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Speculation
What if the most brilliant man you had ever known died and left you choice: ten million dollars or a sealed envelope?
For Andrew Wrangles, a middle-aged professor of philosophy, the question is not hypothetical. His friend and hero Sothum, who was a genius at both philosophical and financial speculation, has died suddenly and left him with this very choice.
Andrew's wife Cheryl thinks he's crazy not to take the money immediately. And maybe she's right, but Andrew can't shake the feeling that Sothum would not have offered him such a choice idly, and cannot keep from speculating about what the envelope might hold that could be worth more than complete financial freedom.
Andrew's questioning leads him inexorably into secret and unsettling areas of Sothum's history. What he discovers there will cause him to question not just the nature of their long friendship, but what the human mind is capable of--and ultimately force him to decide which he values more: the flights of intellect he has always envied his friend, or the ordinary life he has created with his wife.
For Andrew Wrangles, a middle-aged professor of philosophy, the question is not hypothetical. His friend and hero Sothum, who was a genius at both philosophical and financial speculation, has died suddenly and left him with this very choice.
Andrew's wife Cheryl thinks he's crazy not to take the money immediately. And maybe she's right, but Andrew can't shake the feeling that Sothum would not have offered him such a choice idly, and cannot keep from speculating about what the envelope might hold that could be worth more than complete financial freedom.
Andrew's questioning leads him inexorably into secret and unsettling areas of Sothum's history. What he discovers there will cause him to question not just the nature of their long friendship, but what the human mind is capable of--and ultimately force him to decide which he values more: the flights of intellect he has always envied his friend, or the ordinary life he has created with his wife.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2011
42 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Edmund Jorgensen
4 books103 followersEdmund Jorgensen was born in Chicago. He studied classical languages, and has maintained a love for all things Greek and Roman.
He and his wife met in Mexico, and now reside, happy but considerably chillier, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, with their adorable son.
You can contact Edmund at ewj (at) inkwellandoften (dot) com.
He and his wife met in Mexico, and now reside, happy but considerably chillier, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, with their adorable son.
You can contact Edmund at ewj (at) inkwellandoften (dot) com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 30, 2012
Let me start by saying Speculation will probably be on my top 10 list at the end of this year, if not right at the top. I have gone back and re-read parts this week in preparation for this review for Novel Publicity Tours, though I really wanted to have a full in-depth read done with a pile of notes, a medical emergency prevented me from doing so. So based on my initial read of this book, of which I have a feeling even knowing how the question of will he chose what is in the envelope or the 10 million dollars I will read this many times in the years go come and follow this author forward in his career. Another great Novel Publicity find for me! Now my review!
Speculation begins with a mention of a law office and goes of on the mystery of a missing friend. Then steps into the death of another friend, and then facing the choice of 10million or an envelope, as I shared with you last week in my Teaser Tuesdays. By the end you are left with your mouth hanging open, speechless and wanting to call your mom and tell her, READ THIS NOW! (Which of course I did in fact it was only 99 cents so I sent it to all of the friends whom I had emails for over in her book club, I have gotten thank you’s and a message on my voice mail going “KRISTINE LOUISE….” “What Madre, it was only 8 bucks, go read it you guys have no excuse)=
So three relationships, two of which are ending due to loss of life and a missing person. One which is his wife. All of which our main character Andrew met in college. Those of us who have been to college know the friends we make there tend to be for life. College is the proverbial primordial soup of our adulthood. We meet, make and find those of like mind, same interests, same philosophies or those that mesh with our own world. We also meet people who no matter if they are like us or not, just fit into the puzzle we are still trying to piece together that will carry us through. We are building our ethical framework for our world builds, our careers and in many instances, lets face it most, our core groups and binding relationships.
Our protagonist is a philosophy professor and the three mentioned above he met at college a decade before. He met his true love, Cheryl and married her and Sothum and Buddy who ended up being part of a great legacy of friendship. You could say he found his soul and his core being and based his life choices because of the relationships and experiences of college, as again many of us do. Sothum, Buddy and our main character Andrew are part of a group they formed called “The Three Wise Fools” I won’t go into one of my famous derailed tangents and describe what specifically a club at college is, because it has special nuances and most of the time there are no secret decoder rings, handshakes or hazing. Most of the time it is over coffee, or tea in this story, at a favorite booth in a restaurant that won’t kick you out after an hour or six. This is a necessary ingredient of the aforementioned soup!
Ultimately it carried me along for another one of those incredible rides and adventures which is the core of a good story. What makes this an exceptional book and exceptional piece of literature is the author’s ability to weave and build a character. His use of heavy allegory, but not as intense as Melville but never as light as a popular read, gives us nicely rounded characters from the first chapter on. With each flash back to college or years back after college building up each in our own mind, completely separate people who we come to love, loath or love to loath at times, be annoyed with and just enjoy! This book is all about relationships and exploring, this book is for people that like to engage in thinking and puzzles. It has none of the fantastical aspects used in so many tales these days, be it a book, movie or TV show. So no explosions, no clandestine meetings between spies from other countries or the death of hooker in Spain. Though these characters are just as interesting in my opinion. Without being religious this is a philosophical, religious/theological mystery, an intellectual thriller. Perhaps what Kant would call his bubblegum reading. (Hmm wonder what flavor Kant would choose?) But you do not need to have read Kant or be an academic to enjoy this, just someone who likes beautifully engaging and expertly stated prose with just enough allegory to make you go “Ohhhhhhh”. Each section has you bumping to another emotion, delving down another avenue of experience.
So what is this book about? I have pondered how to write this review about a book that appears to be about choices when perhaps it could be read to be the solving of the mystery of a missing friend or the possible hidden message in the pile of papers from the boxes Sothum left to Andrew. Perhaps it really is a cruel joke being played at the expense of a friend who is mourning over the two parts of this trio of fools. Definitely it is about relationships and how no matter how much they change throughout the years of your life, ultimately they stay the same. Speculation makes you think about your own values, and questions which carried with us having fed since our brain started thinking and pondering about them years ago. It is a grand and masterfully wrought book traveling through a sea of experiences layered with every day drinking of coffee to esoteric inner conversations of those pesky “what ifs”. In the end it is about all these choices and loyalties making or breaking the tried and true in Andrew’s life. What and who will he choose? Go grab a copy now and find out!
Speculation begins with a mention of a law office and goes of on the mystery of a missing friend. Then steps into the death of another friend, and then facing the choice of 10million or an envelope, as I shared with you last week in my Teaser Tuesdays. By the end you are left with your mouth hanging open, speechless and wanting to call your mom and tell her, READ THIS NOW! (Which of course I did in fact it was only 99 cents so I sent it to all of the friends whom I had emails for over in her book club, I have gotten thank you’s and a message on my voice mail going “KRISTINE LOUISE….” “What Madre, it was only 8 bucks, go read it you guys have no excuse)=
So three relationships, two of which are ending due to loss of life and a missing person. One which is his wife. All of which our main character Andrew met in college. Those of us who have been to college know the friends we make there tend to be for life. College is the proverbial primordial soup of our adulthood. We meet, make and find those of like mind, same interests, same philosophies or those that mesh with our own world. We also meet people who no matter if they are like us or not, just fit into the puzzle we are still trying to piece together that will carry us through. We are building our ethical framework for our world builds, our careers and in many instances, lets face it most, our core groups and binding relationships.
