2010-07 LIGHT - roll call and first impressions (no spoilers)

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Please let us know if you've read, are reading or are planning to read Light by M. John Harrison, and any first impressions.

No spoilers in this topic please!

[Ken]

I have the book, just no time to read it now. Summer is slower time for reading for me, I ride a bicycle instead of taking Public Transit. Been working through Kushiel's Justice and I dont find these sequels as good as the original Trilogy

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

This is a book I've wanted to read for a while, but never got around to - and with my current review schedule, I won't be able to read it for the discussion, unfortunately.

[Candiss]

I have a copy of the book, and I intend to read it this month. I started it last month - read the first couple of chapters - but for various reasons (group challenges elsewhere, mood, etc.) I got distracted toward other books.

I have been looking forward to reading this one for some time now, and I will be participating in the discussion...assuming I don't again find myself distracted. (Dang these books! So insistent!)

[Nick]

I'll be reading it as soon as I find a copy. I do have an interest in the Tiptree Award winning books, as feminist sci-fi is a particular favorite sub-genre of mine. But the blurbs for this one never really caught my eye. Still, I'm a fan of mysterious wiriting styles, and from what I've read so far from you that've started it, "Light" fits that description.

[Phoenixfalls]

I'll be reading it; I'm finishing up two books from last month but should be able to start in a couple days.

[Marty]

I will start it soon. might try to finish The Last Stormlord before I start this one.

[Sandi]

I'm on page 94 of 288 on my Nook. I have no idea what the heck this book is about.

[Bookbrow]

It's a bad sign when I pick up another book to read while I am reading Light, it's summer and jeez I am not sure I am up to this riddle yet. Perhaps later...

[Ricky]

I bought it cheap and plan to read it, if I have time.

[Duane]

I read Light about a year ago, and along with its sequel, Nova Swing, it is some of my favorite science fiction of all time. I think Harrison is a genius, but I also think his books are probably not for everyone. They are a bit like reading modern poetry or listening to a jazz improvisation, and you have to let the language carry you. I liked Nova Swing even better.

[Sandi]

Duane, I think you hit the nail on the head. It's very much like reading poetry or listening to music.

[Phoenixfalls]

I'm almost a third of the way in and while I'm not engrossed I'm not hating it either. . . though what might be getting me through is that I keep thinking of what the cast of Criminal Minds would say to what's going on. . . ;)

I think, though, having already gotten lost a couple times, that this might have been a book that would have been better served by me deciding to sit down and read it all in one sitting.

[Nick]

I just started it. Hope to finish over the weekend. It is a strange read, though, and demands the attention.

[Richard]

Started it a wee while back, but because of other reading commitments in this (thanks Janny) and other groups I haven't got far. That said I'm immediately intrigued and enjoying what I've read so far and I'm a fan of M. John Harrison's other works. My copy is a signed first edition hardback, so is being read very carefully and not leaving the house, and I feel this book is one that is going to reward a careful read. So it doesn't look like I'm going to finish it any time soon, apologies therefore for not contributing more to this discussion this month, but I'll certainly be referring back to these threads when I do manage to finish it.

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

The discussion threads for our Books of the Month stay up for three months, and after that they're moved to the "Previous Books of the Month" folder, so you can jump into the discussion at any time!

[Richard]

Stefan wrote: "The discussion threads for our Books of the Month stay up for three months, and after that they're moved to the "Previous Books of the Month" folder, so you can jump into the discussion at any time!"

Thanks for that Stefan. Be prepared for an old, dusty, long forgotten thread to suddenly stir back into life when you least expect it.

[Janny]

Richard, my comment wasn't made in this group, but glad it helped. M. John Harrison writes incredibly beautifully but his ideas are extremely esoteric.

I enjoy his style of dreaming quite well, but find I have to be in the right mood to appreciate it.

Definitely a one of a kind writer, and his prose can leave one breathless.

As an aside: Folks here may not realize: M. John Harrison collaborated with another, Jane Johnson, under the pen name Gabriel King. Together they wrote (four?) books, fantasies, about feral cats handling the magic in our world - a very well done series, gorgeously written. It begins with The Wild Road, and ends with The Knot Garden. The ideas are very wonderfully original. Could wish the books were better known.