Customer Reviews

Absolute Values

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Once in a blue moon a book will come along and knock your socks off. Andrew Menard's "Absolute Values" is one of these. For those of you who say that there is no new intelligent science fiction being written I say that you should read "Absolute Values".

Fans of physics, philosophy, and even teenage angst will find pleasure in this book. Menard's world building skills are both intelligent and original and his minimalist approach leaves you wanting more.

"Absolute Values" is a highly satisfying and welcome addition to the genre.

This is a book that will appeal to science fiction buffs that prefer a new approach to what is in their future use of computers and other ancillary equipment. The story plot is very different as it takes the reader into a paralell world through the talent of a 15 year old girl who borders on genius. The two worlds are different; one occupied by humans and the other by a different, intellegent race with a different social structure that is without speech but is able to communicate by telepathy. Avery different approach to science and fiction.
A very good read!

I was lucky enough to get to read this book before it skyrocketed into book stores (its not there yet, but it will be soon - trust me, it's that good). I was drawn to this book by its great cover, with the ancient ruins and a mixture of mathematical forumals. I judge books by there cover, but this book was better than its cover.

It starts out with Anaba, a fifteen year old girl who is lazy, and stubborn, and rude. She refuses to accept her culture and heritege, she has no friends save her horse, and is a selfish brat (in my opionion). She also happens to be a mathamatical child prodigy who excells on the quantam computer. Set in the year 2065 it starst out with the intruige of a futuristic sci-fi book, but then gets even better.

While trying to proove her theory of everything she finds herself on a hostile alternate world, with new intellegent beings. The new life on this planet was probably the most intersting part of the book. The society, and way of being is so different and so real, its just great. From the beginnign to the end the book grips you as you think 'what will happen next? will ananba get off this world? will she survive? etc'

It has a very satisfying ending, and even has a slight promise of a sequal. It is a must read for those who like sci-fi and survival stories (like those people who are stranded on a deserted isladn and must make a raft to survive - people who like those kinds of books and movies and not necessarily sci fi will still love this book). It is very easy to connect to the female protaginist, and its great to see how her character and personality progresses througout hte book.

I am fifteen years old and I usually get books off the fantasy and teen sections in the book store but I still really enjoyed this book. So did my mother who reads all sorts of books, and my friend who only reads classical literature. This book is for all sorts of readers, and I highly, hihgly recomend it to you.

Renewed my belief that Sci-fi will save the world. A great story, threw me off. The physics are very strong. Menard has some great ideas. Can't wait to read more...

This book can be seen as the coming of age story of a very bright teenager who's not yet emotionally mature. Nevertheless, it also unfolds into many other dimensions, and invites us to reflect upon our own society and ourselves. While remaining optimistic about our future, Menard acknowledges the horrors of our evolution marked by so many wars, and ponders how other beings would consider us.

I've been wondering what the title "Absolute Values" could mean. In this book, it seems to refer to the bond between rider and ridee, to the friendship between intelligent beings, and to the universality of the fear of the unknown. As a result of postulating such common denominators, the Soh appear a little bit too human at times, but remain very interesting indeed.

Menard knows his physics and writes solid fiction using the latest theories and unresolved questions of science. The result is a very modern book in which the influence of great contemporary SF writers like David Brin can be felt.

Finally, lovers of beautiful books will be delighted by the red leather cover and the quality of the paper.