PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR FELLOW JAMES MASON MEMBERS! Showing 501-550 of 7,144

[Sheila]

Yes, can someone clarify the term "steampunk"? I know it refers to fiction set in an alternate-historical world, usually in the Victorian era, and I think it also has to involve technology that develops differently from that of the real world. But I recently finished an excellent juvenile mystery-adventure set in an alternate Victorian England, KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY. Fantasy writer Tamora Pierce has a front-cover blurb that says, "Steam-punky, subversive, and enthralling!" However, the book has very little mention of technology, so I'm not sure it qualifies as steampunk.

[Arch]

Welcome to the newest members.

[Ginny]

Hi! I'm Ginny. I'm a single mom of two teenage girls (Pray for me!! lol). We live in Northwest Michigan, about 1 1/2 hours from the Mackinac Bridge; 45 minutes north of Traverse City ( we lived there for 12 yrs; moved to be closer to my parents ). I'm not an author, however, I am a sign language interpreter for the deaf. I do a lot of freelance jobs, like interpreting in medical situations, court, jail settings, and my all time favorite, educational interpreting at a community college. Right now, I'm trying to get through the 1001 books u must read before u die; I'm reading A Passage to India. I love the Brontes, Jane Austen and have since I was 11 & asked at the library for Wuthering Heights ( she didn't know that book; wanted to know if it was a new release. She got fired because of that...). I'm glad to be in this group!

[Arch]

Welcome Ginny.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Sheila, Emma, you have the basic gist of it. The idea of "steampunk" is usually an alternate history where society followed a path away from the energy sources we use today. The Steam engine, steam generators etc. have developed and there may be steam robotics and so on. It can be pictured as better, worse, or about the same as our own existence and is most often used as a background to tell a story about the land in question.

Michael Moorcock's Warlord of the Air, or Anubis Gates by Tim Powers are examples of Steampunk, though some stories that set up the genre were around before it was considered a separate form of fantasy/science fiction. Titus alone for example is thought of by some as a "proto-steampunk novel or even H.G. Well's Time Machine.

[Emma]

Wow, I had never realized it was a genre unto itself. Very interesting. I kept hearing the term being used by other goodreads users and figured I must be way out of the loop to have no idea what it was. I was picturing something like punk rockers writing their stories are something :) naive me.
Thanks for the enlightenment!

[Sheila]

Mike, thanks for the info on steampunk. I have a copy of Anubis Gates somewhere around here, and I'll see if I can find it. One steampunk novel I read recently is Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan. It's set on the eve of WWI, with the Germans using steam-driven machines called Clankers, and the British Darwinists using organic technology to develop fabricated animals.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I've read a few. It's not a genre I spend a lot of time in, but I like most fantasy genres a bit, so, I've read some.

[Jane]

Hi - many thanks for the invite, Rick. Just thought I would introduce myself to everyone. I'm a 27 year old avid reader from new zealand. I live with my partner (who sadly is not much of a reader). Unfortunately most of my time at the moment is being spent on wedding planning rather than reading, although hopefully that will change soon. I love reading the classics and am looking forward to some interesting discussions.

[Arch]

Welcome Jane.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

my welcome to all the new members- so glad your are in our Group!!!
Rick

[Amanda]

Thank you for the invitation! I apologize for not posting sooner. Spare moments are rare when I'm juggling art, writing and life. ;)

[Johanna]

Hello all, I'm the author of THE WIVES OF HENRY OADES, which came out in the US & UK in February. I'm a yank, but my protagonists are British.

Looking forward to conversations here.

Thanks, Rick, for the invitation.

Johanna Moran

[Arch]

Welcome, Kari, Amanda and Johanna.

[Stephanie]

Hi Everybody! I am new to the group and just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Stephanie. At the moment, my husband and I are living in Alaska although our house is located in South Carolina. We are traveling by choice with our jobs.
I absolutely love to read and have to say Dickens has been my favorite author for a long long time. I love many of the British authors and am looking forward to reading books from British authors that I have yet had the opportunity to read. I also love historical fiction.

Thanks so much for the invitation to the group Rick. I am looking forward to participating in the discussions and getting some good recommendations.

Happy Reading everyone!

[Jamie]

I have been a member of the James Mason Classic British book club for awhile and have created two groups on goodreads if you would like to check them out.

They are:

Fashion Book Lovers! (This group allows people to share and discuss fashion books that inspire them.)

Augustan to pre-World War II book club! (This group is for books written from 1700-1939 (minus Jane Austen and Victorian era books since there are already groups for these). I created this group because a few books I have do not seem to fit into any particular group.)

http://www.goodreads.com/group/invite...

http://www.goodreads.com/group/invite...

[Brittany]

Hi everyone, my name is Brittany and I'm new. I love a variety of books. I read nonfiction crime, history, and aviation, amongst other subjects. In fiction I love classics, victorian, horror, thriller, and some romance. I'm from South Carolina and I'm currently a student. When I'm not insanely busy, I focus on my writing.

Happy Reading!

