Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 1,751-1,800 of 4,412

[Erik]

Greetings readers, I'm Erik.

About 34 years ago, during Summer vacation, my mom got tired of me wasting beautiful days in the basement. There was a neighborhood full of kids to play with but I preferred the basement and my own company. She hatched the clever plan of grounding me--- out of the house! At loose ends I wandered into the local library and found THEIR basement. That's where the Sci-Fi section was located. That Summer I met 'Tom Swift' and 'The Mad Scientists Club'. Definitely gateway books into a lifelong Science Fiction passion.

Years later along comes the world widening experiences of Jr. High and I'm introduced to J.R.R. Tolkien. Henceforth I bore the Laser AND the Sword.

Occasionally reading other genres proves to myself that I'm well rounded. One thing that has fascinated me about this sci-fi relationship is how age changes books. "Lord of Light - R. Zelazny" comes to mind. Every time I read it, it's different to me. I love that, and those are the kinds of book I cherish most. The ones that grow with me.

Look @ the book shelf and pick 5 (quick!)
Ready Player One - E. Cline
Cryptonomicon - N. Stephenson
Mouser Guard - D. Petersen
Uncle Tungsten - O. Sacks
Gentle Giants of Ganymede - JP Hogan

wheee!

[JC]

Guess I'll chime in too. My name is JC. I also found S&L through the Geek&Sundry channel and have to say I've been looking for this type of community for a while.

I always enjoyed reading, but never had the time... Once my son was old enough to want to read the Harry Potter series, I figured I'd be the "responsible dad", and read ahead of him just to keep an eye out for anything objectionable, and ended up loving the series, and found myself reading in the mornings before work and in the evenings to unwind.

More of a sword than a laser, and am going to start the June book tonight. I'm excited to be a new member, and excitedly read all the new posts here on the Goodreads S&L page.

[Christian]

Hello, I'm Chris.
Being a Gamer/Reader i found out about this group through the G&S channel.

Having seen the show and looking arround here this seems to be the place for me.

I'm from Cologne Germany and tend to lean towards the Laser side. I like to read Banks, Stross, Stephenson and some of the SF "Classics" on the Sword side I like the huge ones GRRM, Williams, Pratchet.

[Blake]

Hi, I'm Blake. My reading interests are rather eclectic, but I have enjoyed following along with this group since G&S started.

I'm a big fan of Vonnegut and my favorite book is actually Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye". I read a couple DragonLance books long ago since my brother was addicted to them as a kid (I was largely reading sports biographies at the time and wanted to see what Fantasy was about). I enjoy Adams, Robert Asprin, Terry Pratchett, Martin, Jordan...but do a lot of reading outside of "sword" or "laser".

Looking forward to jumping into the forums here a little bit. I enjoy engaging conversation on literature, so hopefully that's what I find here!

[Kelly]

Hi! My name is Kelly, and I found Sword and Laser from Veronica doing the Vaginal Fantasy Book Club and from Geek&Sundry.
I just love to read, anything I can get my hands on really and book clubs are AMAZING for recommendations.
Hands down favorite author is definitely Neil Gaiman.
If we need to identify I'm definitely more a "Sword" kind of gal, but I'm trying to branch out with my fantasy novel reading! I'm really excited to start Tigana and join in the conversations!!

[steve]

Hi, I am Steve. I stumbled on to this group from, believe it or not, Buzz out loud. And while I have enjoyed reading I rarely have had time for it. I recently started making this a priority (after its mostly garbage on TV anyway) and have picked this up again. Yeah! Starting with Buzz, I eventually arrived at Goodreads and once here I saw this. I enjoy fantasy but I wanted to venture in to Sci-fi and classics.

