Author: Asimov, Isaac
Status: Read before, but not for a number of years (10+)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Non-fiction
Books: 515 (according to Wiki, however the exact count is hard to confirm for various reasons). Best known for the Foundation stories (which also comprises the Robot and the Empires series).
Books Read: Prelude to Foundation; Forward the Foundation; Foundation; Foundation and Empire; I, Robot; and Buy Jupiter.
Why Chosen: As one of the “Big Three” along with Heinlein and Clarke, I felt that he had to be included. I also felt that I should try re-reading his books and see if I get more out of them from a more mature perspective.
Thoughts:
Pros: Asimov is a good storyteller. I found myself engaged in his books and they were well paced. Even when I could guess at the twist/reveal it was still enjoyable to keep reading and how it happened. While the stories are complete, there is a continuity to the series and a feeling that it belongs in the same universe.
Cons: They are dated, not by their “science” aspect (generally) but by their attitudes. In particular, there is an undercurrent of sexism in the books. The characters who are male (the majority) are treated far more sympathetically than the female. An example is the short story Liar! In “I, Robot” where the female character’s desire is to have a relationship with a co-worker, while the male co-worker’s desire is to become the boss. (Incidentally, in later stories, he does, in fact become the boss, while she remains single her whole life).
There is also a feeling of “the end justifies the means”. This seems to be the main viewpoint of the Foundation books. An example is in Prelude to Foundation, where the main character is hiding in various cultures across the planet. In all cases he breaks social conventions and/or rules in order to advance his theory, and has to leave as a result. He never expresses any remorse for this, as he gained information he felt he needed, even though there was greater danger for himself and his companion as a result.
Would I read more of this author: Yes
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