Miévillians discussion
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Aloha wrote: "It's hard not to associate that song with the overly dramatic movie. It's in all the parodies, SNL, etc."Ah, you see, no-one believes me when I say I'm a pop culture ignoramus until I prove it. Can't even find a fitting funereal dirge.
Aloha wrote: "Traveller wrote: "But there is always anger as well at this kind of loss. This guy was still relatively young, and he had inspired a generation.That bastard cancer had him in it's grip and he be..."
I'm very sorry to hear about that, Aloha. There are women who make it through this. It's such a pity the mammogram was delayed. Yes, it's horrible, because it makes a lot of people suffer, not only the ones that get it, but those around them who have to watch their suffering and let them go. (Or have to watch the effect of the treatment.)
Thankfully there are survivors. My niece survived leukemia at the age of 3. It was heartbreaking to see her lying there with a million tubes going into her and without a hair on her head, but she pulled through and today is a happy 12 year old. No remissions since her first bout with it.
Scribble wrote: "Aloha wrote: "It's hard not to associate that song with the overly dramatic movie. It's in all the parodies, SNL, etc."Ah, you see, no-one believes me when I say I'm a pop culture ignoramus until..."
Hey, I did a Vivaldi Spring season, so you're not alone. Maybe we can bring a little smile to Traveller, then.
Scribble wrote: "Aloha wrote: "LMAO! Aloha Jr. said that the ending of the movie was stupid. She decided to jump off the life boat to be with him, thereby impeding ..."Erm...it was actually because it was Celin..."
Thanks for the song, Scribbs. Yes, she does sing it beautifully, doesn't she?
Traveller wrote: "Thankfully there are survivors. My niece survived leukemia at the age of 3. It was heartbreaking to see her lying there with a million tubes going into her and without a hair on her head, but she pulled through and today is a happy 12 year old. No remissions since her first bout with it. "Cancer at such a young age! It would break my heart seeing a kid suffer so much. I'm glad she survived.
Have a great day, ladies. I have to clear the snow off and around the car before it becomes frozen ice.
Thanks for the support, both of you. I do feel better now. :)
spending time here while I wait for news re the birth of Hillas baby...complications,and Im getting a bit tense. Trav,I am sorry about your friend. I have been listening to the who;e of the requiem while catching up with the group.Cancer is the shitz, and Im pretty sure its created by our toxic way of life.
Big question,why do some go so fast and some heal? Our compromosed immunine systems hold the key.
Lhasa died,Oliver Schoer died, my grandmother first death I knew. She was younger than I am now.
Read that book I recommended from Granada. about the 21 century killing us.
Dont get it.
Hi Mags, thanks! Whew, you've been missing out on a lot here at Mievillians!
So excited, just had to let all my friends here know ... My daughter and I get to meet Neil Gaiman at a book-signing in July! Just a half an hour from home! Only 900 tickets, for which each person in line has to buy a book. But so worth it, since she will get her copy of Coraline signed, and we'll both get the new The Ocean at the End of the Lane signed!Coolest part is seeing how she, at 8 years old, is so very excited to meet an author. Makes my heart happy.
OMG, that is wonderful news, Allen, thanks for sharing! I find it wonderful that in a society that predicted a few years ago,that the novel was in it's death throws, that books (even if in e-form) are still such a vital part of our culture. Btw, are you going to snap some pics? (Which will probably be inappropriate on a CM forum, but you could post them on your profile and link..)
You know, I wonder if we shouldn't start our own SFF group. I know these uncertain times is probably not the best time to start a group, but I personally find that you people here on Mievillians are a lot more stimulating to discuss books with than what I have found in most 'general' SFF groups so far. Just a thought. We can give it a unique name and focus, if you guys want...?
Allen wrote: "So excited, just had to let all my friends here know ... My daughter and I get to meet Neil Gaiman at a book-signing in July! Just a half an hour from home! Only 900 tickets, for which each person ..."That is wonderful, Allen! I echo Traveller in request for pictures.
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Traveller wrote: "You know, I wonder if we shouldn't start our own SFF group. I know these uncertain times is probably not the best time to start a group, but I personally find that you people here on Mievillians are a lot more stimulating to discuss books with than what I have found in most 'general' SFF groups so far. Just a thought. We can give it a unique name and focus, if you guys want...?"
