The Three Body Problem [spoilers] | Let's Not Call It A Review

WHERE TO FIND ME:

[moji]

It’s one of those series that you never forget.

Years later, you are sitting in the beach and then BAAM the whole dark forest idea hits you again. And you have to think about it for a couple of minutes.

[veedee]

Wang’s story is set in the 2000s which is many years after the cultural revolution. I don’t think his detachment is a result of the revolution. Liu has told in interviews that he uses characters merely as story telling devices and deliberately didn’t give them much character development so that’s why you didn’t see much of his wife and kids

[Montie-Adkins]

The 2nd book has one of the greatest concepts I've ever read in a book.

[BooksWithBenghisKahn]

I think you brought a lot of great insight with the historical context, and I completely agree that the plotting and themes in this one were just utterly engaging. He’s action of sending the signal was horrifying yet totally understandable in her context. I can’t wait to follow your journey through the rest of the trilogy!

[annaissodone]

when i finished the first book those last words "you're bugs" they stayed with me for days! i would sit and work and then remember those words and a moment of horror would sink into me. that book scarred me mentally for weeks.

[jennd]

I found your review more enjoyable than my attempts to read this book. Between the slow pacing, the struggle to figure out what what is going on and why I should care stacked on top of ADHD… just not for me. I’m glad you enjoyed it though, and it’s always fun to see your reactions!

[julialedra]

I also felt like the characters were very detatched but knowing the whole reason behind it and the historical aspect of everything, it just makes so much sense. It makes the whole book a lot more horrifying

[darKuchiki]

I agree with you so much about this book.
The lack of characterization didn't bother me at all as i was so engrossed in the plot from the beginning but also the setting/beginning of the book was fascinating as well.
Spoilers below:






My favorite parts of the book were the countdown imprinted in his eyes which was so tense and terrifying and also when the trisolarans unfolded the proton in 2 dimensions and you learn thats it's basically a micro-universe full of life absolutely blew my mind.
The only thing i didn't enjoy so much was the VR sections i found them quite boring most of the time but overall it was a fantastic book and it might actually be my favorite of the trilogy.

[SusantheNerdy]

Thank you for this. I've tried to read this a few times and haven't been able to get into it because I don't have enough cultural background yet to really get it. And it can actually be hard to find discussions with spoilers - I prefer spoilers, because it allows me to focus more on the story and enjoy it when I'm not trying to absorb everything all at once, especially when it has an unfamiliar cultural milieu. I know the vague outline of the plot, but even that doesn't quite grok by itself. This has actually really made me want to try again

[Maya_Ruinz]

Still reading the first book and already it’s completely blown my mind. I have read and watched tons and tons of science fiction books and movies over the years and haven’t come across anything quite like this.

Definitely agree on the characters so far, it feels more like a documentary that you watch through the eyes of the characters.

[kirmie]

I've been waiting so long to see more people pick up this book!!!!

[pobbityboppity]

“Sprinting” is a good description of book two. Maybe strapping yourself into a rocketship and blasting straight into the cosmos. Book 3 maintains that, maybe even more, it’s nuts

[javiermeneses]

I love books that make you feel real physical emotions, even if the story is completely fictional. And right now, minutes after finishing it, I'm filled with existential dread, anxiety and a sense of urgency to do "something".
I love your focus on how the galactic plot mimics the revolution. I hate Ye with all my heart, but she is the product of circumstances created by humanity's "chaotic eras".
One last thing, isn't Da Shi's philosophy for life just incredibly reassuring? In the most dire times in our life let's all be a little more like Da Shi. I love that guy.

[cjsdizzy]

So awesome that youre reading this series. I think its got some of the best ideas and concepts of any series ive ever experienced

[chuckmaddox]

We have to remember that this book is written in China and they have to approve anything that is written - especially if it's released in other countries. This could explain the lack of character reflection

[e.matthews]

So glad you liked 3 Body!! That's a hard sci-fi win.
Notably, the writing is quite different in the second book, at least in part owing to a new translator. Many people love the second book even more than the first, I hope you do too! I'm unfortunately not in that camp, but appreciate the ideas being presented. Looking forward to your thoughts on Dark Forest.

[clayoldman]

Hi Merphy! I have watched your one piece reviews for a year now, really enjoy your videos. Never expected you would read the most famous sci-fi in our country. If you have trouble on understanding this book, there is a TV series adapted on book one and it's available on YouTube(with official English sub and it's less focus on politics). Can't wait for your review on other 2 books. Personally I think book2 is the best and I think it would be more easier to discuss.

[michaelyeager]

Thank you for covering this I've heard a lot about this series recently and I'm interested in checking it out all though I fear it may be a bit over my head with some of the concepts covered HA. Quinn's Ideas YouTube channel does a fantastic job breaking down this series for those who were curious that's where I first came across this series.

[thefantasynuttwork]

That lawn was cut so well, push or riding mower? Great video! 😎

[TucoBenedicto]

Hot take, maybe, but on a personal note I always thought that the "shallow characters" criticism was misguided at best and maybe even a fundamental misunderstanding of what good hard science fiction is even supposed to be.
It's also not a coincidence that Isaac Asimov was very often targeted with the same criticism, I think.

This is a genre that almost BY DESIGN focuses first and foremost on "big ideas" and how they effect society on a broad scale. The focus isn't and (as far as I'm concerned) SHOULD NOT BE on the internalized experience of few key characters, if not in the measure that is strictly relevant to plot progression and thematic consistency.