I couldn't get in to Asimov, even as a young person-- but that is unsurprising since the "hardest" science fiction I liked was Narnia. My mother kept buying me science fiction, though.
Spike: We got a history, him and me. Fred: What? Spike: It was a long time ago. He was a young Watcher, fresh out of the academy when we crossed paths. It was a, what-you-call battle of wills and blood was spilled. Vendettas were sworn. It was a whole-- Fred: My God you're so full of crap. Spike: Yeah. Okay.
'Unleashed'
Literary Buffistas 3: Don't Parse the Blurb, Dear.
There's more to life than watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer! No. Really, there is! Honestly! Here's a place for Buffistas to come and discuss what it is they're reading, their favorite authors and poets. "Geez. Crack a book sometime."
Sophia Brooks - Dec 22, 2011 8:19:44 am PST #17153 of 28288
Cats to become a rabbit should gather immediately now here
Amy - Dec 22, 2011 8:28:25 am PST #17154 of 28288
Because books.
Yeah, you'd never mistake him for a writer of lush prose, but serviceable is a good word for his writing, and you're totally right about his concepts.
This is the way I feel about George R. R. Martin. He's not an exceptional stylist, but he tells a damn good story.
DavidS - Dec 22, 2011 8:33:35 am PST #17155 of 28288
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
He's not an exceptional stylist, but he tells a damn good story.
Yeah, I wouldn't rate Asimov as a particularly gripping storyteller either. His ideas were interesting, and apparently still are interesting. It's not that you're swept away by his narrative. Also, Martin like Rowling (another writer who gets dinged for her prose at times) created much more vivid and complex characters, and were better storytellers.
Anyway, I'm not trying to turn anybody to my point. If he's still a good/valuable/enjoyable read to you then that's the relevant answer to my original question.
Typo Boy - Dec 22, 2011 8:34:49 am PST #17156 of 28288
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.
And Asimov's prose did rise above serviceable on occasion. "The Ugly Little Boy". And another story whose exact title I'm brain farting on: "A nice day for a walk" something on those lines.
DavidS - Dec 22, 2011 8:35:34 am PST #17157 of 28288
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
And Asimov's prose did rise above serviceable on occasion.
If I want an example of "damning with faint praise" I'd start with this, Gar.
P.M. Marc - Dec 22, 2011 8:43:20 am PST #17158 of 28288
So come, my friends, be not afraid/We are so lightly here/It is in love that we are made; In love we disappear
See, I find Martin TL:DR. He's like a sleeping pill for me.
But, then, so is Rowling. And you're talking to someone who routinely can't sleep because OMG, BOOK! MUST READ MORE! So if a book puts me to sleep...
erikaj - Dec 22, 2011 8:45:15 am PST #17159 of 28288
Always Anti-fascist!
He never did anything for me, but saying so does feel like slagging someone's Uncle Isaac.
Ginger - Dec 22, 2011 8:53:47 am PST #17160 of 28288
"It didn't taste good. It tasted soooo horrible. It tasted like....a vodka martini." - Matilda
I enjoy sf for a lot of reasons. Beautiful prose can keep me reading, but ideas can also keep me reading. Stories like Nightfall, The Ugly Little Boy, Misbegotten Missionary and The Last Question are unforgettable.
I have, under duress, read the condensed Clarissa. Now that's painful.
DavidS - Dec 22, 2011 9:26:57 am PST #17161 of 28288
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
Btw, Gar, I just had an image of us arguing Asimov's merits at some old SF WorldCon and just as you said, "And Asimov's prose did rise above serviceable on occasion," he walks up behind you and claps his hand on your shoulder. And he says, "Thank you for your gallantry, but can I ask you not to rush to my defense anymore? I don't think my ego can survive any more of your sallies on my behalf."
-t - Dec 22, 2011 9:32:10 am PST #17162 of 28288
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
Pish tosh, serviceable is exactly what prose is supposed to be. Prosaic, even.