[Melinda]

Hi! My name is Melinda. I'm a Aussie librarian, speed reader, and writer of unpublished fantasy novels. I love Bujold, Pratchett, the older Anne McCaffery works and JD Robb. I don't have a local group to chatter with about my love of books and was delighted to hear about this group via the Vaginal Fantasy youTube postings :}

[Elzibub]

Hi, I'm Elizabeth, aka "Elzibub" :D I found Sword & Laser through Geek&Sundry. I tend to "read" (I primarily listen to Audible books due to time constraint & crappy eyesight) a lot of steampunk, supernatural action/thriller & branching into some Sci-Fi. These other genres occasionally include romance, but that is not my prime motivator. Romance supernatural without some fightin' or other sorts of action = YAWN (like "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness). Being a Whedo(n)-phile, the strong willed heroine must prove her strength by having integrity & kicking physical and/or mental ass. Just having the main character told what a strong woman she is constantly doesn't cut it for me ("The lady doth protest too much, methinks.") :D

Fave authors currently: Patricia Briggs (I've primarily read her Mercedes Thompson series, but am branching out to others), Cherie Priest (serious steampunk/alt history, plus a couple of new vampire master thief & Cuban drag queen ex-Navy Seal sidekick books; all sharp, witty & wildly creative), Gail Carriger (campy supernatural steampunk Brit satire - MARVELOUS!) & of course, Neil Gaiman. I like some of Jim Butcher's Dresden series, but felt some if the early to mid ones were flabby writing. The newer ones have improved much in technique & quality of story.

[Javier]

Greetings! My name is Javier, I'm from Spain and I am another geek. And sundrier. Whatever.

The thing is, goodreads, Veronica and Sword and Laser have been beeping on my radar for quite a bit, but I ignored the beeping because, shame on me, I don't really read books anymore. News, blogs, tutorials, tweets, games and all that noise, I read them all day long. Books, not so much.

But I love reading, and I love writing. I used to be sick when I was young and I read so many books… I started reading fluently when I was three years old, and nobody taught me the usual way. I just asked my mother what did the billboards say, or what was written on the headlines, or the television, and I just learned. I was *made* for reading, then years after that, I stopped.

But not anymore. I'm going to read every month's book of this book club, starting with Tigana, the June book. I already started reading.

Still, I was reluctant to register here and join the club, because I'm lazy and I was just going to read the books and watch the show, but then something happened: a retweet popped up in my twitter feed about Veronica's engagement, and something got me and forced me to do this. So here I am.

My favorite genres are Fantasy and Science Fiction, of course. But, to be a little different, I'll say that I love gamebooks (Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, Grailquest…) and I also read Interactive Fiction, which I guess is not so different. I also play and GM role playing games, so I read those too.

Favorite books? The usual ones, but I hate repeating what everyone said, so I'll mention a "sword" and a "laser" that I hope not many people said already: Streams of Silver and The White Mountains.

Now I wonder if someone will read this among all the other introductions…

[Albert]

Hi, I'm new and stuff. My favorite authors include Charles de Lint, Philip Pullman, Patrick Rothfuss, and George R.R. Martin.

[Chris]

Hi all! Chris here in Pensacola, Fl. I admit I found this group like many others through the geek and sundry youtube channel and am looking forward to finding some new good reads through it. Especially since being a father of four and full time restaurant manager keeps me from reading too many new books.
I read mainly sword since picking up the Hobbit way back in elementary school. But also enjoy Laser novels that aren't too science heavy.
Some of my favorite authors include Tolkien, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Lois McMaster Bujold, Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks, Roger Zelazny and many others.
Can't wait to get started here!

[Matthew]

Hi I'm Matt from Central Ohio. Joined GoodReads after my sister joined the site and soon after I found Sword and Laser via Geek and Sundry. I've always enjoyed the Sci-fi genre and looking forward to going deeper into the genre.

[Sean]

Hi, I'm Sean. I've been a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy for most of my life. I'm hoping to eventually write the stuff professionally, rather than just for my own amusement.

I'm pretty far on the sword end of the spectrum, so I'm hoping to become a more balnced Sci-fi/Fantasy fan.

