I. Asimov: A Memoir

by Isaac Asimov
I. Asimov: A Memoir cover
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  • ID: 6735
  • Added: 2025-11-28
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
barnesandnoble.com · Unknown · 2025-12-19
engaging 4.50

The reviewer found 'I, Asimov: A Memoir' to be an engaging and easy-to-read autobiography, appreciating its conversational style and the insights into Asimov's life and interactions with other science fiction authors. They particularly enjoyed the format, which allowed for quick, enjoyable reads, and the personal reflections on Asimov's health and legacy.

The reviewer has a deep admiration for Isaac Asimov and was eager to read his memoir after a previous attempt with the first volume. They found the third volume, 'I, Asimov: A Memoir', to be superior in format, with short, digestible sections that made it easy to read throughout the day. The conversational writing style made it feel personal, as if Asimov was speaking directly to the reader. The memoir provided valuable insights into Asimov's life, his interactions with other prominent science fiction authors, and his reflections on his own work. The reviewer was particularly moved by Asimov's discussions about his health and the emotional impact of his impending mortality. They highly recommend this book to any fan of Asimov or science fiction in general, praising its engaging content and the personal connection it fosters with the reader.

Quick quotes

    The format of this autobiography is far superior than that of Isaac Asimov’s first two volumes.

    If you are at all interested in Isaac Asimov, or science fiction in general, you must read this book.

    It is such a shame that such a great man was taken from the world way too early in a way that could have been prevented.

asimovreviews.net · Unknown · 2025-12-19
interesting 2.50

I. Asimov: A Memoir offers a glimpse into the life of the prolific author, covering his early years, career, and personal struggles. While the book is disjointed and focuses heavily on Asimov's achievements, it provides valuable insights into his character and the impact of his work.

I. Asimov: A Memoir is a collection of memories rather than a traditional autobiography, jumping between different periods of Asimov's life. The book starts with his early years, emigrating from Russia to the US, and ends with his final years in ill health. While the material can be tedious at times, focusing on his dealings with publishers and academics, there are moments of interest. Asimov is honest about his mistakes and his tendency to boast about his accomplishments, which some may find arrogant. The book highlights his impressive memory and his compulsion to write, often at the cost of his personal life and health. His first marriage was unhappy, but his second marriage to Janet brought him happiness. Janet's interruptions in the book add a poignant touch, especially her epilogue about Asimov's final days. For fans of Asimov, this memoir sheds light on his life and the prejudices of his time, making it a valuable read despite its lack of a coherent narrative.

Quick quotes

    Say what you like about Asimov (and in recent years allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct have come to light) he was often very honest about his mistakes including his propensity to continually tell people how great he was.

    It is debatable as to the truth of this but it is certainly to be admired his accomplishments over his lifetime.

    A difficult read without a coherent narrative and the ceaseless obsession over detail but for fans of Asimov doubtless “I. Asimov” will shed some light on this interesting literary character's life.

scifi-review.net · Unknown · 2017-06-04
admirable 4.50

I. Asimov: A Memoir offers a retrospective overview of Isaac Asimov's remarkable life, written with frankness and affection. The book is a collection of anecdotes and reflections, providing a deepened respect for the man and his work.

I. Asimov: A Memoir is a fitting retrospective of a singular life and career. The book is not written in chronological order but is organized around 166 topics, each explored in a few pages. This structure provides an interesting and involving overview of Asimov's life, seen near its end. The memoir is frank about Asimov's own faults and those of the people around him, but it is written without recrimination or rancor. The book is filled with affection for his family and friends, particularly his deep love for his second wife, Janet. There is a melancholic air about the book, written as it was when Asimov knew death was not far away. However, this melancholia is tempered with a deep sense of happiness and satisfaction with a life well-lived. The book left the reviewer with a deepened respect for Asimov, both as a wonderful writer and as an admirable human being.

Quick quotes

    The net effect is an interesting and involving overview of a remarkable life — not of the story of that life, but of the life itself, seen near its end.

    There is a melancholic air about the book, written as it was when Asimov knew death was not far away and unpublished until a year after he died.

    The book is marvelous and left me with a deepened respect for the man to whose writings I have devoted so much of my own life.

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