All Reviews by waynegoode
Space Prison
by Tom Godwin
This is technically a Sci-fI novel, but to me it lacks most of the elements that make sci-fi. This is a sci-fi novel in the same way that Superman is about the newspaper business. The sci-fi is just there to make possible the main theme: survival in a harsh environment.
If you like survival novels, you might like this. Otherwise, I think you will find it a disappointment.
Also the writing is poor. The plot is typical bad pulp fiction. It is weak, contrived and far-fetched (not in a good sci-fi way, either). Details of the plot are just unreasonable. I have read worse, but not often.
The characters are one dimensional and contrived. People don't act that way. A lot of the science is wrong also.
Overall, if you like badly-written survival fiction, this is what you are looking for.
The Wailing Asteroid
by Murray Leinster
A generally interesting book about radio contact with aliens. It includes an interplanetary trip based on information from the aliens.
Much of the science is wrong, but that is understandable in a book this old. In particular the part about spacecraft trajectories shows a lack of knowledge of orbital mechanics. But most people wouldn't notice.
Overall, a good light-hearted space adventure.
The Nothing Equation
by Tom Godwin
An interesting short story that explores how working alone in space for extended periods can effect the mind. It is a mystery, not the who-dun-it type, but the what-caused-this-to-happen type.
Postmark Ganymede
by Robert Silverberg
This is a typical sci-fi short story form 1957. Its plot and characters a bit simplistic. The main problem is that the story's concept of delivering the mail in space is ridiculous. Since this is basis of the plot, it ruins the story for me. It probably was more interesting in 1957.
The Adventures of Sally
by Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
I have read a lot of Wodehouse books and this one is typical. It is good, but not one of his best. It is not in any of his series and, as best I remember, its characters did not overlap with any of his other books.
Great for Wodehouse fans. For non-Wodehouse fans, I would suggest starting with another book: Something Fresh & A Damsel in Distress are two good ones.
A Damsel in Distress
by Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
This is hilarious. It is my favorite non-Jeeves & Wooster novel by Wodehouse. The setting is a bit dated since this was written almost 100 years ago, but that does not detract form the story.
I think the part, early in the book, where he sees “the girl in the brown dress” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever read.
This book was changed greatly and made into a film will Burns & Allen. I think the book is better.
Something New
by Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
This is an excellent early novel by Wodehouse, very funny. The plot & characters are fun & interesting. It also gives a good idea of the servants, etiquette, etc. in a "country house" at the time. I found it interesting & even humorous how much the servants cared about rank amongst themselves.
This is a good introduction to Wodehouse.