Book-a-book of the Month Club discussion

Discuss the short story Understand here.

Understand - 4 stars - An interesting but complex and heavy story. This what-if? scenario just might drive you insane! Limitless anyone?

Very Limitless, and then a little beyond that. I really like the way this story is written, the escalation. I like the idea of two minds going off on different tangents despite their sophistication and elevation above the normal. I'm excited to see what other stories I'm going to be treated to.

I liked the escalation, too. I kept sensing with an increase of intellect a decent into madness. Very fascinating!

Say gestalt one more time...........

Lindsey wrote: "Say gestalt one more time........... "

Ha!

I.....understand. Sorry, I couldn't help it. I just eye-rolled myself too.

The only response I can think of to this story is:



I really enjoyed this story. The philosophy, anthropology, and sociology implied was fascinating to read. Just



Like everyone else, it reminded me of Limitless; however, upon a little research, I found that Limitless was originally a novel titled The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn and published in 2001. Understand was written in 1991.

Richard wrote: "Like everyone else, it reminded me of Limitless; however, upon a little research, I found that Limitless was originally a novel titled The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn and published in 2001. Understand was written in 1991. "

So, maybe Glynn skimmed a bit off Chiang?

Matthew wrote: "So, maybe Glynn skimmed a bit off Chiang?

I think there are quite a few similarities (i.e. a drug that induces a greater use of the brain). However, Limitless quickly turned in a mobster/Wall Street conspiracy story while Chiang's is more philosophical and theoretical.

4.5/5 It is difficult to believe that this story was written by the same guy that wrote the Tower of Babylon. It also reminded me of Limitless and I agree that it was less conspiracy theory more intellectual dilemma. Beauty vs humanity. I have to admit that I'm not sure I'm glad that humanity won?

5 stars for me. This is my favourite short story in the book so far. (I'm reading them out of order.) I enjoyed how the story escalated and I appreciated the references to the beauty Greco found in the interconnections of the world. (GESTALTS Lindsey!) This was a perfect candidate for a short story as I'm not sure how long I could read something so intense.

Meghan wrote: "5 stars for me. This is my favourite short story in the book so far. (I'm reading them out of order.) I enjoyed how the story escalated and I appreciated the references to the beauty Greco found in..."

Agreed - this one fit the Short Story format perfectly!