact that American readers can now enjoy my book makes me both pleased and excited. Science fiction is a literature that belongs to all humankind. It portrays events of interest to all of humanity, and thus science fiction should be the literary genre most accessible to readers of different nations. Science fiction often describes a day when humanity will form a harmonious whole, and I believe

the arrival of such a day need not wait for the appearance of extraterrestrials

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 3 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe

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Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of the most thought provoking, life affirming, manga I have ever read. One of the best manga’s that truly tackles the seriousness, depressing but life changing concept of death. Especially regarding the death of the people very dear to you. It unexpectedly makes us value the shortness of human lives through the eyes of a sentient being (an elf) that is almost an immortal. (lives for a thousand years, they don't have a fixed life span as told by another fan of the book, and there bodies just don't visibly age.) It is fitting though we would only see the passage of time and the growing old of our friends and family when we are able to outlive them and certainly this elf has outlive so many living beings.

This is a better female elf protagonist that whatever “Rings of Power” TV series has made

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Vol. 2 by Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe

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