[Krista]

Good day all, my name is Krista, and I've been an avid Sci-fi/Fantasy reader since I was about 8 years old. It was unavoidable, as my mother was a co-owner of a book store, and turned our house into a veritable library of Sci-fi and Fantasy novels. My favorite author, by far, is Anne McCaffrey - I may be biased, as my mom's home library includes her entire body of work. Cheers, and happy reading.

[Stevie]

Hey there, my names Stephen. :)

I've been reading Fantasy/Sci-fi for as long as I remember, I don't normally stray too far from them. Sometimes I'll throw in a good Horror to spice things up. lol. I'm currently reading The Magicians, which I'm definitely enjoying. I've never joined a book club before however I love reading and I look forward to being part of this one.

[Chris]

Hi all,

I've been an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction since I first cracked open Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain (including "The Black Cauldron"). Of course, I had already been interested in the genre as a kid (come to think of it, I probably read C.S. Lewis and a few other "fantasy" works before that time). I found Sword & Laser initially through Geek & Sundry, and had the pleasure of meeting Veronica and Tom at BayCon 2012 this past weekend.

I've been meaning to become part of a book club for a while, as my reading pace has slowed considerably since I took on two jobs, started raising a family, and just became otherwise busy in many different ways. I'm going to do my best to pick up the book for June and read along with you guys.

At one point in time I was an aspiring SF/F novelist, as well. Graduated UC Santa Cruz more than 10 years ago with a degree in Creative Writing, but for various motivational/confidence/time issues I've never picked up where I left off. I hope to get it going again sometime soon--just have to force myself to do the hard work.

I am a big fan of both science fiction and fantasy, including such authors as Orson Scott Card, Larry Niven, Robert E. Howard, Terry Brooks, and many others. I'm currently reading "Dust of Dreams" by Stephen Erickson, and could not recommend this series more.

Anyway, pleased to meet you guys. This should be fun!

[Simon]

Morning all,
New member from the UK, found Goodreads after the inaugural "Vaginal Fantasy Hangout" popped up in my YouTube subscription to Felicia Days channel - looking forward to finding many new books/authors through the group :)

[[deleted user]]

Hey awesome people! I'm Jason and I just started getting back into reading sci-fi and fantasy. I'm knee deep in A Song of Ice and Fire and I love all aspects of geekdom. The most I've really delved into fantasy before this year was with Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. I'm looking forward to all of the interesting books that have been around all along and I've never read before along with the latest Swords and Lasers!

[Ruben]

Hi, I'm Ruben,

I have always read a lot of fantasy and joined to get into SciFi a bit more. But I do try to read other genres as well.

I'm currently a PhD student in London, studying on an obscure branch of quantum mechanics.

My favourite authors are: Douglas Adams, Alexandre Dumas, Neil Gaiman, Patrick Rothfuss

[Bridgette]

Hi! I'm Bridgette.

I love sci-fi and fantasy books. I like that they can expand my imagination. However, I like classic books as well. I'll read pretty much everything as long as its not boring. :)

[Jonathan]

Heyo! I'm Jon and I'm so excited I've been introduced to Sword and Laser. Yes I'm late to the game and introduced via the videopodcast but I'm very happy there is a place I can find new read and friends. I'm a Merchant Marine in profession and a musician and motorcycle mechanic by hobby. My favorite authors are Heinlein and Simmons. Thanks for letting me play with you guys. Totally rad.

[Härjapealane]

Hey, I'm Christian (don't really like my name, opposite of my personality). I've just found the podcast and videos on youtube. Big fan. Big fan of fantasy, not so much sci-fi. Also, I'm trying to create many worlds in my mind.

[Amelia]

Hey all, my name's Amelia. I'm an animal nut/biologist by trade but have loved sci-fi and fantasy since my mother read me The Hobbit as my bedtime story when I was very young. Whether I prefer sci-fi to fantasy or vice versa varies week to week.

