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Canticle For Leibowitz Discussion

"I couldn't agree more with your comments on A Canticle for Leibowitz. This is another book that resides on my Most Overrated list. I just don't get it. It's terrible. I tried to read this book all the way through countless times over the last 20 years and have never been able to get past the first 100 pages." ­ R. Clark 1/22/98

"First: ACFL is an interesting, well-written book. Even though you were "disgusted" with it, you almost finished it. Secondly, there is a sympathetic core to the story that is still relevant to many today. Through all of the perturbations of popular culture since the 50's, there has remained and ignorance of and antipathy toward science that characterized the background culture of the book. This theme is still strong in much of our current culture (see the movies "ET" and "Contact", for example).

Try finishing the book. While it is true that, as with many "Great" books (e.g., "Stranger in a Strange Land" or anything else by Heinline) seem to loose steam as they plod toward their conclusion, it puts you in a better position to critique and (if you must) criticize." - Jerrold 10/18/97

I did finally go back and finish the book (before writing the review). And didn't feel quite as negative - though my opinion didn't change much. I do have some vivid, haunting memories like the desert experience in the beginning. Although I realize many people really like Canticle, for me it was just too negative and pessimistic. - Steve 10/18/97

"Because I liked it 20 years ago, and because I picked it for our book group's current selection, I am curious to puruse comments on the internet. I can post a synopsis of our group's discussion in a few weeks. We generally like books that stimulate good discussion, and that is sometimes unpredictable. I'm betting on this one..." - Ilene 3/98

Please email comments to stroy@jade-mtn.com.

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