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Reading Room:  Any Science Fiction/Fantasy readers out there?  |
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nne9703721
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nichelle
Kent
Washington
USA
33 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 19 2020 : 11:32:50 PM
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Hi. I'm looking to start a friendly reading challenge in the science fiction/fantasy genre. Is anyone interested?
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2020 : 11:16:04 AM
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Oh, absolutely!! Whatever you plan, count me in. I read about 100 books a year. . . . all genres. But I love good science fiction -- fantasy not so much. But I'm always open to new ideas. Keep me posted.
Your "next door" neighbor -- jean in Deary, Idaho.
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2020 : 11:18:01 AM
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Oh, absolutely!! Whatever you plan, count me in. I read about 100 books a year. . . . all genres. But I love good science fiction -- fantasy not so much. But I'm always open to new ideas. Keep me posted. I've looked all over this forum for a book club or reading group to no avail so am delighted at your interest in starting something.
Your "next door" neighbor -- jean in Deary, Idaho.
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nne9703721
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nichelle
Kent
Washington
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2020 : 11:34:28 AM
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Ok. Science Fiction, then. That could cover a lot of ground. And there is even Christian Science Fiction if that is your leaning. I bought one series to keep in my classroom for my students who felt uncomfortable reading more mainstream science fiction for our sci-fi unit in school. I try to accommodate everyone's faith and comfort level. With that said, we could go really classic with something old school, like Frankenstein, or The Time Machine, something typical, or even Dystopian, like Hunger Games. There is just so much to choose from. Do you have any authors you like or wanted to explore?
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2020 : 1:55:13 PM
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Well, how fun is this . . . now when you're talking classics, there are Aldus Huxley, George Orwell, Kurt Vonnegutt (sp?) and others too. A bit more modern are, of course, Michael Crighton's everything as well as David Brin and Larry Nevin -- one of our all time favorites is "Lucifer's Hammer". Then lately we've become big fans of Bobby Akart -- a very prolific new author (since 2015). And, of course the beloved "The Martian" by Andy Weir. But his second book wasn't so good. I've read "The Martian" 4 times and seen the movie that many too -- just can't get enough of it. LOL. My hubby who is a retired engineer and REAL si-fi aficionado, says that he researched that book and all the science in it is 100% accurate. It could actually have happened just like that. Also, check out "The Patriot" by James Wesley Rawles who coincidentally lived here in Deary, ID when he wrote that book and it's about this area.
I am visually "inconvenienced" so all my reading is done via Kindle where I can significantly enlarge the print. That means whatever book you would have "going" would need to be available on Kindle -- but I've come across very few that aren't. Don't know about others who may participate, but no need for the Christian Science Fiction for me -- I'm an old gal who has heard all the bad words and even used a few LOL.
jean
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nne9703721
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nichelle
Kent
Washington
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2020 : 5:20:26 PM
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I loved "The Martian" both the book and the movie. I'm not an engineer, but I was able to follow the science enough that I found it believable. I listened to Weir's second book as an audiobook; I didn't actually read it. Sorry to hear the reading experience wasn't enjoyable. The audiobook was great, and I usually fall asleep on audiobooks. I wonder if I would feel different if I tried to read the book? I'm sure the pacing would feel different. I enjoyed the audiobook because the reader was so expressive; it was like old-fashioned story-time. I read science texts the way most people read novels. I've never read "Patriots." I will look for it. Is there an Akart book you'd recommend or haven't read yet? Maybe we could read something of his together?
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2020 : 11:40:27 PM
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| Hi NJ. . . . But is NJ your name? Just for your info . . . in case you get other "takers", both the Rawles book and many of Blobby Akart's books would probably be rated OK on your Christian Sci-Fi. Bobby Akart is a prepper and has written so many now and many of them for "young adults" so easy on the language, violence and sex. But living here in the Pacific Northwest, we particularly enjoyed the "Yellowstone" series. First book in the series was "Hellfire". Check it out and let me know what you think. If you read Kindle books and perhaps subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, then all his books are available there to read for free. Got such a kick out of your statement "I read science texts the way most p[people read novels." That definitely is my husband. Re Bobby Akert -- enjoy his books so much, I would definitely read anything by him again if it was something you wanted to explore. But as I said before, I'm open to anything you would like to pursue. |
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nne9703721
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nichelle
Kent
Washington
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2020 : 11:20:28 AM
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Hi Jean,
Sorry to drop out of sight for a few days. I'm a teacher, so I had to get that going and that means taking time to read school stuff rather than fun stuff. But, I'm back.
My name is NJ, as in Nichelle Jenice, and I do use my initials just as often as I use my full name, especially when I write. Since some people are intimidated by trying to pronounce my name, I offer my initials. I've never understood why folks get weirded out by trying to pronounce my name since it sounds just like the one with the "M" just pronounced with an "N" instead, but I spend way too much time correcting people so I just offer an alternative from the beginning. Since you're up on your sci-fi, you might recognize the name. Ask your husband if you don't. He might recognize it.
I'm fine with any kind of science fiction, I just tried to be as broad as possible. As a teacher. I've encountered students from more Conservative households that were resistant to reading science fiction even though it was the District designed unit, until I offered Christian science fiction. Once I offered to supply books with a religious base, they were willing to engage with the lessons.
