Book Review: Scatterbrain

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[4 stars]

Scatterbrain Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Larry Niven
Class/Genre: Science Fiction
Tor, Jul 2003, $24.95, 400 pp.

This collection is for the most loyal of Larry Niven fans though those science fiction readers who have tried him might enjoy a taste of the award-winning author. SCATTERBRAIN is all over the spectrum ranging from extracts from recent novels such as THE RINGWORLD THRONE to non-fiction philosophical ramblings on Mars and saving civilization and some cold cash as well as short stories and interviews with co-authors.

The anthology is zany and all over the place. Though each item is well written and catches the reader’s mind and especially that of Mr. Niven, the collection can prove difficult to find a pattern - duh SCATTERBRAIN. The book reminds this reviewer of Jahn’s (not sure of the spelling being a geriatric, perhaps Jan's?) ice cream parlor in the Bronx where they offered a dish called the "kitchen Sink". Eat one without puking and get a second one free. In other words readers will either full appreciate Mr. Niven’s assortment of "crazy ideas’ and seek previous wild but fun rides or puke out of the total lack of discipline. This reviewer fully enjoyed the trek to the center of the mind and heart of Larry Niven.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner