Chris’s
Comments
(group member since Feb 25, 2011)
Chris’s
comments
from the Beyond Reality group.
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Well, I didn't really know what to expect with this one. I found it kind of slow to start, but I definitely was hooked by the end. The world-building seemed very internally consistent; the shape-shifting natures of the various peoples were well reflected in their unshifted aspects. The wolves organized themselves in hunting packs with alpha leaders, the bears were loners, the horses were nomadic traders. I was drawn into the story of our main protagonist, Maniye Many Tracks. Torn between the Wolf and the Tiger clans, yet fully accepted by neither, she is forced to find her own allies and make her own way. She is small and fierce and uncompromising. I look forward to reading her further adventures.
Best title of a book? The book doesn't have to be a favorite or even something you've read, but the title really grabbed your attention!
This is next up for me, after Cage of Souls (which I am still reading ....)
Post here if you are reading or planning on reading The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin to continue our Earthsea Cycle series read! No spoilers please.
The problems with a powerful new technology -- or, since we're speculative fiction fans, a powerful new magic -- are two-fold. Once the technology (or magic) is discovered, it's not possible to un-discover it and go back to the way things were. Laws to outlaw the technology only work on the law-abiding. And the seductive lure to "do good" with the new technology creates conflict when everyone's idea of "good" isn't the same. Clearly, gene editing could be a force for good, such as when it is used to eliminate hereditary diseases. But the slope gets really slippery after that. Editing for appearance? For strength, or other useful attributes? For behavior (not sure this would ever actually be possible, but that's where the book takes us)? Creation of new life forms? Changes with/without the consent of the individual? A murky, ethical minefield indeed.
What author (current or past) would you like to have dinner with and why?
I definitely enjoyed this fast-paced techno-thriller in a not-too-distant future where the effects of climate change are irrefutable and gene editing is possible. Of course, just because something is possible doesn't mean that it should necessarily be done, and that's where the conflict arises here. Everyone feels that they are working for the best outcome for humanity --- but are they? Who is empowered to decide what is best for the survival of the human race? Even our narrator may, in the end, be willing to compromise his principles. Lots of good questions to explore here!
I just finished On Juneteenth. This is a nonfiction collection of essays by a black woman who grew up in a small town about ten miles north of where I live in Texas. I thought it was wonderfully written, recounting the history of slavery and segregation in Texas from a much more individualized and inclusive viewpoint than what we think of as "mainstream" Texas history.
Please share what you're reading this month (October 2022), and any comments you'd like to make about the book(s).All genres welcome here!
Final polls are open for our December BOTM!Science Fiction Final Poll December 2022
Fantasy Final Poll December 2022
Final polls are open through Friday September 30. Please vote!
My copy finally arrived, and I've started. Impressive worldbuilding, but grim. Very grim.
This is such a well written story, and it's held up very well across the years. I remember first reading this many, many years ago, and I remember much of the plot today. The world of Earthsea is incredibly well realized. The map is invaluable, and each island has its own climate and character. That the major characters are black and brown people is amazing for its time, when all fantasy seemed to be lily white.
Ged's failing is his pride, it seems .. or perhaps pride coupled with insecurity. I'm not sure if the rivalry with Jas is founded in a real slight, or if it is only Ged's perception. But his friendship with Vetch seems very rea. It is telling that he compares himself to Vetch's younger brother; both are 19 years old, yet Ged's life is infinitely more experienced.
I am very sorry for the otak. But I look forward to more of Ged's adventures in our upcoming books.
Nominations are closed and the preliminary polls are open!Science Fiction Preliminary Poll December 2022
Fantasy Preliminary Poll December 2022
Preliminary polls are open through Saturday September 24. Please vote!
Oh, I've got the illustrated book, too! Just started it today. I read it long ago, definitely time for a re-read.
Post here if you are reading or planning on reading A Wizard of Earthsea to kick off our Earthsea Cycle series read! No spoilers please.
Hi everyone, Oh my goodness, is it that time again? It's time to open nominations for our December 2022 Books of the Month.
Each group member may make 1 science fiction and/or 1 fantasy nomination in this thread. If you would like to make a nomination, please reply to this post with the title and author of the book(s) you would like to put forward for the group’s consideration. A couple of suggestions to keep in mind:
1. Telling us a little about the book and why you think it would be a good group read can help get other members interested in reading (and voting for) your nomination. If possible, please use a link to the book and author in your nomination post. Click on “add book/author" for an easy way to do that.
2. To see if your nomination has already been read by the group, you can check:
a. the group's bookshelf for Previous Books of the Month
and/or
b. these threads:
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2018 - Present
Master list of Previous Books of the Month (Apr-Dec 2017)
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2012 - 2017
Master list of Previous Books of the Month 2006 - 2011
Books the group has read in the past 2 years are not eligible for current consideration. Being chosen as a past BotM prior to that time is not an automatic disqualification, but be aware that it may hinder your nomination’s chances at the polls.
General guidelines:
• Feel free to re-nominate a book that didn’t win in the polls in previous months!
• For questions regarding specifics such as book formats, books in series, self-nomination and various rules for nominations, please see the group FAQ.
• Seconding isn't necessary in this group.
• Friendly discussion & debate is strongly encouraged, but let's please keep things civil.
Poll schedule:
• Nominations will remain open through Saturday September 17.
• The first (preliminary) round of polls will open Sunday September 18 and will run through Saturday September 24.
• The final run-off polls go up Sunday September 25 and will be open through Friday September 30.
Thanks!
Chris, Moderator
NOMINATIONS SO FAR:
SCIENCE FICTION:
Dauntless
Sarah Canary
Matter
Mockingbird
FANTASY:
Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot
Bone and Jewel Creatures
Flesh and Spirit
Babel, or the Necessity of Violence: an Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution
