Transhuman and Subhuman: Essays on Science Fiction and …

The writing feels like an easygoing conversation with an intelligent and well-read friend.

The author doesn't offer a careful analysis that considers other viewpoints and counter-arguments. He merely discusses his own idiosyncratic opinions and does so in a pleasant voice. Still, the writing is easy to read and the thoughts expressed easy to follow.

Reading this book is as if floating down a mostly broad, meandering, lazy river. It is pleasant and relaxing for much of it, but occasionlly the river narrows, with stronger currents, and it demands one's attention and one's caution. Also, as one is carried along, one becomes curious about all of the landscape that is passing one by.

It very much reads like non-fiction written by a fiction writer, in a good sense in many ways, but also in a not-so-good sense. The author is clearly thoughtful and articuate, a refined writer. He has a creative mind which is seen in his style. He is a writer who who shows his enjoyment of writing.

What he lacks are the less creative qualities of precision of thought and concision of expression, of analytical rigor and form. He doesn't carefully lay out the premises and evidence for an argument. He is more of a guide and where he is guiding the reader is through the author's own mind, through his thoughts and observations.

So, would I recommend this book? It depends on who was asking.

Even if you disagree with the author, you could still enjoy reading it as long as you appreciate his style. It is a casual read with deep thoughts to contemplate. In final analysis, though, probably the only reason someone would go out of their way to read this book is if they are already a fan of the author. But if your simply curious, it is more than worth sampling or skimming to see if it interests you.

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Transhuman and Subhuman: Essays on Science Fiction and ...