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Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths
Essayist Ryan Britt got a sex education from dirty pictures of dinosaurs, made out with Jar-Jar Binks at midnight, and figured out how to kick depression with a Doctor Who Netflix-binge. Alternating between personal anecdote, hilarious insight, and smart analysis, Luke Skywalker Can’t Read contends that Barbarella is good for you, that monster movies are just romantic comedies with commitment issues, that Dracula and Sherlock Holmes are total hipsters, and, most shockingly, shows how virtually everyone in the Star Wars universe is functionally illiterate.
Romp through time and space, from the circus sideshows of 100 years ago to the Comic Cons of today, from darkest corners of the Galaxy to the comfort of your couch. For anyone who pretended their flashlight was a lightsaber, stood in line for a movie at midnight, or dreamed they were abducted by aliens, Luke Skywalker Can't Read is full of answers to questions you haven't thought to ask, and perfect for readers of Chuck Klosterman, Rob Sheffield, and Ernest Cline.
Romp through time and space, from the circus sideshows of 100 years ago to the Comic Cons of today, from darkest corners of the Galaxy to the comfort of your couch. For anyone who pretended their flashlight was a lightsaber, stood in line for a movie at midnight, or dreamed they were abducted by aliens, Luke Skywalker Can't Read is full of answers to questions you haven't thought to ask, and perfect for readers of Chuck Klosterman, Rob Sheffield, and Ernest Cline.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2015
81 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
March 12, 2022
Rating: 3.5* of five
NOW $1.99 ON KINDLE!
My Review: Well, that was fun. I live in a place where I am both the youngest and toothiest resident, so you can imagine what a pleasure it was to have someone to geek out with, even if his side of the conversation is on dead tree remains and my side (often shouted) scared the Wink Martindale out of the older and less dentally endowed residents.
Points where I agreed with Mr. Britt outnumbered the annoying points where he was so clearly *wrong* that my blood pressure spiked to most unsafe levels. On the sternly delivered advice of a medical professional, I will limit myself to mentioning the merest and mildest of these latter: STOP WITH THE FOOTNOTES ALREADY! WHEN YOU HAVE TO USE THE DOUBLE DAGGER AND THE BOOK IS NOT A LAW BOOK, YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR!!! *ahem* For the typographically challenged, look on p128 in the Doctor Who essay at the third footnote. Seriously now, Mr. Britt, The Mezzanine was published by Nicholson Baker in 1988. That was the last time heavily footnoted light reading was fun.
Oh well, I'm already purple, might as well: Back to the Future?! What the hell?! There are people with such, such, polite words fail me, bland tastes that they're fans of these extremely boring cinematic nap-fests? Assuming you're now nodding, Mr. Britt, brings me to the question, "SO WHAT?? Why waste 15pp on such, such, polite words fail me again, white-bread mouth-breathers' silly addiction?"
*ahem* So, with my ranting, I've proven the market for this book exists and is most broad indeed, if it includes my superannuated self. And as mentioned above, I mostly liked and agreed with his essays, especially "I Know It's Only Science Fiction, but I Like It." The mixed pleasure and pain of an adult idol making time for a personal private conversation...and then whipping out a life-lesson...is unforgettable. That's a lesson that will stick.
Essays on Dracula-as-hipster, a metric fuck-ton of Star Wars chatter, not one single word about Firefly because he straight up admits (in one of those pernicious footnotes) that he doesn't like Firefly, encomia of a weird sort piled on the already overpowering piles of plaudits about Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek and Tolkien and comic-book superheroes...it's dizzying how many oars this one, uncloned man has in the waters of geekdom. (I'm certain he's not cloned because if he was the street cred it would give him would necessitate discussing it.) That he makes a living while wending his way through the thickets of prickly fandoms is amazing to me. I'm thrilled and delighted that it's possible to be an essayist whose topic is the entertainments of the hoi polloi. Way too much derivative, repetitive thinking, writing, and publishing has taken place on ever-smaller slices of Highbrow Kultur, and I cheer and clap for all the intelligent analysis finally being applied and celebrated these past two or so decades.
With any kind of justice, Professor Britt's class on the Skywalker clan and its deeper meanings will outpace the registration numbers of Philosophy 201: The Stoics five-to-one. Now all we need to do is get him that university job so he can publish while the moldy oldies perish.
NOW $1.99 ON KINDLE!
My Review: Well, that was fun. I live in a place where I am both the youngest and toothiest resident, so you can imagine what a pleasure it was to have someone to geek out with, even if his side of the conversation is on dead tree remains and my side (often shouted) scared the Wink Martindale out of the older and less dentally endowed residents.