[Joseph]

Hi Everyone,

I believe I've introduced myself before. I've certainly written a lot both on this site and several others on Goodreads.
While I seldom write flash fiction,I occasionally do so, since I enjoy the challenge of saying a lot in a clear and economical way. Also, sometimes it fits perfectly in a story collection.
A story I included in my latest short story collection Love Songs in Minor Keys is a good example. I thought the story("A Perfect Martini") was a fitting way to end the collection which was in several places somewhat pessimistic. I think it offers a glimmer of hope.

[Shelena]

Hi guys, I'm Shelena. Rick invited me to join and I really appreciate the invite! Looking forward to hanging out :)

[Cathiecaffey]

Hi Rick and all!
I discovered Jane Austen when I read Pride & Prejudice during High School class. I finally re-read it last year for enjoyment and it was ever more that I found reading this the second time around. I look forward to reading more of hers! Too, I discovered D. H. Lawrence with Lady Chatterly's Lover, and Women In Love. I do mostly read historical related romance, so looking forward to chatting with you all to find even more of these British literature authors

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB]

Cathiecaffey wrote: "Hi Rick and all!
I discovered Jane Austen when I read Pride & Prejudice during High School class. I finally re-read it last year for enjoyment and it was ever more that I found reading this the se..."

Shelena wrote: "Hi guys, I'm Shelena. Rick invited me to join and I really appreciate the invite! Looking forward to hanging out :)"

WELCOME TO BOTH OF YOU
SO HAPPY TO HAVE YOU IN GROUP!!!
RICK

[Jenna]

Thanks for the invite to this group! Looks like there is going to be an amazing group of people.

I am trying to spend more time reading and less time playing online, but I just could not resist joining another group and British Literature themed fabulous!

I was raised on Kipling's "Just so Stories" that my aunt read to me whenever she came to visit.

I have since discovered so many of my favorite authors are British. I do not really pay attention that much in general where someone is from.

I come originally from Southeast Alaska where I have been an avid since the age of 3, so my mother tells me. I cannot remember not having a book or five around in various stages of being read.

I found goodreads through a friend and it has greatly increased my to read pile as it has so many other people. I find it a fabulous place to discover new things and love to read through all the reviews.

Looking forward to hearing more from y'all. Do not be offended if I do not seem to respond to a thread, I probably am in an offline mode or absorbed with studying for school... or reading! LOL

[Joseph]

Jenn, Can you really see Russia from Alaska?

[pop]

Hi, I'm Dave, I'm a book editor, and a writer of what I call shoot'em ups, though mine are modern day, not westerns. I don't actually read much that isn't work related any more.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Jenn nice to "meet" someone else who remembers Kipling. I would assume that since you were from SE Alaska you couldn't see Russia, try to let Joseph down easy. I look forward to your comments....welcome.

[Stephanie]

Mike wrote: "Hi Jenn nice to "meet" someone else who remembers Kipling. I would assume that since you were from SE Alaska you couldn't see Russia, try to let Joseph down easy. I look forward to your comments......"


I am currently living in Fairbanks Alaska and have been working hard on keeping my mouth closed from making any comments regarding our geographical position in the world. lol
.

[pop]

Hey Steph, do you know of a place around there called Thorne Bay?

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Well, if you stand on the west coast you can see Russian territory.... Apparently there is an idea that Alaska is somewhat smaller than it is. :)

[[deleted user]]

Mike wrote: "Well, if you stand on the west coast you can see Russian territory.... Apparently there is an idea that Alaska is somewhat smaller than it is. :)"

Or maybe that Siberia is a lot smaller than it is!

My dad served in Alaska during WWII and it was considered overseas duty. I think the gov't was worried about an invasion via the Bering Strait.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Did you or he (or your husband) ever read The Walking Drum by Louis Lamour? (it's not a western)

[[deleted user]]

If you're asking me, then the answer is no. I looked at the book's description and don't immediately see the connection. Back to you! :)

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Wait a minute...brain freeze, sorry. I mentioned the wrong Lamour book. The whole non-western thing got me, most of his books are westerns, so the non-western ones ran together on me.

I meant "Last of the Breed". It's about an American pilot (a Native American) shot down over Russia (cold war era). He uses his skills to escape through Siberia and then across the Bering Strait.

Ya, walking Drum is about a 12th century adventurer... sorry, you must have thought I was a few pages short of a volume there.

Oh well.

[[deleted user]]

Mike wrote: "Wait a minute...brain freeze, sorry. I mentioned the wrong Lamour book. The whole non-western thing got me, most of his books are westerns, so the non-western ones ran together on me.

I meant "La..."

I wondered how you connected Constantinople to Alaska! lol (The answer is still no, btw)

Well, I can't say if my dad read it or not, because I didn't pay attention to what he read -- I guess I was too young to think about it....

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Pretty good book, bit of "guy read" I suppose, but good. I read it years ago.

[Leighann]

Hi, I'm Leighann. I joined several days ago (thanks for the invitation, by the way), but I haven't had the chance to get into any of the discussions until just now.

I'm a currently unemployed geek and amateur translator from Wisconsin. I love reading with a passion and am a huge fan of sci-fi and fantasy. I tend to be a bit of a lurker a times, but you may see me pop up in discussions from time to time.

