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I, Asimov
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov
6 posts | 3 read | 3 to read
Arguably the greatest science fiction writer who ever lived, Isaac Asimov also possessed one of the most brilliant and original minds of our time. His accessible style and far-reaching interests in subjects ranging from science to humor to history earned him the nickname "the Great Explainer." I. Asimov is his personal story--vivid, open, and honest--as only Asimov himself could tell it. Here is the story of the paradoxical genius who wrote of travel to the stars yet refused to fly in airplanes; who imagined alien universes and vast galactic civilizations while staying home to write; who compulsively authored more than 470 books yet still found the time to share his ideas with some of the great minds of our century. Here are his wide-ranging thoughts and sharp-eyed observations on everything from religion to politics, love and divorce, friendship and Hollywood, fame and mortality. Here, too, is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the varied personalities--Campbell, Ellison, Heinlein, Clarke, del Rey, Silverberg, and others--who along with Asimov helped shape science fiction. As unique and irrepressible as the man himself, I. Asimov is the candid memoir of an incomparable talent who entertained readers for nearly half a century and whose work will surely endure into the future he so vividly envisioned. From the Paperback edition.
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Hamlet
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov
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Mehso-so

I read a book or set it aside, but this book induced me to skim for long sections. I enjoyed the story of his early life, & even his self-praise and boundless confidence seemed honest rather than just egotistical… for a while. I most enjoyed his portrayal of the 1930s sci-fi scene where pulp mags ruled before novels had much chance of success. I welcomed his short descriptions of other writers and editors, too. He wrote the book in (see comments)

Hamlet 1)…. short 1-3 page chapters for the most part, chatty and informal; it‘s easy to tell that he just wrote as things came to him, relying on his structured mind rather than an outwardly structured, tight plan for the book. I had to skim many chapters on his own life that were boringly self-serving or that added little to my understanding of him as a man or writer. Still, I found enough commentary on his work, the publishing business, & other …. 3y
Hamlet 2)… writers to make the book worthwhile, even with all the fast skimming I had to endure. Asimov wrote hundreds & hundreds of books, hitting every category in the Dewey Decimal system except Philosophy. It‘s no wonder his editors gave him so much freedom after a lifetime of successes, too much freedom in this, one of his last books. I generated a list of sci-fi authors I now want to explore, and that alone makes me grateful for this book. 3y
12 likes2 comments
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RamsFan1963
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov
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LeticiaToraci
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov
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Pickpick

One of my favorite Asimov books, Brazilian edition. I could not find the book listed here, the English title is Fantastic Voyage II Destination Brain.

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Bookwomble
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov
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Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'

Leftcoastzen Can‘t thumbs up that enough. 7y
Bookwomble @Leftcoastzen 👍🏻✖♾😊 7y
9 likes2 comments
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Ashes
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov
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Library Book Sale #bookhaul. I have no self-control.

jessberk13 That's a great haul!!! None of us have any self control when it comes to library book sales, you're fine. Lol! 7y
7 likes1 comment
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GoneFishing
I, Asimov: A Memoir | Isaac Asimov

My real education...I got out of the public library. For an impoverished child whose family could not afford to buy books, the library was the open door to wonder and achievement, and I can never be sufficiently grateful that I had the wit to charge through that door...Now, when I read about the way library funds are being cut and cut, I can only think that the door is closing and that American society has found one more way to destroy itself.

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