I'm curious about how the writing of Octavia Butler in "Parable of the Sower" compare to Rawles' "Patriots." Both deal with America after a collapse of society, and both were written by authors living in the Pacific Northwest (Butler was living in the Seattle area). I am wondering if their views on the future can really be compared in terms of the genre. Have you ever read any of Octavia Butler's works? I was immediately drawn to her at first because, at the time I discovered her (during my teen years), there were so few people of color writing science fiction (there are more now). She was a protege of Harlan Ellison, one of the more traditional writers, so I am still searching for his influences in her writing, if any.
I read very quickly and you've already read Patriots. I can read that one in about 2 or 3 days so we can both have that one as a reference.
So, would you like to read Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler?
I haven't read it in a very long time and was planning to reread all of her books again now that I'm older. I first read them as a teen. I think adulthood might bring new understanding to what the author was trying to say. It is part of an unfinished trilogy. Butler died before she could write the third book, but the second one is in print. I've never been sure what I thought of these two books and it would be nice to be able to discuss at least one of them with someone and to compare it to another vision of America after a collapse.
Nichelle (NJ)
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2020 : 1:37:28 PM
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Hello again Nichelle . . .
I just ordered both the Parable books for my Kindle. The second one was actually a freebie through Kindle Unlimited. So will start on the Sower as soon as I finish the light mystery I'm reading. Tomorrow for sure. So glad to connect with you. I'll see if I can get John to read it too . . . getting his perspective too could be interesting. Do you read Kindle books? I ask because some of them (unfortunately not all) are loanable. There may be some we could swap. I'll check into that.
Clearly you are busy right now. Are your working "in person" or virtually? Our grandson is in his last year at Newmont College of Computer Science in Salt Lake and it has gone totally virtual. |
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nne9703721
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nichelle
Kent
Washington
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2020 : 11:06:30 PM
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Cool! This will be great to have someone to discuss books with. Did either of you pick up on the Star Trek reference with my name?
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2020 : 12:29:15 PM
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| Hahahahaha . . . DH got a funny look on his face when I told him your name before but didn't comment on it. Now I'll do a "reveal". Were your parents Trekkies or is your name an AKA? LOL. I just asked him again before giving him the answer. It must have been rattling around in his brain cause he immediately said "Ohura" (sp?) with a big smile. Gold star for him. |
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nne9703721
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Nichelle
Kent
Washington
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Sep 29 2020 : 4:40:24 PM
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Most people ask that question, but the answer is a little complicated. The short answer is no. Although my mom will sit down and watch Trek with me, she isn't a Trekkie. Nor is she a sci-fi person, although if she had to pick a science fiction author to read, she'd choose Octavia Butler, thanks to introducing her to these two books when I was a teen.
I'm the one who is a Trekkie and a sci-fi nerd, and that's because of my dear departed auntie, Jacqueline. Both of them were teenagers when the show was on the air. My mom would have thought herself too cool to watch a show for nerds, but she was most likely watching with her nerdy sister and noticed the actress, Nichelle Nichols. Even though she was only a teen, she thought the part represented a positive future for African-Americans, and she felt the actress was a positive role model. So when she discovered herself about to be a teen mom, she chose to name her daughter after someone she thought represented positivity.
I got into sci-fi from spending time with my aunt, who was always more like a big sister. We used to watch tv shows and movies together. And we shared and discussed books. She introduced me to Octavia Butler. I still miss her very much. She died from very aggressive cancer within 6-8 weeks of getting a diagnosis.
As for teaching, we are all virtual, but I think we will return to the classroom soon. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
And sometimes, I write stories. I will probably try to get you to read my writing for some of the other badges.
Uhura (Nichelle) |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2020 : 1:35:31 PM
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Hello Uhura . . . well, now you have done it. I hope you are proud of yourself. You have created a monster!! LOL . . . I am completely enthralled by this book. I am about half way through it. Went online to checkout "hyperempathy" and stumbled upon this awesome site http://parableofthesoweratunc.web.unc.edu/2017/12/religion. No doubt you are familiar with it. It really helps to get the the grey cells working on overdrive while reading the novel. I can only imagine the impact this must have had on you as a teenager. You are now a teacher living in the Northwest . . . hmmmmm are you perhaps a grown up Lauren? No . . . the timing is not right . . . but still . . . .
You also inspired us to do a re-watch of all our Star Trek movies. We started with the new Star Trek because in reality, it is the beginning. Once we finish these new ones, we will watch the six previous films. I checked online and found I can get a BluRay set of the entire TV series with Nichelle, et al. So plan to order that for DH for Christmas.
Like I said, you created a monster . . . but THANKS for that.
hugs
jean |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2020 : 8:30:50 PM
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Have finished "Parable of the Sower" and "Parable of the Talents". Oh my, so much food for thought. I have just downloaded the 4-book "Patternmaster" series by her.
jean
"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at."
. . . .Stephen Hawking |
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Reading Room: Any Science Fiction/Fantasy readers out there? |
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Any Science Fiction/Fantasy readers out there?
