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From: perelgut@utai.UUCP (Stephen Perelgut)
Newsgroups: ont.sf-lovers
Subject: Re: The Postman - David Brin
Message-ID: <1023@utai.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 9-Dec-85 10:16:29 EST
Article-I.D.: utai.1023
Posted: Mon Dec  9 10:16:29 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 10-Dec-85 17:50:50 EST
References: <7521@watdaisy.UUCP>
Distribution: ont
Organization: CSRI, University of Toronto
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My $0.02 worth

"Postman" is an excellent book, and I have no regrets about paying the
hardcover price for it.  I would certainly consider Brin's next book in
hardcover based on his excellent track record.  (Personally I'd vote for
Sheri Tepper over David Brin for best new writer, but it's a close call).

That aside, Postman has a couple of flaws that seem to be required for a
"bestseller".  The first flaw is a plethora of characters that don't add much
to the plot.  The second, and much worse, is the stupid mutant-stronger-than-
true-human sub-plot.  Yucko!  

If Brin had stuck to the theme of Hope and Restoration without the (seemingly
obligatory) car-chase-type scene, I'd have rated the book a +3 or +4 on my
-4 to +4 rating scheme.  As it is, I'd give it only +2.  Borrow it in hardcover
if you have an opportunity, or keep asking your local bookstore when the 
paperback is due.
-- 
Stephen Perelgut    Computer Systems Research Institute, University of Toronto