What book are you currently reading?

[Tim]

I too have seen both Silent Running and Soylent Green. The latter first: MUCH ovearcting by Charlton Heston, Edward G Robinson and Chuck Connors(!), but the story is quite intriguing and may just solve this here world hunger crisis...Silent Running is, by contrast, one of my total favorites, for a number of reasons: Bruce Dern; Huey, Dewey and Louie (forerunners of R2D2); environmental hype with quite sad implications; and last but not least, a theme song sung by Joan Baez and music by Peter Schiekele (who was Joan Baez's arranger at the time; Mr. Schieleke is, of course, better known for his P.D.Q. Bach sendoffs; if you haven't, listen to one of his records orbetter yet catch him in concert, if he is still doing so! Hope to find the DVD sometime.

[Tyrone]

SR has just got a re-release in the UK on limited (masters of cinema edition)with all sorts of goodies;

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY ONLY:

Exclusively restored beautiful high-definition 1080p transfer
Full-length commentary by director Trumbull and actor Bruce Dern
Isolated music and effects track
Optional English SDH subtitles on the feature
Two video pieces with Douglas Trumbull [31:00 + 5:00]
Original theatrical trailer [3:00]
A lavish 48-page full-colour booklet featuring rare photographs and artwork from Trumbull s personal collection, and recollections of the film's cinematographer, special designs coordinator, and composer

Makes me almost wish i had a Blu Ray player.

[Bill]

Tim wrote: "I too have seen both Silent Running and Soylent Green. The latter first: MUCH ovearcting by Charlton Heston, Edward G Robinson and Chuck Connors(!), but the story is quite intriguing and may just s..."

I don't know what overacting means, but think Heston and Robinson where perfect together. The dinner scene is most memorable as is the death scene, ironic as EGR's final performance.

Silent running is a favorite also.

[Tyrone]

Kernos wrote: "I don't know what overacting means, but think Heston and Robinson where perfect together. The dinner scene is most memorable as is the death scene, ironic as EGR's final performance.

While researching editions I found an interesting essay on pre-Golden Age superheroes: http://io9.com/5149263/the-super+est-sup..."

Agree. I actually thought that Charlton was pretty perfect in this. He does chew a fair bit of scenery in Omega Man but i still love that film...even if it doesn't remain faithful to the wonderful source material.

Thanks for the recommendation on the article...looks interesting. Cheers.

[Derek]

Tim wrote: "I too have seen both Silent Running and Soylent Green. The latter first: MUCH ovearcting by Charlton Heston, Edward G Robinson and Chuck Connors(!), but the story is quite intriguing and may just s..."

I think I agreed with every word you wrote. I _do_ agree with others that his acting worked, but I really don't think Heston is capable of underacting.

I didn't know Schickele did the music for Silent Running (I'm afraid whenever I think of Silent Running, I now only hear Mike and the Mechanics). I'm pretty sure he (Schickele, not Mike) did a show somewhere near here last year. His Beethoven's Fifth is imo one of the funniest comic pieces I've ever heard.

[Danielle]

Absolution Gap by Alastair Reynolds.

[Stephen]

I didn't know Schickele did the music for Silent Running (I'm afraid whenever I think of Silent Running, I now only hear Mike and the Mechanics). I'm pretty sure he (Schickele, not Mike) did a show somewhere near here last year. His Beethoven's Fifth is imo one of the funniest comic pieces I've ever heard.

He produced Joan Baez for a while, and if you'll remember, Baez sang all the songs in "SR". His production of her signature album, "Joan", kicked a royal butt! It's the best stuff I've ever heard her do! There's a song on it called "Children of Darkness" that is EASILY the best song she's ever done!

I suggest you give "Joan" a listen.

[Bill]

Being Christmastime, my favorite Christmas album of all time is Baez: Noël. What a voice!

[Tyrone]

Ah, Christmas albums. I haven't heard that. I'll give it a go (update...just ordered on Amazon!).

Currently playing

She and Him - A very She and Him Christmas,
Shawn Colvin - Holiday Songs and Lullabies,
Thea Gilmore - Strange Communion,

and

Sting - If on a Winters Night.

Perfect holiday listening. :-)

To keep within the Thread...for my Birthday i received Rivers of London which as soon as i have finished Mystery Man (which isn't a SF/Fantasy) i will begin to read. Really looking forward to it.

[Stephen]

Kernos wrote: "Being Christmastime, my favorite Christmas album of all time is Baez: Noël. What a voice!"

