Introduction and welcome thread! Showing 151-200 of 4,412

[Boots]

Hello everyone,

I'm Steve, from Mississauga, Ontario. I swing both ways... Sword and Laser. If I had to choose one I'd have to go with the Sword and by Sword I mean Fantasy.

Anyway I'm looking forward to reading books with all of you in the New year.

[Bonnie]

Hello! I am Bonnie and I love sci-fi lit! And apparently, exclamation marks! Ok, I'll calm down now.

[Nathan]

Hello,

I have been lurking here for some time now. My name is Nathan. I live in Orlando, FL. I work as a software engineer. Although I enjoy both the sword and the laser, if left to my own devices I tend to read a lot more laser.

[Rick]

Hello all. Rick in Pittsburgh, PA.

Just joined up on the forums. I've been listening to the podcast for just a handful of episodes.
How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe was my first book in the group. Looking forward to expanding my reading.

[Rob]

I'm another Rob (I see there's already one of us here!). I'm mostly a hard SciFi reader, but have enjoyed Robert Jordan, George R.R. Martin, and of course J.R.R. Tolkien. Love a great L-O-N-G series!

[Wayne]

Hi-

I'm Wayne and I live in the Pacific NW. I'm an IT Manager for a software company (no, not THAT software company).

I'm new to the group, but not new to the kinds of books you all like. I've been reading SF for ages (eons?).

Favorite authors include Alastair Reynolds, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Charles Stross and too many others to list.

I'm looking to find my next great read, a few good friends, and some proof that what I read is normal in the right context.

Thanks for letting me be a member.

[Reuben]

Hi everyone,

My name is Mike and I'm a literature major turned mainframe programmer.

I always have several books going at once, often in multiple genres. Currently I'm buzzing through the Dresden Files, and May Richardson's Greywalker series. My traditional preference is for hard sci-fi, particularly Larry Niven, Frank Herbert, and as a child of the 80s, cyberpunk.

[Juan]

Hello everyone, my name is Juan, and yes i am a huge fantasy sci fi fan. I've always been an avid reader, found sword and laser on itunes, and here i am. Currently reading Midnight Tides by Steve Erikson. its great....

[Tim]

Hello, this is Hahleq (yeah, not my real name, but a pseudonym) which is a unique spelling of a famous sci-fi character's last name. I've been a long time Sword and Laser podcast listener and finally decided to check out Goodreads.

[Al]

Hi,

I live in San Francisco and do operations and IT stuff for a backpacking equipment company.

I most enjoy the introductions where folks list their favorites. Recognizing some of my favorites on a list is a great pointer to other stuff I might like. The thing is, I'm pushing 60 so my list goes back a ways. I got started when my father and a partner bought a genuine small town drug store when I was 10 which gave me access to a big magazine and paperback rack and a soda fountain. I eventually burned out on sweets but sf and comics have stood the test of time.

Earliest fave: Andre Norton. Also anyone writing about Conan, Red Sonia, Bran Mac Morn, et al.

I liked Asimov/Clark/Sturgeon/Cooper/etc...hated Heinlein. Something about Starship Troopers if I remember correctly.

Suddenly it all changed favorites: Samuel Delaney, Ursula Le Quin, Johanna Russ, RA Lafferty. (Some of the latter two are harder to read nowadays. Had my son been a daughter, she would have ended up named Delaney.)

CJ Cherryh

Zelazney - Lord of Light
Gene Wolfe - New Sun stuff
Brin - uplift war stuff. (Love the dolphin flight crew; excellent use of the Fermi paradox.)
Varley - the short stories based on our solar system after space going cetaceans turn earth into a preserve for whales.

William Gibson, Bruce Sterling
(When reading Gibson I have this abiding sense that all is right with world...yeah, I can't explain it either.)

Other current: Kage Baker, Iain Banks, Neil Stephenson, Cory Doctorow

Also, better mention Tolkien & Pullman & a love of Patricia McKillip and RA McAvoy and Anne McCaffery.

Oh, and Lovecraft.

Thanks to everyone here for great recommendations and always interesting commentary!

[Antwane]

Hello, I'm Antwane . Just got back to reading novels, currently reading way too many comics (and loving every bit of it)

[Paul]

I am Paul. I have been listening to the Podcast since the Windup Girl. I just finished How to Live Safely in a Science Fiction World.

