Knowing everything is the goal of all scientists, the idea that they might be better not knowing everything has never crossed their minds in their relentless pursuit of discovery and knowledge.
Doctor John Spanks is about to learn that discovering everything it's not always in our best interests.
The biggest questions of our existence can now be answered, the remaining question is, would you really want to know?
Simon carr is, well he is me, hello. I write comedy Sci-fi and horror books. I started writing in 2018. I am severely dyslexic, on the very high end of the scale. So, writing a book was just me being defiant really, doing something I ought never to have been capable of doing.
I really enjoyed writing my first book, Space And Stuff, so I carried on writing. That makes it sound a lot simpler than it was, but after a lot of learning and editing; so much editing! And going through proofreaders at a rate of knotts, I got my books to a standard that only made a few grammar Nazis heads explode; so it will have to do.
I am from Blackburn in the UK, born in the summer of 1976. I have actually won three awards for my books, I know! I was as surprised as you are. If perfect grammar is your thing then you might want to give them a miss, but if you like satire and goofy scenarios I might be what you have been looking for.
How to create a Simon Carr novel (101): 1. Start with an outlandish premise. 2. Present your two or three characters, don't worry many more will be added as the story progresses and any of those original characters can become secondary or tertiary characters as we go along. 3. Write some absurd scenarios for the characters to develop and get through. 4. Make sure your readers will be amused throughout the story, with occasional laugh and one or two snorts of surprised laughter thrown in. 5. Use foul language. 6. Add a few epic battles. 7. Use "innovative" spelling and dubious grammar. 8. Threaten the Earth, the universe, the multi-verse, or some evil character with complete annihilation. 9. Wrap it all in quantum physics, string theory, and scientific ethics to go along with philosophy and a feeling of being in a strange version of Alice in Wonderland. 10. Make the primary story about friendship, honor, and the desire to help others.
This particular story has less of #5 and #7 than many of Simon Carr's other books I have read. It compensates by having more of #9 and #10.
This is a departure for the author in that this novel may be taken more seriously by readers than some of his absurdist comedies he has written. It has even more "heart" than most of his other books. I think this just might be his best story yet.
I received a free review copy of this audio book, at my request, and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
This is somewhere between a short story and a full novel. At 5-6 hours it doesn't have a lot of world building or character development. It is, however, fun, quick, and enjoyable.
First I want to point to that this is not a hard sci fi. If you want realistic and believable science and theory, this is not your story. The science here is very much to stick the story elements together and not to be taken seriously.
The setting for this book is present day earth. There is nothing new. There is a point where the main character goes somewhere fantastic, but it still just boils down to they're on an earth like place, and there's really nothing too extraordinary about it, visually.
The main character is a bit dull and to be honest, a bit dim. He is supposed to be teaching physics at a university, however, he's slow to pick up new information and has little imagination. He's a lite frustrating as a main character, as he is playing a plain straight-man to the universes absurdity. He doesn't really develop as a character throughout the story and while he is likeable enough he could have been so much more.
The secondary characters range from loveable, to background scenery. Some really steal the show while others are there for explosion and plot reasons only. Still no development or growth.
The plot is fairly straightforward and simple. The twists and turns serve mostly to extend the length of the story, rather than for any real complexity.
So, why 4 stars? Well, it's simple. This was a fun and funny book. It was basically like an episode of a sitcom. No one is going to change, no real progress is going to be permanent, but wasn't it fun getting from point a to b? This is a quickly paced book that doesn't waste time expanding on itself. It was a fun pickup and I have no regrets about listening to it, it was great fun.
The voice Narration, by Jennifer Pratt, was fairly well done. She does passable male voices and the use of the digital effects for the unicorn was a nice touch. She has a range and accidents and while it was weird to have a female narrator as there was no females in the book, it worked out fine.
All in all, this was a fun story that was easy to listen to. It lacks character development and world building, but that's not unexpected in a story under 6 hours. Voice narration and the humor really made this story a pleasure.
An inoperable tumor, Schroedinger's cat, Russian spies, String Theory, half of a possible cure, and a unicorn that looks like a dragon. What do these things have in common? Simon Carr, of course. And though it may seem implausible, he has woven all of these things, and more, into a comedic science fiction story that challenges one to think differently; that instead of looking to the stars for scientific advancement, we should look a little closer to home.
Though different from what I have typically come to expect from science fiction novels, this book is just what I have come to expect from Simon Carr. It's like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy met Willy Wonka's boat ride, and the results just worked. Not only does the book entertain, but Jennifer Pratt does an absolutely fantastic job as the narrator. She does a masterful job with the snark and sarcasm - several times I thought she was providing her own commentary on the story, but no, she was just reading it and the story was offering commentary on itself - as well as the more touching moments.
I have come to truly enjoy reading/listening to Simon Carr's novels, and I think this one is my favorite so far. If you want to read or listen to a different kind of sci-fi book and be fully entertained, then you definitely need to give this book a go.
