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I'm currently reading Plato at the Googleplex written by Rebecca Goldstein. The premise is that Plato is resurrected in the modern era and goes on a book tour, which finds himself engaged in philosophical discussion with various contemporary stereotypes, starting with a visit to the Googleplex (arguing with a 'practical-minded media escort' and a 'Googler') and moving on to such situations as being scanned by a neuroscience machine and arguing with a mother and Freudian about the best way to raise children. Thematically, the goal is to look at philosophy's importance in an increasingly scientific society. It's fantastically well-written.

So I got a book of short stories from the library called "The Gods of HP Lovecraft." The idea is 12 authors write stories about 12 Lovecraft gods.

The first story, which is all I've read, might be the worst short story I've ever read. It's essentially a long lecture on climate change and the power of femininity. Even if you like those themes, which I will admit don't particularly appeal to me, it's incredibly preachy and repetitive. On nearly every page is a reminder that the central character comes from a long line of powerful distinguished women and that climate change is bad. There is basically no plot, nothing happens, and the Lovecraft tie feels grafted on.

I can see on paper how the premise sounded interesting:


But the execution is a disaster.

COMMENTS

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SireWallFlower
10:06 Jun 23 2017

I absolutely love H. p. Lovecraft. I've read all of his books/short stories. So...I once came across a similar anthology to the one you've found. Only, I think it was called "the Creature in the Museum," or something like that. It's a collection of short stories based on/inspired by aspects of Lovecraft's writings. I bought it, excited to have some new Lovecraft-esque material and well, it wasn't very good at all. I was disappointed. I mean I get that authors would write in their own style and only use aspects of his work, but I don't know... I mean it's been such a very long time since I bought and read the book that I can't even remember it really lol, I just remember being disappointed.

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Dakotah
15:39 Jun 23 2017

Yes, I too was greatly disappointed in this book. I too love H.P. Lovecraft.

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Let this be a lesson to all idiot publishers: If, for some reason, you decide NOT to offer a Kindle version of a 30 year old book, because you're a jackass who can't be bothered to deal with the digital rights, even though I could GET the e-book in Europe, the UK, etc...

Well, it's your damn fault if I end up with a free copy via internet magic.

I'd have paid you money, but you've been dicking around for like five years on this. During which, oddly, there was a two month period where you COULD get the books). Seriously, just pay the estate or settle the rights issue or something, you jerks.