Is The Gods Themselves Asimov’s Most Thought-Provoking Novel?

[@ozymandiasultor9480]

I have read many sci-fi books and Asimov's books, and I consider "The Gods Themselves" the best novel that Asimov wrote. The ideas in that novel are incredible and the universe with those very strange aliens is incredible. Usually in the books of Asimov there are no aliens so many thought that he couldn't invent interesting aliens but with "The Gods Themselves" he proved that he could do that, invent interesting, thought-provoking worlds and aliens.

[@gibsononbooks]

@ozymandiasultor9480 Well said! The Gods Themselves really does showcase Asimov’s creativity at its peak. He went all-out with those alien concepts, creating something truly unique and challenging the assumption that he “couldn’t write aliens.” It’s so different from his usual human-centric stories, and it’s amazing to see how he imagined an entire alien culture with its own biology, psychology, and way of experiencing the world. This novel really stands out as proof that Asimov could handle complex, otherworldly ideas just as brilliantly as he tackled robotics and galactic empires. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@jimliu2560]

Taking energy from another universe is the same as “pushing a red-button to get a million dollars but causing a stranger to die”….!

[@isaackellogg3493]

Technically it’s “pushing a red-button to get a million dollars but a grenade goes off somewhere.” Not every universe getting matter stolen will affect life-bearing worlds, just as not every grenade can explode near enough to people to kill someone.

[@ThomasPalm-w5y]

It was the other universe that initiated the trade, and in theory both universes could gain by taking advantage of the slight difference in the laws of nature.

[@jimliu2560]

@ So you are saying….the other universe can take away our entropy and to them it is useful energy….?

[@ThomasPalm-w5y]

@@jimliu2560 that's not how it worked. Have you even read the story?

[@GeistInTheMachine]

The US Government already does that today. It's just called Neoliberalism & Military Industrial Complex.

[@WTH1812]

If you're not familiar with Asimov's works, I suggest you start with "Nightfall and Other Stories", an insightful collection of short stories. For novels, the "Foundation" series is a great start. Asimov wrote short short stories 2 or 3 pages long like "A Stitch in Times", short stories like the disturbing "Eyes Do More Than See" which can be found in Science Fiction anthologies, novels like "I, Robot" (which is nothing like and better than the movie), and co-authored an excellent Sci Fi short story series "The Great SF Stories". Each book was the best stories of the year, starting with 1939, the true dawn of science fiction stories. Asimov also wrote good Mysteries (not included the rumored long novel, "Why Did I Buy This Book?") and books on Astronomy, General Science, and more.

[@gibsononbooks]

@WTH1812 What a fantastic summary of Asimov’s range! Starting with *Nightfall and Other Stories* is such a great idea-it’s a brilliant showcase of his storytelling ability in bite-sized form. You’ve highlighted such a rich variety of his work, from the short short stories to *The Great SF Stories*, and even his mysteries and nonfiction. It’s amazing how versatile he was, isn’t it? And that “Why Did I Buy This Book?” line gave me a good laugh! Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive recommendation list-it’s a goldmine for anyone new to Asimov! 🚀📚✨

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

This was the first Asimov that I ever read, and the first sci-fi that I ever knowingly read. It was in the American Library in Brussels when I was in high school. I adored it.

[@gibsononbooks]

@fabrisseterbrugghe8567 What an amazing introduction to both Asimov and science fiction! *The Gods Themselves* is such a unique blend of mind-bending ideas and alien perspectives-definitely one of those books that sticks with you. I love that you discovered it in the American Library in Brussels; there's something special about finding a book that way, almost like it was waiting for you. Thanks for sharing that memory!

[@UtahGmaw99]

This is one of my fav sci fi books. Well worth the read. I have read it at least a dozen times over the years. The alien soft ones are very relatable. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes sci fi.

[@gibsononbooks]

@UtahGmaw99 Wow, a dozen times! That’s the mark of a truly special book. The Gods Themselves definitely has that timeless quality that makes you want to come back to it again and again. The “Soft Ones” are such a unique take on alien life, and Asimov somehow manages to make them feel so real and relatable despite their differences. Thanks for the recommendation-any sci-fi fan who hasn’t read it is definitely missing out!