Our protagonist is a philosophy professor and the three mentioned above he met at college a decade before. He met his true love, Cheryl and married her and Sothum and Buddy who ended up being part of a great legacy of friendship. You could say he found his soul and his core being and based his life choices because of the relationships and experiences of college, as again many of us do. Sothum, Buddy and our main character Andrew are part of a group they formed called “The Three Wise Fools” I won’t go into one of my famous derailed tangents and describe what specifically a club at college is, because it has special nuances and most of the time there are no secret decoder rings, handshakes or hazing. Most of the time it is over coffee, or tea in this story, at a favorite booth in a restaurant that won’t kick you out after an hour or six. This is a necessary ingredient of the aforementioned soup!
Ultimately it carried me along for another one of those incredible rides and adventures which is the core of a good story. What makes this an exceptional book and exceptional piece of literature is the author’s ability to weave and build a character. His use of heavy allegory, but not as intense as Melville but never as light as a popular read, gives us nicely rounded characters from the first chapter on. With each flash back to college or years back after college building up each in our own mind, completely separate people who we come to love, loath or love to loath at times, be annoyed with and just enjoy! This book is all about relationships and exploring, this book is for people that like to engage in thinking and puzzles. It has none of the fantastical aspects used in so many tales these days, be it a book, movie or TV show. So no explosions, no clandestine meetings between spies from other countries or the death of hooker in Spain. Though these characters are just as interesting in my opinion. Without being religious this is a philosophical, religious/theological mystery, an intellectual thriller. Perhaps what Kant would call his bubblegum reading. (Hmm wonder what flavor Kant would choose?) But you do not need to have read Kant or be an academic to enjoy this, just someone who likes beautifully engaging and expertly stated prose with just enough allegory to make you go “Ohhhhhhh”. Each section has you bumping to another emotion, delving down another avenue of experience.
From this…
“Death Waits for all of us–as everyone who has not just had someone die is quick to remind us…(Location 572- Speculation – Kindle Version)
To this…
Southum’s speech was a litle ironic but also quite beautiful, quoting Woody Guthrie that for him to talk about marriage was like “a cowboy talking about the sky…” (Location 588- Speculation – Kindle Version)
Or perhaps this…
“Pain like light, comes in different wavelengths. Life’s smaller injuries and discomforts, like microwave radiation, inflict their hurt without delay. You feel it instantly when you realize you have been shorted a dollar at the grocery store, or cannot find a seat on the subway or get soaked by the water splashed up by a passing car” (Location 1709 - Speculation – Kindle Version)
So what is this book about? I have pondered how to write this review about a book that appears to be about choices when perhaps it could be read to be the solving of the mystery of a missing friend or the possible hidden message in the pile of papers from the boxes Sothum left to Andrew. Perhaps it really is a cruel joke being played at the expense of a friend who is mourning over the two parts of this trio of fools. Definitely it is about relationships and how no matter how much they change throughout the years of your life, ultimately they stay the same. Speculation makes you think about your own values, and questions which carried with us having fed since our brain started thinking and pondering about them years ago. It is a grand and masterfully wrought book traveling through a sea of experiences layered with every day drinking of coffee to esoteric inner conversations of those pesky “what ifs”. In the end it is about all these choices and loyalties making or breaking the tried and true in Andrew’s life. What and who will he choose? Go grab a copy now and find out!
October 9, 2012
My grey cells feel as if they have been on a rollercoaster of philosophical debate.
It is neither a mystery nor thriller, indeed it is more of a cerebral truffle which will challenge your taste buds.
The conundrum of having to choose, whilst needing to know the outcome of his friends fate, takes the main character on a path of discovery. The discovery that each person has an identity for the public, one for their private life and a secret one that no person ever sees.
The ending was utter brilliance. Instead of giving the reader the answer to the money or envelope question, we find that we already know the answer.
Begs the question, what would you do or what would I do, and what would that choice say about you or I? In the end isn't his choice free will or rather a submission to a secondary choice?
Hmm seems this book has left me with more unanswered questions than I thought, but that is a good thing and certainly a sign of a memorbale reading experience.
It is neither a mystery nor thriller, indeed it is more of a cerebral truffle which will challenge your taste buds.
The conundrum of having to choose, whilst needing to know the outcome of his friends fate, takes the main character on a path of discovery. The discovery that each person has an identity for the public, one for their private life and a secret one that no person ever sees.
The ending was utter brilliance. Instead of giving the reader the answer to the money or envelope question, we find that we already know the answer.
Begs the question, what would you do or what would I do, and what would that choice say about you or I? In the end isn't his choice free will or rather a submission to a secondary choice?
Hmm seems this book has left me with more unanswered questions than I thought, but that is a good thing and certainly a sign of a memorbale reading experience.
June 22, 2012
Andrew Wrangles is content with the way his life is going. He has a beautiful wife named Cheryl, his job is going well, and he maintains a stable friendship with his friends, Buddy and Stanley Riordan. When Buddy goes missing, Andrew can't help but wonder as to what has happened to him. Something tells him, Stanley might know, but he sure isn't saying. Granted, reports of Buddy surface from all around the globe, but there's something about the entire situation that he can't quite put his finger on.
Stanley unexpectedly dies to cancer, a fact that takes Andrew by surprise. He's thrown for another loop when he's named in Stanley's will as the recipient to ten million dollars, a large sum of money Andrew never truly knew his friend had amassed. The solicitor reveals to Andrew that Stanley has also left him a sealed envelope, one which piques his curiosity. He's soon given the choice of either accepting the money or taking the envelope, a decision that is quite hard for Andrew to make.
Bringing the situation to his wife's attention, Cheryl clearly tells him there's only one true decision to make. He should take the money, she says. Andrew, on the hand, can't help but wonder as to the reason behind Stanley's having left him the sealed envelope. Pleading for time before making his ultimate decision, he decides to delve into the small clues Stanley has left behind for him to find.
Striving to find a hint as to what he should look for, Andrew is transported into the past in order to discover Stanley's secrets. The further he digs, the more questions surface. Nevertheless, he trudges on, knowing that the clarity he seeks is just around the corner.
His speculations about the entire affair leave him wondering as to whether he's doing the right thing. Part him also wonders if he should let his speculations go and just accept the money with no questions asked. Yet one thing is certain, no matter what happens or what he discovers, he will get to the bottom of things, if only to set his mind at ease about the situation he's now found himself in.
The book definitely lives up to its title. Immersed in a world of speculation surrounding his friends, we find Andrew involved in vivid philosophical recollections of his past as he strives to discover his friend's secrets. This story is quite thought-provoking and leaves the reader pondering about the subjects of infinity and God that the author has included throughout the book. Beautifully written, it's definitely a great read. I enjoyed it very much.
Stanley unexpectedly dies to cancer, a fact that takes Andrew by surprise. He's thrown for another loop when he's named in Stanley's will as the recipient to ten million dollars, a large sum of money Andrew never truly knew his friend had amassed. The solicitor reveals to Andrew that Stanley has also left him a sealed envelope, one which piques his curiosity. He's soon given the choice of either accepting the money or taking the envelope, a decision that is quite hard for Andrew to make.
Bringing the situation to his wife's attention, Cheryl clearly tells him there's only one true decision to make. He should take the money, she says. Andrew, on the hand, can't help but wonder as to the reason behind Stanley's having left him the sealed envelope. Pleading for time before making his ultimate decision, he decides to delve into the small clues Stanley has left behind for him to find.
Striving to find a hint as to what he should look for, Andrew is transported into the past in order to discover Stanley's secrets. The further he digs, the more questions surface. Nevertheless, he trudges on, knowing that the clarity he seeks is just around the corner.