I had some time today, so thought I would come and check out the forums.

[BigShotBob]

Greetings from an exile in the Peninsular State Below Georgia. Also known as Robert.

Favorite authors include, in no particular order, Heinlein, Asimov, Tolkein, Vonnegut, Orson Scott Card, Douglas Adams, Dan Simmons, George R.R. Martin, David Gemmell, Frank Herbert Jim Butcher, John Scalzi, Joe Haldeman, Simon R. Green, David Weber (early work), and Bernard Cornwell. I will even hold my nose and read John Ringo when he manages to steer clear of the sado-masochistic misogyny.

[Larry]

Hi All

I just started listening to the podcast around the Holiday (TnT turned me on to it indirectly) and this group. I love both Science Fiction and Fantasy stuff, depends on my mood. Really I just like a good book. Glad to be here though and hope to start checking on some good books.

[terpkristin]

Bigshotbob wrote: "Greetings from an exile in the Peninsular State Below Georgia. Also known as Robert."

I never knew Florida was called Robert. ;)

(Welcome)

[Adam]

Actually, it prefers to be called Bob but will get very upset if you call it Bobbo or Bobbino.

[Tom, Supreme Laser]

Adam wrote: "Actually, it prefers to be called Bob but will get very upset if you call it Bobbo or Bobbino."

I had Florida pegged for a Roberta.

[Jeremy]

Greetings everyone. Jeremy from Tennessee here. I heard about the podcast on the TWIT podcast and thought I would check things out. Now I'm really glad I did. I'm amazed at how many titles from here are in my pile of "read" books. I'm definitely going to start listening to the back episodes. I'm also new to Goodreads. What a great resource. Anyway, happy to be here.

Cheers

[Eric]

Hello, I'm Eric
I am a sci-fi-fantasy tech nerd. Finally got around to starting with S&L after listening to all of the tech coverage that Tom and Veronica do. Favorite Sci-Fi writer is: Neal Stephenson, Favorite Fantasy author is Raymond E. Feist. I probably went with both of these authors because I think I have to consider Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett satire rather than writers in those genres.

[R.H.]

Hi, call me Bob. I like science fiction (especially these days, when it pokes at the singularity), some fantasy (more urban fantasy that sword and sorcery), steam-punk, mysteries, and recently I've been getting interested in romance stories that play around with the above.

[Jason]

Hi All, Jason here from Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Just discovered sword and laser and love the podcast. Looking forward to reading all the book club books. Discovered the podcast from listening to Tom on tech news today.

[Luis]

Hi! I'm Luis from México, I like the podcast and this will be my first book club, I'm excited!
My favorite author is George R.R. Martin
Hope to discuss good fantasy, and to try sci-fi. ;)

[Alex]

Hello all. I'm Alex and I'm from south central Ohio. I will read just about anything that sounds interesting, although I do really enjoy good sci-fi and/or fantasy. Like many others I heard about S & L on some of the podcasts I listen too, and I thought this would be an excellent way to get some book recommendations.

[Basil]

Hi there. I'm a new listener to the podcast, living in Toronto (Canada). I'm into both fantasy and sci-fi, but lately more heavily on the fantasy side, because that's what I like to write.

Looking forward to much fun with this group!

[Kevin]

Hi my name is Kevin,
I've been a science fiction / fantasy reader all my life. Computer and radio geek too.
Heard about the show and good reads on one of the TWIT programs.
Terry Pratchett, Tokien, Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman, Vernor Vinge, and Angie Sage are some of my current favorites.
Tech News Today, Buzz Out Loud, The Kindle Chronicles and of course Sword and Laser are some of my favorite podcasts.
I have a Kindle and an iPad, and use them both. In my opinion they are a fine way to read.

[Matthew]

Hello, I'm Matt.

Up until last year when I heard about the S&L Podcast I had not really be reading regularly. I lost steam while studying for college, this seems to be a common problem. I bought a kindle last December and have been reading about a book a month since. I tend to lean more towards Sci-Fi my favorite as of late has been the Commonwealth Saga by Peter F. Hamilton although it may be dethroned by the Mistborn series.

