Anyone out there who is around my age (late 20’s) ever read a book called Lake Fear by Ian McMahan? I read that when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, and I loved it.
It was about a boy who stumbled across an artificial intelligence in a computer system named ALEC, and befriended it. They solved mysteries together. It sounds dorky now, but for a 9 year old who is into computers, its the coolest thing ever. It helped spark my imagination into what was possible with computers, deepened my interest into them even more, and inspired parts of my Lego universe.
I picked up the book at a local library a few days ago. I sat down to read it tonight and finished it in a flash. It took me a week when I was in school! I have to say, it’s been one of the most fond trips down memory lane I’ve had in a while.
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Personally, I think you should give “Miss Pickerell Tackles the Energy Crisis” a try.
Interesting book. Just like that movie D.A.R.Y.L.
D.A.R.Y.L – I forgot about that one! I’ll have to look it up. Now you got me all side tracked…
I’m delighted that you enjoyed Lake Fear (both as a kid and now). I had trouble back then imagining how anyone could possibly communicate with an intelligence inside a mainframe by using a pocket “alphanumeric calculator” but now the idea seems almost tame! I’m also pleased that the central mystery in the book, toxic pollution of a lake, is still so relevant. Imagine if the theme had been, “Who’s been messing with my Edsel?” BTW there was a sequel, The Lost Forest, that you’d probably like if you can track it down.
The author of the book speaks! This, officially, has to be the coolest comment ever. Keep writing!
*identity confirmed!*
I -will- have to look up the sequel. Thanks for commenting!
I recommend two books, “Confederacy of Dunces” and “Walk in the Woods”. They won’t disappoint, that’s all I’m gonna say.
The first one I have not read, I shall have to look into it. As for Walk In The Woods, if that’s the Bill Bryson book, I have it around here but haven’t gotten around to reading it. My SO has read it, though…
and as an aside, how cool is it that Ian McMahan posted here personally? =)