Actually, I've always liked Judy Collins better, frankly. The voice is less irritating. Baez' tends to grate the nerves sometimes.

Anybody into Enya?? She actually dedicated a couple of songs, one to Aldebaran and another to Ridley Scott. that reveal an affection for sci-fi on her part.

The Last Voyage of the Cassiopeia
Almagest
3700
The Avedon Question

[Stuart]

I am reading Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky

[Bill]

Stephen wrote: "...Anybody into Enya?? She actually dedicated a couple of songs, one to Aldebaran and another to Ridley Scott. that reveal an affection for sci-fi on her part..."

I like Enya when she is a Bard, not so much as an over-produced rock star. I have one Christmas/Winter Solstice album, Enya Sounds Of The Season which I like, except for all of the effects added to her voice. I prefer her nude voice which is so pure and angelic.

Going back a bit, I also love Mary Travers' voice from Peter, Paul and Mary. Their holiday album A Holiday Celebration is a favorite.

Back on topic I'm now reading a little SF Imperial Stars 1st of a 10 book series by EE "Doc" Smith—
Family d'Alembert series

[Marc]

Stephen wrote: "KAnybody into Enya?? She actually dedicated a couple of songs, one to Aldebaran and another to Ridley Scott. that reveal an affection for sci-fi on her part."

I got into her music for a little when, when it was so prominent in LA Story. I went looking for the music listed, but that was the extent of my interest. I should check out YouTube and see what they have.

[Stephen]

Marc wrote: "Stephen wrote: "Anybody into Enya?? She actually dedicated a couple of songs, one to Aldebaran and another to Ridley Scott. that reveal an affection for sci-fi on her part."

I got into her music ..."

The dedication to Ridley Scott was on her first solo album. Wonder why there's been no reciprocation on his part. :-(

The unfortunate thing with Enya is, though her singing can put you right in Heaven itself, almost, her albums, like ELP's did, started following an obvious formula that got kinda rote after a while....

Sad, really... (but her stuff is STILL heavenly!)

Steve
The Last Voyage of the Cassiopeia

[Amy]

I am about to read In her Name by Michael Hicks. Anyone familiar with it?

[Penumbra]

Bought the first in the series, read first chapter but never got back to it, wasn't in the right mood for absolute devastation, and other things got in the way. Looks like an ambitious shot at serious military/battle saga SF featuring an alien race that subjugates humanity. Characterization seemed good. If I recall correctly, some mixed POV (head-hopping) - which apparently is does not raise as many objections as it used to among SF purists. If you're up for the visceral story line, it should be a good read.

[Greyweather]

Rawn's The Diviner turned out to be pretty good.

Going to start Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence next.

[April]

I am reading "The Kingdom of Gods" by N.K. Jemisin.

[Amanda]

I'm almost.finished with "All Men of Genius" and "Rae of Hope".

[Tyrone]

Just about the embark (with some sadness) on the final trilogy to be written in the world of Midkemia (apparently), starting with A Kingdom Besieged written by Raymond E. Feist. The books set in this world have been ever present throughout my reading life...it will be odd not to be waiting for the next instalment.

[Stuart]

I am reading The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan

[Marc]

Stuart wrote: "I am reading The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan"

Excellent series, sort of a Harry Potter for grownups.

[Mekerei]

I’m reading [image error]

The Awakened: Book One is a free Kindle download. I needed to know what happened, so downloaded Book Two. I’d give Book One 3.5 stars and it seems as if Book Two is heading in the same direction.

[Tim]

Just finished "Rendezvous with Rama," now on to "Rama II", despite spotty reviews. Will letcha know.

[Tim]

Reading The Forever War. Really good so far. Finished Neuromancer a couple of days ago.

[Greyweather]

Tim wrote: "Just finished "Rendezvous with Rama," now on to "Rama II", despite spotty reviews. Will letcha know."

I loved the first book. I did not, however, put it down after finishing it and say to myself, "Hey, what this really needs is a sequel!" I was perfectly satisfied with the conclusion it gave me. If I'm missing out on something awesome I would like to know it though.

[Sunny]

Mekerei wrote: "I’m reading

The Awakened: Book One is a free Kindle download. I needed to know what happened, so downloaded Book Two. I’d give Book One 3.5 stars and it seems as if Book Two is heading in the s..."

3.5 doesn't seem to bad especially for a free book.

[Tom]

Greyweather wrote: "Tim wrote: "Just finished "Rendezvous with Rama," now on to "Rama II", despite spotty reviews. Will letcha know."

