SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

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What Else Are You Reading? > What Else Are You Reading in 2018?

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message 1251: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Robert wrote: "Yesterday evening I finished Michael Kohlhaas by Heinrich von Kliest. It's an influential German novella published around 1810. Among the works inspired by it are the novel Ragtime an..."

Hey Robert, please do remember we restrict all discussion of writing to the GR Authors Discussion folder. Thanks!

Glad you liked that story, it does sound pretty interesting!


message 1252: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Julia wrote: "I am reading The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham, because he was on many shows I listen to and watch last week and then the book store..."

It's nice/unusual to find a book about American politics that makes you feel better! That is a nice change :)


message 1253: by Pam (new)

Pam Baddeley Just read The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2394487674.


message 1254: by Trike (new)

Trike Pam wrote: "Just read The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester and reviewed it - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...."

Are you reading a book every 18 minutes or something?


message 1255: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Allison wrote: "Hey Robert, please do remember we restrict all discussion of writing to the GR Authors Discussion folder. Thanks!"

Pretty sure that wasn't a discussion of Robert's writing. That was a discussion of the book he just read.


message 1256: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
Michele wrote: "Allison wrote: "Hey Robert, please do remember we restrict all discussion of writing to the GR Authors Discussion folder. Thanks!"

Pretty sure that wasn't a discussion of Robert's writing. That wa..."


The parts where he talks about his writing are the parts I'm warning about :) I've noticed him doing this before, and thought maybe he hadn't seen that rule.


message 1257: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Hm. Just to clarify, I don't see any parts where he talks about his writing, other than in passing saying that this book inspired him. Am I missing something? I occasionally mention authors or books that have inspired my writing; is that not allowed?


message 1258: by Sarah (new)

Sarah | 3915 comments Authors aren't supposed to mention their writing at all outside of the folder.


message 1259: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Sarah Anne wrote: "Authors aren't supposed to mention their writing at all outside of the folder."

Published authors? Or any authors at all? For example I write for my own pleasure -- does that mean I'm not allowed to talk about how a certain book inspired me? Obviously we don't want spam or self-advertising or "oh hey buy my book" -- I am 100% with you on that. But to say "so and so's language really made me work harder on my own writing" or "So and so's characterization is brilliant and I learned a lot" or "Man I wish I could write dialog like so and so" -- that's not OK either?


message 1260: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (last edited May 18, 2018 06:30PM) (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
I would warn you over your first example, likely (or the second time if it became a trend). If your only posts were like the second and third, I would warn at first.

Oblique references show that the poster is working to adhere to the spirit of the rule, which is that in this group, writing discussions belong in the author folder.

It is not meant to punish or dissuade, it is meant to streamline and encourage candid discussion of reading.


message 1261: by CBRetriever (new)

CBRetriever | 6126 comments The City on the Edge of Forever: The Original Teleplay by Harlan Ellison = original script for Star Trek episode with lots of ranting by Ellison

The Shore of Women by Pamela Sargeant - this one was fairly interesting

The Raven in the Foregate by Ellis Peters - good book, but ending was seen from a long way off


message 1262: by Don (new)

Don Dunham Has Anyone read The Series: "Destiny's Crucible" 1st Book:
"Forged in Fire"? I enjoyed the series but haven't heard of anyone else trying it out.


message 1263: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Finished The Dark Half. Now about 2/3 of the way through A Book of American Martyrs. A bit grim (like a lot of JCO's stuff) but thought-provoking.


message 1264: by MadProfessah (new)

MadProfessah (madprofesssah) | 775 comments I just finished THE TWELVE, the second book in THE PASSAGE series by Justin Cronin.


message 1265: by Don (new)

Don Dunham The Gap between Martyrs cannot be bridged.


message 1266: by Ariana (last edited May 20, 2018 04:35PM) (new)

Ariana | 659 comments Anna wrote: "Mason (Goodnight) wrote: "Started rereading All Systems Red since the new book in the Murderbot series came out this week."

I'm trying to wait a bit before starting that, because o..."


I just did this! Except in the other order. First Artificial Condition, then a re-read of All Systems Red because I couldn't get enough Murderbot.

I loved these so much, it was driving me crazy that my friends and family don't really read SFF and I didn't have anyone to share them with.