[@robertdriscoll9414]

The titles of the three sections combine to make a single quote.

[@gibsononbooks]

@robertdriscoll9414 Exactly! It’s such a clever touch from Asimov. The titles combining into Schiller’s quote add a poetic layer to the book and tie the sections together beautifully. It’s subtle details like this that make *The Gods Themselves* so memorable. Great observation! 🚀📚✨

[@davidioanhedges]

Asimov stated that the novel, especially the second section, was the "biggest and most effective over-my-head writing [that I] ever produced"

[@gibsononbooks]

@davidioanhedges That’s such a fascinating insight into Asimov’s perspective on his own work! The second section is definitely a standout-it’s ambitious, complex, and completely unlike anything else in his bibliography. It’s amazing that even Asimov himself felt like he was reaching beyond his usual limits. That effort really paid off, though; the second section remains one of the most memorable parts of the novel. Thanks for sharing that detail!

[@peterfmodel]

The Gods Themselves is a great novel, but has a rather painfully accurate truth built into it.

[@gibsononbooks]

@peterfmodel Absolutely! *The Gods Themselves* doesn’t just deliver a fascinating story; it hits hard with its underlying truths about human nature, scientific ethics, and the consequences of our actions. Asimov’s ability to weave those uncomfortable realities into the narrative is part of what makes it so memorable-and maybe a little unsettling. It’s a great reminder of why sci-fi can be such a powerful lens for examining ourselves. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@gregsonvaux4492]

This is one of the truly great science fiction stories out there. It's very different and very thought provoking.

[@gibsononbooks]

@gregsonvaux4492 Absolutely agree! The Gods Themselves stands out as one of those rare sci-fi stories that really makes you think. Asimov took such an ambitious approach here, blending complex scientific ideas with unique alien perspectives. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish, making you rethink what sci-fi can accomplish. Thanks for sharing-glad to see others appreciate it too!

[@johnPaul-qn3dg]

My 'The Gods Themselves' story is an unusual one, at aged 17/18 I was working away from home for the first time doing renovation and spending nights in a cheap bitsit, at work I picked up this book among the rubble with no cover or title, just chapter 1 on the first page. On my lunch break. I started reading it and couldn't wait to read more, I found the tale utterly enthralling and loved it, for years, I never knew the author or title of one of the best books I've ever read. What I found particularly memorable was the unusual tender love story of the tri, and the doubts of each of the 'partners' each wanting the best for each other and how it all ends, "there's work to be done" I have always wondered why no one ever tried to adapt the tale to a movie. With CGI, it could be done now, and the moral dilemmas are a lot more contemporary.

[@gibsononbooks]

@johnPaul-qn3dg What an incredible story! It’s amazing how *The Gods Themselves* found its way to you like that, even without a cover or title-almost as if it was meant to be. The relationship between the tri-gendered beings is such a standout part of the novel; Asimov really captured something tender and unique there. And you’re right-its moral dilemmas and imaginative world would be perfect for a modern adaptation. With today’s CGI, the Soft Ones and their universe could be brought to life beautifully. Let’s hope someone in Hollywood feels the same way! Thanks for sharing your memorable experience with the book. 🙌📖🎥

[@Die_Hard191]

Thanks for the analysis. Was looking for a new hard sciencefiction book to read. GL on the growing of the channel.

[@gibsononbooks]

@Die_Hard191 You’re so welcome! If you’re into hard sci-fi, The Gods Themselves will definitely be a treat-it’s packed with big scientific ideas and thought-provoking themes. Hope you enjoy the read, and thanks for the good wishes for the channel! Happy reading, and glad to have you here! 🚀📚

[@hdufort]

This book is a very good read and a metaphor on environmental damage. A recent novel explored similar themes, "Pattern Dreamer" by ZP de Franca.

[@gibsononbooks]

@hdufort That’s a great observation! *The Gods Themselves* absolutely has those undertones about the consequences of exploiting resources without fully understanding the repercussions. Thanks for mentioning Pattern Dreamer-sounds like an intriguing recommendation for anyone interested in similar themes. I’ll have to check it out! 🚀📚🌍

[@Wulf425]

One of my favorites of anything he's written. The middle part with the tri gendered soft ones is most fascinating. Without giving much away, it's tantalizing that you never know exactly what they look like. Are they humanoid? We don't know, yet they're extremely vivid characters.