Points where I agreed with Mr. Britt outnumbered the annoying points where he was so clearly *wrong* that my blood pressure spiked to most unsafe levels. On the sternly delivered advice of a medical professional, I will limit myself to mentioning the merest and mildest of these latter: STOP WITH THE FOOTNOTES ALREADY! WHEN YOU HAVE TO USE THE DOUBLE DAGGER AND THE BOOK IS NOT A LAW BOOK, YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR!!! *ahem* For the typographically challenged, look on p128 in the Doctor Who essay at the third footnote. Seriously now, Mr. Britt, The Mezzanine was published by Nicholson Baker in 1988. That was the last time heavily footnoted light reading was fun.
Oh well, I'm already purple, might as well: Back to the Future?! What the hell?! There are people with such, such, polite words fail me, bland tastes that they're fans of these extremely boring cinematic nap-fests? Assuming you're now nodding, Mr. Britt, brings me to the question, "SO WHAT?? Why waste 15pp on such, such, polite words fail me again, white-bread mouth-breathers' silly addiction?"
*ahem* So, with my ranting, I've proven the market for this book exists and is most broad indeed, if it includes my superannuated self. And as mentioned above, I mostly liked and agreed with his essays, especially "I Know It's Only Science Fiction, but I Like It." The mixed pleasure and pain of an adult idol making time for a personal private conversation...and then whipping out a life-lesson...is unforgettable. That's a lesson that will stick.
Essays on Dracula-as-hipster, a metric fuck-ton of Star Wars chatter, not one single word about Firefly because he straight up admits (in one of those pernicious footnotes) that he doesn't like Firefly, encomia of a weird sort piled on the already overpowering piles of plaudits about Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek and Tolkien and comic-book superheroes...it's dizzying how many oars this one, uncloned man has in the waters of geekdom. (I'm certain he's not cloned because if he was the street cred it would give him would necessitate discussing it.) That he makes a living while wending his way through the thickets of prickly fandoms is amazing to me. I'm thrilled and delighted that it's possible to be an essayist whose topic is the entertainments of the hoi polloi. Way too much derivative, repetitive thinking, writing, and publishing has taken place on ever-smaller slices of Highbrow Kultur, and I cheer and clap for all the intelligent analysis finally being applied and celebrated these past two or so decades.
With any kind of justice, Professor Britt's class on the Skywalker clan and its deeper meanings will outpace the registration numbers of Philosophy 201: The Stoics five-to-one. Now all we need to do is get him that university job so he can publish while the moldy oldies perish.
June 30, 2016
This book is less about the Geeky subjects it claims to be about, and more about the author and his life. This could be fine, except the author comes off as a pretentious snob with a love of the word "zeitgeist". He shares experiences about going to the midnight showing of Star Wars Episode 3 wearing a homemade shirt that said George Lucas is a Virgin. He talks about how he went to midnight showing of Fellowship with his friends dressed as stupid wizards with crescent moons and ridiculous hats and pink capes and how they were yelling fake enchantments at people dressed like Gandalf or Frodo, and how they were the ones interviewed by the news station.
The author balks when he learns that he actually hates Star Wars (it took a Myspace quiz for him to realize). As a whole, this book provides some interesting theories, but it's hard to digest them when the author seems to think he's better than other people who enjoy the same things. The opinions the author has are right, and he probably had them first. If you happen to agree with those opinions, it's not for the same reasons. His reasons are better.
Also, beware of this book if you are not caught up in Sherlock, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Dr. Who or Star Trek, as the author drops spoilers for these, occasionally even in the middle of unrelated articles (Looking at you, essay on Dr. Who that spoils BSG).
The author balks when he learns that he actually hates Star Wars (it took a Myspace quiz for him to realize). As a whole, this book provides some interesting theories, but it's hard to digest them when the author seems to think he's better than other people who enjoy the same things. The opinions the author has are right, and he probably had them first. If you happen to agree with those opinions, it's not for the same reasons. His reasons are better.
Also, beware of this book if you are not caught up in Sherlock, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Dr. Who or Star Trek, as the author drops spoilers for these, occasionally even in the middle of unrelated articles (Looking at you, essay on Dr. Who that spoils BSG).
September 8, 2016
By most people's estimates, I am a "geek." Therefore, the title of this book intrigued me and led me to read it. I got three or four chapters in and cast it aside. It is one of the most self-indulgent pieces of tripe I have read in a long, long time.
The author of this book uses the word "I" more than any other writer I have ever read. The book is full of his personal opinions and observations regarding science fiction and related genres. There is little to no objectivity and even less justification for the things he believes or asserts.