His speculations about the entire affair leave him wondering as to whether he's doing the right thing. Part him also wonders if he should let his speculations go and just accept the money with no questions asked. Yet one thing is certain, no matter what happens or what he discovers, he will get to the bottom of things, if only to set his mind at ease about the situation he's now found himself in.
The book definitely lives up to its title. Immersed in a world of speculation surrounding his friends, we find Andrew involved in vivid philosophical recollections of his past as he strives to discover his friend's secrets. This story is quite thought-provoking and leaves the reader pondering about the subjects of infinity and God that the author has included throughout the book. Beautifully written, it's definitely a great read. I enjoyed it very much.
June 16, 2012
Original review at Books Are Magic.
See that envelope in the book cover? That is the prime cause of all the speculation and mystery, behind this book.
Your best friend is missing for some days now. And you are suspecting some foul play. The problem is your other very rich friend (say his name is Sothum and you are idolizing him from your teen age for his talent) knows something about it and is avoiding you since. Now comes the twist. This Sothum guy has a brain tumor and dies one day. He has mentioned you in his will giving you a choice.
Here are your choices:
Option 1: $10 Million Dollar money
Option 2: A sealed envelope addressed to you, of which no one knows nothing about.
So, what will you choose, if you are allowed to pick only one of the above two options?
Many may answer to this question immediately. But, this novel's protagonist, Andrew Wrangles, has some problems in choosing the first option. He is speculating what will his friend have thought, that is worth more than the ten thousand dollars money, in that envelope. When he takes time to decide on which to choose, he searches for some answers with some paper bundles his friend had left him. What he uncovers with all this is not the mystery. Nobody knows where he goes with all his speculations. THAT is the actual mystery, that we are a part of.
Well-written and beautifully crafted plot. The idea of such a different mystery novel is interesting. Edmund has given his best in explaining the relationship of the protagonist with his wife. And it really paid off. Their bonding with one another is really enjoyable and heartfelt.
There are so many areas, where I had trouble understanding, especially on the literature terms. And whatever you do, one thing I can't stand more than five minutes, is --- philosophy. So, that is the major problem and this stands for many others. The book is filled with long periods of philosophical discussions.
As you would have known by now, it's definitely not an easy or light read. But, one thing is for sure though - this author has a great talent in writing. And if he writes a book, which doesn't involve philosophy at his core, I am reading it.
See that envelope in the book cover? That is the prime cause of all the speculation and mystery, behind this book.
Your best friend is missing for some days now. And you are suspecting some foul play. The problem is your other very rich friend (say his name is Sothum and you are idolizing him from your teen age for his talent) knows something about it and is avoiding you since. Now comes the twist. This Sothum guy has a brain tumor and dies one day. He has mentioned you in his will giving you a choice.
Here are your choices:
Option 1: $10 Million Dollar money
Option 2: A sealed envelope addressed to you, of which no one knows nothing about.
So, what will you choose, if you are allowed to pick only one of the above two options?
Many may answer to this question immediately. But, this novel's protagonist, Andrew Wrangles, has some problems in choosing the first option. He is speculating what will his friend have thought, that is worth more than the ten thousand dollars money, in that envelope. When he takes time to decide on which to choose, he searches for some answers with some paper bundles his friend had left him. What he uncovers with all this is not the mystery. Nobody knows where he goes with all his speculations. THAT is the actual mystery, that we are a part of.
Well-written and beautifully crafted plot. The idea of such a different mystery novel is interesting. Edmund has given his best in explaining the relationship of the protagonist with his wife. And it really paid off. Their bonding with one another is really enjoyable and heartfelt.
There are so many areas, where I had trouble understanding, especially on the literature terms. And whatever you do, one thing I can't stand more than five minutes, is --- philosophy. So, that is the major problem and this stands for many others. The book is filled with long periods of philosophical discussions.
As you would have known by now, it's definitely not an easy or light read. But, one thing is for sure though - this author has a great talent in writing. And if he writes a book, which doesn't involve philosophy at his core, I am reading it.
May 9, 2020
This is a very good book with some great insights, but not a great book. It goes on too long and much of the basic premise reads like something written by a younger person without a whole lot of real-life experience under his belt. With that said, I am convinced Mr. Jorgensen is a very talented writer with a good deal of potential and I’ll eagerly look forward to reading more from him.
June 29, 2012
I will admit that when I began reading this, I figured I would not like it. It is not my typical genre, and I figured it would be rampant with sex scenes and profanity. Was I ever wrong!
First of all, no sex scenes and limited profanity. I was halfway through the book before profanity even reared its ugly head, and I could live with it. It did not ruin the story for me.
The style and story of this book drew me in from the beginning. I could not put it down. Imagine being left a choice as part of a friend's will--the choice between a sure thing and a risky thing. Andrew (the narrator and main character in the story) really finds himself in a quandary. I won't tell you how it ends--no spoilers here.
The thing I appreciated the most in this book was the high level of writing. It was very literary, and the author dealt with philosophical and mathematical concepts I could not even conceive. It is not an easy read, but it is worthwhile and engrossing. God even figures into the story--again, no spoilers!
I gave this book a five star rating because I honestly could not put it down. I told my mom and my daughter (who is 9) about it, and both of them encouraged me to continue reading so they could know how it ends. I was fascinated with the ending. Just to warn you, there will be unanswered questions, but I feel the book ends the way it should. If you are in the market for something a little bit different, and you enjoy mysteries, this is a book for you!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, no sex scenes and limited profanity. I was halfway through the book before profanity even reared its ugly head, and I could live with it. It did not ruin the story for me.
The style and story of this book drew me in from the beginning. I could not put it down. Imagine being left a choice as part of a friend's will--the choice between a sure thing and a risky thing. Andrew (the narrator and main character in the story) really finds himself in a quandary. I won't tell you how it ends--no spoilers here.
The thing I appreciated the most in this book was the high level of writing. It was very literary, and the author dealt with philosophical and mathematical concepts I could not even conceive. It is not an easy read, but it is worthwhile and engrossing. God even figures into the story--again, no spoilers!
I gave this book a five star rating because I honestly could not put it down. I told my mom and my daughter (who is 9) about it, and both of them encouraged me to continue reading so they could know how it ends. I was fascinated with the ending. Just to warn you, there will be unanswered questions, but I feel the book ends the way it should. If you are in the market for something a little bit different, and you enjoy mysteries, this is a book for you!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
June 20, 2012
If you are a thinker and love a debate this book is especially designed for you. The author will challenge your beliefs, emotions and ask questions about your own existence.
The story is brilliantly written and in following the quest for the clues in order to make the correct decision, the author causes intrigue and keeps the reader on his toes in the way he uses the philosophic questions to reach or solve the problem.
When one of his friends has gone missing and the other one is dead, the dead friend leaves two envelopes marked A and B. Envelope A contains $10 million but we are unaware of what is in envelope B, if he takes envelope A then envelope B is destroyed and he will never know what is in it, if he takes envelope B he will lose the $10 million, so his quest begins.
Trying to use his dead friends logic to find out what is in envelope B, the author starts to challenge your own judgement, why and how did we get here, what do we believe in and what would your decision be. The use of examples on how we think and react to the question posed shows us as humans why we are all individuals and think differently.
Being interested in thinking outside the box, this book was a dream for me to read and when I asked my family what they would do I received different answers which then sparked an interesting debate. So this book is not only a good read but stimulates a lot of provoking thoughts and conversations. A well thought out read for you to enjoy.