[@hariszark7396]

The book made no sense really. In every part there was something that was not adding up. The Aliens were oblivious about their own species as the had no idea that the "melting" or whatever they did all three of them was going to end at the making of a completely new person. But how did the not know that? Obviously that was part of the evolution of their species life span. BS. And the third part....oh man.... The boring nonsense and blunt characters with the out of nowhere conclusion.... So so bad. But then, it's Asimov's book. What else can we expect?

[@Wulf425]

@@hariszark7396 "Made no sense" = "I didn't understand it, people talking about ideas, too boring." Yeah, I guess they give Hugo and Nebula awards to books that don't make sense.

[@hariszark7396]

​@@Wulf425 A) Dude you have your opinion and I have mine. I guess reading books didn't make you learn to not be offensive to other people's opinions. To tell me that I didn't get something that made no sense, with a sarcastic tone, doesn't make the book better or well written and does not fix its errors.

[@hariszark7396]

​@@Wulf425 B) So, you who gets it, how does it make sense the aliens transformation they had no idea about but it was a part of their species life span but no one told them? *How does this makes sense* ?

[@hariszark7396]

​@@Wulf425 D) The fact that *you* get all that and think of as a good well written story is hilarious and shows more about you than anything else to be honest. 🤣 And the awards.......🤣🤣🤣 Yeah, that would be the first time someone gets awarded for trash because he is famous or has the right connections. Haven't seen that before, didn't you? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 So, I'm waiting for your explanation because *you get it* ... obviously.

[@Tara_Li]

I am surprised that the short story “Gold” doesn’t get mentioned, as it goes very meta on this novel, and contains Asimov reflecting on his weaknesses as a writer.

[@gibsononbooks]

@Tara_Li That’s a great point! *Gold* is such an insightful story, and you’re absolutely right that it offers a fascinating meta-reflection on Asimov’s writing, including his work on *The Gods Themselves*. It’s like a window into how he viewed his own strengths and limitations as an author. Thanks for bringing that up-it’s definitely worth mentioning for anyone interested in Asimov’s perspective on his craft! 🚀📚✨

[@ashtonrouse5638]

Great video. The soundtrack kept reminding me of Wendy Mathews' The Day You Went Away 😅

[@gibsononbooks]

@ashtonrouse5638 Thanks so much! And now I can’t unhear that comparison-what a great catch! Wendy Matthews’ *The Day You Went Away* definitely has that reflective, emotional vibe, so I can see how the soundtrack might evoke it. Glad you enjoyed the video! 😅🎵📚

[@mark.J6708]

Grew up reading Azimov and read this one so long ago, this is a great reminder, thx.

[@gibsononbooks]

@mark.J6708 That’s awesome! Asimov’s works have a way of sticking with you, even years later. *The Gods Themselves* is definitely one worth revisiting-so many layers to appreciate. Glad the video could spark some nostalgia for you-thanks for watching! 🚀📚

[@rundmw]

So pleased to see this novel getting the attention that, I feel, it deserves. So excellent!

[@gibsononbooks]

@rundmw Totally agree! *The Gods Themselves* is such a standout in Asimov’s work, and it’s fantastic to see it getting the love it deserves. Glad you enjoyed the video-thanks for sharing your enthusiasm! 🚀📚✨

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

My favorite Asimov is the short story “Pâté de Foie Gras”. The Department of Agriculture, in 1955, investigates a very special goose - one we have all heard about.

[@gibsononbooks]

@ColonelFredPuntridge That’s such a fun pick! *Pâté de Foie Gras* is a brilliant example of Asimov’s lighter, more playful side while still packing that clever sci-fi twist he’s famous for. The way he weaves the story around that “special goose” is pure genius, making it memorable and uniquely entertaining. It’s great to see someone highlight one of his less-discussed gems-thanks for sharing! 🦢📚✨

[@Agg1E91]

Cool! Thanks for the overview. I was unaware of the existence of this novel. I will certainly check it out.