Heck, in the chapter about Dracula, he seems to go out of his way to call the historical Vlad Tepes a "Bulgarian folk hero," even though he is generally considered a Romanian folk hero, was from Wallachia (which is in Romania), and whose name "Tepes" is itself Romanian. The entire claim about his being a hero in Bulgaria is based, I'm sure, on the Wikipedia entry about Vlad Tepes, which mentions something of the idea in passing. But, to say he's a "Bulgarian folk hero" like it's the definitive statement on the matter? Garbage, pure and simple.
There isn't a page in this book that isn't the author reminiscing or ruminating on what he thinks, believes, or asserts, just because he thinks, believes, or asserts it. This is a memoir, by someone you've never heard of, talking about things you might care about, but not in an interesting way at all. It should be marketed as such.
The book "Godzilla on My Mind" is the closest analogue to this title that I can think of. That's another book of reminiscences, but the author's scholarship is unimpeachable. He manages to tell his story within the larger, wonderfully interesting story of Godzilla and other giant movie monsters. "Godzilla on My Mind" is a terrific book.
If you find "Luke Skywalker Can't Read" intriguing, do yourself a favor and pass by it on your way to pick up a copy of "Godzilla on My Mind." It will be a much more rewarding experience.
The author of this book uses the word "I" more than any other writer I have ever read. The book is full of his personal opinions and observations regarding science fiction and related genres. There is little to no objectivity and even less justification for the things he believes or asserts.
Heck, in the chapter about Dracula, he seems to go out of his way to call the historical Vlad Tepes a "Bulgarian folk hero," even though he is generally considered a Romanian folk hero, was from Wallachia (which is in Romania), and whose name "Tepes" is itself Romanian. The entire claim about his being a hero in Bulgaria is based, I'm sure, on the Wikipedia entry about Vlad Tepes, which mentions something of the idea in passing. But, to say he's a "Bulgarian folk hero" like it's the definitive statement on the matter? Garbage, pure and simple.
There isn't a page in this book that isn't the author reminiscing or ruminating on what he thinks, believes, or asserts, just because he thinks, believes, or asserts it. This is a memoir, by someone you've never heard of, talking about things you might care about, but not in an interesting way at all. It should be marketed as such.
The book "Godzilla on My Mind" is the closest analogue to this title that I can think of. That's another book of reminiscences, but the author's scholarship is unimpeachable. He manages to tell his story within the larger, wonderfully interesting story of Godzilla and other giant movie monsters. "Godzilla on My Mind" is a terrific book.
If you find "Luke Skywalker Can't Read" intriguing, do yourself a favor and pass by it on your way to pick up a copy of "Godzilla on My Mind." It will be a much more rewarding experience.
October 6, 2015
This book was much better than I expected. I've read some other essay collections by grown-up geeks, reminiscing about their nerdacious youth - and they aren't always the most engaging. But this one was quite good. Britt's book is much more than a walk down memory lane; he offers some interesting commentary on how various aspects of geekdom have shaped our view on big topics. One of my fav chapters was on the Back to the Future franchise and how it has shaped our understanding of time travel.
Britt has a number of fun and quirky insights (though a few of his analyses I didn't agree with - but that made it fun - kind of like how you and your friends get into arguments about whether Han shot first. Oh, wait there is no argument: Han DID shoot first!!) in here, some of which I'd never really thought about before - like the titular reference to the shocking lack of literacy/reading in the Star Wars universe. Hmmm.
Good book. Definitely recommend if you like Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who and other sci-fi classics, but more modern stuff like The Big Bang Theory.
Britt has a number of fun and quirky insights (though a few of his analyses I didn't agree with - but that made it fun - kind of like how you and your friends get into arguments about whether Han shot first. Oh, wait there is no argument: Han DID shoot first!!) in here, some of which I'd never really thought about before - like the titular reference to the shocking lack of literacy/reading in the Star Wars universe. Hmmm.
Good book. Definitely recommend if you like Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who and other sci-fi classics, but more modern stuff like The Big Bang Theory.
November 27, 2018
Listening to the essays that make-up Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths, I feel like Ryan Britt and I would be good friends if we ever met in the real world.
Covering things from why reboots happen and that isn't necessarily a bad thing to the sad truth that Luke Skywalker and company don't place a high value on literacy to the admission that he grew up listening more to Star Trek soundtracks that he did the popular music of the day (boy, did that one resonate with this guy, who can tell you pretty much were most musical cues from the original series featured first but couldn't tell you much about the popular music of my teenage years), Britt keeps things entertaining, humorous, and compelling throughout.
Pointing out how the Back to the Future is every genre of film in one trilogy and then proceeding to deconstruct the time travel paradoxes within the film, Britt had me nodding in agreement at multiple points and considering some of my favorite genres and some of their most popular entries in a new light. And his final essay finds me wanting to visit Issac Asimov's I, Robot again to see how it differs from most of the other robots in pop culture since the mechanical creatures don't want to rise up and exterminate us all.