Really looking forward to the other two to finish the series. But then I'll be sad when it's done?


message 1268: by Kira (new)

Kira Wilson | 15 comments About to start reading Neuromancer by William Gibson again. I'd started the book about a year and a half ago but got distracted by something a third of the way through.

I liked that first third for sure, even if sometimes it was difficult to get a feel for the exact setting. But then virtual reality's fun that way!


message 1269: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments CBRetriever wrote: "The City on the Edge of Forever: The Original Teleplay by Harlan Ellison = original script for Star Trek episode with lots of ranting by Ellison..."

That sounds AWESOME :D


message 1270: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Don wrote: "The Gap between Martyrs cannot be bridged."

Was that in response to my post? It sounds profound but I'm not sure I get it lol


message 1271: by Karen (new)

Karen (librarykatz) | 262 comments I finished up both Forrest Gump and The Bad Beginning. I did like both but I've got to say that Forrest Gump the movie was so much better than the book! I also read Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The Laughing Corpse, Volume 1: Animator but didn't realize it is book 1/4 and my library doesn't carry the other books. So I hunted down the chapter book and it's waiting for my on my kindle.

Almost done with The Last Colony but then my kindle died. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Thoroughly enjoying The Sisters Brothers. It has been on my to read list since it came out and ?!Why did I wait!?


message 1272: by Don (new)

Don Dunham Michele, it was about "The Book of American Martyrs". Am I near the mark when I assume that the book refers to both The Doctor and his killer as Martyrs? If that is not the case then I didn't know what I was talking about either.


message 1273: by Don (new)

Don Dunham Just starting "The Guns of the South".


message 1274: by Trike (new)

Trike Karen wrote: "Thoroughly enjoying The Sisters Brothers. It has been on my to read list since it came out and ?!Why did I wait!? "

I’ve owned that since it was released, too. I bought it purely for the title. I need to get to that one.


message 1275: by Trike (new)

Trike My copy of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst had to go back to the library, but what I got through was really interesting. I’ll definitely be returning to this one.

Just finished the graphic novel CARTHAGO, which has some of the best art I’ve seen in quite a while. Unfortunately the story is a complete mess. 2 stars.

Started Artificial Condition today, the second installment of the Murderbot novellas. I’m already 1/3 of the way through and liking it.


message 1276: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Don wrote: "Michele, it was about "The Book of American Martyrs". Am I near the mark when I assume that the book refers to both The Doctor and his killer as Martyrs?"

Yes, in the sense that both of them sacrificed their lives (and, in a way, the lives of their families) for something they believed in deeply and profoundly. It's pretty clear which side the author's sympathies are on, but the more I think about the book and the parallel stories it tells of the two men and their families, the more it seems that the real message of the book is how damaging it is to ourselves and everyone else when we fall into the trap of thinking of the other side as "the enemy" and demonizing/dehumanizing them.


colleen the convivial curmudgeon (blackrose13) | 2719 comments Karen wrote: "Thoroughly enjoying The Sisters Brothers. It has been on my to read list since it came out and ?!Why did I wait!? "

I also have this on my list. I'll have to get to it sooner rather than later, methinks.


message 1278: by Don (new)

Don Dunham nods solemnly about the weight of "The Real Message".


message 1279: by Ariana (new)

Ariana | 659 comments I've been reading Range of Ghosts for a while now and I'm having a hard time getting into in. I mean, I'm enjoying it, sort of, but I find myself only reading a few pages at a time so it's taking forever. Folks who've read it, is it worth it to keep plugging away?


message 1280: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 1404 comments I’ve read Range of ghosts and the second book and plan to read the third this year. I understand what you mean about .. I guess being pulled out easily? But I think it’s worth it for the non euro fantasy elements. I believe these get stronger as you go on. Have you met the Cho-Tse yet?


message 1281: by Phrynne (new)

Phrynne I read John Connolly's Nocturnes He writes such good books!
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1282: by Ariana (new)

Ariana | 659 comments Rachel wrote: "I believe these get stronger as you go on. Have you met the Cho-Tse yet?"

Nope, not yet! Ok, thanks! I'll stick with it for a bit longer at least.


message 1283: by Allison, Fairy Mod-mother (new)

Allison Hurd | 14225 comments Mod
On a big Le Guin kick. Dispossessed makes my brain buzz and The Farthest Shore is like aloe, or iced tea. Hoping to finish both this week.