[@gibsononbooks]

@Agg1E91 You’re very welcome! *The Gods Themselves* is definitely one of Asimov’s standout works-packed with big ideas and unique alien concepts. Hope you enjoy diving into it, and thanks for checking out the video! 🚀📚

[@bigbobw9253]

He hooked me on Si-Fi

[@gibsononbooks]

@bigbobw9253 That’s awesome! Asimov has a way of pulling people into sci-fi with his big ideas and intriguing concepts. Once you get a taste of his work, there’s no going back! Which book was your first? *The Gods Themselves* is definitely a memorable place to start. Welcome to the sci-fi club! 🚀📚

[@j.p.4541]

Great review and well articulated. Thank you.

[@gibsononbooks]

@j.p.4541 Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the review and found it well-articulated. Your feedback means a lot-thanks for watching! 🚀📚✨

[@paulwilkins8273]

The quote is from Schiller's Jean D'arc. Worth a read in itself.

[@gibsononbooks]

@paulwilkins8273 Great catch! Schiller’s *Joan of Arc* is definitely worth exploring, and it adds an interesting layer to The Gods Themselves when you realize where Asimov drew that line from. Schiller’s work really captures those intense questions about fate, courage, and human nature-no wonder Asimov found it fitting. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@altargull]

I love the book!

[@gibsononbooks]

@altargull Same here! *The Gods Themselves* is such a fantastic read-glad to see another fan of it here! Thanks for sharing your love for the book! 🚀📚✨

[@EloyRamirez]

Sweet recap! Now I need to see if Quinn Ideas has also converted this series 🤣

[@gibsononbooks]

@EloyRamirez Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the recap! If Quinn Ideas ever covers this, it’ll definitely be fascinating to see their take-imagine the layers they could dive into! 🤣 Let us know if you find out! 🚀📚

[@svarogbg]

Stanislav Lem`s Fiasco was the most thought provoking for me.

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

Definitely one of the great sci-fi books, by one of the great sci-fi authors

[@gibsononbooks]

@svarogbg *Fiasco* is an excellent choice-Lem’s exploration of miscommunication and the morality of first contact is so profound. It’s definitely one of those books that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished. Lem and Asimov approach sci-fi so differently, but both are brilliant in their own ways. Thanks for sharing your pick-great addition to the discussion! 🚀📚✨

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

@@gibsononbooksMay I recommend another thought-provoking book by an author you probably do not know? CELESTIAL MATTERS by Richard Garfinkle.

[@peterg76yt]

Against stupidity... the gods themselves... contend in vain

[@gibsononbooks]

@peterg76yt Such a powerful line, isn’t it? It perfectly encapsulates the tension and themes in *The Gods Themselves*. Asimov’s use of that Schiller quote sets the tone for the whole novel-big ideas, moral dilemmas, and the challenges of human (and alien) nature. Thanks for sharing it! 🚀📚✨

[@MentalschlankAt]

It's still one of my very favorite SciFi books

[@gibsononbooks]

@MentalschlankAt Totally agree-it’s such a timeless masterpiece! *The Gods Themselves* has a way of sticking with you, doesn’t it? Definitely one of the all-time greats in sci-fi. Thanks for sharing your love for it! 🚀📚✨

[@P-G-77]

Asimov view... remain my favorite, AND speaking of GOD, we are an "extension" of him not only "creation", we have faculties that have been given to us and that not even other entities have the freedom that we have. That we ourselves create our "mental" prison this is another matter and very real in these years.

[@gibsononbooks]

@P-G-77 That’s an insightful take! Asimov’s works often dive into humanity’s potential and the responsibilities that come with our unique faculties, just as you said. The Gods Themselves in particular explores these questions-our freedoms, our limitations, and how much of our world we shape ourselves, for better or worse. It’s fascinating how Asimov’s stories can make us think about our role in the universe on both a cosmic and personal level. Thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking perspective!

[@life.esoteric]

Fantastic book, read it twice!

[@gibsononbooks]

@life.esoteric Absolutely! It’s one of those books that rewards a second read with even more to discover. Asimov really packed so much depth into *The Gods Themselves*. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for it! 🚀📚🙌

[@pauldueffert2749]

It's been a few decades since I read it, and at least for me this video would have benefitted from a 3-4 minute story synopsis at the beginning.