And while I agree with what Britt says in most of the essays, I differ greatly with him in his analysis of modern Doctor Who (but then again, I differ from a lot of fandom in my assessment and enjoyment of the revived series, especially the esteem to which a certain Doctor is held (ahem..David Tennant...ahem)). But that's why I say I feel like Britt and I could be friends - because you don't want to agree with your friends on everything....
Covering things from why reboots happen and that isn't necessarily a bad thing to the sad truth that Luke Skywalker and company don't place a high value on literacy to the admission that he grew up listening more to Star Trek soundtracks that he did the popular music of the day (boy, did that one resonate with this guy, who can tell you pretty much were most musical cues from the original series featured first but couldn't tell you much about the popular music of my teenage years), Britt keeps things entertaining, humorous, and compelling throughout.
Pointing out how the Back to the Future is every genre of film in one trilogy and then proceeding to deconstruct the time travel paradoxes within the film, Britt had me nodding in agreement at multiple points and considering some of my favorite genres and some of their most popular entries in a new light. And his final essay finds me wanting to visit Issac Asimov's I, Robot again to see how it differs from most of the other robots in pop culture since the mechanical creatures don't want to rise up and exterminate us all.
And while I agree with what Britt says in most of the essays, I differ greatly with him in his analysis of modern Doctor Who (but then again, I differ from a lot of fandom in my assessment and enjoyment of the revived series, especially the esteem to which a certain Doctor is held (ahem..David Tennant...ahem)). But that's why I say I feel like Britt and I could be friends - because you don't want to agree with your friends on everything....
November 30, 2015
A fun conversational book about the merit of "geek culture". Feels like hanging out with a nerd friend arguing over sci fi and fantasy flicks. Enjoyed this immensely and finished in a couple of hours.
October 9, 2015
So I read this forever ago, way back in July on the way to Vegas with a group of friends, and apparently never moved it into my "currently-reading" and then never reviewed it. Oops.
I probably won't be as exacting as I should be in that case, because that was a lot of books ago and I try to write my reviews as soon as possible so they're as fresh as can be. This will not be one of those times.
I have no idea who Ryan Britt is, but I can tell you he's a funny guy with a lot to say in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. He makes a good argument for Barbarella being a feminist, he provides solid arguments for Luke Skywalker being illiterate, and he discusses the merits of musical scores from Star Trek. This is, without a doubt, a book for geeky people about geeky truths. That isn't to say that others won't enjoy it, only that if you are part of one or any of these fandoms, you will get your money's worth. They are fun essays, and I can't help but be jealous that Britt gets to make a living writing papers such as these and then getting published. There is a lot to be said for following your dreams, eh?
They're really just extended articles, ones you could probably find on like, cracked.com or BuzzFeed or something like that. It doesn't detract from their entertainment value by any means; if anything, it makes it seem more attainable for those who perhaps are hesitant readers. Read this first, friends! You'll like reading after this!
I probably won't be as exacting as I should be in that case, because that was a lot of books ago and I try to write my reviews as soon as possible so they're as fresh as can be. This will not be one of those times.
I have no idea who Ryan Britt is, but I can tell you he's a funny guy with a lot to say in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. He makes a good argument for Barbarella being a feminist, he provides solid arguments for Luke Skywalker being illiterate, and he discusses the merits of musical scores from Star Trek. This is, without a doubt, a book for geeky people about geeky truths. That isn't to say that others won't enjoy it, only that if you are part of one or any of these fandoms, you will get your money's worth. They are fun essays, and I can't help but be jealous that Britt gets to make a living writing papers such as these and then getting published. There is a lot to be said for following your dreams, eh?
They're really just extended articles, ones you could probably find on like, cracked.com or BuzzFeed or something like that. It doesn't detract from their entertainment value by any means; if anything, it makes it seem more attainable for those who perhaps are hesitant readers. Read this first, friends! You'll like reading after this!
October 12, 2015
Every geek will find their fandom in here. My personal favorites were the Doctor Who and Back to the Future sections. It's clear the author is involved with each of these topics...very deeply involved! He brought up points that I hadn't previously considered and I had a great time debating with my friends through his reasoning and points.
The book is written in a very accessible voice. It was almost like sitting down and having a discussion with a really knowledgeable friend. However, if you aren't already "in the know" about the topic, it may leave you behind. Some are more mainstream than others. For example, without watching every Star Wars movie or reading the accompanying books you can still enjoy the chapter on illiteracy in George Lucas's made up universe. However, if you aren't into Doctor Who, that chapter may leave you a little perplexed. As a reader, feel free to cherry pick your way through the novel.
