Books

Lord Jim

Young Jim, who is not really a lord of any sort, grapples with his past. 

You can flip this book open to any page, read a few paragraphs, and know you’re reading good writing. But if you don’t keep your head in the game, the entire book will feel like that. 

The narrative structure is not ergonomic, and the majority of book kind of obliquely looks at its actual subject. So it’s not an easy read. 

But Conrad is a master at conjuring a mood, and if you put in the work that this book asks of you, you’ll find a meaningful coherence beneath its seemingly disjointed narrative. Worst case, it’s a bunch of compelling short stories. 

Don’t run to the library this moment, but if you get a chance to read it, don’t turn it down. Cautiously recommended.

Project Hail Mary 

Scientific and technological forces combine to achieve beneficial outcome.

Alright, I acknowledge it’s not the most descriptive oneliner of my career, but how often do you get to say it?

Plus, there’s a good chance that you will read it someday and my experience was enhanced by a total absence of spoilers. 

This is the most fun I’ve had reading sci fi since I was a teenager. Massive shoutout to @kyle for the recommendation, who also provided an excellent elevator pitch. It’s MacGyver in space. PHM is that and more.

I read it to my oldest boy, and it’s currently his favorite book.

Strongest possible recommendation. Send it straight to the top of your list.

clicking @clickerxyz (a @daylight ░░░░░░) | kylemccollom.com

Btw @kyle do you have any other recommendations for me?

Doesn’t have to be sci-fi, though it’s welcome

Do you. Have you. Read all these? 

Do you read a book a day? https://media.tenor.com/s763JawaXoYAAAAC/shortcircuit-knowledge

I enjoy it. Your posts. 

I haven’t read in forever. One of my bigger regrets. (My wife reads NON STOP!)

I have read all these. 

I don’t often read a book in a day. 

I read ~120 in 2024 and I’m working through that list, and reviewing my 2025 books in real time. 

I’m not a fast reader, but I spend a lot of time reading. 

I’m almost out of books to review, and I’m expecting to take a break from reviews soon.