Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
G. D. Akin wrote: It wouldn't be a big deal to me either except that I found I really enjoyed the first three. I wouldn't have read them in the first place if A Storm of Swords hadn't been nominated for a Hugo a couple of years back. I've been a supporting member of the Worldcons for the last several years. I read all nominees (Novels, not as diehard a fan of short fiction as I am novels) as I want to be an informed voter. I also have to read any prequels of a nominated book (self-inflicted requirement). So, in this case, I had to read A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. I was hooked and am looking forward to A Feast for Crows. You go, man. I was religious about reading the novels (*all* the novels) and doing my best to view the stuff for Best Dramatic Presentation from 1998 to 2001. I managed to squeak all the novels in by some miracle (I gave birth late that May), and totally lost it for 2002 (something about moving in early July, with house construction leading up to that), and I'm not sure how well I'll do this year, either. But the fairest thing to the nominees is to read or view *everything* in the given category, and make the most informed decision possible. That's why, when I vote, I don't vote in very many categories. (I make exceptions to that rule for Best Fan Artist, but only because I see Foster and Havaria on a regular basis, and don't have qualms about *that* particular bias.) Julia ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
It wouldn't be a big deal to me either except that I found I really enjoyed the first three. I wouldn't have read them in the first place if A Storm of Swords hadn't been nominated for a Hugo a couple of years back. I've been a supporting member of the Worldcons for the last several years. I read all nominees (Novels, not as diehard a fan of short fiction as I am novels) as I want to be an informed voter. I also have to read any prequels of a nominated book (self-inflicted requirement). So, in this case, I had to read A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. I was hooked and am looking forward to A Feast for Crows. George A - Original Message - From: Kevin Tarr [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Killer Bs Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 21, 2003 6:38 AM Subject: Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest of Current SciFi? On the author's website, he said the book is not finished. beginning of Feb. he said it. No big deal to me. Kevin T. - VRWC At 09:05 PM 2/20/2003 +0900, you wrote: According to Locus Online's Forthcoming Books, the book will be out in April. According to Amazon.com, you can preorder now for delivery in September. I e-mailed Locus and was told that Amazon is probably more accurate as Locus hasn't updated the list since December. I hope it IS April. George A My brother said April 1st. Is that just here in the US? Kevin T. - VRWC At 07:53 PM 2/20/2003 +0900, you wrote: A Feast for Crows due in September. George A On Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 08:06:58PM +0900, G. D. Akin wrote: I really enjoy George R. R. Martin's The Songs of Ice and Fire series Me too! Now if only he would get that next book out faster! I've heard that Martin is loosely following the War of the Roses, but since I'm not familiar with the WotR, I can't judge. Do you have any comment on that aspect of the series? Maybe I'll be motivated to read the history of the WotR. ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
A Feast for Crows due in September. George A - Original Message - From: Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Killer Bs Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 8:28 PM Subject: Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest of Current SciFi? On Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 08:06:58PM +0900, G. D. Akin wrote: I really enjoy George R. R. Martin's The Songs of Ice and Fire series Me too! Now if only he would get that next book out faster! I've heard that Martin is loosely following the War of the Roses, but since I'm not familiar with the WotR, I can't judge. Do you have any comment on that aspect of the series? Maybe I'll be motivated to read the history of the WotR. -- Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.erikreuter.net/ ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
According to Locus Online's Forthcoming Books, the book will be out in April. According to Amazon.com, you can preorder now for delivery in September. I e-mailed Locus and was told that Amazon is probably more accurate as Locus hasn't updated the list since December. I hope it IS April. George A - Original Message - From: Kevin Tarr [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Killer Bs Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 8:28 PM Subject: Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest of Current SciFi? My brother said April 1st. Is that just here in the US? Kevin T. - VRWC At 07:53 PM 2/20/2003 +0900, you wrote: A Feast for Crows due in September. George A - Original Message - From: Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Killer Bs Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 8:28 PM Subject: Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest of Current SciFi? On Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 08:06:58PM +0900, G. D. Akin wrote: I really enjoy George R. R. Martin's The Songs of Ice and Fire series Me too! Now if only he would get that next book out faster! I've heard that Martin is loosely following the War of the Roses, but since I'm not familiar with the WotR, I can't judge. Do you have any comment on that aspect of the series? Maybe I'll be motivated to read the history of the WotR. -- Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.erikreuter.net/ ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