While I didn't agree on everything Ryan Britt wrote, I appreciated his willingness to share and let the geek-verse sort it all out. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about their favorite "geeky" topic - most likely mature high school or adult level.
I received this book from First to Read in exchange for my honest opinion about the book.
The book is written in a very accessible voice. It was almost like sitting down and having a discussion with a really knowledgeable friend. However, if you aren't already "in the know" about the topic, it may leave you behind. Some are more mainstream than others. For example, without watching every Star Wars movie or reading the accompanying books you can still enjoy the chapter on illiteracy in George Lucas's made up universe. However, if you aren't into Doctor Who, that chapter may leave you a little perplexed. As a reader, feel free to cherry pick your way through the novel.
While I didn't agree on everything Ryan Britt wrote, I appreciated his willingness to share and let the geek-verse sort it all out. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning more about their favorite "geeky" topic - most likely mature high school or adult level.
I received this book from First to Read in exchange for my honest opinion about the book.
February 27, 2016
Essays are a tricky thing. There's a sort of ego associated with them. A person decides to think on a subject, and then write about those thoughts, and then assume those thoughts are interesting enough that other people will want to read them. I'm not sure why I think this is more egotistical than someone simply writing a book they think other people will want to read. But whatever.
Broadly, the subject of an essay is one you're either interested in, or you're not. But a great essayist can take a subject you don't care about at all and make you care deeply about it. Kurt Vonnegut could do that. Annie Dillard, too.
I wouldn't say these essays have that power. They're not going to appeal to anyone they wouldn't already appeal to. He couldn't even get me to care about some of these subjects (Dracula, for instance)--and I'm completely the target audience.
The name-dropping added to the off-putting egotism of the collection. "I was talking about this with my good friend Harlan Ellison..." This happens half-a-dozen times in the book and it comes across as completely pretentious. We get it. You're way cooler than we are.
Still, this collection is mostly enjoyable, and I did appreciate his thoughts on most of these subjects. But not liking Firefly? That just seems intentionally antagonistic.
Broadly, the subject of an essay is one you're either interested in, or you're not. But a great essayist can take a subject you don't care about at all and make you care deeply about it. Kurt Vonnegut could do that. Annie Dillard, too.
I wouldn't say these essays have that power. They're not going to appeal to anyone they wouldn't already appeal to. He couldn't even get me to care about some of these subjects (Dracula, for instance)--and I'm completely the target audience.
The name-dropping added to the off-putting egotism of the collection. "I was talking about this with my good friend Harlan Ellison..." This happens half-a-dozen times in the book and it comes across as completely pretentious. We get it. You're way cooler than we are.
Still, this collection is mostly enjoyable, and I did appreciate his thoughts on most of these subjects. But not liking Firefly? That just seems intentionally antagonistic.
November 24, 2015
Britt scores several amusing points, but often fails to make the key observation about why all of this stuff matters. The best pieces in here are the autobiographical ones, where Britt talks about how, say, his love of the Star Wars expanded universe books affected his work ethic, or how Dr. Who helped him overcome depression. But for every essay like those, you get one about how Star Trek is great because it references great literature (huh?) or how Back to the Future is about nostalgia (duh). Skippable except for the most devoted of nerds.
May 10, 2017
Penguin First to Read ARC.
This was a pretty funny, geeky book. I'm not as geeky as Ryan Britt is but I could relate, and my husband could relate, to a few of the geeky truths. It was an amusing, truthful read and Britt made some valid points.
This was a pretty funny, geeky book. I'm not as geeky as Ryan Britt is but I could relate, and my husband could relate, to a few of the geeky truths. It was an amusing, truthful read and Britt made some valid points.
December 1, 2015
the (sub)title is a little bit of a misnomer. this book has less of the quirky fan theories and over analysis of geekdom that I was expecting. Instead its a pretty neat meditation on what it means to be a geek and to be a fan, told through pop cultural analogy and personal anecdotes.
August 9, 2018
Despite my complete ignorance of Battlestar Galactica, Dr. Who, and the original Star Trek, I am exactly the type of person to whom Britt's collection of essays would appeal. I am familiar with Star Wars (with a subspecialty in Leia-ology, as everyone knows), Sherlock Holmes, the MCU movies, and Back to the Future. (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to a lesser degree.) The essays contained in this book are light-hearted and incisive, and Britt clearly knows his stuff. While I don't want to argue about how George Lucas 'ruined' Star Wars, I will listen to someone talk about it, and I even found the essays on unfamiliar subjects readable. One of the most interesting chapters, for me, was the one about Skywalker being illiterate (no one reads in the movie) and that Harry and Ron are seemingly preferable to Hermione because she is always reading. (It's somehow true - I already AM Hermione, I want to BE Harry.) The other chapter I really liked is the last of the collection and discussed Star Wars as a vehicle for prequels and sequels - Britt's idea for sprucing up The Return of the Jedi is amazing (and includes Leia.) May the Force be with you!
