Jlawrence’s
Comments
(group member since Mar 08, 2010)
Jlawrence’s
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from the The Sword and Laser group.
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In 2002 Vinge published a 'Special Edition' of the A Fire Upon the Deep which included the notes he made in his own manuscript for the novel. In 2007 I had recently read, and loved, the book, found about the special edition and bought it in an Adobe ebook format - yes, for their absolutely horrible Adobe Digital Editions e-reader software (basically DRM-ed pdfs read in a clunky interface). It looks like it came out in a palm digital format (a review) as well, and probably other e-formats - though I can't find it for sale online now. Even just skimming it, Vinge's annotations were fascinating: world-building notes, backstory, possible plot issues, etc. There’s also occasional editor’s notes with Vinge’s replies.
My plan was to read the special edition whenever I decided to do a re-read of the book. Well, when I picked it up for this Sword & Laser re-read, I found I had forgotten enough of the story that I wanted to get into the narrative, and the notes were way too distracting for that. So I stuck to the original version, and *now* will be perusing the annotations for fun and enlightenment.
I can’t copy and paste because of the damn DRM, so here’s some screenshots to give you an idea:
Vinge's "Zoology of Annotations":
https://s14.postimg.org/poxuwqoxd/fir...
https://s14.postimg.org/6tx77t4lt/fir...
https://s21.postimg.org/67jk2ffav/fir...
And here’s a sample of annotations from the Prologue, including alternate titles for the book:
https://s22.postimg.org/wjt0a8cup/fir...
https://s15.postimg.org/uy8i5fezv/fir...
(that last one, in note 8.3, already sees a Vinge “NO” response to an editor suggestion ;) )
OK, sorted out the date (there were some funky conflicts):Next bookclub is Tue, Oct 4th!
>> RSPV here
I liked the Beauty and the Beast-variation story the best, for how comical and human Nivellen was, the odd position he'd put himself in, and its perfect ending.I too was underwhelmed by Yennefer after all the build-up to her in the interludes, *but* I have yet to play further than the intro of the first Witcher game, so I might like her more in the games.
However, the "excorcism' incantation" Geralt had been taught in the Last Wish story got the book's biggest laugh from me.
Really excited to re-read this for Sword & Laser - I've been hoping/begging for it to a pick for a long time. I did have some pacing issues with the middle section the first time I read it, but otherwise found it thoughtful, epic-scope space opera packed with fascinating ideas.
Fresno Bob, I met a friend right after, so I don't know - did any of the rest of you go out for drinks afterwards?And the next book is Vernor Vinge's A Fire Upon the Deep (yaaaaaaaaaay!) (spoiler: I may be a fan of that book.)
James, you pulled yourself away from Hamilton!? :O
I put the RSVP link for the next meetup up too soon - double-checking date with Borderlands, and will update soon...
We had a good-sized group, including Jasper's return and some new folk who I hope become regulars, lots of Witcher and Witcher-inspired video game talk, Stranger Things-insipred 80s/story use of nostalgia talk, and more. I'll have the next meeting date up in a bit.
Veronica wrote: "Fresno Bob wrote: "thanks for being jetlagged Veronica, I was able to get to my poker tournament in time to buy in, place 2nd and win $1700!"I still feel bad I forgot!!! :(:(:("
I think all who helped you get to your poker tournament should get a cut of those winnings, Bob: Veronica for being jet-lagged and us other attendees for allowing you to get out of Borderlands in time. ;)
Not only did I actually complete the June pick before the meetup, last night's bookclub saw us, inspired by Updraft, unsuccessfully attempt to echolocate via mouth clicks....apparently humans *can* actually do it, so we just need practice....right? Right?It also saw Veronica draw this explanatory illustration of Updraft (for James who hadn't read it)!
Next month's meetup is Monday, July 25.
RSVP here!
Veronica wrote: "Jlawrence wrote: "Next meetup is Monday, June 27! I *SWEAR* I'll finish the book by the bookclub day this time!"Sure, Josh. Sure."
I will! May Lem devour my Kindle if I don't!
Next meetup is Monday, June 27! I *SWEAR* I'll finish the book by the bookclub day this time!RSVP here!
The wine was great (especially since I got to take a bottle of one of my top free home)! Thanks for organizing such a tasty event.Next meetup is Monday, May 23.
RSVP here!
Stacia wrote: "Jlawrence wrote: "Stacia wrote: "I'm in for dinner!"OK! Veronica (who can dine with us beforehand, too) suggests Pi Bar for their fabulous pizza (http://www.yelp.com/biz/pi-bar-san-fr...).
6..."
OK! Let's do 6.
Stacia wrote: "I'm in for dinner!"OK! Veronica (who can dine with us beforehand, too) suggests Pi Bar for their fabulous pizza (http://www.yelp.com/biz/pi-bar-san-fr...).
6:30 work? (or 6 to guarantee eating/walking to Borderlands time?)
Hey those of you going to the Borderlands sponsors wine-tasting Fri night, do you want to meet for dinner close to the store beforehand?
I renewed my sponsorship last night, just in time to drink wine with y'all.
OK I've put that wine-tasting on my calendar, too!And here's the RSVP for our April 25 meetup!
RSVP here
Dang, sorry about that, Stacia!Hopefully you can make March which will be.....*drumroll*.....Monday, March 28th.
Bookclubbers, you can RSVP here.
Thanks, Bob! Adding that to my calendar.Also added to my calendar - the Feb meetup on Mon the 22nd!
RSVP here
(Note this date is part of new schedule of meeting the 4th Monday of each month, instead of the last Monday. So don't show up on Feb. 29 unless you want a much smaller group!)
One of the things mentioned in Veronica and Tom's interview with Valente is the lovely and appropriately art-deco video trailer Tor made for Radiance. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgPYZ...
