A couple of months ago, I finally subscribed to Audible. I favred a lot on the decision. I really enjoy listening to books on my drive to work, but I was concerned if I would stick with it or not. I finally took the plunge and I'm greatly enjoying it.
So far, I've listened to:
Frankenstein (one of my all time favorite books)
Old Man's War
Ringworld
I just finished Ringworld this morning, I have to say I was left unimpressed. Ringworld was a book that I always saw on my dad's bookshelf, but never managed to pick up. I've often heard it referenced as "classic science fiction." In my opinion, any science fiction is a combination of technology/technological concepts, solid characters and a great story. Ringworld, strikes me as a story that was written as backfill for a cool technological concept: The Ringworld.
The story is weak and the characters are shallow and predictable. I'm also fairly certain that, at least at time of writing the novel, Larry Niven had not talked to many females nor had he engaged in any sexual congress with them. Women are portrayed with the depth you might gain from paging through a Sear's catalog.
I think the novel would have been enjoyable as a piece that had no real characters, but rather was just a vivid description of the rise and fall of Ringworld and it's creators.
