Books matching: valuable resource
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- #1
Save:'The Dogs of War' by Frederick Forsyth is a thrilling tale of mercenaries involved in a coup in the fictional African nation of Zangaro. The plot revolves around a ruthless tycoon hiring mercenaries to overthrow the government and install a puppet president to gain control of valuable mineral rights. The story is intricately detailed, offering insights into the world of mercenary work and the dangerous political landscape of 1970s Africa. The writing style is engaging, drawing readers in with its twists and turns, typical of Forsyth's storytelling.
There were no stars that night on the bush airstrip, nor any moon, just the West African darkness wrapping round the scattered groups like warm, wet velvet. The cloud cover was lying hardly off the to... - #2
Save:The Word for World is Forest is a science fiction novel set in a world where humanity has colonized planets orbiting other stars. The story revolves around the encounter between humans and a peaceful forest species, the Athsheans, on a far-off planet. As humans start to massacre the native species, the Athsheans are forced to fight back, leading to a clash of cultures and values. The book explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, violence, madness, and racism in a science fiction setting, shedding light on the consequences of human exploitation of natural resources and the impact on indigenous populations.
The narrative delves into the perspectives of both the human colonists and the Athsheans, providing a nuanced portrayal of the conflict between the two groups. Through detailed world-building and character development, Ursula K. Le Guin creates a thought-provoking and emotionally compelling story that challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of human actions and the complexities of intercultural interactions in a futuristic setting.
Two pieces of yesterday were in Captain Davidson’s mind when he woke, and he lay looking at them in the darkness for a while. One up: the new shipload of women had arrived. Believe it or not. They wer...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) - #3
Save:"Planet of Exile" by Ursula K. Le Guin is set on a planet where a Terran colony has been stranded for six hundred years, coexisting with the native humanoid population. As the two groups face the threat of northern barbarians and eerie snowghouls during the upcoming harsh winter, they must overcome their deep-rooted mistrust and cultural differences to survive. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of colony leaders and a child of the natives, highlighting themes of adaptation, cooperation, and the necessity of cultural exchange in the face of external threats. Le Guin's writing style is described as atmospheric, well pictured, and credible, with a focus on anthropological background, impeccable plotting, and well-developed characterization.
IN THE LAST DAYS of the last moonphase of Autumn a wind blew from the northern ranges through the dying forests of Askatevar, a cold wind that smelled of smoke and snow. Slight and shadowy as a wild a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) - #4
Save:City of Illusions by Ursula K. Le Guin is a science fiction novel set in a future Earth where mankind has been colonized and degraded by a parasitic alien race called the Shing. The story follows a man with amnesia who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity, facing a web of lies and deceit as he navigates through a post-apocalyptic world. The book features a mix of epic fantasy elements and explores themes of power, truth, and the human condition.
As unremembered light brightened about him he moved, crawling, running sometimes on all fours, sometimes pulling himself erect, but not going anywhere. He had no way through the world in which he was,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) - #5
Save:Nyxia by Scott Reintgen is a young adult sci-fi novel that follows the story of Emmett Atwater, a teenager from Detroit who is recruited by the mysterious Babel Corporation to compete against nine other teenagers from different countries in a series of challenging tasks. The competition takes place in space, as they journey towards the planet Eden to mine a valuable material called Nyxia. The book explores themes of competition, friendship, betrayal, and the struggle for survival in a high-stakes environment. The writing style is engaging, with clear and strong prose that keeps the reader hooked till the end.
The novel is set in a futuristic world where a multinational cast of characters is brought together to face physical and mental challenges orchestrated by a giant corporation. The plot revolves around the recruits vying for a spot on the final mission team to Eden, navigating through tests, games, and conspiracies. The book is filled with twists and turns, creating a thrilling and addictive narrative that delves into the complexities of human motivations and moral dilemmas.
Eight of the richest men and women in the world stand at the opposite end of the conference room. Last night, I used PJ’s phone to look them up. Babel Communications. Swallowed Google back in 2036. So... - #6
Save:'How Much for Just the Planet?' in the 'Star Trek: TOS Adaptations' series by John M. Ford follows a story where a Federation scout discovers a planet rich in dilithium, leading the Enterprise crew and the Klingons to beam down to persuade the locals. Instead of political intrigue or battles, the natives engage in practical jokes on their guests. The writing style includes abrupt scene transitions and references that may be dated, but the story remains entertaining with a heavy emphasis on the original series' charm and humor.
THE OFFICERS’ MESS of the starship USS Enterprise was a small, rather cozy room, with comfortable chairs, moderately bright lighting, and a food-service wall with four delivery slots, no waiting. This...
(Also, see 11 recommendations for the series Star Trek: TOS Adaptations ) - #7
Save:The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge is a science fiction novel set on the planet Tiamat, featuring two polar opposite peoples, the Summers and the Winters, who trade rule back and forth every 150 years. The story revolves around the current Snow Queen, Arienrhod, who has kept herself alive and young for her entire reign through nefarious means. The narrative follows characters like Moon and Sparks, cousins and lovers torn apart by societal divisions, as they navigate the political intrigue and power struggles on Tiamat. The book delves into themes of politics, culture, love, power, and the clash between technology and tradition in a post-space exploration setting.
Here on Tiamat, where there is more water than land, the sharp edge between ocean and sky is blurred; the two merge into one. Water is drawn up from the shining plate of the sea and showers down again... - #8
Save:'Africa's World War: Congo, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Making of a Continental Catastrophe' by Gerard Prunier is a comprehensive account of the Congo Wars, described as one of the most obscure wars in recent history involving various African nations. Prunier delves into the complexities of the conflicts, including the involvement of multiple state and non-state forces, providing a detailed and vivid narrative of the events that unfolded in the region. The author's writing style is described as challenging and information-rich, requiring diligence from the reader to grasp the intricate history of central Africa during that period.
- #9
Save:'You Are Your Own: A Reckoning with the Religious Trauma of Evangelical Christianity' by Jamie Lee Finch is a powerful exploration of religious trauma and deconstruction from Evangelicalism. Through personal experiences and insightful research, Finch guides readers on a journey towards healing and self-discovery. The book delves deep into the impact of toxic Christianity on individuals' lives, offering validation, understanding, and hope for those who have experienced religious trauma.
- #10
Save:'The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate ? Discoveries from a Secret World' by Peter Wohlleben explores the intricate lives of trees and forests, revealing their social networks, communication methods, and complex interactions with other organisms. Wohlleben, a former forestry manager, presents trees as sentient beings with memory, sensory input, and even emotional responses. delves into the mysteries of nature, showcasing the resilience and intelligence of trees while highlighting their vital role in the ecosystem. Through a blend of scientific facts, personal observations, and storytelling, Wohlleben offers a new perspective on trees, challenging readers to see beyond the human-centric view of the world.
YEARS AGO, I stumbled across a patch of strange-looking mossy stones in one of the preserves of old beech trees that grows in the forest I manage. Casting my mind back, I realized I had passed by them...
