Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov, a book review

Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov is interesting. Unfortunately, one silly difficulty of not having internet connectivity at the time of reading from this series strikes again: I read what I've read of the Foundation series out of order by a good bit. I've missed a few of the books as well.

Within the pages of this book, we continue to follow Hari Seldon as he strives to bring psychohistory to fruition. A few sad spots arise along the way. He begins to lose people near and dear. One of those losses was rather surprising to me. By the end, and this is a potentially unsurprising spoiler to any who have also read this series, Hari dies a very old man who has basically succeeded in his life's endeavor. Would that we could all be so accomplished!

I like that Wanda, his granddaughter, is among the founders of the second foundation. I also like the way she meets the guy who is like her. It seems like coincidence… which is often, at least in my life, what small miracles look like in my life.

However, small miracles would probably be an affront of a description to Isaac Asimov, if I were to hazard a guess. I'm pretty sure, if his views on cosmology and theology are at all illustrated within the series, that he was a staunch atheist. I wonder if he's changed his mind since dying.

My children will not read this series until they are older at least in part because of the adult handling of the subject of God. The series is relatively philosophical and my girls philosophize plenty on their own. I'm relatively certain the bent of their thoughts would not be improved by reading from this series, at least not in their youth.

Any intimate scenes are handled very smoothly. Not giving details, yet providing a basic understanding of what's transpired.

I like this book and the series. One interesting side effect is that I've been dreaming about the story and characters since finishing Forward the Foundation. It's been rather interesting. I wonder if it's something many experience?

Have you read Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov? What did you think of it? Did you have dreams about it and the series when you finished it?

Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov, a book review

Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov was pretty good. It may have been even better if I'd been able to read the two books meant to come before it.

I like Arkady in this story. I thought she added a great deal of levity to a sometimes rather somber story. I also appreciate that she is one of only three female characters in a heavily male dominated tale.

I find it interesting that for entirely different reasons, the Mule and regular folk find themselves desirous of destroying the second foundation. The reasons for it, as presented in the novel itself, makes perfect sense. And so I wonder if this is similar to the desire some have of destroying God. Not that they can necessarily go to a place to do so, but seek to do it philosophically.

This kind of mental sci-fi isn't usually my favorite. I tend to prefer relationship-based action sci-fi. Yet I have enjoyed what I've read of this series and look forward to filling in the gaps in my understanding by going back and reading what I've missed.

The construction of the story itself is good and it's no wonder that Asimov has won both Nebula and Hugo awards… the daydream of every sci-fi writer.

I had pretty much guessed the location of the second foundation from the first book I read. It was gratifying to find, by the end of this novel, that I was correct.

Many thanks to a dear friend for the recommendation of this series. I am enjoying it.

Have you read Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov? What did you think of it?

Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov, a book review

Written well after the trilogy and at least one sequel, Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov is a prequel. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the others given my experience with this one.

I will not share this book with my daughters as yet. I thought I might when I first started reading it. But before too long I changed my mind. Some of the subjects discussed and dealt with are not things I prefer my children face until they are more mature.

There are no overtly sexual scenes, though Dors feminine parts are mentioned a few times. And it's pretty obvious that Seldon is interested in her even though he hasn't pursued any relationships since the one in which he was hurt.

I figured out one part of the revelation that takes place at the end, but not two others. I do try to let the author reveal the story, rather than trying to figure things out. The part I knew before the revelation seemed pretty obvious, so I wasn't surprised at all. The other two work perfectly, so I wasn't uncomfortably shocked, but I definitely hadn't figured them out, either.

This story follow Seldon as he attempts to figure out psychohistory while striving to avoid capture and imperial captivity. He is accompanied by Dors who is his protector, though he seems pretty capable of protecting himself. Together they meet some interesting characters, among them a gutter snipe of a boy named Raych.

I like it because Asimov reveals the truth of the Mandelbrot set with each change in Seldon's environment. He paints a picture of a world in the distant future. And it's believable. Especially because it seems that pride plays such a huge part in each area's accomplishments, which is pretty true of human nature. I like the interactions of the characters. I enjoyed the action scenes. They were descriptive without being gory. I also enjoy the revelations in the end.

I'm glad my friend, Robert, suggested I read this series in answer to a question I asked on my Facebook page (my author page HERE if you'd like to check it out). I enjoyed it. It would have likely taken me a LOT longer to get started into reading Asimov's amazing and prodigious contribution to science fiction literature. Thank you, Robert!

Have you read Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov? What did you think of it?