The story is brilliantly written and in following the quest for the clues in order to make the correct decision, the author causes intrigue and keeps the reader on his toes in the way he uses the philosophic questions to reach or solve the problem.
When one of his friends has gone missing and the other one is dead, the dead friend leaves two envelopes marked A and B. Envelope A contains $10 million but we are unaware of what is in envelope B, if he takes envelope A then envelope B is destroyed and he will never know what is in it, if he takes envelope B he will lose the $10 million, so his quest begins.
Trying to use his dead friends logic to find out what is in envelope B, the author starts to challenge your own judgement, why and how did we get here, what do we believe in and what would your decision be. The use of examples on how we think and react to the question posed shows us as humans why we are all individuals and think differently.
Being interested in thinking outside the box, this book was a dream for me to read and when I asked my family what they would do I received different answers which then sparked an interesting debate. So this book is not only a good read but stimulates a lot of provoking thoughts and conversations. A well thought out read for you to enjoy.
June 11, 2012
Wow! Yes, that’s the word. What a book! True to its title, it makes you speculate and more. I think I have highlighted the most in this book – names of other books (philosophy) and else.
The book has it all – thriller, drama, mystery, relationship/ romance, and lots and lots of speculation on your part. Gosh, I loved it! Yes, there are times that you have to rack your brain, reread the paragraphs but it is worth it all. I plan on re-reading the book someday. It is THAT good.
You know what, I have the ultimate praise for Edmund. His book reminded me of Leo Tolstoy’s Crime and Punishment. You haven’t read it? Go read them both. No, there are no similarities in plot and you may not even connect them on any level. But somehow my mind did. It is a book that I feel should be a classic, in time. I don’t think you need any more reasons to pick this book up.
However, I won’t recommend it if you are looking for an easy, light read. On the contrary, this book makes you think, that’s it’s best feature.
Why 4 stars then? I am not too satisfied with the last few chapters. Yes, I’m difficult to satisfy. I wish there was something else towards the end that fit it with my love of more than half of this book .
The book has it all – thriller, drama, mystery, relationship/ romance, and lots and lots of speculation on your part. Gosh, I loved it! Yes, there are times that you have to rack your brain, reread the paragraphs but it is worth it all. I plan on re-reading the book someday. It is THAT good.
You know what, I have the ultimate praise for Edmund. His book reminded me of Leo Tolstoy’s Crime and Punishment. You haven’t read it? Go read them both. No, there are no similarities in plot and you may not even connect them on any level. But somehow my mind did. It is a book that I feel should be a classic, in time. I don’t think you need any more reasons to pick this book up.
However, I won’t recommend it if you are looking for an easy, light read. On the contrary, this book makes you think, that’s it’s best feature.
Why 4 stars then? I am not too satisfied with the last few chapters. Yes, I’m difficult to satisfy. I wish there was something else towards the end that fit it with my love of more than half of this book .
July 26, 2014
I don't like simplistic books. I like my books to have meaning, some mystery, to not have everything spelled out. But I am apparently not intellectual enough to enjoy this one. It was like sludge. I s k i m m e d all the boring stuff just so I could finish the book and find out what happened at the end, which was totally not worth it. Not at all my cup of tea.
May 27, 2012
B o r i n g... Two thirds of the book are pseudo-philosophical ramblings that could have been summed up in a few pages. I ashamed to say I finished it, but it was based on a story line that could have had an interesting ending. Don't be fooled. The ending wasn't worth the rest of the book.
August 24, 2014
This book had a great premise and pulled me in right away. But then it got pretty deep into philosophical logic, and I just wasn't willing to think that much.
January 11, 2015
This book was actually really well written. Certain parts of it were compelling and very interesting. However, unless you like philosophical debates, this isn't the book for you.
June 22, 2018
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book. Not quite as much as I hoped. The author has written a bit of a rollercoaster ride inside the head of a genius almost.
I enjoyed this book. Not quite as much as I hoped. The author has written a bit of a rollercoaster ride inside the head of a genius almost.
September 24, 2013
Andy, Sothum and Buddy were long-time friends. When Sothum dies, he leaves Andy as his heir, but there is one condition. He has to choose between two options. He can get an envelope with 10 million dollars or another envelope but nobody knows what it contains. Andy's wife wants him to go for the money but he is so puzzled that he tries to find out what his friend might have left him in the mysterios envelope. This leads him to remember all the times the three friends spent together. Besides, Buddy has gone missing. The problem is that the second half of the book deals with philosophical dissertations, making it somewhat long and boring. Regardless, he unravels the mystery. But what would your reaction have been if faced with this choice?
June 18, 2012
Speculation by Edmund Jorgensen
Release Date: December 22nd, 2011
Publisher: Inkwell & Often
Page Count: 264
Source: From author, via Novel Publicity for review, as part of the Speculation book tour
Andrew Wrangles has a decision to make. His best friend Sothum, a philosophical and financial genius, has just died and left him a choice in his will: ten million dollars or a sealed envelope.
Andrew's wife Cheryl doesn't see this as much of a choice. She wants Andrew to take the money, and what little patience she has for his speculating about what could be worth more than ten million dollars is wearing thin very quickly.
But as Andrew digs deeper into the secret life that Sothum lived, he finds more questions than answers. Does the envelope contain the fate of a vanished mutual friend? The answer to a terrible cosmic riddle? The confession to a crime? Is Sothum just playing a final private joke? Or has Andrew become a pawn in a game — a game that Sothum died playing against a bigger opponent than Andrew can imagine?
What Stephanie Thinks: Genius is madness. Brilliance is insanity. Before I rave about this one (caution: my review may be slightly, just slightly messy, flooded, enthusiastic to the point of irritation, hazardous, et cetera, et cetera), let me just say: Speculation is an absolute work of literary genius. I'm still baffled and scratching my head about how Jorgensen has managed to package a mystery and intellectual thriller into carefully-coined novel surrounded by intense allure and philosophy, but whatever his secret is, I'm not complaining.
Philosophy is a topic I thought I'd always want to stay away from. I'm a fairly logical and distinctly passionate person — it's hard to win an argument with me if you really get my blood flowing, if I do say so myself — and math and reason have always been my forte, but when I took my first philosophy class in high school, I discovered I simply could not stand that feeling of being unsettled, of not being able to solve everything and anything like I could in Algebra. Philosophy was something I thought I could really enjoy, but it ended up being one of the hardest courses I ever took, because it was the one I could never, for the life of me, wrap my head around. It's something I, even to this day, consider a field that only prodigies like Plato, Socrates, and Sothum (unseen and only heard from, yet still the most important character in the book; more on him later) can truly be successful at. I don't know if it's eternal patience or some sort of gene in their DNA that makes them able to figure out such wonders of the world or what, but I guess that difference is what associates me with Andrew, our other main character, a professor of philosophy, and separates me from Sothum, who would identify as a legitimate philosopher.
Like Andrew, I experience cheap thrills when I talk about philosophy, but am not so gifted as to actually be able to found it. Sothum as a character, and the valuable points he presents, impress me to the point of awe. I can't even begin to tell you how eerily accurate and just staggering his mindful contributions are. Had we a character like him in real life, I feel he'd be the modern Einstein. Which brings me to think, what does that make Jorgensen? The creator of a fictional genius — is he a genius himself? A fucking god? I don't know. But that's the vibe I'm getting right now.
