tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post6841026119045758529..comments2024-03-24T13:45:25.132-05:00Comments on Bookfoolery : The Unit by Ninni HolmqvistBookfoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-84622153815816623502009-07-07T13:05:22.543-05:002009-07-07T13:05:22.543-05:00I'll be reading this one soon. It does sound ...I'll be reading this one soon. It does sound a bit depressing and thought-provoking. I'm glad to hear the author's writing is good. Thanks for the review!<br /><br />--Anna<br /><a href="http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Diary of an Eccentric</a>Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08046635675540466183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-79180664110771440642009-06-27T19:45:50.473-05:002009-06-27T19:45:50.473-05:00Kim,
Me, too. I love to toss a dystopian novel i...Kim,<br /><br />Me, too. I love to toss a dystopian novel into the mix, now and then. I've heard The Road is really depressing. Seems like one to wait on reading for a few months, although I do want to read it at some point.Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-32312131393871952452009-06-26T22:00:41.398-05:002009-06-26T22:00:41.398-05:00Your review really intrigues me. I love me a good...Your review really intrigues me. I love me a good dystopian book every now and again, although I read The Road recently and it was enough for quite a while :-) But your review definitely got me interested in revisiting that genre.Kim Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15024112944002002232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-87366840911553599682009-06-25T12:19:59.255-05:002009-06-25T12:19:59.255-05:00Iliana,
I could definitely go for a trip to Alask...Iliana,<br /><br />I could definitely go for a trip to Alaska, right now. The heat is miserable, isn't it? I think people have finally given up on hiding from it and are out running their errands, now -- the line in the P.O. went all the way to the door, yesterday -- but there's no sign it's going to end, any time soon.<br /><br />Not everyone seems to find The Unit as depressing as I did. I read a few reviews, yesterday. Some were really glowing. I hope you enjoy it. :)<br /><br />3M,<br /><br />Same here. Under 80 is good. Over 80 and I start to get grumpy. I'm grumpy a major portion of the year. I need to move north.Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-7275755792795599162009-06-25T00:06:46.775-05:002009-06-25T00:06:46.775-05:00It's been hot here as well 90+ for about a wee...It's been hot here as well 90+ for about a week. I'm a 80 and under type of gal!3m.michellehttp://1morechapter.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-19956596832094055222009-06-24T21:52:42.612-05:002009-06-24T21:52:42.612-05:00Oh good idea, let's escape to Alaska! We'v...Oh good idea, let's escape to Alaska! We've been in the 100s and it's just so draining. <br /><br />Anyway, the book sounds really good to me. I have it but just haven't gotten to it. I figure I'd probably find it depressing too but I'm so curious about it. Thank you for such a great review.Ilianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07026669671843769219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-43523666542081245652009-06-24T13:05:40.766-05:002009-06-24T13:05:40.766-05:00SuziQ,
Yep, me too. Gettin' old. Amy mentio...SuziQ,<br /><br />Yep, me too. Gettin' old. Amy mentioned this in a comment above, but it was not so much the idea of calling a person "dispensable" at a specific age so much as the thought that those who entered The Unit did so without a fight that bothered me, although the whole idea is absolutely hideous and . . . yeah, the book's pretty depressing. It's just so, so sad.Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-12882278586312185602009-06-24T12:59:53.441-05:002009-06-24T12:59:53.441-05:00Krista,
I think you're probably right -- espe...Krista,<br /><br />I think you're probably right -- especially at this point, it's probably not the best book for you. I don't want to say why, though, because that would be a spoiler. <br /><br />Amy,<br /><br />Oh, yes, let's discuss. Do you have my email? I don't even know if you're still in AN2R -- you haven't said anything since before baby arrived. That was one of my points -- why did people simply give in and go to The Unit in the first place? It made no sense to me that there was no talk of ways to attempt to avoid even entering. I kind of mentally related it to Nazi Germany; there ought to have been some people who ran and others who hid them. I thought that much clashed with reason.<br /><br />Gakkuri,<br /><br />I'll have to look up Winterflight. Thanks for mentioning it. The right to die isn't addressed, really (although people have the option to rush their "final donation" if desired) but that's a hot-button topic for me. My mother and I used to argue about whether or not it was a sin to die peacefully at a time of your own choosing, if you're terminally ill. I don't understand why we call it "humane" putting an ill cat or dog to sleep but people don't have that option in the U.S. (except in Oregon). My mother believed it's God's decision when human life should end. <br /><br />She wasn't so convinced her way was the right way, though, during that last couple of weeks of her life when she was in agony.Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-10283675978276570062009-06-24T12:48:03.839-05:002009-06-24T12:48:03.839-05:00Care,