[@gibsononbooks]

@pauldueffert2749 Thanks for the feedback! A brief synopsis at the start could definitely help set the stage for viewers who haven’t read the book in a while-or at all. I’ll keep that in mind for future videos to strike a good balance between summarizing and keeping it spoiler-free. Appreciate your input, and thanks for watching! 🚀📚

[@randomracki9453]

Best Sci Fi novel ever

[@gibsononbooks]

@randomracki9453 That’s high praise, and it’s hard to argue with it! *The Gods Themselves* has such a unique blend of mind-bending science, alien perspectives, and thought-provoking themes-it definitely earns its spot among the greats. Thanks for sharing your love for it! 🚀📚✨

[@weltraumaffe4155]

The universes aren't parallel. The "alt-men" (soft ones) don't have genders though Asimov uses masc and fem pronouns due to the limitations of the English language. The three kinds of soft ones are in an embryonic state that grows into a single hard one.

[@gibsononbooks]

@weltraumaffe4155 Great clarification! You’re absolutely right that the universes aren’t truly “parallel” in the strictest sense, and the Soft Ones’ triadic nature is much more nuanced than traditional gender concepts. Asimov’s use of gendered pronouns definitely reflects the challenges of conveying such an alien biology within the constraints of English. The transformation from Soft Ones into Hard Ones is such a fascinating idea-it really emphasizes how different their lifecycle and society are from anything human. Thanks for adding this deeper perspective!

[@richardcollier1912]

He said that this novel would probably be the one for which he would be best remembered, regardless of what he himself thought about it.

[@gibsononbooks]

@richardcollier1912 That’s such an interesting insight into Asimov’s perspective on his own work. It’s fascinating that he recognized the unique impact *The Gods Themselves* might have, even if it wasn’t necessarily his personal favorite. It speaks to how special and groundbreaking this novel is, especially with its exploration of alien life and moral dilemmas. Thanks for sharing that! 🚀📚✨

[@stunspot]

Lovely book.

[@gibsononbooks]

@stunspot Short and sweet! The Gods Themselves really is a beautiful book in its own way. It’s got that mix of imagination, science, and depth that only Asimov could pull off. Glad to see you enjoyed it too!

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

“…and no one will survive to know I was right!”

[@gibsononbooks]

@ColonelFredPuntridge What a line! That’s the kind of dramatic, chilling sentiment that sticks with you. It really captures the tension and stakes in stories like *The Gods Themselves*. Perfectly haunting-thanks for sharing it! 🚀📚✨

[@roberthasse7862]

It was terrific in the first two sections. But the final section--"Contends in Vein?"--is a total copout! First (but importantly), Asimov adds a question mark, one that doesn't exist in the original Schiller quote. But that actually speaks to the failing of the overall story. In the first part, we're told you need somebody on both sides of the universe-divide to set up the portal where one world's laws of physics leak into the other--threatening the stability of our universe. But, in the end, we come up with a quick (though BS) fix that allows our world to skip that restriction even as we set our own linkage to a universe that can't support life anyway, thereby giving us, as well as "the gods," free energy at no cost. It's fixing a pseudo-scientific problem with more--but now inconsistent--pseudo-science. That original pseudo-science would be fine if it were presented as a metaphor for accepting the cheap-and-easy for gain now at the expense of grotesque and irreversible disaster in the future. Had Asimov instead had "us" now contact the extra-dimensional aliens in the next universe over, setting the same process up so that the universe-leakage gave us free energy, but at the expense of befouling another universe, it would have made its point in a way that was a moral dilemma and, thereby, made a substantive one. But he didn't. And in the process, he undermines any legitimate point he might have made.

[@hariszark7396]

Once more Asimov writing nonsense covered up as "sci-fi" again.

[@gibsononbooks]

@roberthasse7862 You’ve definitely put some thought into this, and I can see where you're coming from. Asimov does set up this high-stakes, ethical dilemma about messing with the fabric of the universe, and the “fix” in the final section does feel a bit convenient, like it sidesteps the moral consequences he hinted at earlier. It’s almost like he’s more focused on wrapping up the plot than fully exploring the philosophical implications he introduced. Your alternate ending idea-where we start exploiting *another* universe and face the same moral dilemma all over again-is fascinating and could have pushed the story to a whole new level. That would’ve driven home the theme of humanity’s relentless need for resources, no matter the cost, and added that layer of uncomfortable self-reflection. Asimov often used sci-fi as a metaphor for real-world issues, but here, he definitely seems more interested in the conceptual science than in hammering home a moral point. Great insight, and thanks for sharing such a thought-provoking take!

