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Themed Read: DEFINE MAGIC *Nominations OVER* [closed]
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In this book some people are born with unusual powers
Finished. Didn't like it at all. Will think of other books to recommend.
The Prestige - not read it and I'd say folk have likely seen the movie but it is meant to be a cracking readabout two stage magicians and the early uses of electrical power
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Without giving the whole story away, it's based on a girl growing up in an alien society completely different to her mother's (which seems fairly Western/European). A large part of the difference between cultures is the concept of "magic". In the girl's culture, "magic" is about having power over somebody else. Her society believes that this magic/power is dangerous and something to be avoided. It's interesting to see that perspective on power in relationships.
I'm also not sure how readily available my suggestion is, but the first book to come to my mind is Sister Light, Sister Dark. The novel is written in an interesting way. In addition to the story, the author also includes other sections that enhance the narrative. My favorites are the history sections which satirize archaeological research. The main story comes across like the British Isles in ancient times (think Stonehenge, etc.), and these sections are like us, trying to figure out what it all means. It's especially fun, because the guy who comes across like the quack in modern sensibilities is the one who is closest to the truth.
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The novel is written in an interesting way. In addition to the story,..."
I read that a really long time ago, but I can't remember if I liked it or not. That's going to bug me now....
Sandyboy wrote: "The Prestige - not read it and I'd say folk have likely seen the movie but it is meant to be a cracking readabout two stage magicians and the early uses of electrical power"
Ooo I would read that!
Leo wrote: "Sandyboy wrote: "The Prestige - not read it and I'd say folk have likely seen the movie but it is meant to be a cracking readabout two stage magicians and the early uses of electrical power"
Ooo..."
Ooh, I think I actually have that on my kindle. I haven't seen the movie.
Dream Dancer. This is book one of a trilogy where advanced technology is known only as magic by backward civilizations, (planets etc).Floating Worlds, In this book the mutations that develop in select members of a future race are ssen as mystical,magical etc.
Mystery Walk. I heard this book is AWESOME. It's been on my Kindle awhile, waiting to get to it. Can I get an Amen?
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Since we talked about it before, I'll go ahead and nominate The Shadow of the Torturer, set in an Earth so far in the future that old technologies and the fallout of those technologies have become like magic. The other one in a similar vein is Roadside Picnic, where the cast-offs of visiting aliens have created Zones that are essentially dangerous fantasy lands.
Riona wrote: "Ooh, I think I actually have that on my kindle. I haven't seen the movie."My friend saw it pop up on my TBR list and strongly advised me to remove, says the movie's much better! (It is an awesome movie) I'll take his word for it but if it ends up being selected I'll see what everyone else thinks of it.
The Innkeeper's Song by Peter S. Beagle I have read it ages ago and would like to re-read it. I don't remember much only that I enjoyed the story. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson first book in trilogy. From my to-read list.
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My friend saw it pop up on my TBR list and strongly advised me to remove, says the movie's much better! (It..."
I thought the movie was great, too. David Bowie as Nikola Tesla - what's not to love? The book is one of those that's been on my shelf for years. It did have a lot of good buzz even before the film came out.
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I'll put these up as a group bookshelf too.
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Chaos Reading
Books mentioned in this topic
The Innkeeper's Song (other topics)Mistborn: The Final Empire (other topics)
The Shadow of the Torturer (other topics)
Roadside Picnic (other topics)
The Golden Compass (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Peter S. Beagle (other topics)Brandon Sanderson (other topics)
Ursula K. Le Guin (other topics)
Kristin Cashore (other topics)
The next theme is: DEFINE MAGIC
How it works: I post a theme, we each nominate books that in some way reflect the theme. The nominated books go up on a group shelf, along with details like price, length & availability. The group votes on a book for the next Group Read. We read & discuss the winning book! Easy.
Nominations: Just post a reply to this thread that includes the book title link and why you're nominating it. Please don't post any spoilers though!
*This time there's a maximum of TWO BOOK NOMINATIONS PER PERSON*
I won't set a definite time frame for this group read until the book's chosen, and we know how long it is etc. but this nominations thread will run for about 10 days this time.
Selecting A Book: When you're thinking about books to nominate, try to keep in mind things like: the length of the book, availability in different countries, price, whether it's something that would make for a good discussion etc etc.
The Theme: What is "magic" anyway? Books that explore the concept of "magic" in unusual ways... (ie other than wizards and fairies).
For example, advanced technology can seem like magic. Having any kind of power over another person could also be seen as magic.