[Erma]

Thanks for the invitation, Rick. Am happy to join!

A brief intro: I am a writer/translator and am translating the works of my late father, Theodore Odrach. Wave of Terror (Academy Chicago Publishers), is his first novel to appear in English: Stalin has just come to power, the world has turned upside down, and there's tyranny at every corner. Here's the Goodreads link:

Wave of Terror

[Caroline]

How can I not want to join a bookclub with James Mason in the title? I love him. Thanks, Rick for the invitation. I'm a screenwriter and novelist--my 9th novel is coming out November from Algonquin and is a literary mystery (Pictures of You.) I look forward to meeting everyone.

Caroline Leavitt

[Barbara]

Hi everyone. I'm Barbara and I've always been a very avid reader. My favorite books are mysteries but I'm willing to try anything if it looks interesting. I live in Tennessee and have 2 kids, 3 horses, a dog, a cat, and a chicken. Looking forward to reading the posts here....I've gotten a lot of great reading tips from Goodreads.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

Hi Barbara, welcome. I live "just up the road" in Nashville, have kids, and cats...no dogs or horses right now. Maybe later if I'm lucky huh? (oh, no chicken either) Nice to have new members. Enjoy the discussions.

[Mike (the Paladin)]

A used bookstore...my greatest weakness in life. I don't get out and about as I did some years ago...but if I'm that way you will most likely see me. Whenever I visited a city the first thing I used to do was get out the phone book (this was of course before the "net" was so common) and find all the used book stores.

[Ivan]

Mike wrote: "A used bookstore...my greatest weakness in life. I don't get out and about as I did some years ago...but if I'm that way you will most likely see me. Whenever I visited a city the first thing I use..."

I can identify with all you say. I used to hunt up the used book stores when visiting a new city. I used to keep a list of books I was looking for - either books I'd read about and was unable to find locally or paperbacks I was looking to replace with their hardback equivalent. Now I just go on Amazon or Alibris and put in a title and PRESTO I can find a dozen (often times more) copies to choose from that'll be delivered to my door within a week or two. I do like having those books. However, I miss the hunt. I still seek out the bookshops though, even though I no longer keep the lists.

[[deleted user]]

Kari wrote: "I live just down the road outside of Huntsville, AL with cats, dogs and lots of books. If either of you ever visit the Huntsville area feel free to stop by our used Bookstore.

Enjoy"

Hi Kari,

What's the name of your bookstore?

[Mike (the Paladin)]

I'm "disabled" now. In other words I have some trouble with some of my joints. Notably shoulders and knees. I can't stay on my feet more than a couple of hours at a time. That lets out the hours of browsing I used to do. I love used book stores, their smell, their feel, even the way sound changes in rooms and buildings lined with books. All those thoughts, lives, and stories...just waiting. I used to (in my youth) spend whole afternoons in some book store just wandering through the shelves and looking. I've been in some wonderful shops located in houses or small buildings with countless "nooks and crannies" (to be slightly trite). Can't do that anymore, but I still love used book shops.

[SarahC]

Hi, we are in the same area you folks. I'm in Huntsville proper. Nice to meet you all.

[Arch]

Welcome to the newest members. Sorry my welcome is late. I have just gotten back from a vacation today and been playing catchup.

[Fadoua]

My name is Fadoua. Glad to join this group (courtesy to Rick). In my native arabo-francophone country, Tunisia, we mainly study and read Arabic and French classics. Unfortunately, I have a primitive knowledge about British classics. The first book by an English classic author that I have read is "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens (translated and adapted to Arabic). I felt in love with the book and read it three times!

[Luther]

Caroline wrote: "How can I not want to join a bookclub with James Mason in the title? I love him. Thanks, Rick for the invitation. I'm a screenwriter and novelist--my 9th novel is coming out November from Algonqui..."

Here is a play I enjoyed writing, and perhaps you would enjoy reading http://www.mindmined.com/public_libra...

[Arch]

Welcome Fadoua

[SarahC]

Kari wrote: "Our shop is in Historic Downtown Owens Cross Rods, AL, just south of Huntsville. It is called Gibson's Books and we have over 35,000 books. The link to our web site is in my profile.

Even thou..."

Well, I so appreciate that bookseller information. I wouldn't have known that because I haven't done any selling, so thanks. I will try to make it over sometime and see you at Gibson's.

[Ruby]

Thank you Rick for walking me through to join this group. I have studied English Literature at the university and I loved most of the great books that we were asked to read. Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice", Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" (which I have translated into Persian language), were among my favorites. One masterpiece followed another and I have never ceased reading English classics. I also have good command of French language and I have read so many French books as well.
My favorite writer has been "Charlotte Bronte" as in "Jane Ayre" she portrays the harsh living conditions for an ordinary girl who has to make a living, just like millions of other ordinary hard working people belonging to the lower strata of the society who make a great effort in making ends meet. Authors who understand and deal with life from this angle are my most favorite and I will read as many as I can get hold of.
I recently published my first English book, which is a translation of The Little Black Fish. I am hoping to publish more translations of the same author (Mr. Samad Beh-Rang). My website is: www.samadbehrang.com