[@hariszark7396]

@@gibsononbooks Yeah, it's not like Asimov didn't had good ideas for books. He just didn't deliver well.

[@roberthasse7862]

@@gibsononbooks I read it when it came out and "my" solutions seemed the obvious one . . . . . . only to be disappointed by what struck me as a cheat!

[@BryinWillis-e8g]

Friday

[@gibsononbooks]

@BryinWillis-e8g A man of few words, I see! Care to elaborate? Are you referencing something related to The Gods Themselves or maybe just sharing your excitement for the upcoming Friday? 😄 Curious minds want to know! 🚀📚

[@Asehpe]

One of the interesting things about the Soft Ones is their way of having (tri-gendered) sex. It is, curiously, simultaneously non-human and also very intimate and human. And that, from an author famously not good at creating erotica or sex scenes. I was mesmerized by Dua and her partners, not only because, in a sense, they are -- Parental, Rational, and Emotional -- all 'good people' by their own standard, but also by how they love each other, physically and otherwise.

[@gibsononbooks]

@Asehpe What a beautifully articulated comment! Asimov really outdid himself with the Soft Ones-they’re so profoundly alien yet surprisingly relatable in their emotions and relationships. The tri-gendered dynamic adds such a unique layer to their love and intimacy, making it feel both otherworldly and deeply human at the same time. Dua and her partners truly stand out as some of the most memorable characters in sci-fi. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful perspective! 🚀📚✨

[@gj1234567899999]

Your description reminds me of how we weren’t allowed to question Pfizer Covid vaccines.

[@gibsononbooks]

@gj1234567899999 Haha, that’s quite the leap-from Asimov’s alien physics to modern medical debates! If only we had a parallel universe to test all our theories in safely, right? Thanks for keeping things... interdimensional! 🚀📚✨

[@mmechrizma]

Or,if you've never dipped your toes in his universe but you love the abstract.....

[@gibsononbooks]

@mmechrizma That’s such a great way to describe Asimov’s appeal! If you’re into abstract, thought-provoking ideas, The Gods Themselves is the perfect introduction to his universe. It’s packed with big concepts and unique perspectives that will stick with you. Definitely worth dipping your toes in! 🚀📚✨

[@geoffhoutman1557]

The subs that can’t be turned off- are a turn off. This ain’t tiktok right?

[@gibsononbooks]

@geoffhoutman1557 Thanks for the feedback! I hear you on the subtitles-it’s definitely something I’m working on. I want to make sure the experience is enjoyable for everyone, so I’m experimenting with different formats. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts! 🚀📚✨

[@bpalpha]

Energy is free. Money is fake.

[@gibsononbooks]

@bpalpha Definitely a bold statement! It’s hard to tell if it’s tied to The Gods Themselves or just a standalone comment, but it could loosely connect to the book’s theme of limitless energy and the consequences of exploiting it. Either way, it’s an interesting perspective! 🚀📚

[@keithroy9217]

Maybe all the negative commentators on here should stick to spaceship and ray gun soap operas and avoid books written by real scientists dealing with real issues.

[@gibsononbooks]

@keithroy9217 Haha, well said! Not every sci-fi reader wants (or expects) a challenge, but Asimov was never about just spaceships and shootouts. He brought real scientific curiosity and ethical questions to the table, which is why his work still resonates today. If you’re looking for pure escapism, Asimov might be a tough read-but for those who appreciate a bit of depth, he’s the gold standard. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@hariszark7396]

😂😂😂😂 Not even close dude. 😂😂😂

[@MG-bs5mr]

​@@hariszark7396I'm curious, do you have a favourite sci-fi author? Or authors?