I'm just now getting to the deep cuts in both genres, and can't wait to discuss books with my fellow Internet dorks! My favorite authors are Douglas Adams and George R.R. Martin, but I'm hoping to find more. :)

[Scott]

Hi!

I'm finally getting around to posting my introduction here. I've been lurking for a while.

I discovered The Sword and Laser from the video show. I watched the first few episodes and loved what I saw. I decided to join and then the first book I am joining you on is Tigana.

I am a high school English teacher. I love writing, reading, playing board games, and collecting comic books.

I have a wonderful wife, a five-year-old son, and a baby girl on the way.

I am a sword more than anything, although I did teach a Science Fiction Literature class this last year. My favorite authors are George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, Cormac McCarthy, and Orson Scott Card.

I like it here.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*]

Hi! I'm MrsJoseph. I've been reading fantasy (not too much Sci-fi) for most of my life.

My favorite authors are:

Andre Norton
David Eddings (the early years)
Mercedes Lackey

[Dawn]

Recently I've been culling groups I don't really like and/or don't really participate in, and now I'm trying to find some new interesting groups to replace them with. So.... Here I am. I'm Dawn... And yeah. I'll just leave it at that :)

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*]

Dawn wrote: "Recently I've been culling groups I don't really like and/or don't really participate in, and now I'm trying to find some new interesting groups to replace them with. So.... Here I am. I'm Dawn... ..."

;-)

[Catelijne]

Hallo,
I'm Catelijne. So far I've never read a Laser book so I hope to break that cycle.
Favorite authors (in the genre's) include: Juliet Marillier,J.R.R. Tolkien and since I've read A Game of Thrones: George R.R. Martin.

[Aloha]

Hey, Mrs.J! I finally peeped back into this thread. I haven't looked into the intro since I first introduced myself. If there's anybody else I know but didn't greet, hi ya!

MrsJoseph wrote: "Hi! I'm MrsJoseph. I've been reading fantasy (not too much Sci-fi) for most of my life.

My favorite authors are:

Andre Norton
David Eddings (the early years)
Mercedes Lackey"

[Starstorm]

Hello, my name is Carl and I've been following the Sword and Laser Video Pod Casts since they started on the Geek and Sundry Channel. (I caught one of the earlier audio ones this year as well.)

I haven't read any of this books until Tigana though just due to having a lot of other books to get through. I'm primarily interested in fantasy books though I've read Sci-Fi and actually want to read Hyperion at some point.

Favorites (today anyway):
The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy Series

The Belgariad

The Xanth Series

Several books in The Wizard of Oz Series

The Kingless Land

Kushiel's Dart

I'm hoping to broaden my spectrum of fantasy and sci0f books as well as enjoy some interesting discussions with fans of the same genres,

[Felina]

Dawn wrote: "Recently I've been culling groups I don't really like and/or don't really participate in, and now I'm trying to find some new interesting groups to replace them with. So.... Here I am. I'm Dawn... ..."

Hey Dawn!

[Michelle]

I'm Michelle. I read a lot of sci/fi and fantasy along with the classics and contemporary fiction. I write sci-fi and fantasy too, though nothing published yet besides a few short stories. If anyone wants to see my favorites, check out my bookshelf. Currently in the middle of A Wizard of Earthsea because I read Gifts/Voices/Powers and needed more.

[Anna-louise]

Hello everyone

Thought i would come by and say hi :) I'm from the UK. I've liked fantasy since i was little and i read The Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Boxed Set by Enid Blyton. The when i was a teenager i found Terry Pratchett and after i finished his back catalogue i've been left with a big hole of fantasy, so i'm on a mission to fill and so far have found some amazing reads but want more :)

Anna-Louise

[Candy]

Hi all, I'm Candy. I've been reading pretty much since before I could walk, so I'm a little reluctant to play favorites when it comes to writers, but to name just a few...JRR Tolkien, Patrick Rothfuss, Neil Gaiman, Robert Heinlein, Kim Harrison, Anne McCaffrey. I really could go on all day.

