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Discipline: A Novel
*** 2008 Eric Hoffer Award for Best Commercial Fiction*** Building on the vision of Kurt Vonnegut, the suspense of Michael Crichton, and the rich characters of Stephen King, Paco Ahlgren's first novel Discipline paints a chilling picture of a world that defies human perception. Douglas Cole is being hunted --and protected--but he doesn't know it. His life has been shattered by inexplicable tragedy, his waking hours haunted by ominous visions, but the more he pursues the questions plaguing him, the more elusive the answers become. Pushed to the brink of insanity, Douglas begins a desperate psychological battle with an enemy he cannot see, the outcome of which will determine the past, present, and future of human existence. Fusing blunt, gritty realism and philosophical passion with electrifying suspense, Discipline dissects our assumptions about reality.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2007
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139 people want to read
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May 29, 2011Dear Mr. Ahlgren,
Readers always appreciate when authors attempt to tell you, in an arrogant, needling fashion, the meaning of life, especially in some convoluted mess of a story, and at the end even supply a recommended reading list, although, like myself, most of the titles we've already read. Nevertheless, your superiority runs through this long, tedious novel, one in which only the first 50 or so pages seems authentic or, for that matter, well written. One can't even characterize the story: it's a mishmash of horror, science fiction, and at its core, simply a story of a drug addict, the lows to which he will drop to get a fix, all incredibly repetitive, and told too many other times by too many other, better writers. Moreover, your grasp of economics and politics, always a fun addition to an already boring novel, is tenuous at best, despite the many, many years you claim to have spent working in finance (this is stated next to a photo of someone who looks to be about 12, so perhaps that's your son). Your next book, sir, could sell more copies than the Bible and I wouldn't read it. I now know why I was able to purchase this book for only a penny from a used book store, sold to the store by someone who actually got your signed autograph on the inside of the book! I don't suppose she thought much of it either.
Sheesh - I hate wasting valuable reading time on CRAP. NO STARS.
Readers always appreciate when authors attempt to tell you, in an arrogant, needling fashion, the meaning of life, especially in some convoluted mess of a story, and at the end even supply a recommended reading list, although, like myself, most of the titles we've already read. Nevertheless, your superiority runs through this long, tedious novel, one in which only the first 50 or so pages seems authentic or, for that matter, well written. One can't even characterize the story: it's a mishmash of horror, science fiction, and at its core, simply a story of a drug addict, the lows to which he will drop to get a fix, all incredibly repetitive, and told too many other times by too many other, better writers. Moreover, your grasp of economics and politics, always a fun addition to an already boring novel, is tenuous at best, despite the many, many years you claim to have spent working in finance (this is stated next to a photo of someone who looks to be about 12, so perhaps that's your son). Your next book, sir, could sell more copies than the Bible and I wouldn't read it. I now know why I was able to purchase this book for only a penny from a used book store, sold to the store by someone who actually got your signed autograph on the inside of the book! I don't suppose she thought much of it either.
Sheesh - I hate wasting valuable reading time on CRAP. NO STARS.
January 11, 2009
Discipline is a great book on many levels, and very relevant to what is going on in the world today. Paco Ahlgren gently uses a couple of key concepts from quantum physics and a deep understanding of economics to build a story of global economic crisis and survival, weaving it into a tale that is exciting, mysterious, and fun to read.
The social climate of the story feels just like home, and if you're a sucker for a new scientific angle, the way Ahlgren uses quantum physics to further the story and develop the premise will delight and amuse you. If on the other hand, it sounds like a turn-off, rest assured there are no lengthy explanations of the science involved, and if that kind of thing makes your head hurt you will still be able to enjoy this book.
Taking a look into global economics, psychology, science fact and fiction, human nature, and destiny, this excellent work has something to appeal to everyone.
The social climate of the story feels just like home, and if you're a sucker for a new scientific angle, the way Ahlgren uses quantum physics to further the story and develop the premise will delight and amuse you. If on the other hand, it sounds like a turn-off, rest assured there are no lengthy explanations of the science involved, and if that kind of thing makes your head hurt you will still be able to enjoy this book.
Taking a look into global economics, psychology, science fact and fiction, human nature, and destiny, this excellent work has something to appeal to everyone.
August 9, 2012
This book is currently holding it's place as my favorite book. It brings many different concepts together to create it's own unique universe where parallel universes, the modern day economy and drug abuse seamlessly intertwine to create one of the best stories I've had the pleasure of reading through. Pay particular attention to the first three to four chapters though because they come back countless times throughout the rest of the story.