[@hariszark7396]

@@MG-bs5mr I wouldn't say "favourite" because I haven't read a lot of sci-fi books, weirdly, but I will mention Philip K. Dick and Arthur C. Clarke that comes to mind. Currently I'm in search for a food Space Opera book or book series but there are just a few translated to my mother language. ☹️

[@MG-bs5mr]

@@hariszark7396 ok, I just wondered what else you might have read in contrast to Asimov. Personally I found Asimov ok, a bit dry perhaps. I definitely think I've read better. I do like Arthur C Clarke. I enjoyed his Space Odyssey series and Rendezvous with Rama. I've read the The Commonwealth Saga books by Peter F Hamilton. They're pretty good but really long. Especially if you then go on to read the two other linked series. They seem quite popular so might have been translated. The Revelation Space series by Alistair Reynolds was pretty good too. Currently reading some of the Ender series by Orson Scott Card.

[@antrimlariot2386]

Prararell? Great graphics - pity about the atrocious spelling.

[@gibsononbooks]

@antrimlariot2386 Thanks for catching that! Typos in captions can definitely slip through-I’ll get that fixed. Glad you enjoyed the graphics, though! Appreciate the heads-up and your understanding! 🚀📚✨

[@pawibus]

Per Betteridge's Law, no.

[@heckzotica]

I love Asimov. But 80 pages in and i fall asleep.

[@gibsononbooks]

@heckzotica Haha, fair enough! Asimov’s style can definitely lean toward the cerebral, which isn’t always fast-paced. But if you push through, the ideas and twists are worth it-maybe treat it like a slow-burn sci-fi adventure! Thanks for sharing your honest experience! 🚀📚😴

[@joaoklein1002]

Ok: not only destroy it, but make sure they can't rebuild it.

[@gibsononbooks]

@joaoklein1002 Haha, absolutely! That level of thoroughness would definitely fit the stakes in *The Gods Themselves*. It’s one thing to solve a problem, but making sure it doesn’t come back? Now that’s next-level thinking! Thanks for the comment! 🚀📚✨

[@hariszark7396]

God, that book was boring... I knew Asimov for years as a renowned sci-fi author before I start reading a few of his books. Soon after I started reading I found out that his writing style was not equal to his notability. He had some nice ideas, I give him that, but the writing was sterile, boring, dragging and uninspired. The twists and the conclusions were out of the blue, felt forced and rushed just to finish the book in a way the reader would be surprised. I was surprised alright but from the lack of logical outcomes and conclusions. I could take every one of the books I read and brake it down one by one. But it will take too long here. I will just say that: *SPOILERS* - The currents of space: The characters were superficial and blunt. The story made no sense. The "bad guy" was acting like a no brain person a had no real reason to do all that. And the actual "currents of space" was a useless mcguffin that made no sense really. 6/10 - The End of Eternity: Interesting story and idea. But again the character's made no real sense. They were superficial with motives that made no sense at some point. The dialogues were bad. The main character was an egoistical person that wanted to destroy the world to get what he wanted. And all his actions was because he was mesmerized from the first tit he saw and jealousy. 6,5/10 -The caves of steel: A want-to-be "detective investigation" story without any real investigation or deduction with meaning. The guilty person was the only real suspect from the start. And it was obvious. But everyone was acting like they didn't know that....for some reason. The world setting was uninspired and boring. Asimov was more interested at saying how good is to be a robot or work with one than flesh out the characters and the story itself. 5/10 - The Naked Sun: One more "detective" story with the same main character acting like a wise guy that knows nothing. It's like the authorities wanted the worst detective on a very important case. One's again the guilty person was right there, obvious and without a real reason. And the main character just decided to overlook it and just accuse a different person, knowing very well that he was innocent. Just because the guilty person was a good looking woman.... 4,5/10 And lastly, - The Gods Themselves. Ok, there was a very interesting idea and story. But was it good written, fleshed out and exciting? No! The writing was so boring and drugged to long without any reason. The parallel universe story was interesting but the world setting was so bad. Writing lost focus just to explore the...... sexuality of the alien beings. And the fact that the three aliens melted in one new *different* person, having no clue about it, when that was obviously something that was happening in the life of that species...but no one told them?.... *what* ? Not to mention the nonsense events on the moon, that takes place at the third part of the book, giving the conclusion, once more, out of nowhere, with some uninteresting wearisome new characters. 5/10 (just for the Idea of the different universe). Overall, I was tired of Asimov's books. Found myself just wanted to skip to the end but forced myself to keep reading. Obviously there are a lot better authors out there and I will pick their books next. No more Asimov's boring stuff. Cheers!