I loved the first book. I did not, however, put it down after finishing it and sa..."

I read the Rama series many years ago and enjoyed it. Because of the subject matter (things come in 3's), a perfect set up for a trilogy, although from my quick research, Arthur Clarke did 4 and Gentry Lee did 2 on the concept.

[Bill]

Tom wrote: "...I read the Rama series many years ago and enjoyed it. Because of the subject matter (things come in 3's), a perfect set up for a trilogy, although from my quick research, Arthur Clarke did 4 and Gentry Lee did 2 on the concept."

The 1st book, Rendezvous, is special, Clarke at his best. I found the sequels average.

I felt the same way about Pohl's Heechee Saga. I thought the 1st book Gateway excellent, but got bored as the series went on.

[Tom]

Kernos wrote: "Tom wrote: "...I read the Rama series many years ago and enjoyed it. Because of the subject matter (things come in 3's), a perfect set up for a trilogy, although from my quick research, Arthur Clar..."
I've just bought Cherryh's Morgaine saga, something I read a long time ago. It's an interesting blend: science fiction with science so advanced it seems like fantasy.

[Don]

I just finished by and am starting . My daughter is going back to school Wednesday and taking her copies with her, so I am hurrying through these. Not that hurrying is a problem.

Also listening to by . Better than halfway through this and I enjoy it better than I expected since I rarely do horror.

Finally, I am almost done (last 100 pages) with by . This was so long I interrupted it a couple times but is most worthwhile.

[Tyrone]

Thinking of starting Rivers of London. Anybody read it? Is it a good read?

[Jilleen]

I just barely finished http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10... the newest Jane Yellowrock book. If you haven't read the series, it's very good!

[Kimberly]

I am reading Blood Rites by Kristin Painter. So far it is really interesting.

[Kimberly]

Correction.....Blood Rights by Kristen Painter. Sorry about the spelling error.

[Greyweather]

Reading Baen's Free Short Stories 2011 ebook.

Good stuff, especially the two Larry Correia short stories.

[Stephen]

I'm reading Remedy Remedyby Heidi C. Vlach and I am impressed. She has a good grasp of character and a very plesant concise style. Heidi C. Vlach

[Greyweather]

Started and finished Wool by Hugh Howey, which was actually very good.

Now I'm a quarter of the way into Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus.

[Faith]

Finally! I've been wanting to read this for a while. I feel like most people have either already read it, or are reading it right now (supported by greyweather above just starting it as well!)

[Bill]

In addition to reading accumulating Star Wars novels, I have decided to read Samuel R. Delany's novels in toto and in publication order. To that end I started his 1st novel The Jewels of Aptor written when he was only 19. What a wordsmith at such a young age—a prodigy for sure!

[[deleted user]]

Tyrone wrote: "I love Soylent Green and Silent Running. SR has always been one of my favourites and i'm glad it is finally being recognised for the great movie that it is. I agree, those decades were the golden a..."

I remember going to see Silent Running at a drive in theatre when I was a kid. Your right, those were the golden years for Sci/fi. Loved that movie!

[Don]

I just finished His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik. A very light Napoleonic fantasy. Fun, but light. After that break I returned to Joan Slonczewski's A Door Into Ocean and am feeling the rhythm now. It took a hundred pages but I like it. An all female, all water world with lots of biology and ecology for the hard sci-fi fan.

[Elizabeth]

Currently reading Farsighted by Emlyn Chand. It was a random read I found on Bookbub (http://www.facebook.com/BookBub). And...it was free on Amazon!!!!!!

[Taneka]

Currently reading The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens.The Emerald Atlas

[The Pirate Ghost]

I just started Swan Song. It's shocking but good.

[Tyrone]

Just finished the wonderful and very British Moon Over Soho and just starting in on the very American Storm Front and loving it so far.

[Tim]

Just started "Storm of Swords," abut 3/4 of the way through "The Garden of Rama."

[Kayci]

Tim wrote: "Just started "Storm of Swords,"...

I'm about to start that book too. I'm also plodding along at The Mists of Avalon. It's a good book, but hard to get anywhere with. I get immersed in the story, then stop and feel like I should have gotten through about 50 pages only to realize I've gone 10.

[M]

I'm plodding through "The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." All 140 pages of it.

[Francesca]

I'm going to start "The Wise Man's Fear" by Rothfuss and to re-read Martin's "A Clash of Kings".