[John]

Hello!

I recently joined this group with Hyperion (which I loved!), and I'm currently reading Tigana.

I first heard of the audio podcast on Buzz Out Loud, but only joined after I watched the recent Video Show.

My reason for joining are obvious: I read too few books. There is too much entertainment out there, most of them shorter/easier to consume (TV, movies, comics, games), so books have always been at the bottom of my pile. But with this club I'd have an excuse to at least read 1 book per month. The result so far is that I read 3 books in the last 3 weeks, so I'm pretty happy.

Since I haven't read too many books, I only have two favorite authors: Terry Brooks and Richard Stark (Donald Westlake). Favorite books: Firebreak (A Parker novel), American Gods, The Sword of Shannara, Private Wars (a Queen & Country novel), Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, Dune.

[Aj]

Hey there Sword and Laser!

I got hooked on the webshow and podcasts by way of Geek and Sundry while trying to stave off jetlag from a recent international flight.

This is my first book club and I am hoping to get perspective from others while reading the selections. In depth discussion of prints is a big want/need since I finished my formal education and I'm hoping this helps fill the void and exposes me to some great reads.

Favorite S&L authors include Heinlein, Gaiman and for just being a fan of his work I'm going to count Bill Waterson (remember Spaceman Spiff?). My favorite recent read is The Forever War. Outside S&L type books, I'm kinda partial to texts that fall under post-colonial travelogue.

I am psyched to catch the Dragoncon show in ATL! Wow, I haven't posted to a message board since 2004!

[Thomas]

Hello, I am Tom.
I am very pleased to join the Sword and Laser, I am only remiss that I was so far out of the loop to be so late to the party. I have begun Tigana and it is killing me! I am 2 hours into the audiobook and I want to Lem it, but I will somehow survive it! Once again I am glad to be here, Live Long an Prosper!

[Dave]

Hello,
Excited to join you all. I am new to sword and laser. I found out about it from the Geek and Sundry Youtube channel. I noticed you all were reading Tigana and it happens to be the book i was planning on starting so i thought it would be a good time to join.

I loved fantasy as a kid then a couple of years ago read Song of Ice an Fire and it rekindled that passion. So i've been going back and reading some classic sci fi, and now i have a few fantasy books i want to read.
Thanks for having me here.

[Kevin]

Hey I'm Kevin
And I just want to say i'm sorry for all the typos and bad grammar but English is my second language and i got dyslexia(but read English as good as my first language).

I learnt of sword ans Leaser from Geek and Sundry.

My favorite authors are Brandon Sandreson, Patrick Routfuss, Trudi Canavan and i could go on. I mostly am a swords fan.

[Connor]

Hi all!

Another Geek & Sundry recruit, I've recently gotten hooked on the podcast and have been catching up. Currently in the middle of The Magician King, but I've got the Tigana Audiobook downloaded and look forward to discussing it.

Look forward to chatting with everyone.

Connor

[Grend]

Hello!
I first heard of S&L on the Geek and Sundry trailer, and have been in love with the podcast ever since.

I'm a definite Sword fan, and have read mostly Fantasy novels. This actually inspired me to write my own fantasy story on Wattpad (It's called Pathkeeper!)

I recently got back into reading after taking an indefinite hiatus years ago. Now, the library is one of my favorite places to go (because I don't have to pay any money).

Some of my favorite authors include Patrick Rothfuss, Holly Lisle (so far), and not Stephenie Meyer. At all. >:U

[Mark]

Hi, my name is Mark. I live in Norwich UK (the home town of China Mieville). We are lucky enough to have the most used library in Europe, a writers guild and have just been announced as UNESCO's first world literary town as well as being known for several authors coming from out local university (UEA) including Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Anne Enright, Tash Aw, Andrew Miller, Owen Sheers, Tracy Chevalier, Trezza Azzopardi, Panos Karnezis, and Suzannah Dunn.