Anyway. More about the book. The structure is pretty leisurely, drawing out scenes heavy with dialogue and weak in action over a span of a few weeks, yet it is complex because multiple perspectives come into play to constitute it, and it isn't just Andrew's that seems to matter. Mostly I would say this book is composed of flashbacks and random (but brilliantly remarkably genius) musings, and I love that about it.
Jorgensen's definitely a way with words; while his style isn't phenomenal, it's good enough to keep me reading and the story in tact. He's quite a few amazing moments — it was hard for me to pick just one quote in my Stephanie Loves section!
Some other random stuff I love about this book (bear with me, most of this is what I furiously jotted down onto the title page while reading because I couldn't bear to put it down, nor could I risk forgetting all my thoughts, because after such a mind-blowing read, it was bound to happen): the secondary characters. Cheryl, Andrew's immensely grounded wife, is a dynamic character I enjoyed getting to know, who's all of kickass and lovable. Buddy, one of Andrew and Sothum's acquaintances (the third of their Three Wise Fools, as they call themselves) exudes a natural but so very real dislikability, which, go figure, made me like him (a little). Jorgensen certainly displays his ability to bring a story to life in Speculation, down to the last illumination of the senses and tug of the heart. Complete with jarring revelations of Sothum's death, of Andrew's present, swirling, nostalgic recollections of a developmental and significant past, Speculation is a meandering dissertation on not only philosophy, but also on logic, emotions, and arguments between religion and mathematics.
Andrew's decision on deciding to take the money or the sealed envelope (and SPOILER SPOILER There IS a decision, this isn't one of those dumb books where it's open-ended and the author says 'it's up to you to decide what our protagonist does next') isn't even what is most important in Speculation. Rather, Jorgensen's contemplations of, through the resonating characters of Sothum and Andrew, the essence of money, the implications of interpersonal relationships, secret lives, time, and ultimately, in life, what truly matters most, are most expressive.
I certainly would read this one again, but I think the story and plot would be ruined for me, just because I know how it ends, and because I know how significant it is. That's the only reason why I'm not giving it my special crème de la crème award (aka 10 hearts puahaha). There's nothing Jorgensen could have done to better it, because it's just the nature of the book; unfortunately, for me, it might thus be a dull second-read. But seriously, everything else about it is absolute perfection, at least in my philosophy-philic mind. I'd reread it solely for the purpose of inspecting and overanalyzing (again) the pure written prowess of Edmund Jorgensen through Sothum's ability to completely fuck my brain over. Maybe as a piece of fiction, it could fade out, but as an utter paragon for philosophy, I'd say it's a keeper.
Stephanie Loves: "Habit and routine are what make my life possible here. My stepfather used to say that the difference between the two was that routines were hard to get into and habits were hard to break. He may have been right, but these days I can't notice much that distinguishes them. I would sooner break my leg than one of my routines, and my days are so fully planned that they leave little room for new habits to creep in."
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
Release Date: December 22nd, 2011
Publisher: Inkwell & Often
Page Count: 264
Source: From author, via Novel Publicity for review, as part of the Speculation book tour
Andrew Wrangles has a decision to make. His best friend Sothum, a philosophical and financial genius, has just died and left him a choice in his will: ten million dollars or a sealed envelope.
Andrew's wife Cheryl doesn't see this as much of a choice. She wants Andrew to take the money, and what little patience she has for his speculating about what could be worth more than ten million dollars is wearing thin very quickly.
But as Andrew digs deeper into the secret life that Sothum lived, he finds more questions than answers. Does the envelope contain the fate of a vanished mutual friend? The answer to a terrible cosmic riddle? The confession to a crime? Is Sothum just playing a final private joke? Or has Andrew become a pawn in a game — a game that Sothum died playing against a bigger opponent than Andrew can imagine?
What Stephanie Thinks: Genius is madness. Brilliance is insanity. Before I rave about this one (caution: my review may be slightly, just slightly messy, flooded, enthusiastic to the point of irritation, hazardous, et cetera, et cetera), let me just say: Speculation is an absolute work of literary genius. I'm still baffled and scratching my head about how Jorgensen has managed to package a mystery and intellectual thriller into carefully-coined novel surrounded by intense allure and philosophy, but whatever his secret is, I'm not complaining.
Philosophy is a topic I thought I'd always want to stay away from. I'm a fairly logical and distinctly passionate person — it's hard to win an argument with me if you really get my blood flowing, if I do say so myself — and math and reason have always been my forte, but when I took my first philosophy class in high school, I discovered I simply could not stand that feeling of being unsettled, of not being able to solve everything and anything like I could in Algebra. Philosophy was something I thought I could really enjoy, but it ended up being one of the hardest courses I ever took, because it was the one I could never, for the life of me, wrap my head around. It's something I, even to this day, consider a field that only prodigies like Plato, Socrates, and Sothum (unseen and only heard from, yet still the most important character in the book; more on him later) can truly be successful at. I don't know if it's eternal patience or some sort of gene in their DNA that makes them able to figure out such wonders of the world or what, but I guess that difference is what associates me with Andrew, our other main character, a professor of philosophy, and separates me from Sothum, who would identify as a legitimate philosopher.
Like Andrew, I experience cheap thrills when I talk about philosophy, but am not so gifted as to actually be able to found it. Sothum as a character, and the valuable points he presents, impress me to the point of awe. I can't even begin to tell you how eerily accurate and just staggering his mindful contributions are. Had we a character like him in real life, I feel he'd be the modern Einstein. Which brings me to think, what does that make Jorgensen? The creator of a fictional genius — is he a genius himself? A fucking god? I don't know. But that's the vibe I'm getting right now.
Anyway. More about the book. The structure is pretty leisurely, drawing out scenes heavy with dialogue and weak in action over a span of a few weeks, yet it is complex because multiple perspectives come into play to constitute it, and it isn't just Andrew's that seems to matter. Mostly I would say this book is composed of flashbacks and random (but brilliantly remarkably genius) musings, and I love that about it.
Jorgensen's definitely a way with words; while his style isn't phenomenal, it's good enough to keep me reading and the story in tact. He's quite a few amazing moments — it was hard for me to pick just one quote in my Stephanie Loves section!
Some other random stuff I love about this book (bear with me, most of this is what I furiously jotted down onto the title page while reading because I couldn't bear to put it down, nor could I risk forgetting all my thoughts, because after such a mind-blowing read, it was bound to happen): the secondary characters. Cheryl, Andrew's immensely grounded wife, is a dynamic character I enjoyed getting to know, who's all of kickass and lovable. Buddy, one of Andrew and Sothum's acquaintances (the third of their Three Wise Fools, as they call themselves) exudes a natural but so very real dislikability, which, go figure, made me like him (a little). Jorgensen certainly displays his ability to bring a story to life in Speculation, down to the last illumination of the senses and tug of the heart. Complete with jarring revelations of Sothum's death, of Andrew's present, swirling, nostalgic recollections of a developmental and significant past, Speculation is a meandering dissertation on not only philosophy, but also on logic, emotions, and arguments between religion and mathematics.
Andrew's decision on deciding to take the money or the sealed envelope (and SPOILER SPOILER There IS a decision, this isn't one of those dumb books where it's open-ended and the author says 'it's up to you to decide what our protagonist does next') isn't even what is most important in Speculation. Rather, Jorgensen's contemplations of, through the resonating characters of Sothum and Andrew, the essence of money, the implications of interpersonal relationships, secret lives, time, and ultimately, in life, what truly matters most, are most expressive.