We can also expand this group to feature discussions about non-Miéville books, too. Or would it be broadening our scope way too much?
I may be on board with the idea of a new group, too - but do we have enough people here that would be interested in this?
Maybe we could create a section here then for *cough* "associated reads" by other authors? I'm all for that and rearing to go. I mean, after all, China only wrote so many books and one can't just focus on one author 24/7 as adorable as the man may be...A good place to start might be the fiction of Jeff VanderMeer, because I suspect that the same people who like Mieville, would possibly enjoy Vandermeer as well.
I was thinking of reading a novel by VanderMeer called "Finch" soon, which might be a good candidate. Or, we could always read a Valente. Shall I put a decision to do something like this to the poll? (We could possibly look at some Gaiman too, members willing...?) Though if we do do this, and if we do Gaiman, I think I'd like to keep him for some or other holiday season and then do American Gods.
Traveller wrote: "Maybe we could create a section here then for *cough* "associated reads" by other authors? I'm all for that and rearing to go. I mean, after all, China only wrote so many books and one can't just..."I'm all for that idea, and I am always excited about reading Valente (Deathless is one of my favorite books) or Gaiman, and Ursula Le Guin may be an excellent choice as well. And I'm always open to discovering new authors - I haven't read anything by Jeff VanderMeer yet.
As much as I enjoy CM I have been thinking about how fun it would be to read some LaGuin with this group.Uhhh, ignorance showing here... What's a SFF?
Traveller wrote: "Maybe we could create a section here then for *cough* "associated reads" by other authors? I'm all for that and rearing to go. I mean, after all, China only wrote so many books and one can't just..."I'm ready ... and I think it would fit nicely. When I joined this group, of course it was because I liked Mieville and wanted to discuss and discover his works. But I also liked the "-ian" part, the old "typical of, or resembling" definition, like Orwellian. I've discovered a lot more about Mievillian fiction thanks to our discussions. We're really a genre group, and most of us have read or are reading the same things. So why not expand.
Example, during our Embassytown, I checked out 2312 from the library cause I wanted to keep a scifi theme going. Turns out there's a lot of sociopolitical themes, genetics, a solar system where generations grow up on other planets and are now distinct races, central character reminds me of Avice, and now there's some AI intrigue ... all very Mievillian.
I like the poll idea. I've never read Valente or LeGuin but am really want to. Other options: We could read some of Mieville's favorite books since he's got a list or two out there. Or how about asking him what we should read? Wonder if he would respond. Also think it would be fun that if one of us nominates a book to read we have to include why we think it's Mievillian. Or maybe poll for a list of authors and restrict our reads to them.
At any rate, I like this idea, because I think we've got a good group of people here and I would rather discuss books with you all ...
Traveller, why do American Gods in a holiday season? I'm probably missing something obvious but it's on my "almost next" list.
Allen wrote: "Traveller, why do American Gods in a holiday season? I'm probably missing something obvious but it's on my "almost next" list...."
Well have you seen the size of the thing? I started reading it about a year ago, and then I thought: "Nah, too long; let's set it aside for when we have a large block of free time." ..but it would be awesome to discuss that one in this group.
Knowing that we have a few Gaiman fans here, and it being Gaiman's most Mieville -like work, I'll vote it in for July this year?
Ruth wrote: "As much as I enjoy CM I have been thinking about how fun it would be to read some LaGuin with this group.
Uhhh, ignorance showing here... What's a SFF?"
Ah, sorry, genre jargon - Science Fiction and Fantasy. To be honest, I prefer the term 'speculative' for works like the ones China writes.
I love the ideas Allen, and glad you guys agree with the idea.
I'll set up a poll and send out a group message to members one we've decided on anything more concrete?
More people want to bounce around some ideas? I really like the sound of Le Guin - and she's a legit Mieville influence, and I bet we can make up an excuse for sneaking in some Valente.
I'm going to look up who China has cited as his influences, and let's see if we like anything there. I'll be right back!
Miéville has listed M. John Harrison, Michael de Larrabeiti, Michael Moorcock, Thomas M. Disch, Charles Williams, Tim Powers, and J. G. Ballard as literary influences; he has also frequently discussed as influences H. P. Lovecraft, Mervyn Peake, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Gene Wolfe.Out of those I like Gene Wolfe the most, then Le Guin and Mervin Peake.
