Chris’s Comments (group member since Feb 25, 2011)

Chris’s comments from the Beyond Reality group.

For those who are interested, the Hugo award finalists have just been announced:
https://glasgow2024.org/hugo-awards/2...

Also, here are this year's Nebula nominees:
https://www.sfwa.org/2024/03/14/sfwa-...

Congratulations to all the finalists!

I read mostly ebooks these days, but I do collect physical copies of some books that are more meaningful to me. I often buy good used copies, though, so sometimes I trade "up" -- that is, I find a hardcover to replace a paperback (although in that case I donate the paperback to the local library). And once in a while I pick up a great hardcover or signed copy of a used book, only to find I already have one.

But the only book I intentionally have two hardcover copies of is The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle. I have a much-loved old paperback copy that is falling apart, that he signed for me a couple of years ago. But I bought a lovely hardcover copy that he also signed for me, and I keep them both on the shelf.

Are there any books you own in multiple editions? Why do you have more than one copy of the same book?

Tigana! I loved Tigana!

Do you play any video games that are based on books? What are your favorites?

I agree, this was not at all what I expected. It's pretty brutal, and I'm not sure if I'm going to finish this one.

Overall, I found this to be an entertaining read. A dystopian drowning city ruled by gangs and oligarchs. A beautiful idealistic woman and her brother-bot with a warrior soul too big for his body. A powerful but mysterious space adventurer. A (theoretically) unbiased observer bot to record it all. And, finally, a trickster jinn that's a cross between an all-powerful being, a artificial intelligence, and an infomercial, with a vision all his own.

Wishes in stories never turn out the way the wisher intends. There always seems to be a catch. And the next person inheriting the jinn's service can just use their wishes to un-do what happened before (although in this story there are some limitations). Even the most well-thought and altruistic wishes have a downside. I enjoyed seeing that conflict play out here.

I find myself identifying with Irene in the Invisible Library books by Genevieve Cogman. I'm an archivist/librarian, so collecting and protecting books seems natural. Like Irene, I'm not an expert in everything, so I rely on the expertise of people around me to get through any sticky situations.

Tell us about a book character who reminds you of yourself or a character with whom you identify, and why. Please include the character's name, book title, & author's name.

It's March, and time to let us know what you’re reading this month. Tell us about your reads - all genres welcome here!

This has been top of my mind for the last two weeks. We are getting ready to move, and I have SO many physical books. Four shelves of children’s books have been donated to a local church. About 500 books are headed for the Friends of the Library resale store next week. But I’m moving my entire fantasy/SciFi collection, cookbooks, travel books, and nature/field guides, another 800 or so. I just need to buy new bookshelves, since the new home doesn’t have built ins.

How many books do you own (physical, ebooks, audiobooks, or by the bookcase, however you prefer to count)?

Sorry folks, things got away from me and we have no question for this week. I'll pick things back up on Sunday.

But if you have any suggestions for future topics, I'd love to hear them!

I read this the moment it came out. I loved the first two books, and had eagerly awaited the final book in the series. And it made me so angry! I was surprised and enraged by Cardenia's death, which seemed to happen in such an offhand manner. How dare he get rid of such a wonderful character?!!

I was a bit calmer when reading it this time. And honestly, I think it needed something this shocking to get people focused on a solution, instead of trying to take short-term profits from the situation.

But I have a question -- in the end, who's left in charge. Is it Cardenia/Grayland? Or is it Rachela?

I really enjoyed this. It doesn't have many "fantastical" elements, and is clearly modeled on Renaissance-era cultures around the Mediterranean. But the characters are so interesting! The variety of viewpoints makes the story complete and interesting, with several main characters that carry through, but also a number of minor players that round out the story. It could be a story of brutality ad war, yet it's also a story of kindness, forgiveness, and redemption. Truly, an engaging tale!

It's the Chinese Year of the Dragon! Who are some of your favorite fictional dragons, or what are your favorite books about dragons?

Congratulations, Random, on the upcoming 30 year anniversary! My husband and I will be celebrating 40 years this June, and I agree it takes much more than the start of a relationship to make a truly great couple.

I agree that Miles and Ekaterin came to mind almost immediately for me. I think that Fitzchivalry Farseer and the Fool come to mind as well -- not a traditional couple by any means, but their relationship is far beyond a simple friendship.

And I certainly like Jim and Naomi from The Expanse, and Wash and Zoe from Firefly, and Delenn and Sheridan from Babylon 5. I think those couples all have something in common -- both partners have a self-assured strength that complements the other. They are respected by their partner, and they are comfortable enough to trust each other even when geographically separated.

I read this with another book group a few months ago. I found that many of the scientific ideas were interesting, and I think that's where the author puts her focus.

But I found that most of the characters were one-dimensional, and the villain was just flat. Not sorry I read this one, but also not a book I'd go out of my way to recommend to others.

I did like the sentient trains, though!

Who are some of your favorite SF/F couples? How about from any genre?

Can you believe it's February already? Let us know what you’re reading this month, February 2024. Tell us about your reads - all genres welcome here!