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@fabrisseterbrugghe8567 What an amazing introduction to both Asimov and science fiction! *The Gods Themselves* is such a unique blend of mind-bending ideas and alien perspectives-definitely one of those books that sticks with you. I love that you discovered it in the American Library in Brussels; there's something special about finding a book that way, almost like it was waiting for you. Thanks for sharing that memory!

@CYI3ERPUNK Oh, the irony-calling it "babble" while dropping a comment that sounds like it was typed by a bored chatbot on autopilot. Next time, try adding a full sentence. Or hey, maybe an actual thought? We’d love to know what *you* think-if there’s anything in there to share! 😉

@paulwilkins8273 Great catch! Schiller’s *Joan of Arc* is definitely worth exploring, and it adds an interesting layer to The Gods Themselves when you realize where Asimov drew that line from. Schiller’s work really captures those intense questions about fate, courage, and human nature-no wonder Asimov found it fitting. Thanks for pointing it out!

@keithroy9217 Haha, well said! Not every sci-fi reader wants (or expects) a challenge, but Asimov was never about just spaceships and shootouts. He brought real scientific curiosity and ethical questions to the table, which is why his work still resonates today. If you’re looking for pure escapism, Asimov might be a tough read-but for those who appreciate a bit of depth, he’s the gold standard. Thanks for keeping it real!

@hariszark7396 Wow, you’ve really done your homework! It’s rare to see such a detailed breakdown of Asimov’s works-even if it’s a roast! You’ve clearly given each book a fair shot and come away with a lot of thoughts on his style and storytelling. Admittedly, Asimov’s writing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; his style is definitely more cerebral than action-packed, and he’s known for focusing on ideas over character depth. That said, some readers appreciate that “sterile” approach because it lets them engage more with the concepts without getting sidetracked by emotional drama. But hey, fair criticism-it’s not wrong to want more dynamic characters or gripping plot twists. Asimov might not hit those marks, but he has influenced countless writers who take his ideas and add more of the character-driven punch you’re looking for. Hope you find an author who scratches that itch! Cheers back at you!

@gibsononbooks Fair enough. I know not everyone has the same preferences and expectations from a book (or tv series or movie or whatever) and people surely can enjoy different things. I'm glad you liked his books. Because reading is fun and can reproduce ideas. And yes, Asimov has influenced a lot of people in sci-fi. I give him that. Personally I have read a good amount of books (I think more than the average reader) from Greek mythology, Iliad and Odyssey, Lucian (ancient sci-fi), some ancient Greek philosophy, fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lovecraft and his successors, Jules Verne, ancient Greek Tragedies and comedies, Detective Fiction (Sherlock Holmes, Hercules Poirot and more), Roberts E. Howard Conan books and also many modern authors. Recently I started reading more sci-fi books because I like the genre and also I needed inspiration for a Solo Space RPG I am making. But, sadly not many sci-fi and Space Opera books have been translated in my language and reading a whole book in English is somewhat tiresome.... I'm not saying all that to brag about myself, not by any means, but just to say I have big expectations from some writers because of all that reading. Anyway, lately I have stumbled upon the Culture books series by Iain M. Banks. I haven't read them yet, and they are not translated to my language, but I'm thinking of getting them. Do you know about them? What's your opinion?

​@hariszark7396 the Culture books are great. I'd also personally recommend the Uplift War series by David Brin. I found the characters relatable and well written.

@edwardclay7551 Thank you for the information. I'll look it up.

@hariszark7396 let me know what you think.

You're not quite wrong. The s e x scene is at the parallel universe with three alien beings, that was not described in detail but let it in the "fog" because even those aliens had no idea what was happening. 😂 And yes, it's a boring book with bad writing and a nonsense conclusion. Just like most of his books. 😉

@isaackellogg3493 Haha, luckily for you, you won’t find anything like that here! Asimov did tackle the concept of alien sexuality in The Gods Themselves, but it’s more about exploring how truly alien life forms might experience relationships and reproduction. No awkward, cringe-worthy romance scenes here! He was far more interested in the sci-fi “what ifs” of biology and society than in writing steamy scenes. If anything, his approach to it is so clinical, it feels like reading an alien anthropology report. 😂 So, you’re safe from any eye-roll moments!

@@gibsononbooks He surely explored the aliens sexuality in this book. Most of the aliens part of this book was about their sexual encounters and the outcome. It wasn't detailed s e x scenes but it was the main theme.

Once more Asimov writing nonsense covered up as "sci-fi" again.

