James Mustich's 1000 Books to Read Before You Die discussion

Author discussion: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I reread this not too too long ago, so I don't think I'll read it again so soon, but it's a fun book. I think it holds up pretty well for 1950s science-fiction.

I remember reading the entire trilogy about thirty years ago (never read any of the rest of the series). I remember really enjoying them all, but that's about all I do remember.

I've read it three times, and all of the books after it, so I'll pass on reading it again.

I read once that Asimov says his main goal while writing is clarity - he wants to write as clearly and unambiguously as possible. Because of that simplicity, I think he is often underrated as an author. There isn't a lot of subtle symbolism and complex emotional layers - he is interested in exploring an idea and telling a good story. Foundation is a great example of Asimov at his best.

I just finished this morning and it was not what I was expecting. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I know I'd benefit from a second reading. I have my bearings now that I understand the format of the book. It jumps forward in time and just when you're starting to get to know and even like a character, BOOM, time jump and that character is gone. Now that I get that, I look forward to re-reading.

I recently re-read this a few months back. Really enjoyed it.

Kyle wrote: "It jumps forward in time and just when you're starting to get to know and even like a character, BOOM, time jump and that character is gone."

That was my sentiment EXACTLY, Kyle! I never got attached to the characters in the first book. Thus why I could not stop and read the whole trilogy! The Foundation definitely sets the foundation for the other two books. The third stays with the characters and does not jump quite as much, and those characters are descendants of ones mentioned in previous books.

Overall, I enjoyed these books. I am amazed he was so young when he wrote them. That is pure talent. I have such admiration.

Carol wrote: "Kyle wrote: "It jumps forward in time and just when you're starting to get to know and even like a character, BOOM, time jump and that character is gone."

That was my sentiment EXACTLY, Kyle! I ne..."

That is great news. I needed that push to continue with the series. Thank you for sharing Carol.

Yes, I'd say if you want lots of deep character development, Asimov is not the author to go to. He is more interested in ideas. But in the next couple of books, you get a fascinating character: The Mule. He is mysterious and strange, and Asimov does a slow reveal, so I spent the whole time trying to figure this character out. It is like a satisfying mystery novel.

Janet wrote: "Yes, I'd say if you want lots of deep character development, Asimov is not the author to go to. He is more interested in ideas. But in the next couple of books, you get a fascinating character: The..."

Yes, THE MULE! I like that he also includes women in the second and third book.

I was going to say...where are the women? Book 1 has one that I recall.

Kyle wrote: "I just finished this morning and it was not what I was expecting. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I know I'd benefit from a second reading. I have my bearings now that I understand the forma..."

I just finished reading Foundation. I agree it does do some time jumps but I enjoyed it anyways. Thanks for sharing that about the time jumps. I was ready for them since you shared that.
I'll start Foundation & Empire today.

Made it one-third of the way through. Wasn't too excited about the first part, but now I'm getting more invested in it.

I've encountered one time jump so far and I've liked the change in setting. I shall see about the rest of it... Interesting politics so far.

Just finished Foundation & Empire. It has a woman in it. I was drawn into more than Foundation. Can't wait to start Second Foundation.

It was a real surprise about the Mule.

Just finished Second Foundation. I found it thought-provoking and intensely suspenseful. A great book. I'm continuing on with Foundation's Edge.
It was a real surprise to me to find out where the Second Foundation is actually located and who the First Speaker was.

I enjoyed Foundation way more than I thought I would. I liked that it was short and concise and the format was cool. I was so used to men that I was surprised when the 1 woman appeared. A future where it seems only men are in charge? Not liking that very much. Lol.

I will definitely tackle Book 2 at some point.