Forgot to say . . . still willing to switch...Care,<br /><br />Forgot to say . . . still willing to switch weather with you. :) We're only 92 degrees and overcast, at the moment, but the heat index is 108. Yeeurgh. <br /><br />Joy,<br /><br />I do that, too. I'm always concerned that someone will post a spoiler, so if I'm going to read a book right away (I'm forgetful enough that I go ahead and read reviews if I'm just considering) I won't read any reviews, just in case. Now that I've written my review, I need to go see what others have said.<br /><br />Flipping toward the end is a taboo to some people, but I sometimes consider it a necessity. I'd rather be forewarned about what's going to happen, if it's bad, than read all the way through a book and get a nasty surprise. <br /><br />Tara,<br /><br />Good! It's not my intent to put anyone off; The Unit is a good book. It just left me with some questions. I really do think it would be an excellent discussion book <i>because</i> of those questions. <br /><br />Thank you! :)Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-16616603024407475632009-06-24T12:39:35.624-05:002009-06-24T12:39:35.624-05:00A Library Girl,
I think The Unit would make an ex...A Library Girl,<br /><br />I think The Unit would make an excellent discussion book -- probably better than just reading it on your own because there is definitely plenty to talk about. Not surprising that you had trouble finding books to discuss. There just isn't enough good sci-fi available, in my humble opinion. It's an under-rated, under-published genre.<br /><br />I have no idea as to the cultural issue comment, although I do think single, childless women often feel undervalued, even in the U.S.<br /><br />That sounds a little strange -- a book group where everyone reads a different book. What would people discuss? <br /><br />Softdrink,<br /><br />I haven't read The Handmaid's Tale, yet, but from what I've read <i>about</i> it, I'd guess there are some similarities. Sorry I can't say for sure, since I haven't read it. There are men in The Unit, they're just older, so it's not entirely about discrimination against women who don't have children or other dependents, although that's a part of it. It's also about the value of human life in general.<br /><br />Care,<br /><br />LOL! I'm just sitting here imagining you with your book group, insisting on reading . . . whatever. I'll bet you're not that bad. You're just enthusiastic about books you want to read. :)Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-11089377940330222842009-06-24T11:06:11.071-05:002009-06-24T11:06:11.071-05:00This one looks intriguing, but potentially depress...This one looks intriguing, but potentially depressing to me. I'm in that 'closing in on 50 group.SuziQoregonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-91687111017086320192009-06-24T10:00:54.072-05:002009-06-24T10:00:54.072-05:00This immediately reminded me of a book I read ten ...This immediately reminded me of a book I read ten years ago, by a Christian author, called Winterflight. The entire right to life versus right to die debate is poignantly captured within the book's pages, and while it was written in 1981, and set in a not-"too"-distant future, it is still timely today... and much too close to today's ideology for comfort. It is sad and depressing, but well worth the read.Jessica Atanasovahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11341987977755868931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-51296182768422856242009-06-24T09:45:00.579-05:002009-06-24T09:45:00.579-05:00I'd love to discuss this with you because I ha...I'd love to discuss this with you because I had real questions about the ending as well. I think the most shocking thing about the book is the complacency everyone seems to have about being taken to the Unit. Why do they simply accept their fate?<br /><br />-Amy<br />(Life by Candlelight)Amy M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10851557242036545042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-83559367333556694802009-06-24T09:36:39.906-05:002009-06-24T09:36:39.906-05:00I think I'll pass on this one. Just doesn'...I think I'll pass on this one. Just doesn't sound like my kind of book but glad I read your review. My stack of books are calling to me. Hopefully today will be a day to read. lolLover of Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07983601043223228372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-37312401901249444882009-06-24T09:13:06.081-05:002009-06-24T09:13:06.081-05:00Your is the first review I've read about this ...Your is the first review I've read about this book that isn't completely glowing - and I think that's a good thing. You bring up a couple of really good points, but I have to say, I'm still interested in reading this. Great review!Tarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07208766776468157501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-59787031390627822662009-06-24T07:53:06.959-05:002009-06-24T07:53:06.959-05:00The dystopian genre has really enticed me, so I on...The dystopian genre has really enticed me, so I only breezed over your review because I hope to read this one. I don't have it, so the chances of that being soon are slim, but nonetheless, I don't want to know too much.<br /><br />I have to say I gasped at your "flipping toward the end," but I'm glad that it helped you to finish. :)Thoughts of Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05572910467988997432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-91908327388591005492009-06-24T06:31:58.620-05:002009-06-24T06:31:58.620-05:00I am going to try NOT to sug this for book club to...I am going to try NOT to sug this for book club today since I'm not the person allowed to suggest - if you know what I mean. I think I'm likely to be that bossy person at meetings... But this sounds like a good book to discuss.<br />I'll let you complain about the heat and I'd even ask to please send us some! This NE rain,rain,rain,&gloom is getting to be too much.Carehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06478474870247729611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-48419642870638656762009-06-23T23:27:05.509-05:002009-06-23T23:27:05.509-05:00The reviews I've seen of The Unit all make me ...The reviews I've seen of The Unit all make me think of The Handmaid's Tale (just in general). Did you get that feeling from the book at all, or am I way off base?