This is probably my very favorite of Carr's books! I wish I could say I was completely surprised by the ending, and I won't give it away, but I wasn't! He doesn't do any handholding, so if you aren't clever, you won't catch it, but I had a feeling, and it was dang good!! I thought one of 2 things would happen, and we'll, one did. You might swear this was gonna be a cliffhanger, which would really leave you angry, but all the reading pays off!! I had the hardest time putting this book down, and I was only able to read at night before bed. Like a chapter at a time. It was torture having to wait till the next opportunity to read again! More like this, please!!! :-) absolutely highly recommended. Oh, and Carr of course keeps his hilarity and fab sense of humor as usual--it's absolutely him at his best!
Since the birth of mankind we have been looking to the starts. We dream we build and now we travel to the outer limits of our space. We now have private space vessels that you can buy a seat on for a 4 minute ride to those outer limits. But this novel has you look at new way, in fact we have been looking the wrong way. Will this turn our world upside down? Are we prepared for this new reality? This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
Just a heads up for you I really love reading this author’s books. There are many very humorous situations in the book to keep you giggling while reading it. But the delivery is dry which creates a sort of comedic tension that drives the story. I never would have thought that the physics of string theory could be a playground and all the players are information. The world building is well done and very important to the storyline. The characters are the story here, their interactions define realities. If that all sounds too “sciencey” don’t fear the science is there to hang gags and jokes on. I recommend this book to anyone needing a break from our sometimes tedious reality. It’s a hoot!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On this one the author Simon Carr has written a great hilariously funny science fiction which makes you loose a bunch of calories from lack of sleep and an unstoppable laughter. And on top of it all the science of it all seems true or at least partially do. What I mean is that everything was created by words, if you are a believer, let it be…. And it happened, all in six days and now you must read or listen to this book to understand my meaning.
Narration by Jennifer Pratt is done beautifully for each of the characters in this creation.
If you are looking to spend some time reading something completely different in the Sci-fi realm, this is your book. If you are looking for a comedy read that's totally indifferent to normal standards of comedy, this is your book. If you are looking for a book to just spend a few hours being entertained, this is your book.The first chapter might throw you off but continue and you will soon find yourself in a wonderful mind spin, that rivals Willy Wonka's boat ride. However once you finished it you have to wonder, just how much of this science is true. ( insert mad scientist cackle here)..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fantastic book by Simon. What's to say, really? Need a laugh? If you have a sense of humor and an open mind, its straight up guaranteed. I received this book for free and I voluntarily reviewed. Actually i asked for the arc because Simon said this book was a bit different than most of his other books- seeing as how I have never read a Simon Carr book I didnt find absolutely hilarious , I felt compelled to check it out. Well, different , yeah, Less crude, more thought provoking but just as freaking funny so thanks to the author, and Evan@storyorigin for getting me kicked out of bed at 2 am for laughingyet again
What is the meaning of life on Earth? KABOOM! This entertaining and humerous investigation ties together physics, fantasy and entertainment in very creative exploration novel. The author never ceases to delight me with his satirical, off-the-wall perspective on the worlds he builds.
An excellent choice of narrator greatly enhances the listening experience (love a British accent!), and Jennifer Prett fills the bill! I listened again several times because I enjoyed both the story and her narration.
Dragons, Unicorns, String Theory and a huge U-turn in the search for answers and opportunities. A wonderful read/listen in every way.
( Format : Audiobook ) Did not finish. The synopsis sounded really interesting so I was delighted when I received a freely gifted complimentary audio copy at my request. Sadly, however, it was not for me although I can see the appeal of Simon Carr's writing. Unfortunately, it was the narration which made it impossible for this reader to continue beyond about halfway. Perhaps Jennifer Pratt could be sustained as a bit part as one the witches in the Scottish play but to endure her here for the full five plus hours - sorry, that is a feat too far for me. Better to read the printed version. Would make an interesting cartoon.
This story centres around a university professor with an incurable condition and the very new, secret technology he discovers through a contact could probably cure him. But the road to achieve this goal is far from smooth and the science, as yet, almost untested....
Simon takes us on a wonderful romp through what's actually some quite advanced real-world science, but he does it in a way that makes it fun, not dry and boring.
As soon as humans were born they have looked to the stars for new adventures and one will learn they are looking in the wrong way. Everyone should be looking towards the earth and not the stars. What will he find out? How will affect live on earth? Can he get others to see it all as well? See just what happens next
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An interesting world and a rather humorous story. It drew me in from start to finish and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well-described characters and an interesting storyline that will keep you turning the pages. I can therefore happily recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved it. Such a crazy storyline. It was part litrpg, part whimsical out of body experience, life after death and reminded me a bit of flatworld. It’s difficult to explain much about this book without giving away a lot of the plot. It’s a great story and is full of silly humour but the ending is really heart warming and wraps up everything. Don’t listen to this whilst decorating like I did though. You will need to repaint walls
Simon Carr has created a story based on the thought experiment in quantum mechanics titled, "Schrodinger's cat". I found the story intriguing, unique, and amusing. The language was crude at times, but overlooking that portion, I thought the story was brilliant. Jennifer Pratt's narration was a joy as she added entertainment to the story's content by her performance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
A typical Simon Carr novel...crazy and fantastic! Simon Carr has never dissappointed and Virtually Gone is no different. Another world that has a well developed main character and supporting characters. The plot and story move on an expected pace. I look forward to Carr's next story! Audio Version: This is the first time I have listened to Jennifer Pratt and she does a great job with the characters and overall story.