@roberthasse7862 You’ve definitely put some thought into this, and I can see where you're coming from. Asimov does set up this high-stakes, ethical dilemma about messing with the fabric of the universe, and the “fix” in the final section does feel a bit convenient, like it sidesteps the moral consequences he hinted at earlier. It’s almost like he’s more focused on wrapping up the plot than fully exploring the philosophical implications he introduced. Your alternate ending idea-where we start exploiting *another* universe and face the same moral dilemma all over again-is fascinating and could have pushed the story to a whole new level. That would’ve driven home the theme of humanity’s relentless need for resources, no matter the cost, and added that layer of uncomfortable self-reflection. Asimov often used sci-fi as a metaphor for real-world issues, but here, he definitely seems more interested in the conceptual science than in hammering home a moral point. Great insight, and thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking take!

@@gibsononbooks Yeah, it's not like Asimov didn't had good ideas for books. He just didn't deliver well.

@@gibsononbooks I read it when it came out and "my" solutions seemed the obvious one . . . . . . only to be disappointed by what struck me as a cheat!

Technically it’s “pushing a red-button to get a million dollars but a grenade goes off somewhere.” Not every universe getting matter stolen will affect life-bearing worlds, just as not every grenade can explode near enough to people to kill someone.

The book made no sense really. In every part there was something that was not adding up. The Aliens were oblivious about their own species as the had no idea that the "melting" or whatever they did all three of them was going to end at the making of a completely new person. But how did the not know that? Obviously that was part of the evolution of their species life span. BS. And the third lart....oh man.... The boring nonsense and blunt characters with the out of nowhere conclusion.... So so bad. But then, it's Asimov's book. What else can we expect?

@@hariszark7396 "Made no sense" = "I didn't understand it, people talking about ideas, too boring." Yeah, I guess they give Hugo and Nebula awards to books that don't make sense.

​@@Wulf425 A) Dude you have your opinion and I have mine. I guess reading books didn't make you learn to not be offensive to other people's opinions. To tell me that I didn't get something that made no sense, with a sarcastic tone, doesn't make the book better or well written and does not fix its errors.

​@@Wulf425 B) So, you who gets it, how does it make sense the aliens transformation they had no idea about but it was a part of their species life span but no one told them? *How does this makes sense* ?

​@@Wulf425 D) The fact that *you* get all that and think of as a good well written story is hilarious and shows more about you than anything else to be honest. 🤣 And the awards.......🤣🤣🤣 Yeah, that would be the first time someone gets awarded for trash because he is famous or has the right connections. Haven't seen that before, didn't you? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 So, I'm waiting for your explanation because *you get it* ... obviously.

@ozymandiasultor9480 Well said! The Gods Themselves really does showcase Asimov’s creativity at its peak. He went all-out with those alien concepts, creating something truly unique and challenging the assumption that he “couldn’t write aliens.” It’s so different from his usual human-centric stories, and it’s amazing to see how he imagined an entire alien culture with its own biology, psychology, and way of experiencing the world. This novel really stands out as proof that Asimov could handle complex, otherworldly ideas just as brilliantly as he tackled robotics and galactic empires. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@gregsonvaux4492 Absolutely agree! The Gods Themselves stands out as one of those rare sci-fi stories that really makes you think. Asimov took such an ambitious approach here, blending complex scientific ideas with unique alien perspectives. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish, making you rethink what sci-fi can accomplish. Thanks for sharing-glad to see others appreciate it too!

@bigbobw9253 That’s awesome! Asimov has a way of pulling people into sci-fi with his big ideas and intriguing concepts. Once you get a taste of his work, there’s no going back! Which book was your first? *The Gods Themselves* is definitely a memorable place to start. Welcome to the sci-fi club! 🚀📚

@stunspot Short and sweet! The Gods Themselves really is a beautiful book in its own way. It’s got that mix of imagination, science, and depth that only Asimov could pull off. Glad to see you enjoyed it too!

@P-G-77 That’s an insightful take! Asimov’s works often dive into humanity’s potential and the responsibilities that come with our unique faculties, just as you said. The Gods Themselves in particular explores these questions-our freedoms, our limitations, and how much of our world we shape ourselves, for better or worse. It’s fascinating how Asimov’s stories can make us think about our role in the universe on both a cosmic and personal level. Thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking perspective!

@UtahGmaw99 Wow, a dozen times! That’s the mark of a truly special book. The Gods Themselves definitely has that timeless quality that makes you want to come back to it again and again. The “Soft Ones” are such a unique take on alien life, and Asimov somehow manages to make them feel so real and relatable despite their differences. Thanks for the recommendation-any sci-fi fan who hasn’t read it is definitely missing out!