Of course Lovecraft is squarely in the horror genre, and I must admit to not being too nuts about his work.
I've tried a bit of Ballard but probably not enough to really like him. Anybody here who like or wanted to try out any of these authors?
I am embarrassed that I only know LeGuin on this list, but in my defense I was living on a small island since the early '90s where reading was considered a very odd sport and there were almost no bookstores or libraries. Now I am in a tiny village in Sweden but the local library (60) miles away has SFF (thank you, Traveller!) in English so I might be able to get some of those things on the list. Next monthly trip -- Next Tuesday...Oops, I better get cracking on Kraken!
Well, since Ursula has written some rather short-ish works, we could maybe get our non-Mieville feet wet with something of hers, how about The Lathe of Heaven?..but i'm really dying to try Valente out!
I think we should start setting up a list for a poll. If nobody else posts in this thread or the new "Mieville alternatives" thread that I started out there, then I'll send out a group message to members. Give it, say, 4 or 5 days?
In the meantime, you guys can always start with specific book suggestions right here. :)
The Lathe of Heaven was one of my very favorites when I was a teenager, and I have been thinking about reading it again. Let's do it! :)
Ruth wrote: "The Lathe of Heaven was one of my very favorites when I was a teenager, and I have been thinking about reading it again. Let's do it! :)"I love your enthusiasm there. We'll certainly make a plan, but let's hear what other group members have to say and then we can try to arrange something. Hopefully, since it's not very long and quite well known we might be able to rustle up a thumbs-up from the general Mievillians crowd. If the worst comes to the worst and nobody else wants to do it as a formal thing, we could always make it a buddy-read on a thread around here.
IIRC, Nataliya has read Lathe?
Richard wrote: "This is a good idea."So happy you agree, Richard! Well, in that case, I guess, we're rearin' to go!
I've read 'The Lathe of Heaven', but I love rereading good books. I also recommend The Left Hand of Darkness which is quite amazing. Valente-wise, I will keep pushing Deathless because it's just amazing.I'm also on board with reading any of the authors that inspire Mieville.
Nataliya wrote: "I've read 'The Lathe of Heaven', but I love rereading good books. I also recommend The Left Hand of Darkness which is quite amazing. Valente-wise, I will keep pushing Deathless because it's just am..."All right, let's put Left Hand and Lathe and Deathless on the poll list so long. Let's put 5 books on the poll, and make a rule that only two of those books can be by the same author per poll. That sound good? Say if you guys feel we should put more than that up. It might become too hard to choose then.
Ok, now let's wait for two more nominations by two more members, and then we put it to the vote.
Ruth, I'll do Lathe of Heaven with you sometime soon,I promise, if it doesn't get voted in right now. :)
It will always be fun to re-read Frank Herbert (pick anything, and even if you don't like him I guarantee you will after a group read) or Huxley's Brave New World. A different note - Susanna Clarke's Ladies of Grace Adieu. A Canticle for Liebowitz by Walter Miller. Or A Rose for Armageddon (short, apocalyptic, a lovely twist) by Hilbert Schenk (a really truly underrated overlooked book).
I'd probably want to second Huxley there, and Clarke, and Miller and not heard of the Schenk but will look! Thanks for clocking in with that, Scribble!Let's see if we get any more suggestions, since those were quite a lot and I'd need help choosing. :)
"I like Gene Wolfe the most, then Le Guin and Mervin Peake."I'm always willing to do Wolfe - and then I can tweak Trav's nose over Book of the New Sun, as I do with Nataliya over The Scar.
I haven't read enough Le Guin (Lathe of Heaven long ago, and re-read Earthsea recently), so I'm happy to read her again.
I haven't read Peake or Ballard at all, and probably should.
And I agree that any Herbert (except the later Dune books) is worthwhile.
I used to devour Michael Moorcock as a teenager, but his major work is the Eternal Champion cycle - and it really is a cycle. Same thing over and over for ever.
I'd also be willing to let somebody educate me about Gaiman, because American Gods wasn't worth the buildup.
Derek wrote: ""I like Gene Wolfe the most, then Le Guin and Mervin Peake."I'm always willing to do Wolfe - and then I can tweak Trav's nose over Book of the New Sun, as I do with Nataliya over The Scar.