I agree. I've been a bit dismayed at the rise of Fantasy at the expense of SF. I was really upset when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire won the Hugo year before last. So upset that I wrote a letter to Locus and they published it. In the letter I sort of took a swipe at the Science Fiction Book Club which I said something to the effect of The Science Fiction Book Club--Motto: Your complete fantasy store and we have some science fiction laying around here somewhere. It even got a rather heated response from Andrew Wheeler, one of SFBC's editors. We took our discussion off-line and exchanged a couple of very civil e-mails. Anyway, I don't mind Fantasy. I'm a Tolkien fan from long ago. I really enjoy George R. R. Martin's The Songs of Ice and Fire series and think Harry Potter, books and movies are wonderful fun. George A - Original Message - From: Kevin Tarr [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Killer Bs Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 7:52 AM Subject: Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest of Current SciFi? At 08:37 AM 2/17/2003 -0600, you wrote: On Mon, 17 Feb 2003, G. D. Akin wrote: Amercian Gods . . . 2002 Hugo winner and probably even odds on taking home the Nebula in April as well. I thought it was different, imaginative, but not anything to write home about or recommend to anyone. A little shy of the halfway point, I'm really enjoying it. It's reminding me that I need to go and finish reading Joseph Campbell's Masks of God series. The book's central conceit about the nature of gods isn't terribly original, but the way that conceit is mapped on to American culture is quite spiffy to my mind. Marvin Long I did a delete all* so I can only reply to what I see now. Unless this was otherwise a weak year, I don't see how American Gods could win any awards. I liked it, but science fiction? Obviously not. Good fantasy? Yeah, but I've seen better. Must have been the title. *on purpose Kevin T. VRWC Breasts are like martinis. One isn't enough, three is too many. ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Wed, Feb 19, 2003 at 08:06:58PM +0900, G. D. Akin wrote: I really enjoy George R. R. Martin's The Songs of Ice and Fire series Me too! Now if only he would get that next book out faster! I've heard that Martin is loosely following the War of the Roses, but since I'm not familiar with the WotR, I can't judge. Do you have any comment on that aspect of the series? Maybe I'll be motivated to read the history of the WotR. -- Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.erikreuter.net/ ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Mon, 17 Feb 2003, G. D. Akin wrote: Amercian Gods . . . 2002 Hugo winner and probably even odds on taking home the Nebula in April as well. I thought it was different, imaginative, but not anything to write home about or recommend to anyone. A little shy of the halfway point, I'm really enjoying it. It's reminding me that I need to go and finish reading Joseph Campbell's Masks of God series. The book's central conceit about the nature of gods isn't terribly original, but the way that conceit is mapped on to American culture is quite spiffy to my mind. Marvin Long Austin, Texas Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poindexter Ashcroft, LLP (Formerly the USA) http://www.breakyourchains.org/john_poindexter.htm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
G. D. Akin wrote: Amercian Gods . . . 2002 Hugo winner and probably even odds on taking home the Nebula in April as well. I thought it was different, imaginative, but not anything to write home about or recommend to anyone. I would heartily recommend it (and almost all of Neil Gaiman's works) to anyone here. I find Neil's short story work to be superior to his novels, however. Jim ___ Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com The most personalized portal on the Web! ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Sat, 15 Feb 2003, Doug Pensinger wrote: G. D. Akin wrote: I have two reasons for you to finish Moving Mars. 1. It is a good book, a good story. I will admit, it started off slowly, but persistence pays off. I enjoyed it very much as well. I just finished Blood Music and would recommend it too. I guess I'll have to give it another chance. I was really pumped up to read Moving Mars after having finished Blood Music and Forge of God, but I spent the first chapter or two thinking, Is this the same guy? Marvin Long Austin, Texas Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poindexter Ashcroft, LLP (Formerly the USA) http://www.breakyourchains.org/john_poindexter.htm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Mon, 17 Feb 2003, G. D. Akin wrote: Both Blood Music and Forge of God were enjoyable reads. Blood Music is a very chilling tale of biology gone wrong. Forge of God is just as chilling in an end-of-the-world tale--of which I am a sucker for (my all-time favorite is Lucifer's Hammer by Niven and Pournelle). Its sequel, Anvil of the Stars I found harder to read, but the ending satisfied me. Anvil is on my bookshelf, waiting for my attention. It'll have to wait until I finish American Gods, though. Marvin Long Austin, Texas Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poindexter Ashcroft, LLP (Formerly the USA) http://www.breakyourchains.org/john_poindexter.htm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
