Einstein's Dreams
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Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman is quite possibly one of the best books I have read in the past five years. I know, way to start off with a bold statement, Rooth. But if you don't believe me, you should really give this book a shot. Plus it's only 140 pages.
This short novel is a fictional piece made up of vignettes on the subject of time. Time standing still, time moving at different rates in different towns or for different people, and most importantly, what people would do with all these different imagined iterations of time. And surprisingly, the human element that Alan Lightman frames each vignette with turns each of them into a very personal and touching tale. I put myself into the story where alternate universes become truths and what decisions I would make. And the story where people live forever and are always weighted down by the pressure of the past and family. And Alan Lightman really writes it all so well. The complex topic is drilled down to its essence and made so easy to understand - it's effortless really. I'm rereading this book again this weekend and marking my favourite stories. If you've read this, which are yours?
okay... i'll take you word for it. i'll put it in my reading list :] i really like book reviews from people here on blogger. i feel like it helps me.
ReplyDeleteanyway, i'm having a giveaway here. i hope you join! have a lovely weekend :)
It sounds fascinating, I'm not a big fan of short stories - do you think I'd like it even though it's vignettes?
ReplyDeleteOoooo...the premise of the books sounds really good! Another one to add on the reading list:)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this when I read it, and I generally don't go for short stories. Thanks for the reminder; I should read it again (also something I rarely do.)
ReplyDeleteReally?? Now I have another read to add to my list ;)
ReplyDeleteseems like a good read.
ReplyDeleteHmm sounds fascinating - may have to give it a shot!
ReplyDeleteI need to pick this up! When I fly to the Philippines I have about 25 to 30 hours worth of reading time. I have been ripping through books like crazy and I am always looking for some new material. p.s. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteRaina
Thanks for the suggestion--especially since I typically do not gravitate toward short stories.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of books on time, have you read Time's Arrow by Martin Amis? I read it years ago, and loved it.
This post popped up in the "You May Also Like..." section under your most recent post about pickles, so obviously I had to come over and check it out. This was pre-our-blog-friendship! Everything you said about this book rings true for me. I loved it. xo
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