@Grauenwolf Thanks! That’s exactly what we aim for-giving just enough to spark curiosity without giving anything away. The Gods Themselves has so many layers, and it’s definitely best experienced firsthand. Glad we could keep the mystery alive for you-enjoy the read!

@Die_Hard191 You’re so welcome! If you’re into hard sci-fi, The Gods Themselves will definitely be a treat-it’s packed with big scientific ideas and thought-provoking themes. Hope you enjoy the read, and thanks for the good wishes for the channel! Happy reading, and glad to have you here! 🚀📚

Thank you so much, Frank! 🙌 I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the video and that it resonated with your deep love for A Fire Upon the Deep It really is such a unique and imaginative novel, and Vinge’s “Zones of Thought” concept blew me away too-it’s such a brilliant way to explore intelligence and technology on a galactic scale. And yes, the Tines! Their group mind dynamic is so fascinating and truly sets them apart from any other alien species in sci-fi. I’m glad I could bring in some new details for you too, like the Hugo Award win. It’s definitely well-deserved, and knowing how much you love the book makes your feedback on the video mean a lot! Thanks again for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts. Keep the sci-fi love going, and I hope you’ll stick around for more reviews! 🚀✨

@Siderite! Since you’ve read both The Day of the Triffids and Trouble with Lichen, I’d say you’ve already experienced two of Wyndham’s very different takes on science fiction. Trouble with Lichen is definitely more focused on the philosophical and societal implications of scientific discovery, while The Day of the Triffids feels more like a survivalist story, with that creeping dread of an environmental threat-both natural and man-made. What I find interesting when comparing the two is how Wyndham handles control and power. In Triffids, you have humanity losing control to nature in the form of the Triffids, whereas in Lichen, the power comes from controlling nature (the lichen) and deciding who gets access to it. Both books ask, in their own ways, how we deal with those shifts in power and the consequences they bring. I’d love to hear your take on how the two compare in terms of their social commentary-Wyndham always has a way of embedding that into his stories. Thanks for the thought-provoking comment!

@@gibsononbooks I have only seen the Triffid movies, I am afraid. But after reading Trouble with Lichen, I think I need to read the book, too.

Thanks so much for the comment! I'm glad the review convinced you to give *Cryptonomicon* another go! It’s one of those books that really hits differently depending on where you are in life, so I hope you enjoy the reread. I completely agree-cyberpunk often feels like it was way over the top, but in hindsight, a lot of its predictions about technology, corporate power, and society have come true in ways that are both fascinating and a little depressing. There's definitely something about the energy and creativity in cyberpunk that makes it more fun, despite the grim settings. Maybe that's what we need now-some of that wild, rebellious spirit to spark imagination in today's more muted reality. Comparing classic cyberpunk to where we are today would make for a great discussion! 😊 What are some of your favorite cyberpunk stories?

@@gibsononbooks You're getting close to uncomfortable territory here, like how long ago I've read any cyberpunk. I vaguely remember that Gibson and Stephenson were my favorites back in the day. However I've read Pattern Recognition from Gibson only a year ago and I HATED IT. It made me wonder if what I truly enjoyed about cyberpunk was the style over the substance. Especially since when you say cyberpunk what I think about is Johnny Mnemonic, one of my favorites films and objectively a really bad one :D

There really is no middle ground with this book. People either hate it or consider it one of the best pieces of science fiction. I would understand if you didn’t want to give Vinge another chance, but maybe you would like the 2nd book in the series A Deepness In the Sky which many people find more palatable and fun

Thanks for sharing your perspective, Siderite! I totally get where you're coming from-*A Fire Upon the Deep* isn't everyone's cup of tea, and it's always interesting to hear different takes on a book that has such a wide range of opinions. The fragmented nature you mention is definitely something some readers struggle with, especially given how the story jumps between different plotlines and species. I can see how that might come across as disjointed or even dated, especially if you're not a fan of the style. It's all part of the fun with sci-fi though, right? What feels groundbreaking to one reader can feel off to another. That's what makes the genre so diverse! Appreciate you watching the video and weighing in with your honest thoughts-it helps keep the conversation around these books lively and full of different viewpoints. Hopefully, the next one I cover will be more up your alley! 😊🚀

@@gibsononbooks No. Everyone must agree with me or suffer 4000 years of tyranny until they do. In truth, I enjoy discussing books especially with people who think differently than I do. I think this is the only reason why people should socialize and the only cure for the cozy and delusional bubble our brains would like us to live in.