August 27, 2012
It wasn't quite what I was expecting, and it seemed to transmogrify from a very personal individual account for most of the book into a more global story near the end. Started REALLY strong and I couldn't put the book down, but I felt that the author lost steam as the last few chapters closed. Still a great book, though, and anyone that enjoys time travel stories in a more realistic setting would enjoy this.
November 22, 2008
Not entirely sure what shelf to file this under - a bit of magical realism, a la the south american novelists, but with a focus on tao and economics.
I'm a little surprised at how well those two went together. And, I really had to read any book that included a 'suggested reading' section at the end with both "the tao of physics" and the complete works of Benjamin Graham.
Pretty good book.
I'm a little surprised at how well those two went together. And, I really had to read any book that included a 'suggested reading' section at the end with both "the tao of physics" and the complete works of Benjamin Graham.
Pretty good book.
March 3, 2012
I enjoyed this book alot. I loved the way everything falls into place but the reader doesn't see most of it until it is too late. Bits of the ending caused debate between my hsband and I, but figuring out who was right made us like the book even more.
If you like mind benders I highly recommend this book.
If you like mind benders I highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2013
This is my top favorite book. The story is very good and fluent. I read it 5 years ago and its effects on me is still keep going. I remember the main events and that doesn't go off from my imagination. The images from the dream while i made reading is still keep going. It's so good. If the style of the author doesn't change , i continue to read his books tirelessly.
February 13, 2016
This is possibly the best book I have ever read. It's a page turner with twists right up to the last page and flawlessly weaves a variety of subjects into it's plot. It's the kind of book that really can make a person think, but can be a plain source of entertainment as well. I'm obsessed.
June 3, 2018
The ending was cool. I also loved his universal approach to things.
October 31, 2019
What a ride, couldn't put it down.
April 30, 2023
Blah blah blah LSD...blah blah blah pot...blah blah blah alcohol...blah blah blah cocaine.
The writing isn't bad it's just mired in a this happened then this happened monotone. I started it with high hopes, really liking the first 26 pages then I've just held on. It's ok, it's like when you have 400 channels and there's nothing good on any of them so you find the one you can tolerate the most.
The main character lacks depth, and imo isn't really likable despite the crap he's gone through. It's been drilled into my head, show don't tell your reader this book does a lot of telling.
The writing isn't bad it's just mired in a this happened then this happened monotone. I started it with high hopes, really liking the first 26 pages then I've just held on. It's ok, it's like when you have 400 channels and there's nothing good on any of them so you find the one you can tolerate the most.
The main character lacks depth, and imo isn't really likable despite the crap he's gone through. It's been drilled into my head, show don't tell your reader this book does a lot of telling.
May 28, 2018
This book is decent but over the top technical in terms of explaining time loops and financial banking.
Character development was good and it was interesting overall however it was too much for me to read large quantities in one sitting.
Character development was good and it was interesting overall however it was too much for me to read large quantities in one sitting.
July 19, 2022
4.7/5- started out very strong but the way it closed felt slightly lacking somehow. Discipline was an extremely captivating read! Kept me on my toes as I reformulated my theories every ten pages or so. "A Wrinkle in Time" vibes but for adults.
February 8, 2008
After reading the excerpt and seeing the 48 5-star reviews on Amazon, I was excited to get this book and start in on it. The opening is vivid and visceral--it's the excerpt I read. (The jacket copy is likewise excellent, by the way.) Beyond the opening, there are some engaging scenes--family stuff involving the main character (Douglas), his dad, and his little brother, and sometimes friend-of-the-family Jack. In between and around those scenes was a lot of stuff that made me roll my eyes, or wish that it had been handled more...deftly. The author had to set up some special things about the main character, but they went over like lead balloons with me. And then the five pages of Jack explaining quantum physics to Douglas....
And, you know, some of the writing is just really, really good--but it's offset by really, really flat stuff like this:
As we drove down my street, something seemed out of order. Even in the dark I could see several unfamiliar vehicles parked in front of our house, one of which was a police car.
I recently read a blog post by Matthew Cheney in which Cheney was trying to pinpoint what it is that bothers him about many contemporary novels these days. Here are some of the highlights from his post and the comments to it:
"too much...intrusive analysis"
"my brain isn't being engaged enough"
"the abstraction sends my readerly brain down paths it finds dull and vacant"
"The details in stories seem to be presented too clearly, too obviously"
"Background information that should be made important through implication, not assertion."
"every time I pick [up Dan Simmmons' THE TERROR] and try to read the first page, I feel as if he's just telling me all there is to know, leaving no room for inference or any sense of richness beyond the bare words"
"part of it might be the sense that the 'author' (as in the outside agency and not merely the story writer) is too visible in the text, almost as if the gears were seen poking through a windup toy, ruining the simulacrum of a 'live' story"
"distracted from the story itself by the explanatory intrusions and other various small niggling bits that don't permit me to forget "that little man behind the curtain"
(The full blog post is here)
I quote these because they so well describe my experience with DISCIPLINE.