September 27, 2016
This anthology of essays on most notable pieces of classical and modern science fiction is such a relief to read. Ryan Britt is well versed with the fandom on both the factual level, as well as the emotional one - he know what are fans feeling when they face umpteenth remake of Batman or what are their sentiments with regards to revisionist creative process of George Lucas.
He's writing is also full of love for the popular science fiction and for people who consume it. This book has enriched me both in my know-how of origins of sci-fi, but mostly in my capacity of positive sentiment towards science fiction audience. Would absolutely recommend.
He's writing is also full of love for the popular science fiction and for people who consume it. This book has enriched me both in my know-how of origins of sci-fi, but mostly in my capacity of positive sentiment towards science fiction audience. Would absolutely recommend.
September 2, 2015
I got my hands on an advance copy/galley of the book thanks to a friend who visited ALA in San Francisco a few weeks ago.
This book is wonderful. A quick, breezy, conversational read (I finished it in 3 days!) and quite insightful on philosophy, obsession, mindset, interests, and proclivities of fandom, covering a range of topics like literacy in the Star Wars universe, the fame and importance to our culture of icons like Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, why Doctor Who really is the best (even if you have to explain it to someone so they can "get" it when they watch it) why we expect artificial intelligence to turn on us someday thanks to HAL, the T-800 and whenever Mr. Data had a bad day, etc. and how Captain Kirk and Darth Vader are really just two sides of the same coin covering everyone's daddy issues.
I don't know that I agree entirely with the central thesis (and its broader implications when it comes to content creation/ownership( of the final essay about Star Wars, or how it would apply to other properties, but the perspective included therein -- that we, as a collective fandom, should move on from our Lucas-bashing, prequel-hating ways and appreciate what's to come -- were a welcome approach and a critical high note to end the book on. Well done.
As a galley there were some typos and errors; otherwise this was a fantastic read and I look forward to more from Ryan Britt. Heartily and happily recommend this to all.
This book is wonderful. A quick, breezy, conversational read (I finished it in 3 days!) and quite insightful on philosophy, obsession, mindset, interests, and proclivities of fandom, covering a range of topics like literacy in the Star Wars universe, the fame and importance to our culture of icons like Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, why Doctor Who really is the best (even if you have to explain it to someone so they can "get" it when they watch it) why we expect artificial intelligence to turn on us someday thanks to HAL, the T-800 and whenever Mr. Data had a bad day, etc. and how Captain Kirk and Darth Vader are really just two sides of the same coin covering everyone's daddy issues.
I don't know that I agree entirely with the central thesis (and its broader implications when it comes to content creation/ownership( of the final essay about Star Wars, or how it would apply to other properties, but the perspective included therein -- that we, as a collective fandom, should move on from our Lucas-bashing, prequel-hating ways and appreciate what's to come -- were a welcome approach and a critical high note to end the book on. Well done.
As a galley there were some typos and errors; otherwise this was a fantastic read and I look forward to more from Ryan Britt. Heartily and happily recommend this to all.
March 23, 2016
I find it interesting that in the 21st century, people are able to make a living by expressing opinions about fannish things. This was not a career option when I was of an age to decide what I wanted to be “when I grew up” (still waiting, btw). Sure, I could have been a literary critic, or a movie critic. But there were no listings like “Explainer of what was wrong with the episode Spock’s Brain ” in the help wanted section of the classified ads.
I’m mildly miffed that you can now do exactly that. Before anyone suggests there’s nothing stopping me now—you’re wrong. There are a lot of things stopping me.
Those were the thoughts lurking in the back of my mind as I listened to the essays in this book. While the author does mention at one point the fannish tendency to complain about anything and everything, believing that the only true and correct opinion of any tv show, book, or movie is one that is identical to one’s own, at the same time, he advances his own opinions about various fannish franchises with an assumption that he’s occupying the intellectual high ground.
I enjoyed the parts dealing with classic Trek, and was surprised that anyone as young as the writer would consider TOS his original fandom—the thing that turned him into a fan in the first place. I’m still not sold on the idea that Luke can’t read, though. He simply represents a society that doesn’t value literature—much like the one I find myself living in now.
January 11, 2018
Ryan Britt is a Pretentious Jerk - and other obvious truths.
