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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
By superreader
Format:Paperback
The book does not (and is not intended to) act as a stand-alone novel. In fact, the main message of the book seems to be that when you can't see a way to solve your problems from where you are standing, sometimes it helps to stand in a different place.
Along the path to revolution, the authors insert thoughts and ideas that challenge basic assumptions about what is right, normal, necessary, and appropriate. Their originality, bold themes, and fearless writing hit with the force of a hurricane.
Is a representative democracy the only good form of government? What's so sacred about a majority? How should a government finance itself? Who is God? Are polygamy, polyandry, or other forms of multiple marriage wrong, or can they be used to help preserve the stability of a child-rearing environment? Indeed, how do you most efficiently organize a revolutionary group that must be kept secret from the authorities?
The writers in this anthology present their varied opinions on government, slavery, marriage, politics, revolutions, prisons, family organizations, the value of money, consciousness (both organic and computer based), betting, Darwinian selection, true intelligence, conscription, advertising, religion, the purpose of war, and just about every other subject you can imagine. While you may not agree with many of these opinions, they present their views in such a way that you will be forced to at least examine why you believe your own opinions are correct.
Some readers have quite correctly noted that this book should not be read by ultra-grammarians, as it is told in varied styles, including an odd pidgin mixture of English and Russian, with occasional items thrown in from Chinese, Finnish, and several other languages. One writer goes so far as to use alphabetics. Far from being a detriment, the variety of languages is a great accomplishment. Most writers have trouble accurately portraying the dialect, say, of the Deep South in a convincing manner. Here, the authors in the anthology have created the dialect of the future - and make us believe it.
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough, albeit I must enclose a caveat with my endorsement. This book has the power to shock readers even today; do not let your own beliefs take away from the wonder to be found in the pages of this novel. It's intended to portray an alternate reality, and it does a fine job of that while satirizing our reality at the same time.
It's a darned good read. Will there be more to come in the future?
Along the path to revolution, the authors insert thoughts and ideas that challenge basic assumptions about what is right, normal, necessary, and appropriate. Their originality, bold themes, and fearless writing hit with the force of a hurricane.
Is a representative democracy the only good form of government? What's so sacred about a majority? How should a government finance itself? Who is God? Are polygamy, polyandry, or other forms of multiple marriage wrong, or can they be used to help preserve the stability of a child-rearing environment? Indeed, how do you most efficiently organize a revolutionary group that must be kept secret from the authorities?
The writers in this anthology present their varied opinions on government, slavery, marriage, politics, revolutions, prisons, family organizations, the value of money, consciousness (both organic and computer based), betting, Darwinian selection, true intelligence, conscription, advertising, religion, the purpose of war, and just about every other subject you can imagine. While you may not agree with many of these opinions, they present their views in such a way that you will be forced to at least examine why you believe your own opinions are correct.
Some readers have quite correctly noted that this book should not be read by ultra-grammarians, as it is told in varied styles, including an odd pidgin mixture of English and Russian, with occasional items thrown in from Chinese, Finnish, and several other languages. One writer goes so far as to use alphabetics. Far from being a detriment, the variety of languages is a great accomplishment. Most writers have trouble accurately portraying the dialect, say, of the Deep South in a convincing manner. Here, the authors in the anthology have created the dialect of the future - and make us believe it.
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough, albeit I must enclose a caveat with my endorsement. This book has the power to shock readers even today; do not let your own beliefs take away from the wonder to be found in the pages of this novel. It's intended to portray an alternate reality, and it does a fine job of that while satirizing our reality at the same time.
It's a darned good read. Will there be more to come in the future?
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Bookdude
Format:Paperback
It is incredible that guys of this stature would take the time to compile such an essential and complete perspective on the book integrating the numbers and natures of so many experimental writers. How anyone could describe the happenings of this book as love is beyond me, but I'm going to try and keep this review as spoiler-free as possible. Though I think the meekness and simplicity of works such as Blake Butler's "Insomnia Door" will go over the heads of many who have been brought up on a Nietzschean, survival-of-the-fittest mentality, those still hesitant on whether or not to read should buy it anyway, if only to awaken them from their dogmatic slumber.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have 35 years of experience teaching high school English, and I have found this to be the best book ever. My mom bought me this collection for my birthday, and while I'm a pretty big fan of postmoderism and avant-pop, many consider it blasphemy to call yourself that without reading THE &NOW ANTHOLOGY, so I delved into the skull to see what all the fuss was about. While a few of the stories feel rather underfleshed (no pun intended), most of the short stories feel satisfyingly complete on their own. A key concept of the anthology (if I'm explaining it right) is that you will start to experience a certain kind of enlightenment when you learn to leave your analytical mind behind.
This anthology has some excellent selections, with intelligent choices made as to which works of certain authors to present and a wonderful variety of styles and subjects. The bulk of the book comes from stories chosen by the editors who wish to believe that even if you bother to read every selection in the book, you as a reader may finish reading the book but the book, the stories themselves may not be finished with you, their ideas staying with you long after the book has been sold back to a college used book store or disposed of in some other way.
THE &NOW AWARDS is a book I have read and cherished, and a book I dearly love. It is an anthology that deserves to be bought multiple times over.
This anthology has some excellent selections, with intelligent choices made as to which works of certain authors to present and a wonderful variety of styles and subjects. The bulk of the book comes from stories chosen by the editors who wish to believe that even if you bother to read every selection in the book, you as a reader may finish reading the book but the book, the stories themselves may not be finished with you, their ideas staying with you long after the book has been sold back to a college used book store or disposed of in some other way.
THE &NOW AWARDS is a book I have read and cherished, and a book I dearly love. It is an anthology that deserves to be bought multiple times over.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
dee-odle-oh-dee-oh-de-odle
As a book, it is flawless. You can blast through one of these puppies in a couple of hours. It is moving, witty, and ultimately one of the greatest novels I have ever read. Read more
Published on November 10, 2009 by S. Parkison
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, it'is pure Madness
Imagine a world where you got to choose what you did every day. The issues may be complex but the choices are not. This book however, has the facts and backgrounds of a whole host. Read more
Published on November 10, 2009 by Mr. K
5.0 out of 5 stars
Goodnight Moon is a classic for children.
Imagine instant-messaging your friends in your mind. Now let's read something real. Cut through stereotype right to the quick of the truth. Read more
Published on November 10, 2009 by L. D. Lundquist
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