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-85884838317311475542009-06-23T23:11:30.930-05:002009-06-23T23:11:30.930-05:00Sounds like this would have been a wonderful book ...Sounds like this would have been a wonderful book to read with my sci-fi/fantasy book group (we had so many problems coming up with sci-fi books that this would have counted as one), back when I was part of one. It's probably too depressing for me to read just for myself, but it was books like this that made the best discussion fodder in the group.<br /><br />Some of the issues you had with this book might possibly be due to cultural differences. I'm not sure how one's individual value is viewed in Sweden, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were a country somewhere where individual value is determined primarily by what the individual accomplishes for others. In Holmqvist's world, it sounds like "primarily" has just become "totally," so that people like Dorrit are only "needed" because their parts can help others.<br /><br />Yes, I definitely have the feeling that this would have been one of those books that a few members in the discussion group would have loved and that the rest would have hated. The discussion would have been so much fun. :) I really need to figure out how to set up a functional book discussion group in which each member of the group is reading a different book - it's the only way it'd work with the libraries around here, and I've heard it can be done, but I'm sure it won't be easy.A Library Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06144279685884011943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-44265304121194051712009-06-23T21:32:01.427-05:002009-06-23T21:32:01.427-05:00Connie,
I think that's a very good idea. Sav...Connie,<br /><br />I think that's a very good idea. Save it for when you're feeling cheerful and maybe keep the anti-depressants handy. <br /><br />And, thanks. That sounds like a huge compliment. So, I won't tell you about my nightmare because it was really, really creepy and I've already freaked you out. LOLBookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-47422334860832857032009-06-23T21:13:29.242-05:002009-06-23T21:13:29.242-05:00CJ,
I know; it's really a statement about the...CJ,<br /><br />I know; it's really a statement about the value of human life. You're obviously needed to keep society in order. <br /><br />I think there are ways Logan's Run could be improved upon, but I so agree with you. The modern interpretation of futuristic societies is one thing I really dislike in remakes. I like the old minimalist approach with all the clean lines. One of the few things that really bugged me about the new Star Trek movie was the settings -- pipes everywhere, clutter, clutter. I loved the thought that in the future we'll have less. It's a nice thought and more visually pleasing. <br /><br />I especially think that because I live in clutter, I suppose.Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-50827300446266989462009-06-23T21:10:28.225-05:002009-06-23T21:10:28.225-05:00Wow, I really enjoyed the review for this and want...Wow, I really enjoyed the review for this and want to read it, but I think I'll save it for a particularly sunshiney day. I've the shivers just from you writing about it. <br /><br />-ConnieCathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16475183245822795384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-23798889767494523862009-06-23T20:41:29.722-05:002009-06-23T20:41:29.722-05:00You've just described me... except I could mak...You've just described me... except I could make the argument that my job is necessary, couldn't I?<br /><br />Logan's Run was a great movie and given what they do with remakes these days, I'm not hopeful. They completely ruined The Day The Earth Stood Still.<br /><br />cjhCJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07798965643027904154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-21069412032921808142009-06-23T20:01:22.182-05:002009-06-23T20:01:22.182-05:00Kathy,
You know, I didn't even think about ho...Kathy,<br /><br />You know, I didn't even think about how close I am to 50 while I was reading the book, although I did feel a little too firmly planted in Dorrit's shoes for comfort. I think I was kind of peeved at her for letting herself end up in the unit in the first place. LOL<br /><br />Alyce,<br /><br />I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading the book. I survived it and I'm a sensitive chick. I think it's really a fascinating, thought-provoking read. It's not my favorite dystopian novel, but it's a good one.<br /><br />I love Logan's Run, too. In fact, after I wrote this post I thought, "I want to watch Logan's Run!" I own a copy. But, since we have no den at the moment and there's extra furniture blocking the thingy that houses most of our DVDs (actually, it's a dresser -- we have drawers full of DVDs), it's not where I can get to it. Since I couldn't get to it, I watched Star Trek IV, instead. I love that movie and it actually has a very relevant line. Spock's mother asks him if the good of the many outweighs the good of the one. I thought, "Oh, wow, that's exactly what that society had decided in The Unit." Individuals were worth sparing for the many lives they'd save.<br /><br />Wild, eh?Bookfoolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08247136634069540446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29370872.post-85790844574396713742009-06-23T18:50:58.000-05:002009-06-23T18:50:58.000-05:00I've been looking forward to reading this book...I've been looking forward to reading this book because I really like dystopian fiction. I'm still going to give it a try. <br /><br />I love Logan's Run BTW. My parents let me watch a lot of strange films as a young child, and that's one of them. (Maybe watching all of those strange films caused my love of dystopian fiction.) I'll be curious to see if the remake is any good.Alycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10919057159829023714noreply@blogger.com