I certainly would read this one again, but I think the story and plot would be ruined for me, just because I know how it ends, and because I know how significant it is. That's the only reason why I'm not giving it my special crème de la crème award (aka 10 hearts puahaha). There's nothing Jorgensen could have done to better it, because it's just the nature of the book; unfortunately, for me, it might thus be a dull second-read. But seriously, everything else about it is absolute perfection, at least in my philosophy-philic mind. I'd reread it solely for the purpose of inspecting and overanalyzing (again) the pure written prowess of Edmund Jorgensen through Sothum's ability to completely fuck my brain over. Maybe as a piece of fiction, it could fade out, but as an utter paragon for philosophy, I'd say it's a keeper.
Stephanie Loves: "Habit and routine are what make my life possible here. My stepfather used to say that the difference between the two was that routines were hard to get into and habits were hard to break. He may have been right, but these days I can't notice much that distinguishes them. I would sooner break my leg than one of my routines, and my days are so fully planned that they leave little room for new habits to creep in."
Radical Rating: 9 hearts- One of my all-time favorites!
October 13, 2021
An interesting premise and a good story, but ruined for me by the style of the last half of the book. Starts off as a fairly routine gifted/special/genius American student story with twist of mystery about the fate of one of a trio of friends after his second novel disappoints the critics. About half way through the book turns to an irritating expositionary device where the author shows off how well read he is in philosophical theory and how clever he is to prove god exists. The book took a seriously downward turn at this time and I sped read to the end to see what happened, which was not surprising. This is a shame as the set up is interesting and with different treatment might have held onto the original three or maybe four stars I thought it was heading for.
December 28, 2018
This is a pretty fabulous book. I have to warn you though if you don't enjoy philosophical debates or digging into someone's head to find out what's ticking, you probably won't like this. This is a deeply emotional story and takes you on a ride through this man's life, choices, friends, loves and makes you question your own.
May 5, 2019
Boring philosophy
This appears to be a first novel written while the author was a philosophy student eager to express his knowledge. I have no idea if that's true. But I skipped the middle (seemingly) thousand pages to find the resolution. It was not satisfactory.
I really liked the author's other book.
This appears to be a first novel written while the author was a philosophy student eager to express his knowledge. I have no idea if that's true. But I skipped the middle (seemingly) thousand pages to find the resolution. It was not satisfactory.
I really liked the author's other book.
February 6, 2025
This was a surprisingly quick read for me. I finished the book much quicker than I anticipated, because I had quite a few things going. I shelved them all to plow through this book. Interesting concept that was executed well. The message is timeless, and in the age of AI, timely. I was captivated by the characters.
I do recommend.
October 7, 2022
This is not a bad novel; it might be good. It is a philosophical puzzle book if that’s a thing. I thought most of the philosophy was juvenile and occasionally tedious. But it was different enough from the last few novels I’ve read to be an amusing diversion.
November 22, 2025
I know this is kinda the point of the whole book, but…I didn’t really care about the philosophy. Or, rather, I wish it’d been integrated into the story instead of spewed out in chapter-long monologues. But I really liked the prose, and I especially enjoyed the first half of the book!
October 5, 2017
Very well written book with pleasant advanced language and no glaring need for simple editing. The topic was unusual for me, but I enjoyed the change and regarded it as a mystery.
July 12, 2019
not very enjoyable nor memorable
July 9, 2024
Different, but a good read.
June 15, 2012
As anyone would, upon hearing that the Law Offices of X, Y and Z were calling, philosophy professor Andy Wrangles suspects he’s the recipient of a prank call. He soon learns that not only is the law firm real, but that he is a beneficiary in the will of a long-time friend.
Still determined that there is some mistake, he arrives at the office to receive the news that he's been left not so much a bequest, as a choice. Andy may choose to receive ten million dollars, or a sealed envelope, the contents of which the lawyer, Mr. X, affirms is unknown even to him. If Andy chooses the sealed envelope, the money will be shared among charities specified by the deceased. If he chooses the money, the sealed envelope will be destroyed. Whatever his choice, there are also three large boxes of paper that now belong to Andy.
Andy’s relationship with Stanley Riordan, known as Sothum, dates back to college. With a third friend, Buddy Johnston, they formed the Three Wise Fools philosophy club. Buddy, an author both famous and infamous for his two books, and long missing, is presumed to have committed suicide. Now Sothum is suddenly gone, never having shared with Andy the knowledge of his own imminent death from brain cancer.
To the puzzlement of his wife, Cheryl, Andy is unable to make what she sees as the only logical choice. She has observed the dynamics of the relationship between the three friends for years, and now feels free to reveal her thoughts. She agrees to allow him time to process what he has begun to discover about his friend.
At first, he can make no sense of the death of this larger than life man whose brilliant mind Andy not so secretly envied. Dazzled from the very first word he read in a philosophical dialogue pseudonymously penned by the man who would become his closest friend, Andy believes Sothum wasted his philosophical genius on a career in finance. He’s never felt truly equal to the brilliant mind of Sothum, or to the patronizing Buddy, handsome and privileged in his position as heir to a family fortune.
Sorting through the jumbled mess in the boxes, Andy is convinced Sothum has left a clue to the contents of the mysterious envelope. When he becomes frustrated with his lack of success in discovering some hidden cipher or key, Cheryl digs into Sothum’s finances, discovering the first real clue to his secrets.
Coming face to face with the consequences of Sothums’ secret obsession, Andy realizes the true extent of how little he knew his friend. Presented with the last words of Sothum, Andy is forced to admit he might not have loved Sothum so well had he been aware of the layers of secrets woven by the friend he believed he understood better than anyone did.
Reflecting on their years of friendship, Andy realizes that in a life of choices, he has been the chosen, rather than the chooser. Sothum and Buddy chose to invite him to join their sophomore society. Cheryl chose him, seeking his company after observing his fascination with an overheard conversation. Buddy chose Andy’s company as a refuge from detractors as his life appeared to fall apart. Finally, his trusted friend Sothum chose him to unravel the puzzle concealed within his uncommon bequest.
In the end, Andy makes the only decision he can live with, the only decision that makes sense of his own life. He chooses to make a choice.
Readers who enjoy stretching their minds are sure to enjoy this first novel. It’s as engrossing on the second read as it was on the first. I hold very few books to be worthy of five stars, but this makes the cut.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author. A version of this review appeared on my blog at Transformational Editor.
Still determined that there is some mistake, he arrives at the office to receive the news that he's been left not so much a bequest, as a choice. Andy may choose to receive ten million dollars, or a sealed envelope, the contents of which the lawyer, Mr. X, affirms is unknown even to him. If Andy chooses the sealed envelope, the money will be shared among charities specified by the deceased. If he chooses the money, the sealed envelope will be destroyed. Whatever his choice, there are also three large boxes of paper that now belong to Andy.
Andy’s relationship with Stanley Riordan, known as Sothum, dates back to college. With a third friend, Buddy Johnston, they formed the Three Wise Fools philosophy club. Buddy, an author both famous and infamous for his two books, and long missing, is presumed to have committed suicide. Now Sothum is suddenly gone, never having shared with Andy the knowledge of his own imminent death from brain cancer.
To the puzzlement of his wife, Cheryl, Andy is unable to make what she sees as the only logical choice. She has observed the dynamics of the relationship between the three friends for years, and now feels free to reveal her thoughts. She agrees to allow him time to process what he has begun to discover about his friend.
At first, he can make no sense of the death of this larger than life man whose brilliant mind Andy not so secretly envied. Dazzled from the very first word he read in a philosophical dialogue pseudonymously penned by the man who would become his closest friend, Andy believes Sothum wasted his philosophical genius on a career in finance. He’s never felt truly equal to the brilliant mind of Sothum, or to the patronizing Buddy, handsome and privileged in his position as heir to a family fortune.