@Siderite If the video highlights the plight of all animals, isn't that a good thing? 🐷🐄🐙 You're absolutely right that these arguments apply to many animals we eat, which is exactly why raising awareness is important. The point isn’t just about whether we should or shouldn’t eat them, but also about how we treat them along the way. If this video helps people think more critically about reducing suffering in *any* species, I'd call that a win. 👏

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, @xavidub. You raise an important point, and the ethical concerns surrounding the consumption of octopuses are becoming more widely acknowledged, especially with increasing awareness of their intelligence and sentience. There is indeed a compelling argument for reconsidering our relationship with these remarkable creatures. That said, it's also worth recognizing that for some cultures and communities, octopus has been a dietary staple for centuries, deeply tied to both tradition and economic survival. While it might be easier for some to stop consuming octopus, it’s essential to approach this issue with sensitivity to those whose livelihoods depend on it. Finding a balanced solution-such as promoting sustainable fishing practices, encouraging alternative protein sources, or focusing on humane treatment-might be a step toward a more ethical approach, while also respecting cultural traditions. It’s certainly a complex issue, but with more awareness, we can hope to find solutions that work for both people and animals.

Thanks so much, @xavidub! I really appreciate you noticing the effort that goes into the visuals. Yes, the images are AI-generated, and getting the right prompts to capture the mood and themes of the book can be a bit of an art form in itself. It's all about finding that balance between highlighting key aspects of the story and creating something that resonates visually with the overall atmosphere. I'm glad the images are enhancing your experience of the reviews! It’s great to know they’re making an impact, and I'll keep pushing to make them even better. Thanks again for your support and for being part of the channel!

@danielsee1 That sounds like a peaceful place to be! 🐙 Surrounded by coral and sea life, just watching the octopuses go about their day-definitely a unique kind of garden. Makes you wonder what it would be like to see the world from their perspective under the sea! 🌊

@danielsee1 It's a valid point. The ethical debate about consuming animals often extends beyond just one species, like octopus, to include many others, such as pigs, cows, cats, and dogs. Cultural perceptions play a big role in determining which animals are considered acceptable to eat and which are not. For example, in some cultures, pigs are widely consumed, while in others, the idea of eating them would be unthinkable. The same goes for dogs and cats. This raises important questions about how we define ethical eating and where we draw the line. It’s a complex issue, and conversations like this are part of a broader dialogue about how we treat all animals.

@@JacobWennebro Ah, I see you’ve mistaken the comment section for a Yelp review. Don't worry; I’ll make it easy for you: the article's about the actual capabilities that PCs have over web browsers, a topic that goes a bit beyond ‘AI slop’-something your comment clearly doesn’t. But hey, thanks for the bump in engagement. It’s always nice to see people contributing, even if it's just to add a sprinkle of salt.

Thanks for your comment, @karlslicher8520! You’ve touched on some key points that definitely resonate with the themes of *The Day of the Triffids*. The slow collapse of society, combined with the sudden dangers of things like nuclear flashes and the venomous Triffids, really highlights how fragile human civilization can be. The Triffids, with their toxic nature, definitely embody that lurking, ever-present danger-almost like the threat of a snake, as you said. Wyndham’s depiction of this gradual societal breakdown paired with an unpredictable, natural enemy makes the story so compelling. It’s a reminder of how both nature and humanity’s own creations can become our greatest threats. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@@gibsononbooks Old things usually die. "It's as certain as taxes" a wise parrot was once trained to repeat with perfect conic timing and much AI generated fun did ensue...

Thanks for sharing that, @Mark723! It’s funny how those required reading assignments from years ago can leave some fleeting memories but not much time to really absorb them-especially with the pace of college reading. The Isle of Wight does stand out, doesn’t it? In the book, it feels like such a symbolic safe haven amidst all the chaos. Your thought back then about it being a good place to restart humanity is spot on-Wyndham does this great job of showing how people look for some kind of hope or sanctuary when everything else is falling apart. I’d definitely recommend giving *The Day of the Triffids* another read. Coming back to it with fresh eyes, especially after time has passed, can reveal so much more, especially in terms of how it reflects the anxieties of the time and the fragile balance between humanity and nature. It's a much more nuanced book than it might have seemed back in a hurried lit class setting. I’m glad the video gave you a bit of a new perspective on it-hope you enjoy revisiting it!