[Mark]

Hi I'm Mark from Perth in Western Australia.

Been reading Sci-Fi for as long as I can remember (probably due to an unhealthy obsession with Star Trek) and have read and enjoyed the odd fantasy novel when looking for something new.

Recently got a little jaded with the Sci-Fi genre until by chance came across a Peter F Hamilton novel (Pandora's Star) in a bargain bin, and learned of this whole little sub-genre called 'Space Opera' - really enjoying everything that seems to be lumped into this category so far...

Current favorite author would definitely be Peter F. Hamilton, though having devoured all of his stuff I am now trying Alastair Reynolds.

Other favorites include Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Raymond E. Feist, and for the odd something different or pure 'entertainment' value, maybe Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler.

Looking forward to the recommendations that come out of this group and trying to widen my 'Sword and Laser' horizons!

[Curt]

Hi I'm a long time SF/Fantasy reader living in Northern Virginia. I'm a big Terry Pratchett fan. Other favorite authors include Tom Holt, Jasper Fforde, Larry Niven, Heinlein Robert, Jim Butcher and Simon Green are all favorites.

In my youth I remember working through the ABCs of Science fiction when Asimov, Bradbury and Clarke were still writing and publishing frequently.

[Bob]

Hello everyone, I found the Sword & Laser podcast that led me back here to Good Reads. I got a Kindle right before Christmas last year and loving all the great Science Fiction and Fantasy I'm getting back into.

[Jason]

Hello all, I'm Jason
I am a computer geek that loves all books. I live in Rapid City SD and just got done with my basic training for the Army National Guard. I am always looking for a good new book to read or someone to talk about books already read.

[Jerry]

Howdy

Jerry. Live on the frozen tundra of michigan. ice runs through these veins!

I read a lot, my Good reads doesn't account for most of my books, I read a wide variety, though Sci-Fi and Fantasy are staples. Found this podcast because I listen to most of Tom Merrit's stuff (groupie as it were).

I read primarily on digital now (much easier to carry hundreds of books). My prime is the iPad (250+ books on it) but I got a Kobo, today (neat little thing) so looking forward to giving it a try.

Other then that my other hobby is zymurgy and I am a Project Manager for a large technology company.

[[deleted user]]

Hi, I'm Graham. I've been following the podcast for a while, and was on GoodReads before, so I was happy when you all moved the official forum here, though all I've done is lurk.

I read a pretty broad swathe of genres (not just S&L), but credit S&L for getting me into The Windup Girl and a few other books on my To Do list, and TWiT for getting me into Audible, on which I've crashed thorugh a lot of good books including the awesome Hyperion Cantos).

Originally from the UK but after wandering around, currently on a long term residence in Japan.

[Colin]

Hello, I'm Colin.

I was a member of the old forums, so it has taken me a while to get off my butt and join up here.

My interests are more on the Sword side, as greek and norse mythology and arthurian legends have been my interests long before i even knew Lord of the Rings existed, and longer still until i actually read them. I should also add that i have not got on board with the whole e-book or audio book thing, preferring to hold the dead trees in my hand, turn actual pages and occasionally get the ink dust all over my fingers. I figure, i am still young, my eye sight is still good, so i might as well put it to good use.

So anyways, my favorite author is Douglas Adams, I got hooked on the TSR Dragonlance novels when i was younger, haven't read them much since they killed off all my favorite characters.

I have been rather naughty in the book readings for the club. It went downhill after i finished the first Wheel of Time book as i had to find out what happened next, so i read the rest of them (which i have done so in a reasonably short period of time). Then along came Game of Thrones, which triggered a similar effect. So i am up to date and waiting on the WoT and GoT, but dramatically lacking everywhere else.

[Justin]

Hi, I'm Justin.

I am a lover of all genres of literature. I am really fond of the science fiction genre, I really think the genre of science fiction really offers the ability to explore life in ways that other genres of literature can not. I think the exploration of these themes makes science fiction so unique.

My favorite author of all time is Philip K. Dick. He was such a complicated and skillful writer who's novels deal with not extraordinary me but ordinary men that have to deal with extraordinary conditions and in many instances the unknowable. I am so excited that Dick is finally getting the recognition that his work truly deserves. It is exciting see that three of novel will be made into movies this year.

