SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion
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Semiosis
Group Reads Discussions 2019
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"Semiosis" First Impressions - *NO Spoilers*
I've read it earlier this year and I like it, sadly it hasn't got any prominent SF/F nominations (like Hugo/Nebula) for as a first novel is is quite good. I'll wait you all in the spoiler thread!
I'm not far into this but it's already making me rethink my plans for interstellar colonization. Who knew?
Raucous wrote: "I'm not far into this but it's already making me rethink my plans for interstellar colonization. Who knew?"OK, now you have to tell us your plans!
I loved it. Mind-blowing world-building.
Yes the promise is cool! I started reading it and I like it so far :)
I was having a hard time with this story at first, but it's really growing on me. (Pun TOTALLY intended, mostly for Allison because I know she'll appreciate it.) :)
Kristin B. wrote: "I was having a hard time with this story at first, but it's really growing on me. (Pun TOTALLY intended, mostly for Allison because I know she'll appreciate it.) :)"HAHA!!! So much! I'm glad you're finally able to suspend your disbe-leaf!
This is the first book where my expectations were probably too high. I usually go into reading without expectations, since I never read blurbs. The idea seems terrific, but the execution lacks for me. Hopefully I will be put right as the story goes on.
Gabi wrote: "This is the first book where my expectations were probably too high. I usually go into reading without expectations, since I never read blurbs. The idea seems terrific, but the execution lacks for ..."I think I feel pretty similar. I've only just read the first chapter on my lunch break so it's early days yet but, so far, I love the premise but the writing doesn't quite click with me - I feel quite distant from what's going on.
Started reading this book. I am in the odd position of finding it interesting and not really catching my attention...but it is really early. I will persist.
I read this book, just before I joined this book club, last month. I was skeptical in the beginning because I thought it was going to be a bad ripoff of Annihilation but boy was I wrong. It’s a book about survival on an unknown planet told by different generations. It’s definitely worth sticking to.
Hm. I'm one of those who really appreciate content warnings, (thank you Allison) but I don't remember this book with anything but thankfulness for a good story... well, I do plan to reread it with the group, so we'll see....Edit: done, and if anyone is still on the fence about this, yes, the content warnings are valid, but there's so much other stuff in the book, much of which is affirming and optimistic, that it's possible that people who aren't too sensitive can read this fine... and perhaps even be a bit 'healed' by it.
The first few chapters were not very promising for me, but this story just kept getting better and better the more I read.I believe my opinion is biased greatly by the fact that I read most of this while hiking in an alien looking landscape.
Paul wrote: "I believe my opinion is biased greatly by the fact that I read most of this while hiking in an alien looking landscape. ..."That must have been amazing! I can imagine how reading this among some wild plants would make it so much more vivid.
Paul, that's so cool! How very immersive of you haha!Cheryl, I often forget things like troubling content unless it was distinctly troubling for me, which is why I note it when I read it! I am also being extra sensitive since I don't know everyone's limits--better safe! :)
I'm only halfway through the first chapter, but the writing style is making it a little challenging for me to settle into the story, at least so far.
I have a library hardcover in my hands, and am ready to crack it open. Recent scifi selections in this group haven't appealed to me, but I have hope for some interesting science concepts in this one.@Oleksandr: It does appear on the 2018 Locus Recommended Reading List - https://locusmag.com/2019/02/2018-loc...
Just finished the first two chapters(?). Fascinating premise! In some ways, it reminds me of Planetfall.
Mod
Maybe I should have ;)
Allison wrote: "HAHA!!! So much! I'm glad you're finally able to suspend your disbe-leaf! "*groan*
Andy wrote: "Allison wrote: "HAHA!!! So much! I'm glad you're finally able to suspend your disbe-leaf! "*groan*"
I think you mean "grow-n"
Thank you! I'm here forever! You cannot get rid of me!
Paul wrote: "The first few chapters were not very promising for me, but this story just kept getting better and better the more I read."Me too (except for the part about reading it in an alien-looking landscape, unless my family room counts). The first few chapters kept me interest enough to keep going. It really started grabbing me maybe 1/3 of the way in.
Allison wrote: "Thank you! I'm here forever! You cannot get rid of me!"Pun all you want. I yam immune to them—I don't carrot all.
Allison wrote: "I think you mean "grow-n"Thank you! I'm here forever! You cannot get rid of me! "
Puns give my life! I am looking forward to hearing them until the end of thyme.
