[clue-talk] Nevermind upstart. Stephenson's "Anathem" is out!

[Jed S. Baer]

On Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:44:33 -0600
Sean LeBlanc wrote:

> I've read complaints that Card sorta went off the rails with the
> advocacy of Mormonism, though....is his stuff reading? I never read
> anything by him.

I haven't read anything from Card for a while. But I can definitely
recommend the Ender series and the Alvin Maker series.

I don't recall whether I read the Worthing Saga. Looks familiar.

The Homecoming series was very good, except that I think it bogged down
in the complexities of the society. I actually didn't finish the whole
thing, but I recall that I wanted to start it over, because at the time
it seemed as if getting all the family and other relationship stuff
worked out was worthwhile to be able to enjoy the rest of the books. I
think I was into the 4th of the series when I put it down. As an aside, I
sometimes think I'd be better of just acquiring all the books in a series
before starting the 1st. Sometimes the wait between them makes it a bit
tough to pick up the tale. Though I didn't find that to be an issue with
the Ender series. Then again, back when I finished the Ender books, what
was supposedly the last of the series was, well, just that. Card picked
it up again later. I think the Homecoming series would be best read
without much gap between them.

I liked Songmaster, Wyrms, and Hart's Hope.

And, maybe you've seen the movie "The Abyss"? That's Card.

In short, I've liked everything of his I've read. But I haven't read
everything he's published. I actually like both Card and Stephenson
better than Heinlein.

jed