I am also a regular to visitor to the library and am extremely lucky to have access to the incredible volume of great works here in the Carnegie Library system here in Pittsburgh.

[Gisela]

Hello. I'm Gisela. I am a school librarian in a PreK3 to 8th Grade school (That would be 2 1/2-year olds to 14-year-olds, plus the occasional 15 or 16-year-old). As you can imagine I do a lot of reading not only across many genres but across reading levels as well.

I enjoy reading many different genres, but have a particular love for science fiction that I got from my parents, who introduced me to the works of Isaac Asimov and Frank Herbert. I never got much into fantasy until college when a friend convinced me to read The Lord of the Rings and I fell in love with it.

I wish I had known about this group from the beginning. I first heard about it on This Week in Tech when Veronica was a guest. I am the obsessive type who would want to start at the beginning of the list and then try to catch up, but I am going to try to be realistic for once and jump in where everyone else is. I will go back to the previous books and work my way through.

It's been a while since I've read sci-fi and even longer since I've read some fantasy, so I'm looking forward to it!

[Goldesam]

Hello there! I am Sam Golden from North Dakota. Yes, even in the tundra-ridden wasteland that is the far north we have the internet. We even have Science Fiction!
I am quite new in my love of Sci-Fi. It all started with Dune and Stargate. Then I started listening to the podcast I would not have found it if it had not been for the TWiT podcasts that I listen to. Then the snowball continues with an audible account and "Ender's Game" and I finally decided to start in with the group reading/listening to Good omens.

I work as a mechanic on oil valves and pumps up here so i listen to podcasts/books all day to pass the time.
I am quite excited for good discussions.

[Andrew]

Hi all,

I'm Andrew and I've finally pulled my finger out and gotten around to listening to a few episodes of The Sword & Laser, chiming in late last year. With the start of the new year I decided that it was time to re-embrace the joys of reading and when the book of choice was Good Omens which I have fond memories of reading from about 12 years ago in high school (just after I'd discovered Pratchett) I thought what a great excuse to revisit the book and to try it in audible form this time.

I'm not always the most active forum member (it's not my fault that most forums are eerily similar support ticketing system my work uses and I'm subsequently forced to use daily) but I will endeavour to contribute to the discussions wherever possible.

If you've read this much thanks for taking the time and I look forward to chatting with you all more. Even if you didn't make it to the end of this post. =)

[Stephen]

Hi All,

I've always been a big reader, especially of science-fiction, fantasy, and horror. I only found goodreads.com recently, so I am very new here, but so far I like what I have seen. It is great to find a community that actually values reading -- out in the "real world" I know very few people who read more than a couple of novels a year.

[Mike]

Hello All!

I'm Mike from Naples, FL. I've been a huge SF/Fantasay fan since reading TLOTR and Dune when I was a kid in the late 70s. Anyone remember the Kevin O'Donnell, Jr. and the Reefs? This Immortal by Zelazny? Dragonworld by Preiss? And of course the classic On the Beach by Nevil Shute.

I then was into Varley John and T.H. White. Then C.J. Cherryh, Julian May, Barbara Hambly, Ursula Le Guin, Anne McCaffrey, Piers Anthony, L.E. Modesitt Jr., Frank Herbert and Gene Wolfe. Wow. I'm getting old!

I don't have as much time to read now but I have been enjoying Steven Erikson and R. Scott Bakker.

Looking forward to discussing SF with all of you!

[Craig]

Hi, I found the podcast after I began listening to Tom on TNT. I am a career geek who is happy riding the wave of the techno revolution.

I have been reading Sci-Fi/Fantasy for last 30 years. I have enjoyed David Eddings, Terry Brooks and have been with Pratchett since he began.

[Drew]

Hi everyone! I've been listening to Sword and Laser for a round a year. I don't remember how I heard about the group initially as I have watch/listened to Tom and Veronica on their other podcasts.

When I started listening, my only fantasy and science fiction was Hitchhiker's Guide and the Lord of the Ring books. I'm still exploring all the different varieties of sci-fi out there.

Through the podcast and books, I've found that I'm more laser than sword. I have enjoyed some of the alternate history and steam punk stuff read and mentioned on the podcast. I'm thoroughly enjoying Good Omens (audio book) and Perdido Street Station (ebook).