Hey @BebopKoala, great point, and you're absolutely right! When we talk about PCs and web browsers, it’s easy to think of them as the same thing because, like you said, your browser runs on your PC. But the key difference we’re discussing here is the level of control and capability that a traditional PC application has compared to what can be done inside a browser. Your browser is just one program running within the operating system of your PC, and it's designed to access the web and run web-based applications. It operates within a “sandbox” for security reasons, meaning it can’t access or modify certain hardware resources directly. This protects your system from potential vulnerabilities but also limits what browsers can do compared to full-fledged PC applications. For example, if you’re gaming, a browser-based game won’t have the same access to your GPU or CPU as a native game installed on your PC. That’s why high-end PC games, like AAA titles with advanced graphics, run so much better as standalone programs. The same goes for professional software-tools like video editing programs or 3D modeling software can take full advantage of the hardware in a way that a web app running in your browser can’t. So, while your browser is a part of your PC environment, it doesn’t have the same deep access to your system’s resources. That’s what we’re getting at-the difference in power and flexibility between what your browser can do versus what your entire PC can do when running dedicated software. Hope that clears it up! 😊

@@gibsononbooks That doesn't make much logical sense, you should be comparing "desktop pcs" vs "thin clients" or something like that, comparing a physical product with software doesn't make any sense at all. a web browser is software, a pc is hardware. you can't use a web browser without any hardware.

@@jansankala Great observation, and I see where you're coming from! My point was more about the different capabilities rather than comparing physical products directly. Having developed Windows software in the past and now focusing on web-based solutions, I've noticed the contrast firsthand. PCs offer more direct hardware access and customization, whereas browsers are limited by their secure, sandboxed environments. Your suggestion about comparing desktop PCs to thin clients adds an interesting dimension. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@@gibsononbooks Since I'm a firm believer of "terminology matters", It would have been better in that case to have the comparison be "native application" vs "browser".

Thanks for sharing your perspective! It's interesting that you bring up the religious aspect, especially the Catholic lens, because *A Canticle for Leibowitz* is undeniably steeped in Catholic symbolism and themes. The monks' devotion to preserving knowledge and their role in the cyclical nature of civilization certainly align with Catholic traditions of monastic scholarship and faith through the ages. That said, I think the novel's appeal and relevance can extend beyond Catholicism. At its core, the book grapples with universal questions about human nature, knowledge, and self-destruction. The cyclical rise and fall of civilizations, and humanity’s inability to fully learn from its mistakes, resonates with broader themes of history, regardless of one’s religious background. As for the ending, the idea of monks leaving Earth just as the Messiah returns is definitely ironic, and I think that’s where Miller’s brilliance shines through. It plays on the tension between faith and progress, almost poking at the way human history often unfolds with a sense of missed connections or misalignment between our hopes and our actions. That ambiguity makes the novel rich for interpretation, whether or not one shares the same religious perspective. It's great to hear from someone who read the book back in the day! It’s fascinating how *A Canticle for Leibowitz* continues to spark different interpretations even decades after its release. What did you think of the way it handled the relationship between science and faith?

@@gibsononbooks Very good points. I am very pleasantly surprised that you responded to my comments. I am usally ignored. Ah, Religion and faith... Once again the book is orthodox Catholicism. According to "The Catechism of the Catholic Church", "methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God". This issue was settled in the middle ages. While I am at it, I think there is a tendency to misunderstand some key parts of the last book. In the debate about abortion and euthanasia the Abbot is not being mean and unsympathetic to suffering. He simply doing his job. People must be discouraged from doing these things because they are mortal sins. Short term relief of suffering will have eternal bad consequences. Also, the being formerly known as "Mrs. Grales" is the messiah. Apparently God did not want to repeat himself. Miller came up with a very clever way of handling the Messiah's return. Canticle's continuing appeal to non-Catholics seems to be like that of Lewis' Narnia stories. Though Lewis' theology is a dodgy version of Anglicanism. By the way, full disclosure, I am not now, nor have I ever been, nor have I ever wanted to be a Catholic.

@JaredJohnsonRocketMan, thanks so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the review. Totally agree-*Eon* is an amazing sci-fi novel, and Eternity really completes the story in a satisfying way. It’s great to hear that you feel the same! Both books are definitely some of the best sci-fi out there. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!

Interesting question! Given Philip K. Dick’s fascination with the nature of reality and technology, he probably would have been intrigued by the idea of a 'digital vocalization.' He was always exploring the blurred lines between the human and the artificial, as seen in his works like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. The concept of a digital voice, like AI speech synthesis, might have fit right into his speculative worlds where the boundaries of what’s 'real' are constantly shifting. It’s fun to think he’d see it as another layer in our increasingly digital reality!