Amercian Gods . . . 2002 Hugo winner and probably even odds on taking home the Nebula in April as well. I thought it was different, imaginative, but not anything to write home about or recommend to anyone. George A - Original Message - From: Marvin Long, Jr. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Killer Bs Discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 1:03 PM Subject: Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest of Current SciFi? On Mon, 17 Feb 2003, G. D. Akin wrote: Both Blood Music and Forge of God were enjoyable reads. Blood Music is a very chilling tale of biology gone wrong. Forge of God is just as chilling in an end-of-the-world tale--of which I am a sucker for (my all-time favorite is Lucifer's Hammer by Niven and Pournelle). Its sequel, Anvil of the Stars I found harder to read, but the ending satisfied me. Anvil is on my bookshelf, waiting for my attention. It'll have to wait until I finish American Gods, though. Marvin Long Austin, Texas Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poindexter Ashcroft, LLP (Formerly the USA) http://www.breakyourchains.org/john_poindexter.htm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
I have two reasons for you to finish Moving Mars. 1. It is a good book, a good story. I will admit, it started off slowly, but persistence pays off. 2. It won the 1994 Nebula. I think all serious SF readers should read all the Hugo and Nebula Winners. Read the Hugos and you know what the fans (at those who are convention members and attendees) are reading and thinking. Read the Nebula and you know what members of the SFWA are reading and thinking. George A P.S. I really enjoyed Ben Bova's Mars and Return to Mars; anyone else. Other Mars books worth reading are: Robert ZubrinFirst Landing Gregory BenfordThe Martian Race Geoffrey LandisMars Crossing Peter Crowther (ed.)Mars Probes ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
G. D. Akin wrote: I have two reasons for you to finish Moving Mars. 1. It is a good book, a good story. I will admit, it started off slowly, but persistence pays off. I enjoyed it very much as well. I just finished Blood Music and would recommend it too. Doug GCU Mighty Mites ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Fri, Feb 14, 2003 at 10:28:29AM -0600, Ronn!Blankenship wrote: IIRC, I didn't get much past that point myself, which is why I was reluctant to suggest it . . . I read all three, with liberal skimming over the boring parts in each one. Some characters viewpoints just weren't interesting, and some detailed passages were just too detailed. I think 3 three could have been combined into one (losing about 2/3's of the pages of the trilogy) and it would have been stupendous novel. As it was, I quite enjoyed them, and would recommend them, if you are comfortable with skimming/skipping over the slower parts. -- Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.erikreuter.net/ ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Mars books: I can't seem to get past the student uprising part at the beginning of Bear's _Moving Mars_. Should I? Marvin Long Austin, Texas Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poindexter Ashcroft, LLP (Formerly the USA) http://www.breakyourchains.org/john_poindexter.htm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Fri, Feb 14, 2003 at 06:10:03PM -0600, Marvin Long, Jr. wrote: On Mars books: I can't seem to get past the student uprising part at the beginning of Bear's _Moving Mars_. Should I? I read that one through without skimming -- I enjoyed it. When you say you can't seem to get past do you mean you are bored or offended? I ask because I don't remember having either problem with that part. The character development kept my attention there (it reminded me of some of the people from some of the clubs in college that I went to a meeting only once) -- Erik Reuter [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.erikreuter.net/ ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Irregulars Question (New), was Re: Book Suggestions: TheBest ofCurrent SciFi?
On Fri, 14 Feb 2003, Erik Reuter wrote: I read that one through without skimming -- I enjoyed it. When you say you can't seem to get past do you mean you are bored or offended? Bored. I couldn't bring myself to believe in the character expressed by the young woman's POV. Like a 40 year old guy writing a girl's confessional for Teen People or something. Am I too harsh? It's been a while Marvin Long Austin, Texas Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Poindexter Ashcroft, LLP (Formerly the USA) http://www.breakyourchains.org/john_poindexter.htm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