Look forward to the discussions.

DjM

[Myric]

Hello people, I've found sword and laser via a mention by Tom on TWIT. I hope to find out about new authors and series. So fare I've listened to a few of the podcast and I definitely I'll keep it in my rotation of podcast.

[Sgtdetritus]

Hello All, My name is Paul and I'm stuck in Kansas in a plant that makes Aircraft. I love to read and my job allows me to listen to tons of audiobooks and podcasts. Some of my favorite authors include Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Glen Cook, Tolkein, Rowling, McCaffrey, etc, etc... I'm Currently tearing through a bunch of YA type fiction, Namely the "Rangers Apprentice" series by Flannagan(?) because my kids told me I would love it. They were right!

[Steven]

Greeting all. Steve from Liverpool of the United Kingdoms of Queen Lizzie. I came across the podcast via a search on my podcast program on my Android when looking to expand my listening from the slew of gaming podcasts I usually listen to. Having just obtained a Kindle for xmas I'm hoping it will boost my reading which has dwindled over the past few years to just two books a year.

Always focused on Sci Fi and Fantasy since I can recall. Growing up reading Forgotten Realms, Fighting Fantasy, Terry Brooks, Terry Pratchett, Asimov. So this podcast seemed like a natural fit, and from what I have heard on the last few shows things look good :)

Looking forward to getting to know a few of these names I hear on the podcast for having started or made excellent comments on here and hopefully, in time, I can start making sense too.. first time for everything and all that :)

Currently trying some Maria V. Snyder (yes the Kindle offer Storm Glass) one of the few times I've actual read a female author and for that matter a first person perspective book, normally preferring a more objective view point, however I softened the blow by reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes first to bring me around.

Anyway, I've taken up enough of your time so now I'll start reading a few threads and get posting :)

[Tom, Supreme Laser]

I wish there were a more threaded way to greet you all individually, but welcome everybody. Loving reading all these stories of how you found us, and what your backgrounds are. We're getting more great people all the time!

[Moka]

Hi Group! Just found out about Sword and Laser from one of Leo LaPort's podcasts and thought I'd give it a try since the genre is right up my alley.

I am called Jaa and I hope to enjoy your group!

[asf_73]

Hello. My name is Angel
I love reading sci-fi/fantasy,historical and biography's. I am currently reading G.J Meyer "A World Undone" a story of WW1 and before that I re-read William Gibson's "Neuromancer". I'm a little all over the place right now but I look forward in catching up with all of the great reads ahead of me.

[Christine]

Hey guys, my name is Christine. In real life I'm a nurse at an equine hospital but I have a part-time job at a bookstore (whee!). I tend to stick mostly to sci-fantasy and fantasy (long live Terry Goodkind, Jim Butcher and Patrick Rothfuss!), but I'll try anything once. Jacqueline Carey is another favorite author.

I also find time to paly a little World of Warcraft on the side and yes, I am the crazy cat lady.

[Michael]

Hi, I'm Michael and John Carter took me into the wonderful world of Science and Fantasy Fiction. Thank you Mr. Burroughs for the fantastic journeys you provided and thank you Tom and Veronica for the great podcast about all of the other fantastic journeys out there.

[Jeff]

Hi all,

My name is Jeff. I'm a sci-fi/fantasy fan of many years.
I was a pre-red box D&D player along with AD&D first edition, and continue to play on a semi-regular basis with the latest version. I am also a long time comic book reader and am currently reading Paul Levitz's return to the Legion of Superheroes as well as catching up with Bill Willingham's amazing Fables series.

Favorite authors include the classics (Tolkien, Lewis, Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury, etc...) along with more current authors (Neil Stephenson, Sean Russell, and thanks to S&L Patrick Rothfuss).

Speaking of Sean Russell, his The Initiate Brother / Gatherer of Clouds duology finds its way off the shelf and into my hands on nearly an annual basis. I can't wait to see what new world he creates next.

As a new Kindle owner I have recently rediscoverd my passion for reading and look forward to enjoying the upcoming S&L selections this year.

For those of you who are still reading, I look forward to some entertaining discussions.

Also, a big thanks to Tom and Veronica for starting this online book club

Jeff