I heart you all so much.
I started early and then couldn’t stop, I’m pretty much blown away. I’ll wait for the spoiler threat as well :)
Love this novel alot, I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did.
I wanted to read this based on the premise and the many strong and positive responses I've seen. So far, I'm into the second chapter (~18%) and not disappointed, very intrigued to see where this goes.I agree with the comment that the early part reminded me of Planetfall as well.
I just finished this book a few days ago and found that it started to grab my interest midway through
chapter 3, now I am hooked....It has taken root.
Daniel wrote: "chapter 3, now I am hooked....It has taken root."
\o/
Just started on chapter three and... am I supposed to be rooting for them to fail? Because I am.
Jordan wrote: "Just started on chapter three and... am I supposed to be rooting for them to fail? Because I am."I was wondering when someone would find more thorns than roses!
It gets...different, Jordan. Hang in, I was unhappy after chapter 3 as well!
I just started, but I'm only a few pages in. I'll post some impressions when I get a bit farther along.
Allison wrote: "Jordan wrote: "Just started on chapter three and... am I supposed to be rooting for them to fail? Because I am."I was wondering when someone would find more thorns than roses!
It gets...differen..."
I'll give it another chapter or two before chucking it across the room. Er, metaphorically chucking I guess since I'm reading it on my work computer. Chapter four is not off to a promising start though.
@Jordan: I didn't start enjoying it until Ch. 5. You're almost there!
I loved this book! Ideas simply blossomed within me!
I finished chapter one and am intrigued (intreegued?) so far.
Megan wrote: "I finished chapter one and am intrigued (intreegued?) so far."I appreciate yew!
Have I told you all recently that you're my favorite? You chlorophyll me with joy.
I think I'll never leaf this thread - it has me rooted to this spot with suspense!
I've read the first 2 chapters and I've been hooked from about halfway through Chapter 1. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I'm really interested to see where this goes.
Allison wrote: "Have I told you all recently that you're my favorite? You chlorophyll me with joy."and aloe you vera much.
(man, this thread is plantastic!)
After reading the first three episodic chapters—each in itself a beautifully crafted short story—of the generational saga, I conclude that, at least so far, it signifies! The deconstructive title foreshadows the meaning of the book, revealed chapter by chapter, at first vaguely, and then with increasing precision. As the mystery of life on Pax is revealed, new discoveries influence each generation of Pacifists profoundly, as expressed in quotes from the evolving group’s changing constitution.
Having finished the fifth of seven chapters, I’m pausing a moment to reflect on what has happened and speculate what might happen next—because this is not the place for spoilers, I’ll be vague. Each chapter tells a significant story in the history of the Earthlings who become and becoming became Pacifists—the planet’s name being Pax. The flora and fauna are wonderfully described and developed. These and other world building elements contribute to an amazing blend of realism and imagination. The human settlers of a distant world remind me about the importance of listening to and seeing the natural world, not as a being separate from it, but as one connected to it. Ironically, reading a book about a world radically different from Earth has made me contemplate my place in the natural world. The emphasis on balance is a timely reminder of our species’ responsibility to live in harmony with the planet. But Sue Burke goes a step further, developing characters that struggle to find meaning in the signs that a mysterious world provides. The Pacifist's well-being and survival depend on it.
At moments, I was startled by a feeling that I was reading about reading.
Today, science fiction is the best genre for exploring moral and philosophical issues; so far, this novel has examined the intriguing problem of artificial intelligence allegorically. I’m looking forward to discovering where this original and refreshing approach will lead.
One more thing, vivid descriptions of brilliant luxrises and sunsets—the system having a second star, it's name being Lux, and Lux rising and setting three hours before the Sun—were memorable.
Don wrote: "Today, science fiction is the best genre for exploring moral and philosophical issues"I'd say it always was, from social philosophy of H.G. Wells onward
I'm a little over 50% in and right now Stevland is coming across for me like HAL 9000 in 2001 A Space Odyssey...
Monica wrote: "I'm a little over 50% in and right now Stevland is coming across for me like HAL 9000 in 2001 A Space Odyssey..."At which point, I wouldn't have been surprised if Stevland asked, monotonally, "Tatiana, what are you doing?"
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Please, leave all specifics, especially those regarding any plot points or character developments for the spoiler thread open on the 7th!
Content warnings for those who find them helpful: (view spoiler)[ Graphic rape, child abuse, loss of a child, body horror (hide spoiler)]