Reviews

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

I finished Foundation by Isaac Asimov. I was gifted this book from my husband during a book exchange a group of us did this summer. I used it to check off my “First book in a series you haven’t read before” category for my reading challenge, and I wasn’t dissatisfied with it. This book takes place in a future where there are many galaxies ruled under one empire. At the beginning of the novel, a psychohistorian (Hari Seldon) mathematically predicts the downfall of the empire and also calculates a way to save the universe from the backlash of thousands of years in dark times after the fall. The rest of the book covers generations of leaders trying to maneuver through what are dubbed Seldon crises; which, if navigated correctly, will bring the rise of the new empire sooner.

The writing in the novel was smooth and captivating as Asimov does a wonderful job weaving a story of political and religious manipulation. I was enthralled with the solutions each figurehead came up with to solve major catastrophes. Maybe what it taught me is that I don’t have the brain to be a world leader/politician. I was a little sad that the end of the book didn’t get me through the thousand years of barbaric times, but I was also set up to expect it since I knew this was only the first book in a series. In the future I will make sure to finish the collection.

The book is a great read for people who enjoy political thrillers and solving puzzles. I also got a little bit of a 5th Element vibe from the beginning of the novel.

Malia's Pizza Rating

A pepperoni from the Galaxy Grill (for all you SpaceBalls fans)