The first chapter alone is worth the price of this book! It is entitled "The Hell is This?" It is about figuring out why we were even put on this planet. What's the meaning of life? So philosophical. So funny. My husband and I listened to it repeatedly. Laughed every time. Anyone who loves Monte Phython will love this book. Jennifer Pratt was perfect for narrating this book. She put her English accent to good use here.
...definitely an absolute hoot! The author has a very unique and twisted way of looking at the world around us. I have read a few of Mr. Carr's books, and I absolutely loved every minute of them. In fact, I am busy reading my way through another. Reading through the other reviews has me nodding my head in agreement. So do yourself a favor and grab one for yourself. Do it! I promise you won't regret it.
When I saw this book, I expected some futuristic sci-fi novel. In some ways, it was that. It's got cool tech and robots and string physics - it's really quite clever. But it also has a lot of crazy stuff like unicorns that look like dragons and dragons that look like unicorns, and a lot more humour than I had anticipated. It reminded me of the book Come Take Me by E.M. Skyler in many ways, with nods to the whimsical nonsense of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland. It's a pretty short book and easy to read - I got through it in just a couple of hours without any difficulty. There are a fair few issues with grammar and spelling which irked me a little, but nothing a bit more editing can't sort out. Now, regarding the humour, I think it may be a little hit-and-miss. I definitely admit it was quite cheesy and immature - lots of wordplay and a fair few fart jokes, too. It's also very blatantly British which I love (I've read so many American books with references and slang I just don't get). Beneath all the corny jokes, though, the plot is really interesting and there are some fantastic moments and themes covered. For example, it tackles the topic of the afterlife in more of a scientific way which I found rather unique. It even addresses the idea of God which I definitely had not expected. Plus, let's not forget that everything John goes through is because he has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and isn't ready to die. Some pretty heavy stuff underneath all the farts. There was a surprisingly sweet touch to the ending, too, which I hadn't seen coming. The plot did get somewhat complicated as the aim of their little 'quest' changed quite a few times, and it was arguably a little too nonsensical at times, but I really enjoyed reading it. I've given it 3.5 stars. I found this book through Reedsy Discovery, which is a great place to share feedback on books and discover upcoming gems!
I give this a 4.5, actually. It was super funny at times. But this is a story so filled with details that you'll want to read/listen to it twice. The narrator is fantastic. I'm adding this to my Christmas gift options. It can be read by a younger crowd without issue.
Virtually Gone by Simon Carr This book was freaking FUNNY! I enjoyed reading it way too much! I received a free copy of this book (SO) and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Life is very real, sometimes pleasant to live, sometimes not ...
Dr. John Spanks, a physics teacher at the university, finishes his course and makes an urgent medical appointment. He was discovered with an unfortunately inoperable tumor ...
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This is not the reading I expected at all.
Here is a very surprising reading, even indescribable, which goes in all directions ...
At no time did I find anything funny about it. It sort of felt like I was in some sort of "Alice in Wonderland" where the Cheshire cat inhaled laughing gas ...
I would have really liked to understand and appreciate the story but it is definitely not a reading style for me ... 😢😭
Dr. John spanks has an honor operable tumor, but fortunately for him Dr. Malcolm and Dr. Rosen have a cure. Unfortunately for Dr. Spanx, Dr. Rosen has died of a heart attack and taking his ETA of the cure with them and this is why Dr. Malcolm gets him to go to Switzerland to go to an alternate plane the find Dr. Rosen. Although I’ve given this simplistic summary, the story isn’t so simplistic. Doctors banks will encounter and make new friends and new enemies, but can he say Dr. Rosen’s thoughts. In this book Mr. car takes string-theory to The inth degree. Its an adventure among adventures. I love his books and this one is one of my favorites. I highly recommend this book as I do all his books. If you love comedy genius mix with a bunch of man be pamby science you’ll love this book. I was given this book from the author and book sprouts but I am leaving District Vue totally voluntarily. Please forgive any grammatical errors as I am blind and dictate most of my review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hands up I did not expect humour and was very happily surprised. This book has humour and sci-fiction. We have strong, well-described characters and an interesting storyline that will keep you listening This story centres around a university professor with an incurable condition and the very new, secret technology he discovers through a contact could probably cure him.
An interesting sci-fi jaunt through the world of virtual reality in Simon Carr's own inimitable style. If you're a fan then you know exactly what to expect. if you've never experienced one of Simon's novels then buckle up for a surreal ride. Well worth reading
Think through the looking glass with a splash of treasure island shaken with sci-fi an a garnish of a thriller and there it is. I hope there's a second book so many questions an not enough answers. Thank you Mr. Carr as always a complete joy.