Sorting through the jumbled mess in the boxes, Andy is convinced Sothum has left a clue to the contents of the mysterious envelope. When he becomes frustrated with his lack of success in discovering some hidden cipher or key, Cheryl digs into Sothum’s finances, discovering the first real clue to his secrets.
Coming face to face with the consequences of Sothums’ secret obsession, Andy realizes the true extent of how little he knew his friend. Presented with the last words of Sothum, Andy is forced to admit he might not have loved Sothum so well had he been aware of the layers of secrets woven by the friend he believed he understood better than anyone did.
Reflecting on their years of friendship, Andy realizes that in a life of choices, he has been the chosen, rather than the chooser. Sothum and Buddy chose to invite him to join their sophomore society. Cheryl chose him, seeking his company after observing his fascination with an overheard conversation. Buddy chose Andy’s company as a refuge from detractors as his life appeared to fall apart. Finally, his trusted friend Sothum chose him to unravel the puzzle concealed within his uncommon bequest.
In the end, Andy makes the only decision he can live with, the only decision that makes sense of his own life. He chooses to make a choice.
Readers who enjoy stretching their minds are sure to enjoy this first novel. It’s as engrossing on the second read as it was on the first. I hold very few books to be worthy of five stars, but this makes the cut.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author. A version of this review appeared on my blog at Transformational Editor.
July 19, 2012
This was my first free Kindle e-book. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. One of my friends on Facebook mentioned that it was great and free for the next couple of weeks, so I figured, well, no one's ever recommended a free book to me before, I'll give it a shot.
The summary sounded intriguing: a man's best friend dies and leaves him 10 million dollars and a sealed envelope. The catch? He has to choose just one. Pick the money and the envelope will be destroyed. Pick the envelope and bye-bye millionaire-dom.
Maybe part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much is because I went in with such low expectations. Lately I've been slogging through a slew of critically-acclaimed e-books from traditional publishers that are FULL OF TYPOS AND HORRIBLE GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. Like, have we just decided that since people will buy e-books anyway, we don't care about making them decent or even readable? Have we cut budgets in the production department so far that we've fired all of the copyeditors?
Anyway. Enough ranting. Because this book was very well-written. Nary a typo caught my eye! But that could've been because I was so caught up in the story, too.
Looking back on it, I am not sure how to categorize this novel. Philosophical thriller? Let's go with that. Because it did have a plot and burning questions that kept you pushing onward into the wee hours of the night. But the best part of the novel was how smart it was. I'm not a philosophy major. I could've been bored to tears or completely confused by the majority of this storyline. Instead, the author struck a perfect balance between trusting his readers to not be complete morons, and not beating us over the head with the philosophers and theories he so clearly loves -- but he also didn't leave us non-philosophers hanging. He explained the basics so that I was able to follow the characters' discussions perfectly.
Again, disclaimer: I am not a philosophy major. In fact I have never taken a single class in it. I went to one course while shopping around my sophomore year, and a student was arguing with the teacher about how they could prove the chairs we were sitting in existed. I left. Call me an uneducated jackass if you will, I know that many people love and find excitement in those kinds of discussions. I'm just not one of them.
So if you're not a huge philosophy geek, I still recommend this book. Plus it might make you want to read some philosophy. I am kind of regretting my ignorance on the subject now. Maybe I'll steal a copy of my roomie's Metaphysics of Morals by Kant or something.
If you are a philospher yourself, maybe this book won't be as mind-blowing. Or maybe you'll love it because the author so clearly adores the subject, I dunno. Either way, give it a shot! Plus it's free, so what the heck? :)
... I think I'm beginning to understand why authors want to give away free books now, because I will definitely read anything by this guy in the future...
The summary sounded intriguing: a man's best friend dies and leaves him 10 million dollars and a sealed envelope. The catch? He has to choose just one. Pick the money and the envelope will be destroyed. Pick the envelope and bye-bye millionaire-dom.
Maybe part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much is because I went in with such low expectations. Lately I've been slogging through a slew of critically-acclaimed e-books from traditional publishers that are FULL OF TYPOS AND HORRIBLE GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. Like, have we just decided that since people will buy e-books anyway, we don't care about making them decent or even readable? Have we cut budgets in the production department so far that we've fired all of the copyeditors?
Anyway. Enough ranting. Because this book was very well-written. Nary a typo caught my eye! But that could've been because I was so caught up in the story, too.
Looking back on it, I am not sure how to categorize this novel. Philosophical thriller? Let's go with that. Because it did have a plot and burning questions that kept you pushing onward into the wee hours of the night. But the best part of the novel was how smart it was. I'm not a philosophy major. I could've been bored to tears or completely confused by the majority of this storyline. Instead, the author struck a perfect balance between trusting his readers to not be complete morons, and not beating us over the head with the philosophers and theories he so clearly loves -- but he also didn't leave us non-philosophers hanging. He explained the basics so that I was able to follow the characters' discussions perfectly.
Again, disclaimer: I am not a philosophy major. In fact I have never taken a single class in it. I went to one course while shopping around my sophomore year, and a student was arguing with the teacher about how they could prove the chairs we were sitting in existed. I left. Call me an uneducated jackass if you will, I know that many people love and find excitement in those kinds of discussions. I'm just not one of them.
So if you're not a huge philosophy geek, I still recommend this book. Plus it might make you want to read some philosophy. I am kind of regretting my ignorance on the subject now. Maybe I'll steal a copy of my roomie's Metaphysics of Morals by Kant or something.
If you are a philospher yourself, maybe this book won't be as mind-blowing. Or maybe you'll love it because the author so clearly adores the subject, I dunno. Either way, give it a shot! Plus it's free, so what the heck? :)
... I think I'm beginning to understand why authors want to give away free books now, because I will definitely read anything by this guy in the future...
June 6, 2012
It is always nice when a friend remembers you in their will isn't it ?
But what if what they leave you is a choice ?
Remember that TV show The Money Or The Box.
What would you choose ?
I have always thought that I would go for the box.
Speculation is about being left that type of choice.
Buddy Johnston, Sothum (Stanley Riordan), and Andrew Wrangles have been friends since college.
Sothum, a genius in Andrew's eyes who has not quite lived up to his full potential. Buddy, born to wealth with two bestsellers and the belief that life owed him everything. Andrew, both a student and teacher of philosophy every day of his life.
After Sothum's death Andrew is left three boxes of papers from Sothum to sort through. He is also left with a choice. $10,000,000.00 or an envelope.
Andrew begins to search through the boxes hoping to find some clue as to what is in the envelope.
He is also searching for a clue to a bigger mystery. What happened to Buddy Johnston ? Buddy is missing presumed to have committed suicide after being ridiculed in the press. Andrew believes that Buddy would have found it too difficult to leave this world without a suicide note. During a conversation with Sothum about Buddy's disappearance Andrew is connvinced that Sothum knows and is hiding something.
Has Sothum left a clue to the Buddy mystery, has he left behind the answer to a previously mind boggling philosophical question, or is Sothum being Sothum one last time and playing a prank on Andrew ?
There is no time limit on when Andrew must decide...but his wife Cheryl is definite about what she wants him to choose...and quickly.
I was completely fascinated from the first sentence. Edmund Jorgensen has crafted four believable, funny, quirky characters that meld together seamlessly in this book.