Also terribly interested in starting Planetfall, which I am only stalling on because I promised someone they could borrow my copy of the Dispossessed soon, and I think his soon and my soon may be different.


message 1284: by Rod (new)

Rod (terez07) I just finished Children of Blood and Bone, and this book definitely lives up to the hype! It is so refreshing to read an epic fantasy not rooted in typical medieval European traditions. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants an engrossing story told from a fresh and unique perspective.


message 1286: by Bobby (new)

Bobby | 869 comments I recently got a second 30 day trial of Kindle Unlimited. I got an email with the offer, and thought it wouldn't work because I did a free trial last year, but I decided to click on it just to see what happened.

It worked, so now I've been catching up on books from some Indie/Self Published authors I've found over the years (mostly Super Hero books). You end up with some weird stuff sometimes, but I like that I can discover authors I wouldn't have normally heard about.


message 1287: by Don (new)

Don Dunham Reading "The Guns of the South". The overt racism is a little off-putting, even though it is in character.


message 1288: by Trike (new)

Trike Terez wrote: "I just finished Children of Blood and Bone, and this book definitely lives up to the hype! It is so refreshing to read an epic fantasy not rooted in typical medieval European tradit..."

I wanted to like that book but I just couldn’t. At dinner with some friends on Saturday one of the women was reading this and enjoying it, but to me it was like The Sword of Shannara - that book is fine if you haven’t read better Epic Fantasy or Lord of the Rings.

After having read stellar books like The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin and Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson, CoBaB is less impressive.


message 1289: by Julia (last edited May 23, 2018 03:38PM) (new)

Julia | 957 comments Day before yesterday I finished The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by Jon Meacham. I found this book of history, biography and political science hopeful.

Then I read Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes. This MG book with magical realistic elements isn't for everybody, but it is for me.

Then I finished The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang and I really liked it.

Now I'm reading he by John Connolly an oddly written, yet delightful novel about Stan Laurel, and by extension, Oliver Hardy.

And I'm reading Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes.


message 1290: by Doc (new)

Doc (docd3) | 59 comments Don wrote: "Reading "The Guns of the South". The overt racism is a little off-putting, even though it is in character."

That is/was the way it is. If not there,story would not be "real".


message 1291: by Jim (new)

Jim Gorman | 33 comments Right now I just gave up on The Circle, couldnt stand the main character enough so much I could not force myself to finish it. I did just pick up The Lies of Locke Lamora, which I will start, and I have book club next week, so that will be another book to start in on.


message 1293: by C. (new)

C. | 64 comments The 11th Percent and absolutely loving it....will rate 5-stars and go on My Favorites shelf for sure!


message 1294: by Lowell (new)

Lowell (schyzm) | 578 comments Since it lost the poll for next month's read, I decided to start in on Head On. I'm listening to Will Wheaton's narration of it. The book is great, but Will's narration isn't nearly as good as the first one. I'm actually tempted to return it and get Amber Benson's recording.

On Deck, I've also pre-ordered Dennis E. Taylor's (of bobiverse fame) next upcoming book, The Singularity Trap on audible. It's narrated by the same reader, Ray Porter, and if it's anything like the bob trilogy it should be a hoot!


message 1295: by Phrynne (new)

Phrynne I have started Scalzi's Old Man's War series. It certainly begins well:)

My review of Old Man's War by John Scalzi Old Man's War (Old Man's War, #1) by John Scalzi

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1296: by Don (new)

Don Dunham Says: If you're going to Scalzi, it doesn't get any better than "Old Man's War"... bon appetit Phrynne !


message 1297: by Michele (new)

Michele | 1215 comments Finished The Quick and the Dead - amazing use of language in this book.

Now back to Reading Joss Whedon.


message 1298: by Mason (new)

Mason (mason_gatti) | 193 comments Taking a break from Wheel of Time to read River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey. A really cool novella about how America imported Hippos to fill the meat shortages. Obviously, it didn’t happen but this book is about what could have been if they went through with it.


message 1299: by Ariana (new)

Ariana | 659 comments Mason wrote: "Taking a break from Wheel of Time to read River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey. A really cool novella about how America imported Hippos to fill the meat shortages. Obviously, it didn’t happen but this bo..."

I just finished River of Teeth! I liked a lot of things about it; it's very creative. I also had some issues... Curious to hear what you think!


message 1300: by MadProfessah (new)

MadProfessah (madprofesssah) | 775 comments True.... it’s basically downhill after the first Old Man’s War Book


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