And what frustrates me most is that, judging from the bits that do work, Paco Ahlgren had the potential to make this a fantastic book. Missed potential gets under my skin like nothing else.
Maybe he'll hit closer to his potential with his next book. Unfortunately, if it's a sequel to DISCIPLINE (one of the Amazon reviews mentioned he was working on one), I'll have to take an automatic pass on it.
And, you know, some of the writing is just really, really good--but it's offset by really, really flat stuff like this:
As we drove down my street, something seemed out of order. Even in the dark I could see several unfamiliar vehicles parked in front of our house, one of which was a police car.
I recently read a blog post by Matthew Cheney in which Cheney was trying to pinpoint what it is that bothers him about many contemporary novels these days. Here are some of the highlights from his post and the comments to it:
"too much...intrusive analysis"
"my brain isn't being engaged enough"
"the abstraction sends my readerly brain down paths it finds dull and vacant"
"The details in stories seem to be presented too clearly, too obviously"
"Background information that should be made important through implication, not assertion."
"every time I pick [up Dan Simmmons' THE TERROR] and try to read the first page, I feel as if he's just telling me all there is to know, leaving no room for inference or any sense of richness beyond the bare words"
"part of it might be the sense that the 'author' (as in the outside agency and not merely the story writer) is too visible in the text, almost as if the gears were seen poking through a windup toy, ruining the simulacrum of a 'live' story"
"distracted from the story itself by the explanatory intrusions and other various small niggling bits that don't permit me to forget "that little man behind the curtain"
(The full blog post is here)
I quote these because they so well describe my experience with DISCIPLINE.
And what frustrates me most is that, judging from the bits that do work, Paco Ahlgren had the potential to make this a fantastic book. Missed potential gets under my skin like nothing else.
Maybe he'll hit closer to his potential with his next book. Unfortunately, if it's a sequel to DISCIPLINE (one of the Amazon reviews mentioned he was working on one), I'll have to take an automatic pass on it.
July 5, 2013
I met Paco Ahlgren in a Borders when he ran through the aisles passing out copies of his first book, Discipline. He said something like, 'Hey, I wrote this book. Check it out and I'll sign it for you if you're interested in reading it - no pressure.' I had never personally met someone at a book signing and, it being his first book, I thought it might be tough for him when there's not too many people at his table. In any case, I turned right to the copyright page to see under which categories this book is listed, and I thought, 'Interesting - I'll buy it.' So he signed it and off I went.
Let's fast forward a month and a half when I finally have time to read it. At first I thought the book was a little self-important and sensationalist. But then I thought, well, it's his first book - maybe it doesn't start the best, but I like the topics that the book claims to be about - and continued reading. Before I knew it, I couldn't really put it down..except when I had to, which was all too often, unfortunately. Ahlgren's character is developed quite well, but the others not so much. That's okay because that wasn't the point. I thought that some of the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic at times. But did I care? No, not really. I was more interested in the plot and the events, which I thought were fantastic. For someone who is a musician, works in finance, studies Eastern literature and philosophy, and likes chess (but can't really play it) like me, this book was a great match. Sometimes, I thought it was written for me...minus the drug habit - I have a phobia about things like that. Plus I liked Empire Star by Samuel R. Delany, which this book seems to mimic somewhat (i.e. the character that goes from rather stupid/simple and a little repulsive/dirty to multiplex and likable; the fact that the book is a loop in time).
Anyway, it's really a great voyage of a book and Ahlgren should be well congratulated. I wish I would have spent more time talking with him when we met. I can't wait for his next book and I hope he'll sign it for me again!
Let's fast forward a month and a half when I finally have time to read it. At first I thought the book was a little self-important and sensationalist. But then I thought, well, it's his first book - maybe it doesn't start the best, but I like the topics that the book claims to be about - and continued reading. Before I knew it, I couldn't really put it down..except when I had to, which was all too often, unfortunately. Ahlgren's character is developed quite well, but the others not so much. That's okay because that wasn't the point. I thought that some of the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic at times. But did I care? No, not really. I was more interested in the plot and the events, which I thought were fantastic. For someone who is a musician, works in finance, studies Eastern literature and philosophy, and likes chess (but can't really play it) like me, this book was a great match. Sometimes, I thought it was written for me...minus the drug habit - I have a phobia about things like that. Plus I liked Empire Star by Samuel R. Delany, which this book seems to mimic somewhat (i.e. the character that goes from rather stupid/simple and a little repulsive/dirty to multiplex and likable; the fact that the book is a loop in time).