I have been reading sci-fi, horror & fantasy since a very young age and my favourite authors include - H.P. Lovecraft, Clive Barker, Arthur C Clarke, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Brian Lumley and lots more.

[Stephen]

Hi, my name is Stephen. I'm Irish and quite proud of the literary traditions of this fair isle.

My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Patrick Rothfuss, Italo Calvino, Flann O'Brien, Douglas Adams, PG Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh and I've heard good things about that Shakespeare fellow.

[Valerie]

Hey all! I'm Valerie...mother of three lovely small ones. I have always enjoyed reading...and unintentionally have found I prefer sci-fi fantasy after being sucked in with the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Frank Peretti. I also love Brittish Period pieces especially Jane Austen. I discovered the show through Felicia Day (love her!). and have been hooked. You all are fantastic and have guided me to fantastic reads! Aside from the book club books I also just finished reading Infection by Scott Sigler. Loved it! Bring on the books!

[Erick]

Hi all, my name is Erick and I'm a recent convert to the video show (and now the podcast!). I'm a pretty big comic book geek, and I've just recently gotten back to reading fantasy/sci-fi after a hiatus. I'm a fan of some standard sword stuff, Tolkien and George R. R. Martin, as well as a sprinkle of laser with Douglas Adams and Lovecraft, but I'm very interested in picking up some new authors! And I used to teach classes on fantasy and sci-fi in college, so working on spreading the good word!

[Brisa]

Hello all. I'm a new convert to the Sword and Laser, but I think it's wonderful. I'm fairly green when it comes to sci-fi/fantasy, but I've enjoyed Tolkein, Goodkind and Bradbury, and I look forward to reading these wonderful suggestions. Currently reading Contact (Sagan) and Soulless (Carriger).

[AndrewP]

Mark wrote: "Hi, my name is Mark. I live in Norwich UK (the home town of China Mieville)."

Wow, I didn't know China Mieville was from Norwich. Perhaps that explains why some of the language in his books is kind of weird. Can't wait to see him write "Ar ya reet boi?" or ""Hev Yew Gotta Loight, Boi?"... :)

Yup.. even though I now live in the USA I'm from Norfolk too :)

[James R]

Hello,
After having watched all the S&L shows on Youtube and enjoying every minute of them, I figures it was high-time I contributed to the discussion of all things reading. As a person with a long history and love of reading (I read everything from soup cans to epic novels and everything in between), I can't express how much this show makes me happy.

As a wannabe author I found that most of my favorite authors really make it look so simple. I also have found that my other passion is proving way more difficult than it appears as well (that would be board game and card game design). Please take a look at my feeble attempt at writing on my profile and let me know what you think and if you would like me to write more or if I should just give up the ghost.

Some of my favorite authors are not the most well-known but they do have a penchant for wondrous prose. They include Edgar Rice Burroughs (I know he can't write any more but there you have it), Kelley Armstrong, and Katherine Kerr.

I may not write on the boards as much as I (or you) would like but I will assure you that I am a prime lurker and will occasionally post a quip or anecdote that may or may not be funny.

May all your reads be good reads.

James

[Tammy]

Hi! I'm Tammy. I'm an avid reader of all fiction and non-fiction. I've loved SciFi as long as I can remember, but didn't fully embrace fantasy until marrying my husband - our book collection doubled when we moved in together 14 yrs ago. He brought the best collection of sci fi, history, and fantasy books. I've been a huge fan ever since. Too many favorite authors to note in one post. Glad to be in the group. Can't wait to start with Tigana.

[Caedy]

Wow! So seriously glad I found this group!

My name is Martha and I'm an avid reader. I'm currently working on my goal of 200 books for this year, and I'm already at 143. I'm a fan of pretty much anything, and I read anything I can get my hands on. I've read a couple of books on the bookshelf here, and currently wish I could get my hands on a copy of Tigana, because it looks like a good book.