Foundation by Isaac Asimov | Book Review

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

Thanks, Mike. I see that you've been a huge fan of Issac Asimov's books. I have just purchased a kindle version of Foundation. I cannot wait to delve into it. Thanks for your lovely review. Plus, you look energetic. Sending you love from Nigeria ❤

[@FIT2BREAD]

Thanks my friend. We need to hop on the phone again soon and catch up

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

@@FIT2BREAD That would be great, Mike.

[@sycrusian]

As someone who's worked several years around a number of chain smokers, I've grown to utterly despise the habit. One would think this might have become a issue when reading old-time science fiction, but I like those old stories so much, I just started to ignore the omnipresent smokers. I've read Foundation a couple times, and loved it. However, I gotta say, for a series that's all about the irrelevance of the individual compared to the great masses, that Hari Seldon guy really made a difference in the galactic scale, didn't he?

[@FIT2BREAD]

True, he did make a difference, but over the course of hundreds of years. And it's worth arguing that he made didn't really make the difference, in the original trilogy, he just predicted what would happen. Where he would have an impact is when a new foundation would rise. But he understood he could only do that by starting with devout hundreds of people singularly focussed. He admits as much in the first book. By himself, he couldn't impact much

[@Tokayd13]

I remember trying to read this years ago in my teens and I could not get into it. And I think it's because there weren't any characters I cared about! And you encapsulate and explain that very clearly here. Well, I'm much older now, and my experience has broadened (both in reading and in life), as have my interests. I'm excited to try it again, with new perspective and expectation. Thanks!

[@FIT2BREAD]

I know the issue with characters is still a big one for readers, and I get it. I'd be curious to hear how it goes for you if you try it again and hope you'd let me know good or bad

[@TimothyCollins]

That's the thing - it doesn't have a specific "Character" other than the very idea of the fall and rise of empires. Which was actually writing to Asimov's strength because... I don't think he even really wrote a novel with a character that one could care about. Maybe - MAYBE - the Caves of Steel novels and Elijah Bailey but even there... he's more of a sketch than a fully realized three dimensional character. I think it was Neil Gaiman that said something like "The characters were flat but the ideas were incredible" in regard to Asimov...

[@dalejones4322]

It's a very good book and the next in the series, Foundation and Empire, is even better. I'll be starting the third one soon. Hope you enjoy it.

[@joebrooks4448]

I dug out Foundation and Foundation and Empire to read after watching another of your videos. I will reread them, great Golden Age SF with a young Asimov consulting Campbell. Many of my Asimov novels, anthologies, etc. have some mention of Campbell!

[@FIT2BREAD]

That's great.I might do a video on the full trilogy and probably would talk a little bit more about campbell

[@dalejones4322]

Spectacular review. I did enjoy hearing your review after I had read the book. I think the big time jumps, which I think are necessary, are my only dislike. It's worth it to get to the next book, which is one of my favorites. It's really incredible that Asimov was able to come up with such a great story that stands the test of time so well. Your indepth review was perfect and I was able to understand and consider all your points, knowing exactly what you were talking about. The song at the end was really fun. Having read the story puts the song in context too and makes it more enjoyable. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Thanks Dale. It was also great to hear your thoughts on it as you read pt. 2

[@AaronTenino]

Foundation was one of 1st science fiction book I read at about age 13. It blew my young mind at the time. I still have my paperback copy from almost 40 years ago. Upon a recent rereading, it did not hold up as well as his other books for me. Still love it but prefer writing in books like The Stars Like Dust. It's ideas still dazzle but the writing of characters do not hold up.😮

[@FIT2BREAD]

On your reread, did u do full trilogy, or just book one?

[@AaronTenino]

Trilogy and some of the prequels. His writing style just seems clunky now to me. Especially in the trilogy. I think I want to revisit some of his short fiction. It is usually ideas that stand out to me most, and short fiction is a good vehicle for this. He just seems to have problems in a sustained narrative.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I've read the Foundation Trilogy, all the follow on books, plus all the books in the Robot series that end up tying both together.

[@sylvanyoung]

Love these book . The first three . The Good Doctor is well worth reading . Both the fiction and non . ( is there any thing around his time that he did not write about 😁 ) Truth be told i am more a fan of the robots . Who can forget his Three Laws ....😊 Speaking of which when are you going to get the A I back to answer a few questions .Love the vid...the music , visuals and how its put together . Appreciate the work that goes into it .👍🖖

[@FIT2BREAD]

Truth be told, I appreciate you keeping me to task. I have that AI Q&A books video filmed. It's a bear to 2edit

[@DavidWiley7]

Wonderful review! I revisited the trilogy last year and really enjoyed my time with Asimov once more!