[@gibsononbooks]

@hariszark7396 Wow, you’ve really done your homework! It’s rare to see such a detailed breakdown of Asimov’s works-even if it’s a roast! You’ve clearly given each book a fair shot and come away with a lot of thoughts on his style and storytelling. Admittedly, Asimov’s writing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; his style is definitely more cerebral than action-packed, and he’s known for focusing on ideas over character depth. That said, some readers appreciate that “sterile” approach because it lets them engage more with the concepts without getting sidetracked by emotional drama. But hey, fair criticism-it’s not wrong to want more dynamic characters or gripping plot twists. Asimov might not hit those marks, but he has influenced countless writers who take his ideas and add more of the character-driven punch you’re looking for. Hope you find an author who scratches that itch! Cheers back at you!

[@hariszark7396]

@gibsononbooks Fair enough. I know not everyone has the same preferences and expectations from a book (or tv series or movie or whatever) and people surely can enjoy different things. I'm glad you liked his books. Because reading is fun and can reproduce ideas. And yes, Asimov has influenced a lot of people in sci-fi. I give him that. Personally I have read a good amount of books (I think more than the average reader) from Greek mythology, Iliad and Odyssey, Lucian (ancient sci-fi), some ancient Greek philosophy, fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Lovecraft and his successors, Jules Verne, ancient Greek Tragedies and comedies, Detective Fiction (Sherlock Holmes, Hercules Poirot and more), Roberts E. Howard Conan books and also many modern authors. Recently I started reading more sci-fi books because I like the genre and also I needed inspiration for a Solo Space RPG I am making. But, sadly not many sci-fi and Space Opera books have been translated in my language and reading a whole book in English is somewhat tiresome.... I'm not saying all that to brag about myself, not by any means, but just to say I have big expectations from some writers because of all that reading. Anyway, lately I have stumbled upon the Culture books series by Iain M. Banks. I haven't read them yet, and they are not translated to my language, but I'm thinking of getting them. Do you know about them? What's your opinion?

[@edwardclay7551]

​@hariszark7396 the Culture books are great. I'd also personally recommend the Uplift War series by David Brin. I found the characters relatable and well written.

[@hariszark7396]

@edwardclay7551 Thank you for the information. I'll look it up.

[@edwardclay7551]

@hariszark7396 let me know what you think.

[@isaackellogg3493]

I haven’t read it, but I bet there’s a poorly-written, heavy-handed sex scene in it. For a man so obsessed with sex, he sure couldn’t write it well. 😂

[@hariszark7396]

You're not quite wrong. The s e x scene is at the parallel universe with three alien beings, that was not described in detail but let it in the "fog" because even those aliens had no idea what was happening. 😂 And yes, it's a boring book with bad writing and a nonsense conclusion. Just like most of his books. 😉

[@gibsononbooks]

@isaackellogg3493 Haha, luckily for you, you won’t find anything like that here! Asimov did tackle the concept of alien sexuality in The Gods Themselves, but it’s more about exploring how truly alien life forms might experience relationships and reproduction. No awkward, cringe-worthy romance scenes here! He was far more interested in the sci-fi “what ifs” of biology and society than in writing steamy scenes. If anything, his approach to it is so clinical, it feels like reading an alien anthropology report. 😂 So, you’re safe from any eye-roll moments!

[@hariszark7396]

@@gibsononbooks He surely explored the aliens sexuality in this book. Most of the aliens part of this book was about their sexual encounters and the outcome. It wasn't detailed s e x scenes but it was the main theme.

[@CYI3ERPUNK]

chatgpt text babble =[

[@gibsononbooks]

@CYI3ERPUNK Oh, the irony-calling it "babble" while dropping a comment that sounds like it was typed by a bored chatbot on autopilot. Next time, try adding a full sentence. Or hey, maybe an actual thought? We’d love to know what *you* think-if there’s anything in there to share! 😉

[@YTAliasJoeCool]

Bad quality, reg. Story and reason