2019-06-24

"Time for the Stars" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1980)


Publisher: Ballantine / Del Rey
Copyright Date:©1956

This story in another in the "Heinlein Juveniles" collection, and tells the tale of Tom and Pat who are part of a great experiment to explore the stars. I don't believe it is set in the same universe as most of the other stories, but once again this can't be specifically confirmed. If it is then it is set after "The Star Beast", but not as far as Tunnel in the Sky (this assumption is based on the technology described).

In the beginning we are introduced to Tom and Pat who are identical twins, and have the gift of telepathy (which is supposedly something that many twins share to some degree). They join a space exploration project in which one gets to go to the stars and the other stays on Earth. Why? Because telepathy defies Einstein's Theory of General Relativity and provides instant communication with the Earth.

The story is well written, and goes into a fair bit of detail with regard to time dilation theory, as the ship they use can travel fast enough to approach to nearly the speed of light.

An enjoyable book to read lithesome interesting twists that should make a young reader more interested in science.

2019-06-17

"Westworld Psychology: Violent Delights" by Travis Langley and Wind Goodfriend (eds.)



New York: Sterling (2018)
ISBN: 9781454932413

This book takes an in-depth look at the psychology behind the hit HBO series Westworld (now filming it's third season). This series is based on the 1973 Michael Crichton movie of the same title which starred Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, and James Brolin and told the story of a theme park where things went horribly wrong. The series takes inspiration from this movie, and explores in great depth the interactions between the hosts (robots), guests. There are some overall differences between the movie and series as in the movie there were three theme parks Westworld, Roman World, and Medieval World. In the series so far we only know of two Westworld, and Shogun World.

This is not a fiction book but a critical  examination from a psychological perspective of what humans would be subjected to, and hosts have to endure in the event Westworld actually existed.

The various articles are written by prominent authors, scientists, medical personnel who deal with the psychological, sociological, and other issues as well as the concepts behind artificial intelligence, and human / machine interaction.

The book takes on such topics as: violent games and how they enhance aggression; the concepts of when games more than just games; when and why [and how] do we perceive what is human; The evolution of women's gender roles and the development of agency; overcoming complex PTSD; and much more.

Overall I found this book extremely interesting and I believe it would be a valuable resource for any would be fiction writers, or students in undergraduate or graduate anthropology, psychology, or sociology.

2019-06-10

"Tunnel in the Sky" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1988)



Publisher: Ballantine / Del Rey
Copyright: 1955

"Tunnel in the Sky" is another of the Heinlein juveniles that does not conveniently fit within the same framework as the others. It is hard to estimate approximately when this story is supposed to have taken place, but it can be assumed it is in an extremely far distant future as spaceships are now obsolete.

Instead what is used is a type of hyper-spatial tunnel that can connect any two points in the universe. The development of this type of transportation is described as an offshoot of the development of stasis technology. It is typically also used to get around to various places on Earth, as well as throughout the solar system, and the universe. As far as I'm aware this is the only time in a Heinlein story that a device such as this makes an appearance, most other use spaceships of various types.

The overall premise of the story is the population of earth is now so high that colonization of other planets is desirable for many, and in some cases it is hinted that it may be mandatory. The hyper-spatial tunnels make this extremely easy, and because there is so much call for opportunities new planets there is a need for explorers/adventurers to see if the planet itself is suitable for colonization.

The protagonist of the story is a high school student by the name of Rod Walker who is taking a Social Studies course called "Advanced Survival" which if he passes will allow him to become a colonial explorer. When the story opens he is about to depart on his final exam for the course which is Solo survival.

What this exam consists of is that the student is essentially transferred somewhere and have to survive on his own or her own. After which they will return to Earth, assuming they've survived.

The test conditions are fairly basic:
  1. Any planet, any climate, any terrain;
  2. No rules, all weapons, any equipment;
  3. Teaming is permitted but teams will not be allowed to pass through the gate in the company;
  4. Test duration is not less than 48 hours, not more than 10 days.

Sounds pretty basic. But I'll leave it up to you to find out what happens.

Outside of the story, Heinlein as usual explores other concepts, which is one reason that I really enjoy his stories. In this case he looks at individual and group psychology, basic government, interpersonal relationships, and a brief look at religion.

Some reviewers have called this story a combination of "Robinson Crusoe", and "The Swiss family Robinson". However I believe it surpasses both these stories 100 fold.


2019-06-03

"The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England: A handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century" by Ian Mortimer



Publisher:New York : Touchstone, 2010.
Edition:First Touchstone hardcover edition.
Copyright Date:©2008
ISBN:9781439112892

This book not only has a long title, but it is filled with fascinating information, and would truly act as a handbook for visitors just like its subtitle states.

Without a doubt living in the fourteenth century would be very difficult for someone from our century, in fact it is likely it would be close to impossible due to all the differences that we would have to adapt to, not to mention survive.

As Mr. Mortimer asks in his introduction: "What does the word 'medieval' conjure up in your mind? Knights and castles? Monk and abbeys? Hug tracts of forest in which outlaws live in defiance of the the law?"

If we are to believe many fiction books written about the fourteenth century then this might be quite true, however this is the Hollywood version of history. In reality life was a lot different and Mr. Mortimer goes into fantastic detail with regard to what life was actually like by giving examples of such things as: the landscape (what it really looked like), and the people (how did they live). He goes on to talk about what people wore, how they travelled, stayed while travelling, what they ate, their health, the law, etc.

This book would be an essential resource for any writer who is interested in bringing some reality to their stories, or any scholar who needs research material that is handily condensed into one volume.

The book has extensive notes, and an eight page bibliography.

I'm looking forward to reading his other works in the future: "The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England" & "The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain: A handbook for Visitors to the Seventeenth Century, 1660-1700".

Going on Hiatus

 Greetings, I have decided to put a hold on doing further book reviews for a while. In fact I'm not sure if I will resume doing reviews ...