Science Fiction Aficionados discussion

Red Mars

This month, we picked from a list Linda selected for us, and picked Red Mars, the first in Kim Stanley Robinson's trilogy about settlement on Mars. (Weirdly, I just picked up the third at the library on Friday.)

I've read this before, but I'm looking forward to reading it again and discussing!

I finished last night - just in time for the discussion. I am glad I finally got it read. While it was long and sometimes the science discussions were too detailed and complex for my liking, I enjoyed it. I liked the politics, especially the different viewpoints that were expressed and acted on and the resulting chaos -- very realistic. There were a lot of characters and I liked how the narrator kept changing so we were provided with different views of the action and the characters. Nadia is my favorite of the "first 100." There are a lot of big themes in this book, from politics to the environment to big business.

Linda wrote: "I finished last night - just in time for the discussion. I am glad I finally got it read. While it was long and sometimes the science discussions were too detailed and complex for my liking, I enjo..."

I was staggered by the totality of KSR's vision. How many people could so realistically render physics, biology, psychology, sociology and politics? The only thing I'd put on a level with this achievement is Dune.

I'm with you on Nadia-probably my fave character, although I have a soft spot for Frank. As an arrogant jerk myself, I know we're easily caricatured, and I appreciate KSR for making him a real character instead of a generic bad guy.

The only part of the book that didn't work for me was Maurice. He didn't sound anything like any psychologist I've ever met. He was just way too flaky.

I found that I glazed over during some of the science, but much of the rest is really interesting. We rarely get to see a conservationist view of terraforming.

I remember, reading this, how annoyed it was that this book spent so little time with what I thought were the most interesting parts, but having read the second book now, I know that it is mostly about all the stuff I wanted more of here.

As I noted above, I enjoyed the big themes explored in this book from politics to the government to big companies. They are so very relevant, regardless of what one's position might be. While I disliked him personally, I found myself agreeing with Frank about working within the system. But no faction seemed to have an answer that worked, at least by the end of the book. I'm interested enought in knowing what happens to Mars that I have added Blue and Green Mars to my TBR books.

This is one of my favorite books and series. I agree about the big themes being explored. Politics, cultures, science and environment. KSR does a good job of presenting enough viewpoints that you don't feel bombarded with just one side of the story.

I like that in a book with big ideas, he also has really interesting characters and a nicely developed plot. When I originally read this, it was my first exposure to concepts like space elevators, which I found tremendously exciting. The scope of the vision and obstacles here was impressive.

I remember having a huge problem with the flashback beginning, but it was mostly a conflict of opinion ;). Once I got past that, there were those endless pages of geological description that KSR did years of research on. Flaws aside, still one my most recommended books to friends and favorite authors today. Gotta Respect the research and visionary writing, offering sobering political debate about human expansion and scientific innovation.

I think KSR is a great author. He has great vision and writes excellent characters.