While it is clear that Ryan Britt fancies himself an intellectual, his essays and interpretations of things are, at best, faux intellectualism. It is actually more likely that they are full-on garbage. He claims to be some sort of expert who "gets" the geek world, but he comes off as more of a Tumblr poster who thinks they're the smartest person in the world. He seeks to create an explanation in "our" universe for stories and movies that take place in another entirely. And while that's sometimes an interesting thought experiment, it mostly comes off as someone who is missing the point.
Can Luke read? Most likely. Do we see him read? Not in any of the movies. Does that matter to the story or affect how we should think about Star Wars in any way? Not at all. This guy was just trying to get a book deal and write something "new" and "quirky" and "original."
Also he consistently bashes C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, so who cares what this guy thinks? The Magician's Nephew didn't "ruin" the magic of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It simply told a different part of the story.
I wanted to like this book, but it became evident in about 2 chapters that this isn't intellectual in any way and is mostly the ramblings of a millennial blogger. I'll give him this, though - he is a talented writer.
While it is clear that Ryan Britt fancies himself an intellectual, his essays and interpretations of things are, at best, faux intellectualism. It is actually more likely that they are full-on garbage. He claims to be some sort of expert who "gets" the geek world, but he comes off as more of a Tumblr poster who thinks they're the smartest person in the world. He seeks to create an explanation in "our" universe for stories and movies that take place in another entirely. And while that's sometimes an interesting thought experiment, it mostly comes off as someone who is missing the point.
Can Luke read? Most likely. Do we see him read? Not in any of the movies. Does that matter to the story or affect how we should think about Star Wars in any way? Not at all. This guy was just trying to get a book deal and write something "new" and "quirky" and "original."
Also he consistently bashes C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, so who cares what this guy thinks? The Magician's Nephew didn't "ruin" the magic of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It simply told a different part of the story.
I wanted to like this book, but it became evident in about 2 chapters that this isn't intellectual in any way and is mostly the ramblings of a millennial blogger. I'll give him this, though - he is a talented writer.
September 19, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this ebook through firsttoread.com in exchange for an honest review.
The premise was interesting to me - essays to further explore the geeky world of scifi. I realized this book is less essays and more anecdotes or observations or ideas. The author is clearly passionate about some of the arguments in this book, but some of the entries read more like rants to me that didn't have a specific purpose or argument so much as a spew of a lot of facts about a movie or character. I also thought it was really weird to include a side tangent about being duct taped by a dominatrix in relation to a scifi point. It felt at times the author just wanted to prove that he knew or experienced certain things to give the ideas presented in the book more legitimacy.
There were some thoughts about the Hobbit I hadn't heard before, but overall I wish this book would have delved deeper and examined some of these ideas more instead of presenting them and moving on to the next thing.
The premise was interesting to me - essays to further explore the geeky world of scifi. I realized this book is less essays and more anecdotes or observations or ideas. The author is clearly passionate about some of the arguments in this book, but some of the entries read more like rants to me that didn't have a specific purpose or argument so much as a spew of a lot of facts about a movie or character. I also thought it was really weird to include a side tangent about being duct taped by a dominatrix in relation to a scifi point. It felt at times the author just wanted to prove that he knew or experienced certain things to give the ideas presented in the book more legitimacy.
There were some thoughts about the Hobbit I hadn't heard before, but overall I wish this book would have delved deeper and examined some of these ideas more instead of presenting them and moving on to the next thing.
April 4, 2016
Contrary to the promise made on the book's back flap, Luke Skywalker Can't Read is not full of answers to questions I haven't thought to ask. Whether this says more about me or Ryan Britt is another issue altogether.
Anyone who takes his or her fandom and/or geekdom seriously has been there, done that, and probably bought the t-shirt. There's nothing here that hasn't appeared in thoughtful blogs, podcasts, con panels, and other fan conversations for years.
That said, Britt can be quite entertaining while stating the sometimes obvious (and sometimes autobiographical), and while I disagree with a few of his points, others (such as the fundamental philosophical and aesthetic differences in the projects represented by Star Trek and Star Wars) are worth revisiting time and again. The content was on the whole underwhelming, but I had some fun anyway.
Anyone who takes his or her fandom and/or geekdom seriously has been there, done that, and probably bought the t-shirt. There's nothing here that hasn't appeared in thoughtful blogs, podcasts, con panels, and other fan conversations for years.
That said, Britt can be quite entertaining while stating the sometimes obvious (and sometimes autobiographical), and while I disagree with a few of his points, others (such as the fundamental philosophical and aesthetic differences in the projects represented by Star Trek and Star Wars) are worth revisiting time and again. The content was on the whole underwhelming, but I had some fun anyway.
