Bellwether: A Novel
Feb 2010 · Spectra
4,7star
22 reviewsreport
eBook
256
Pages
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About this eBook
Connie Willis has won more Hugo and Nebula awards than any other science fiction author. Now, with her trademark wit and inventiveness, she explores the intimate relationship between science, pop culture, and the arcane secrets of the heart.
Sandra Foster studies fads—from Barbie dolls to the grunge look—how they start and what they mean. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theorist studying monkey group behavior. They both work for the HiTek corporation, strangers until a misdelivered package brings them together. It's a moment of synchronicity—if not serendipity—which leads them into a chaotic system of their own, complete with a million-dollar research grant, caffé latte, tattoos, and a series of unlucky coincidences that leaves Bennett monkeyless, fundless, and nearly jobless. Sandra intercedes with a flock of sheep and an idea for a joint project. (After all, what better animal to study both chaos theory and the herd mentality that so often characterizes human behavior?) But scientific discovery is rarely straightforward and never simple, and Sandra and Bennett have to endure a series of setbacks, heartbreaks, dead ends, and disasters before they find their ultimate answer. . . .
Praise for Bellwether
“One of science fiction's best writers.”—The Denver Post
“Connie Willis deploys the apparatus of science fiction to illuminate character and relationships, and her writing is fresh, subtle, and deeply moving.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Keen social satire touched with genuine humanity . . . Connie Willis's fiction is one of the most intelligent delights of our genre.”—Locus
“A sheer pleasure to read . . . Sprightly, intelligent fun.”—Publishers Weekly
Sandra Foster studies fads—from Barbie dolls to the grunge look—how they start and what they mean. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theorist studying monkey group behavior. They both work for the HiTek corporation, strangers until a misdelivered package brings them together. It's a moment of synchronicity—if not serendipity—which leads them into a chaotic system of their own, complete with a million-dollar research grant, caffé latte, tattoos, and a series of unlucky coincidences that leaves Bennett monkeyless, fundless, and nearly jobless. Sandra intercedes with a flock of sheep and an idea for a joint project. (After all, what better animal to study both chaos theory and the herd mentality that so often characterizes human behavior?) But scientific discovery is rarely straightforward and never simple, and Sandra and Bennett have to endure a series of setbacks, heartbreaks, dead ends, and disasters before they find their ultimate answer. . . .
Praise for Bellwether
“One of science fiction's best writers.”—The Denver Post
“Connie Willis deploys the apparatus of science fiction to illuminate character and relationships, and her writing is fresh, subtle, and deeply moving.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Keen social satire touched with genuine humanity . . . Connie Willis's fiction is one of the most intelligent delights of our genre.”—Locus
“A sheer pleasure to read . . . Sprightly, intelligent fun.”—Publishers Weekly
Ratings and reviews
4,7
22 reviews
Emily
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16 January 2016
It's actually lighter than it sounds. Fun characters, fun ideas, likeable narration. Could have been a little shorter, or at least have less hand holding in the 3rd act. Love the real-world example chapter intros!!
Don Oberg-Hauser
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17 January 2015
I love how Ms Willis introduces chaos theory in the midst of everyday life. Company absurdity plays havoc with a research scientist's work and love life. Fun romance with a touch of science thrown in and lots of trivia (assuming it's true).
Promise Farnsworth
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04 May 2016
I will never forget po-mo pink - I will continue to see it for the rest of my life.
About the author
Connie Willis lives in Greeley, Colorado, with her family.
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