[@FIT2BREAD]

Awesome and thanks

[@BookishChas]

Great review! I enjoyed the first book. I haven’t read the rest yet.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Thanks Chad. I think book 2 is the best and I say go for it

[@BookishChas]

@@FIT2BREAD good to know, thanks!

[@eyeroll-encore]

Great video! I need to reread the original trilogy - it's been years - to refresh so I can read the other books in the series that came later. I've enjoyed the TV series so far. It fixes two of the dated elements by nixing the smoking and changing several characters' gender. It's not perfect, but it's better than a lot of film and TV SF.

[@FIT2BREAD]

I'm def curious to watch the show

[@FIT2BREAD]

And thanks

[@KINGD1991]

Just finished reading, very interesting premise. Can’t wait to start the next one.

[@TimothyCollins]

Oh gosh... the Foundation series is something I revisit every few years. It's truly great.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Love it. This was first reread in decades for me

[@SoulsJourney]

I have one big gripe with the plot but I won't mention it here because it's a major spoiler! LOL Other than that, I agree, I would have just liked MORE, more description, longer stories. I re-read this just a few months ago, and loved it all over again.

[@FIT2BREAD]

U should get on voxxer and tell me and we can hash it out

[@SoulsJourney]

@@FIT2BREAD Hahaha! I don't know what voxxer is, I'll look into it!

[@maxturgeon89]

I read Foundation when I was 14 or so, and your comment about disliking the time jumps is spot on. But now that I'm an older and more mature SF reader 😅 it's time I revisit it and read the whole trilogy

[@FIT2BREAD]

yeah, and it helps...expecting the time leaps...

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

after seeing you continuing to rave about foundation have begun to fell guilty about not at least picking up the first volume when at bookstore but since you say it's mainly about ideas which I love more than anything (except maybe music and sex) you'll probably win me over like you did with diaspora!

[@FIT2BREAD]

Nice Frank. It's not a huge time investment, and I think you'll really enjoy it

[@PayannasFantasyWorld]

This is one of my favourite sci-fi series. I love the scope Asimov went with, the vast unimaginable hugeness of the galaxy yet he writes it in a way that is so clear and easy to understand. Very few authors I find are able to pull this off Dan Simmons is the closest one I've found so far (live the song btw😂)

[@FIT2BREAD]

Good call on Simmons...approaching those vibes a little are also Liu Cixin and Greg Egan in different ways

[@PayannasFantasyWorld]

Also agree for Liu Cixin, I've only read one of his books so far but he does have that massive scope vide to his writing, I've yet to try Egan

[@FIT2BREAD]

@Payanna's Fantasy World I def recommend u get to Cixin's Dark Forest and Death's End...I think in DE you will especially appreciate the ideas and scope

[@PayannasFantasyWorld]

@@FIT2BREAD thanks I definitely will 😄

[@DarkoDame]

I've read the Robot series a few times and absolutely love it. It's one of my favorite sci-fi series of all time. However, it's also very character-focused, so I fear I won't like Foundation as much, which is why I haven't tried it yet.

[@FIT2BREAD]

I think just give it a shot and go into it seeing if the big ideas are going to be thrilling and can do without the characters...

[@noeditbookreviews]

Very well said. I thought that his approach of serving the story through the big ideas rather than focusing on developing characters was one of the things that made this such an interesting book/series. It's about these ideas and events that are bigger than any character, with the possible exception of Seldon. But they out-span any character, almost like a nation's history or something like that would. There's more than one way to deliver the goods, and Asimov delivers the goods here. Classic!

[@FIT2BREAD]

Thanks. I'm thinking about now if I want to keep going thru the whole series again. I finished the trilogy. I really liked Foundations Wdge and Forward the Foundation in the past too

[@williamhosford2796]

Literally some of the greatest science fiction ever written. Highly recommended (and still works!).

[@FIT2BREAD]

Preach!

[@ArborealOreo]

I think the one dimensional characters whose dialogue just serves to explain things is used well here, though it is lacking compared to short fiction we get in the modern age. Asimov's Robot short stories are like this, too: "Just get to the wacky science, already" seems to be the sentiment. I enjoyed it, because I can imagine a grand, beautiful setting for each scene, and handsome futuristic dressed characters.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Yeah, i think with the robot stories especially, the phrase, "an economy of words" comes to mind. He def got right to the point

[@joebrooks4448]

Michael, I came across a review of Dan Simmons "Flashback" and made a comment, which the review author kindly responded to. Interesting book and review. I ordered the book.. It seems like you recommended Simmons. Are you familiar with "Flashback"?