When it came to my eyes demanding to be closed, it was with sadness that I placed the book under the pillow to be picked up again at the earliest opportunity.
Seriously. I really hated my body's need to sleep.
The back story of these four characters is weaved effortlessly through the book. The more you learn the more you want to know.
The pace builds as you get closer to the heart of the story.
Speculation did what few books do these days. It surprised me.
If there is one new author you need to discover...have a look at Edmund Jorgensen.
If there is space on your bookshelf for one more book...read Speculation.
While I will be lending this book to friends...it has found a permanent home to be taken out and reread.
But what if what they leave you is a choice ?
Remember that TV show The Money Or The Box.
What would you choose ?
I have always thought that I would go for the box.
Speculation is about being left that type of choice.
Buddy Johnston, Sothum (Stanley Riordan), and Andrew Wrangles have been friends since college.
Sothum, a genius in Andrew's eyes who has not quite lived up to his full potential. Buddy, born to wealth with two bestsellers and the belief that life owed him everything. Andrew, both a student and teacher of philosophy every day of his life.
After Sothum's death Andrew is left three boxes of papers from Sothum to sort through. He is also left with a choice. $10,000,000.00 or an envelope.
Andrew begins to search through the boxes hoping to find some clue as to what is in the envelope.
He is also searching for a clue to a bigger mystery. What happened to Buddy Johnston ? Buddy is missing presumed to have committed suicide after being ridiculed in the press. Andrew believes that Buddy would have found it too difficult to leave this world without a suicide note. During a conversation with Sothum about Buddy's disappearance Andrew is connvinced that Sothum knows and is hiding something.
Has Sothum left a clue to the Buddy mystery, has he left behind the answer to a previously mind boggling philosophical question, or is Sothum being Sothum one last time and playing a prank on Andrew ?
There is no time limit on when Andrew must decide...but his wife Cheryl is definite about what she wants him to choose...and quickly.
I was completely fascinated from the first sentence. Edmund Jorgensen has crafted four believable, funny, quirky characters that meld together seamlessly in this book.
When it came to my eyes demanding to be closed, it was with sadness that I placed the book under the pillow to be picked up again at the earliest opportunity.
Seriously. I really hated my body's need to sleep.
The back story of these four characters is weaved effortlessly through the book. The more you learn the more you want to know.
The pace builds as you get closer to the heart of the story.
Speculation did what few books do these days. It surprised me.
If there is one new author you need to discover...have a look at Edmund Jorgensen.
If there is space on your bookshelf for one more book...read Speculation.
While I will be lending this book to friends...it has found a permanent home to be taken out and reread.
June 7, 2013
Finish time: 12 nights (minus a few off). This book was loaded. The premise seemed simple, yet interesting. A friend dies and leaves you a choice in his will; 10 million dollars or a sealed envelope. The main character Andrew is faced with this exact choice after his long-time friend Sothum passes away. In order to understand the difficulty of this decision for Andrew (and not for his wife!), we must go back and learn how these 2 (well 3, as we meet Buddy, the final member of the Three Wise Fools) met in college. The three were philosophy students in Boston and spent many a night discussing, debating, and hashing out new and old theories. Fun times.
The book goes back and forth between stories from the past and present time as Andrew dives head first into investigating the life of Sothum aka Stanley Riorden. It deviates in all different directions and at times I wasn’t sure where I was or if I was fully understanding. It caps off with a readme.txt file reminiscent of that never-ending chapter in Atlas Shrugged (if you read it you know what chapter I am talking about!) in which Sothum reveals a lot (we’ll leave it at that!) and helps to tie many things together at the end – which I very much needed.
The main philosophical topic in question is the existence of God (which a quick Google search revealed the philosopher in question was fictional). That was not revealed until later in the book, but that alone would be a very interesting topic. The book doesn’t get too specific on the details of that (as it does get very detailed on just about everything else). But as Sothum’s life work – it is very interesting to see his progress and how he began on this topic and where he ends up.
So overall – I was confused, intrigued, challenged, and entertained. I would recommend, but have some time and an open mind. The conclusion was satisfying, not what I initially wanted, but you have no choice but to be okay with it and move on. I enjoyed getting to know these characters, and I have to say after spending so much time with them – I may have to pick my next book carefully as this definitely broadened my mind!
The book goes back and forth between stories from the past and present time as Andrew dives head first into investigating the life of Sothum aka Stanley Riorden. It deviates in all different directions and at times I wasn’t sure where I was or if I was fully understanding. It caps off with a readme.txt file reminiscent of that never-ending chapter in Atlas Shrugged (if you read it you know what chapter I am talking about!) in which Sothum reveals a lot (we’ll leave it at that!) and helps to tie many things together at the end – which I very much needed.
The main philosophical topic in question is the existence of God (which a quick Google search revealed the philosopher in question was fictional). That was not revealed until later in the book, but that alone would be a very interesting topic. The book doesn’t get too specific on the details of that (as it does get very detailed on just about everything else). But as Sothum’s life work – it is very interesting to see his progress and how he began on this topic and where he ends up.
So overall – I was confused, intrigued, challenged, and entertained. I would recommend, but have some time and an open mind. The conclusion was satisfying, not what I initially wanted, but you have no choice but to be okay with it and move on. I enjoyed getting to know these characters, and I have to say after spending so much time with them – I may have to pick my next book carefully as this definitely broadened my mind!
May 19, 2012
The highest complement I can pay any form of entertainment is that it is more captivating than SIMS. Speculation is more captivating than SIMS. I guess you have to know me in order to understand the magnitude of that statement, so the short version is that when I play SIMS, I keep track of their personality numbers, their physical traits, their aspirations, skills, and finances in multiple Excel sheets to discover which Townies have dyed their hair, which SIMS will progress rapidly through their chosen careers and who to breed should I ever desire to create the ultimate SIM. Some people have drugs, I have SIMS. Speculation is more captivating than SIMS.
Loved it, but it's not going to be for everyone. This is not the fast paced mystery of Janet Evanovich with guns and cars blowing up, it's slower, character and dialogue driven. If you liked The Booth at the End on Hulu, you'll like Speculation. I'll admit, I had my doubts during the first half. I like background information and getting to know the characters, sometimes more than the plot, but even I was starting to wonder if all of the background in the first half was needed. All was forgiven the very next chapter when all I could think was "wow, didn't see that coming."
After that, the rest of the book is almost entirely dialogue driven. I'm struggling to find a way to write more without giving away any of the facets of the novel that it's best you discover yourself, so for now I'll just have to leave you with, it's amazing and both what I expected and not what I expected wrapped up into a neat little book. I've tried to explain that to my satisfaction earlier in the review, got nowhere with it, so I leave you with this.
5 out of 5 stars.
Loved it, but it's not going to be for everyone. This is not the fast paced mystery of Janet Evanovich with guns and cars blowing up, it's slower, character and dialogue driven. If you liked The Booth at the End on Hulu, you'll like Speculation. I'll admit, I had my doubts during the first half. I like background information and getting to know the characters, sometimes more than the plot, but even I was starting to wonder if all of the background in the first half was needed. All was forgiven the very next chapter when all I could think was "wow, didn't see that coming."
After that, the rest of the book is almost entirely dialogue driven. I'm struggling to find a way to write more without giving away any of the facets of the novel that it's best you discover yourself, so for now I'll just have to leave you with, it's amazing and both what I expected and not what I expected wrapped up into a neat little book. I've tried to explain that to my satisfaction earlier in the review, got nowhere with it, so I leave you with this.
5 out of 5 stars.
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