I hav..."
I think that we need Nataliya again for American Gods, since she rated it very highly, but since she is so busy, I don't know when she'd be able to fit it in...
The Book of The New Sun has a very special permanent place in my heart. Every time I read it, I see new things in it, so it would indeed be nice if we could read it sometime, but it is about as long as American Gods, so one would need a large block of time for that as well.
Joseph wrote: "Le Guin: The Left Hand of Darkness <-- good stuff!!"Yes, that is a good one as well, I believe, and I haven't read it, so I'd certainly like to do it. :)
Aha! Clouds, one of our members, sent me this link:http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/53...
So there, we have an official excuse; China himself is quite an avid reader, and so anything he's read will count as supplemental reading.
Well, that is quite a list...
Derek wrote: "...I haven't read Peake or Ballard at all, and probably should...."Unquestionably to the first, and yes to the second.
Re: Lovecraft and CM's Kraken A link to an article on newly discovered critters subsequently named after Lovecraft creations.http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013...
Ruth wrote: "Re: Lovecraft and CM's Kraken A link to an article on newly discovered critters subsequently named after Lovecraft creations.http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013......"
Ha! That's quite humorous! How are you liking Kraken, Ruth?
Hmmm, although I am a big CM fan, I find I prefer his 'other worldly' stories to those taking place in London...not sure why. I am mixed on Kraken. There are times when I can't tear myself away to get going on other things, and other times when I fall asleep within a page. So, the jury is still out.
Yeah, CM is a very mixed bag for me, but I keep coming back for more. I find that the pros pretty much outweigh the cons with him. :)
I've been wanting to read Le Guin for a while. She would have my vote.
Aloha wrote: "I've been wanting to read Le Guin for a while. She would have my vote."Ok, that's settled then. I'll send out a poll tomorrow, featuring The Lathe of Heaven, The Left Hand of Darkness and maybe two more, just to make it look like a proper poll, heh.
Further additional suggestions for more Le Guin to add to the poll are welcome. I think we should make our next read a Le Guin;- China definitely likes her work so I think he'd approve.
I think it's a great idea to expand to other authors. The Stephen King group did the same thing.
I'm in. Le Guin is someone I haven't read but keep hearing great things about, so I'm looking forward to it. Huxley, A Canticle for Leibowitz, Valente ... second. Also have Good Omens on my short list.
I'm looking forward to the results of the poll :)
What about Margaret Atwood? Not all of her books, certainly, but some of her speculative fiction might be enjoyed by Mievellians. In particular, this summer sees the publication of the third book of MaddAddam series:Oryx and Crake
The Year of the Flood
MaddAddam
Not that I have any idea how it will relate to its predecessors, which are parallel stories that can be read in either order, each told in a totally different structure and style, but with one or two overlapping characters and incidents (as well as the general scenario).
Also, The Handmaid's Tale makes a great group read, but may be too familiar to too many.
I'd be up for giving Le Guin a go, though. The only books of hers I've read were to my son, many years ago.
I read a lot of Atwood, so I would enjoy being introduced to Le Guin.
Oh my goodness, I created a poll and sent invites to group members at least a week ago already. http://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/82...Certain gremlins in the system prevented the invite from reaching all group members, it appears. I do apologize for that. Due to the glitch causing so many members to be unaware of the developments, we can start the group discussion later, if you like.
Cecily wrote: "What about Margaret Atwood? Not all of her books, certainly, but some of her speculative fiction might be enjoyed by Mievellians. In particular, this summer sees the publication of the third book o..."
We can most certainly put Atwood to the poll next. We just mustn't forget to read China himself! Heh.
Well, I was going to chime in on a few more chapters of the Railsea discussion but ... I'm late! My daughter and I are seeing Neil Gaiman sign his new book tonight, and I just found out John Scalzi will introduce him. Bonus!I will try to post some pictures. Also, if anybody wants to follow me on Twitter I'm planning to post a few tonight as it happens ... Follow me @MrAllenBlair
Oooh, cool, Allen! Please post some pics in our gallery here, even if it's Neil & John Scalzi and not China! Even of you and your family at the book launch. :)
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Erm...it was actually because it was Celin..."
It's hard not to associate that song with the overly dramatic movie. It's in all the parodies, SNL, etc.