Anyway, it's really a great voyage of a book and Ahlgren should be well congratulated. I wish I would have spent more time talking with him when we met. I can't wait for his next book and I hope he'll sign it for me again!
March 24, 2009
Intriguing tidbits on quantum physics, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, leading to Hugh Everett’s Many Worlds Theory and David Deutsch’s Parallel Universes gave me the idea early on that this book would be pretty far out, and yet have some substance. This is an “Advance Reader’s Edition” – actually got it free when I bought a couple of books at the Erie Bookstore, and it was in need of some editing. The plot gets a kick start with a very weird horror scene, which might be enough to discourage squeamish readers. But then a plot with rich details of chess matches and futures trading begins and just enough mystical cosmic stuff happening to hook you into the book. The story is told in chronological time in first person, but there is an element of time travel that becomes an integral part of the plot – if only you can figure it out. Is this a Tao tale or a tall tale? Is this a science fiction story, a thriller, a horror story, or all of the above? Unfortunately, near the middle, things got bogged down. Still I plowed through to the end. I started wondering if the author had a glimpse into the future – in the story, a total world-wide economic collapse occurs – piloted, it seems by an evil genius. The way out of the financial chaos is one of the more interesting aspects of the plot.
May 28, 2009
Very interesting and intriguing concepts spanning eastern philosophy, economics, politics, and physics, basically all the lenses through which we view the world. Therein lies the inherent problem of this book, it's simply trying to do too much. You can feel the author trying in each word. I prefer not to be beaten over the head with concepts, but instead to let them flow naturally. Ironically this is one of the things this book tries to make us change about the way we look at the world, it's trying to make us stop forcing things and just let things wash over us.
October 12, 2009
Meh, it was way too narrate-y (for lack of better term). This happened and then that happened and then that happened. Descriptions were a bit too straightforward rather than made with subtle impressions. There wasn't much of a weave, which I'm partial to in my fiction.
Truth be told, I didn't make it all the way through the book. I probably read 1/2 - 2/3. There was a time when I would see any book I started through to the end, but I've lately come to the conclusion that time is too precious to read something that doesn't grab me.
Truth be told, I didn't make it all the way through the book. I probably read 1/2 - 2/3. There was a time when I would see any book I started through to the end, but I've lately come to the conclusion that time is too precious to read something that doesn't grab me.
August 28, 2008
Very interesting read and quite absorbing but the sfnal content is over-familiar and the big final twist is obvious many pages before the end to any seasoned sf reader. Since a lot of the impact of the novel depends on that final twist, Discipline falls a bit short from what it could have been.
I would have liked to read this book 1000 sf novels earlier since then I would have probably been bowled over by it, but even so its emotional impact is powerful to make it a worthwile read.
I would have liked to read this book 1000 sf novels earlier since then I would have probably been bowled over by it, but even so its emotional impact is powerful to make it a worthwile read.
January 6, 2015
It started out promising (with that hooky sort of commercial fiction style) because of the ideas I assumed would be explored: quantum mechanics, parallel universes, etc. through fictional characters.
But then it just devolved into bullshit about finance and currency that seems to be heavily influenced by warren buffet and libertarian philosophy etc
I thought it might go somewhere interesting but in the end it just wasted that, guess i could expect that somewhere halfway through the book
But then it just devolved into bullshit about finance and currency that seems to be heavily influenced by warren buffet and libertarian philosophy etc
I thought it might go somewhere interesting but in the end it just wasted that, guess i could expect that somewhere halfway through the book
November 20, 2014
Many of the reviews capture the book's shortcomings. The premise is interesting enough, but the story gets bogged down in explanations, descriptions, and events, failing to to move the plot forward at a decent pace. The author also leaves several several loose ends--not in the intriguing way that keeps you thinking about the book long after you've finished but more in the "What? How did he write 400 pages and still not resolve that" kind of a way.
July 18, 2007
paco is a friend of mine therefore i figure i should read his first book.
October 11, 2007
I'm not sure how I feel about this book, but I interviewed the author this morning and he is SO COOL! I wish he lived here. I'd like to be his friend. Oh, and he's working on a sequel.
May 12, 2008
eh...it was okay. a somewhat self indulgent effort by the author
January 24, 2008
One of my most recent favs, and an Austin author no less!
May 11, 2009
Fusing philosophical passion with electrifying suspense, this book really pushes the perception of reality. Blunt, gritty, a bit freaky but totally awesome!
October 13, 2011
fantastic novel, deep and thought through story with great philosophical and business thoughts, mind opening :)
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