ORP: Mind Candy 001

I finished "The Chronoliths" by Robert Charles Wilson. This science fiction novel was a fairly quick read, but I liked how the writer developed the characters and how he incorporated near-future trends and some of the latest scientific theories which could have some impact on the idea of time travel. The novel takes place in the years from 2021AD to c.2040AD and has to do with the impact of a future warlord in China sending large monolith markers backward in time to commemorate battles that had not yet taken place. The writer cleverly deals with the sociological impact of such a series of events occurring. It was a good read; I recommend it for anyone needing an entertaining story to take your mind off our wretched current socio-political reality.

Another novel I am about 2/3rds through is entitled, "Radix" by AA Attanasio. I had read this novel years ago and still remembered major portions of it and how it had some influence on my thinking at the time. In rereading this novel, I have had the opportunity for that feeling of "the warm thrill of confusion and space cadet glow...". The novel is a lyrical tale of life on Earth 1200 years from now after the alignment with the center of the galaxy (I imagine the writer is thinking of the alignment on Dec. 21, 2012 where the Earth will line up with the center of the Milky Way galaxy.) causes a gravity wave to shut down the magnetic field of the Earth allowing increased levels of radiation and disruptive "climate change" to reshape geography and the nature of mankind. Beyond this concept, the writer also takes it to the spiritual level and waxes shamanistic. I can enjoy this story because I know its all a science fiction story; unfortunately there are many people in the New Age movement that actually believe all the mumbo jumbo. I haven't finished the story yet, but there is stuff going on like humanity's intelligence evolving to the point of a "godmind" consciousness emerging (It kind of reminds me of some aspects of Frank Herbert's novel, Dune.) and all sorts of psionic stuff going on. Well, it's well written mind candy.