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Today I have asked a special guest to come and review Libba Bray's newest book, Going Bovine. I wasn't sure who to ask at first. A gnome seemed obvious, except that the gnome in the book was really a norse god. A dwarf? An angel? But really, would an angel have time to do a book review? I'd feel a bit guilty about that. Finally, I settled on my friend Dave, the mad scientist. So without further ado, take it away, Dave!
Ahem, I prefer to go by my new name: Dr. Paradox. It sounds more intimidating than Dave don't you think? Anyway, I read this book and I have to say at first I was hesitant. I mean the cover sports a cow carrying a garden gnome, not very sciency at all. But I must admit from the moment Schrodinger's cat was brought up, I was hooked!
Ah, the elusive Dr. X (maybe that's better than Pardox, what do you think?) who has unleashed evil on our world. Well, what can I say? He's my hero. He even has that whole Dr. Freeze thing going with the lost love. But I digress.
From the science behind Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease to the mention of Chaos theory without ever naming it, this book has it all. Sure there's lots of philosophy there and a life-changing journey, blah, blah, blah. But, the SCIENCE. And now I have a new goal - travel to parallel universes and bring back dark matter with which to destroy the world!!! Mwahahahaha!
Um, Dave.
Dr. Paradox!
Okay, Dr. Paradox. If you destroy the world won't that destroy you too?
Details! I will drown in the details of small minds! Ugh. Just go read the book. Everyone out there - go read this book, or I will destroy the world! Mwahahaha!
Thank you Dr. Paradox for that enlightening review. My own opinion? It's one of the best books I've ever read. I don't say that lightly. I'm kind of strange though, so take it with a grain of salt. And it isn't just because I hero-worship Libba Bray. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see what Dr. Paradox is doing in my kitchen with my son's chemistry set...
This book intrigues me. I haven't read it yet, but whenever someone talks about it, it seems like they either absolutely loved it or absolutely hated it. The story sounds a bit out there, so I can see why people have such strong reactions. I can't wait to check it out!
ReplyDeleteHaving read it, I can absolutely see where that is true! I am a strange bird, but I'm noticing I'm not alone in that...
ReplyDeleteWow, one of the best books you've ever read. I would have picked it up based on just that but with D--um, Dr. Paradox, threatening to destroy the world if I don't, I'm off to buy it! ;)
ReplyDeleteHeather - well, at least I can blame him if you don't like it!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to get my hands on a copy ASAP!
ReplyDeleteWow, Ruth! Who knew I had such power? Maybe I ought to consider a career in Mad Science..
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Ink Spells! I love the name of your blog, BTW.
ReplyDeleteAnd that review is hilarious. I may have to read Bovine just to see what inspires such worship! :)
Susan, So glad you stopped by too! Especially since you are so kind. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI would say I admired this book greatly but had a hard time with it. It was not what I expected. It had been very highly recommended to me. I really think I need to read it again -- now that I know what to expect. I'm sure it'll show up on school/college reading lists. Actually, I think that would help, to have a teacher and other students to talk about it with (and help interpret)...
ReplyDeleteKathy, I get what you're saying. It certainly would be a nice juicy piece to interpret. :) There's so much in there. And no, it wasn't what I expected either, but by the end I laughed and I cried and I was completely won over.
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Paradox, You can't destroy the world, because I've already read Going Bovine, and so have a lot of other people ... more and more each day. Mwahahaha. So there.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED Going Bovine! One of my favorite books ever. I didn't expect it to rip my heart out, but I loved it anyway. I don't usually re-read, but this book has so much in it that it's just begging to be re-read.
Ah, I should have known you would feel the same!
ReplyDeleteI'm now unbelievably depressed. I have a Norse god in my WIP and now I'll look like I'm copying or something.
ReplyDeleteChristi, I somehow doubt you could ever seem like you're copying this book. Or anyone could for that matter. It is the most original and bizarre thing I know of and that's saying a lot. I would highly recommend reading it before you get depressed.
ReplyDeleteUnless your Norse God is a Gnome. In which case run for the hills!
If you like bizarre, try "Oblivion, More or Less." I can't even list the ways the book is seriously 'out there.'
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check it out
ReplyDeleteLove this review! And I completely agree that this is a fantastic book that will probably end up being taught. There is so much beneath the surface and Libba Bray executes it so compellingly with seeming ease. She's amazing.
ReplyDeleteLove Dr. Paradox!
Dr. Paradox thanks you and so do I. I'm sure if Ms. Bray were here, she would do so too. But alas, I have as yet, not caught her eye. :)
ReplyDelete