May 27, 2016
Enjoyable essays by a self-styled geek. Some of the pieces were very funny, and others were profound. The title essay, "Luke Skywalker Can't Read," was quite insightful. I'm not a science-fiction groupie of any sort, although I do enjoy the genre, but this book was still fun to read. Those who spend a lot of time with pop culture, and who have an appreciation for Star Wars, Star Trek, and Dr. Who, will find plenty in this little book to keep them entertained. Guys my age may find themselves feeling old at several points, but I'd still recommend it.
October 23, 2015
I will have a longer review closer to release date but I will say for now Iloved this book! In this collection of non-fiction essay's Britt shares how movies like Barbarella and Star Wars shaped his fandom along with tackling topics like illiteracy in the Star Wars universe, time paradoxes inThe Back To The Future franchise and more! I really enjoyed how Britt shares his theories with knowledge and humor. This book aims to stimulate your brain vs your nerd rage, an engrossing read!!
July 27, 2017
Smart & geeky essays about a variety of topics: the path to the dark side is paved with illiteracy, monsters & their fashion choices, nostalgia and racial revisionism in Back To The Future, Shakespeare and superhero movie reboots, rise of the robots as Frankenstein stories, plus a variety of other topics that nerdy fans of all things sci-fi (like me) will love. Lots of Star Wars & Star Trek, but also Battlestar Galactica, Dracula, LOTR, & more.
May 14, 2016
Well, this was fun! Sometimes Britt and I disagree on what it takes to be a true geek. How can you like Star Wars, which he included some reference to almost constantly, but not like Firefly? How can you include Netflix and Comic Con but ignore digital delivery of comics? But still, I chuckled, laughed and saw a reflection of way too much of myself.
October 25, 2015
Entertaining, well-written, and great for any fanboy or girl. The author is downright funny (even if I do disagree with him about Firefly) and this book is far better than others I have read in this genre. Recommended for fans who love to discuss all things Sci-Fi!
Penguin First to Read Galley
Penguin First to Read Galley
April 3, 2016
This was a fun book. I'm an epic geek, so I really appreciated his novel take on certain fandoms. He sometimes got a little pretentious, but that seems to happen a lot when bloggers publish books. However, his sense of humor more than made up for a few moments of "I'm right and you're all wrong."
January 23, 2016
Well thought-out essays on everything from portrayals of vampires in pop culture to literacy in the Star Wars franchise to sequelitis and franchises!
January 8, 2021
Not at all what I thought it would be from the title & synopsis, yet still very enjoyable.
Britt mixes essay & memoir to create a thoughtful and sometimes hilarious look at what it means to be a geek and how science fiction has shaped and continues to shape our cultural narratives. My favorite sections were on Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Back to the Future, but it was also fascinating to hear some of the historical decisions regarding various sci-fi endeavors that I've not thought much about (i.e. horror sci-fi) and how they've been developed over the years.
This book takes geekdom somewhat tongue-in-cheek, so if you're the kind of geek who still gets angry at people if they dare try to enter into your fandom, then this book probably isn't for you. If you're an 80s/90s latchkey kid with a geeky side and love of sci-fi, then you'll probably find this quite an enjoyable read/listen and take away a new appreciation of geekdom from it.
And, in conclusion, it is a true modern tragedy that we never got to see Lando Calrissian riding on the back of a pterodactyl.
Britt mixes essay & memoir to create a thoughtful and sometimes hilarious look at what it means to be a geek and how science fiction has shaped and continues to shape our cultural narratives. My favorite sections were on Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Back to the Future, but it was also fascinating to hear some of the historical decisions regarding various sci-fi endeavors that I've not thought much about (i.e. horror sci-fi) and how they've been developed over the years.
This book takes geekdom somewhat tongue-in-cheek, so if you're the kind of geek who still gets angry at people if they dare try to enter into your fandom, then this book probably isn't for you. If you're an 80s/90s latchkey kid with a geeky side and love of sci-fi, then you'll probably find this quite an enjoyable read/listen and take away a new appreciation of geekdom from it.
And, in conclusion, it is a true modern tragedy that we never got to see Lando Calrissian riding on the back of a pterodactyl.
January 7, 2018
This was a silly but somewhat thought-provoking collection of essays on geek culture. Though I didn’t ‘get’ a few of the topics (I’ve never seen Barbarella, haven’t read or seen Dracula, and I don’t remember Back to the Future at all), I still enjoyed the collection. It gave me a lot to think about, a list of movies to watch or re-watch, and different perspectives on what it means to be a geek.
January 8, 2019
Mostly personal essays about nerd culture, with some theories about fictional universes sprinkled here and there. There’s humor and nerd analysis, but there wasn’t a lot that surprised me or said anything unique. Even the main essay, which argued that people in the Star Wars universe are functionally illiterate because no one reads books or talks about stories, seemed like it was converted from a blog post (turns out, it was published online first in some fashion).
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