[@FIT2BREAD]

Havent read Flashback, but thanks for the rec

[@joebrooks4448]

@@FIT2BREAD The novel arrived yesterday. Brand new, 15 bucks from Amazon. Over 500 pages 🤔

[@FIT2BREAD]

@@joebrooks4448 not a bade deal

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Love love 💕 ❤️ 💗 This was such a fun series

[@FIT2BREAD]

Thanks, it was more amazing because we read and talked about it ❤️

[@CraigDR]

I just got the 7 book set for my birthday. 🎉

[@FIT2BREAD]

Oh nice. Great gift

[@FIT2BREAD]

And happy birthday Craig

[@CraigDR]

@@FIT2BREAD Thanks!

[@Jortecho]

At 53 yo and having read the original trilogy at least 25 years ago, I guess it's time for a reread (got a hardcover copy in english a couple years ago). Never liked much the forced integration of the robots stories and The End of Eternity in the Foundation universe, later in Asimov's life.

[@FIT2BREAD]

I find The End of the Eternity tie in unnecessary but mostly neutral. I do equally like the robot tue ins and love R Daneel of course

[@davidjames3787]

I read this book recently. I must admit I didn't like it. There really wasn't very much science fiction in it. With a few linguistic tweaks, (replace the Foundation planet with a colony, replace nuclear weapons and power with armies and gunpowder, replace spaceships with sailing ships) it could have been set in 17th century Europe. Even the idea of turning basic metals into gold is as old as the hills as is the idea of religion as a controlling force. The book consisted of a series of encounters in meeting rooms between people who are inherently not very interesting.

[@iosefiniosefin]

I read Foundation in 2020. It was good. But I stoped here. I didn't continue with the other books😅

[@FIT2BREAD]

I def recommend reading the 2nd book Foundation and Empire. It doesn't jump around as much, and the best and most iconic moments of the series happen in book 2. Dare I say, it's not to be missed

[@iosefiniosefin]

Thanks! I will consider your recommendation

[@dalejones4322]

Give Foundation and Empire a try. It's really good.

[@davidreagan7156]

One of my very first forays into the sci-fi genre as a young reader in the 70s was this very series! I still have the original three book paperback set that I received decades ago as a gift from my parents. To me the big ideas which played out across such a large scale in both time and space (no pun intended) set the stage for a lifetime interest in reading this and many other genres of literature. I consider this one a true classic and a pillar of the sci-fi genre, especially for all of the large scale space operas and 'big idea' books that followed in its footsteps. Is it perfect? No. Has it aged well? In some ways yes, and in some ways no. Is it still worth the time for a new reader to explore in today's modern age of sci-fi? Absolutely!

[@FIT2BREAD]

Couldn't have said it better

[@PieGuyBill]

🚀🚀🪐

[@FIT2BREAD]

thanks Bill, or are you telling me I should take a rocket, double speed, to Saturn?

[@BooksForever]

I care less for the SF that is so wildly fanciful that the scenarios are starkly implausible under any circumstances. I prefer my SF to serve as cautionary tales against our society going off the rails into plausible dystopian alternatives. But with that said, I’m ok with depictions of alien societies insofar as they can allow an author to draw attention to problems that might otherwise be too delicately familiar to “name and shame” without alienating the half of the audience that most needs to absorb that lesson.

[@FIT2BREAD]

What are some of your favorites?

[@BooksForever]

@@FIT2BREAD - I read Foundation a couple decades ago but came away sufficiently underwhelmed that, much like my recent comments about Heinlein’s Stranger IASL, I barely recall any significant details of the story. By contrast Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm have been seared into my brain, as has Bradbury’s F-451, to cite three exceptionally good examples of that sort of thing. Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale would be another, and perhaps Golding’s Lord of the Flies. A little farther afield would be works like Jack London’s To Build a Fire… which cautions us to just stay in and order a pizza when the snow is flying. Moby Dick teaches us to be kind to goldfish (probably) and to just leave whales at peace, man.

[@D_PIETZ]

Was it influential? Yes Did Asimov have interesting ideas? Yes Is Asimov a good writer? No. Not even a little. I keep wanting to like the foundation series, but in light of the works it inspired, Foundation is just badly written

[@FIT2BREAD]

While I disagree (I think how he writes is effective and speaks to me perfectly as a reader..just my personal taste)but definitely respect your opinion and know others feel that way also.

[@MuleFace100]

People have their preferences - and I note you are utterly unspecific in your criticisms - but Asimov sold a bazillion books in his lifetime & his fellow authors thought quite highly of him. Who do you prefer & why?

[@D_PIETZ]

@@MuleFace100 I found a lot of Asimov's Robot series very well done. Caves of Steel, The Naked Sun, and Robots of Dawn are all very good. But, I still find the original Foundation series to be just poorly written.

[@FIT2BREAD]

@Demetrius Pietz D, how much of the trilogy and series have you read? I find book one different than book two...in writing style...I find fwd the foundation a different reading experience and also foundations Edge to add more variety..also, know you liked the robot books...curious if you've read any of the Foundation work that crosses over...