Two Book Recommendations

[said_scarlett]

The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer

Essentially, this is a coming of age story. It takes place in the future in a country that sprang up between Mexico and America when drug trafficking was made legal. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy who goes from being caged like an animal to pampered like a prince for reasons he doesn't understand. The novel deals with a good many issues: classism, wealth entitlement, and most heavily the moral and ethical issues surrounding human cloning. All as seen from the eyes of a rather innocent boy who's caught up in things he doesn't quite understand. It's beautifully done and a very powerful story, and I definitely recommend it. A word of warning, it's not for the squeamish. There's some intense imagery.

Dante's Equation, by Jane Jensen

The premise of the book is the idea that there is an algorithm for good and evil. Both the US military and a scientist in Seattle are experimenting with wave energy and its effect on living things. This begins a series of events that bring together an eclectic cast of characters. An analytical scientist, a Jewish Orthodox Rabbi, an elite special task forces officer and a tabloid journalist. What unravels is a compelling story that focuses of science vs spirituality: how they're opposed and how they're intertwined. And at the heart of it all is the idea that it's our choices that make us who we are. It takes a very stark look at human nature, blending holy scripture with multiple dimensions and the ethics of scientific advancements. Slow in the middle, but a very good read.

Comments

[shadawyn.livejournal.com]

Oooh. Those sound neat.

*thinks about all the paranormal romances she just ordered* Ah well.

[theladyfeylene.livejournal.com]

They're very neat. The first one is much better written, in my opinion, but the second one just has such a complex and interesting storyline. And the mysticism is wonderfully woven into it.

[eight-demands.livejournal.com]

I loved House of the Scorpion, even if I sort of figured out the whole reason for having the clones in the first couple of chapters. Definitely worth the read, though.

[theladyfeylene.livejournal.com]

It was a bit on the predictable side in places, but the story was such a well written one. And the perspective was handled very, very nicely. I keep meaning to read it again.

OOoooOOOOoo

[mythic-dreamer.livejournal.com]

That first one sounds very, very interesting. I may just have to go purchase it. :D

Re: OOoooOOOOoo

[theladyfeylene.livejournal.com]

It's an awesome, awesome book. I really recommend at least getting it out of the library. :D