Thin Skin

So a little over a week ago, I wrote a little review of Mathematicians in Love (Non-Buyer's Pleasance).

A couple days ago I got a comment posted by the author (Comment).

I just have to say that I'm amazed at the tone and content of his comment.

First off, I'm not a published author; not really. I had a short story published in a 'zine once, but that was run by a friend. I've got some short stories I'd like to get out there, but I don't think it will happen anytime soon. However, I've had people read my stories, and I know that not everyone likes them all.

Now, were I a published author with as many books as Mr. Rucker has under his belt, I would not push someone away who didn't like one of his books. I would recommend other books as possibilities to try. I'm sure he liked the book he wrote; you can't write something be it a song, story, or even a RPG adventure if you don't like the content. But to expect everyone to love everything you wrote as much as you do is unrealistic.

I had considered looking into some of his other books, but with an attitude like that, I think I'll pass.

Non-Buyer's Pleasance

While in Seattle, I almost bought Mathematicians in Love by Rudy Rucker (also here). I finished it this evening, and I'm glad I didn't buy it.

I can say that I read the book.

And that's about all I can say. I had hopes for it based on it's jacket description, but wow did it just kind of peter out.

it starts in an alternate world, and the events and such there are intriguing as well as some of the topological math and science brought into the story.

Then about halfway through it gets weird.

Then it settles down in a second alternate world.

Then it get even weirder.

And then it fizzles.

I suppose you could say that it ties things up nicely, but It was reminiscent of a Roman candle that gives great eruptions until the last one that just...

pffft.