5. Foundation

5. Foundation by Isaac Asimov (4/20/2011-4/25/2011)

This book, the first in the Foundation trilogy, is often cited as the cornerstone for the rest of science-fiction literature.  While I've read very little Asimov in the past (though I plan to read more now), I have to say that I immediately saw connections to the other science-fiction I've read or watched.  I was even granted insight into one of my favorite sci-fi series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  The correlation between the Encyclopedists and those, like Ford Prefect, who work at the Guide is striking and extremely enjoyable.  I would recommend that series to anyone out there.

Foundation was an unusual read for me.  I had no idea what to expect since I've never read an Asimov novel, and it turned out to be quite unlike anything I've encountered before.  The prose is a little stand-off-ish; I don't feel a strong connection with many of the main characters even though I do still like them and enjoyed reading about them.  This is a big change from Asimov's non-fiction essays, which are engaging and even hilarious at times. It was like reading two different authors, except that he deals almost exclusively with technology at all times in any work. 

The book itself is set up in an unconventional way -- every few chapters, the story suddenly jumps forward any number of years without a lot of contextual clues to help the reader figure out what just happened.  In some cases, the major actions of the plot actually take place off-page; there are a number of crises that occur, but the most important things - -such as the outcome of said crises -- are often left unresolved for the reader until the next chapter (which could be any number of years in the future).  So: overall, Foundation is a very interesting book and I'm definitely left wanting to know what happens next. But reading it is a bit of a challenge. If someone had suggested that I make sure to be able to focus on just the text, I would likely have had an easier time with it.