so-so(1951, from stories 1941-1949)
I read and enjoyed this back around 1980, but avoided revisiting it because I remembered a libertarian/gun-rights theme that I'd now find irksome. Which is true a little, but it's hard to stay irked by something so bonkers. For me this is peak Van Vogt: so packed with ideas it can't be bothered with things like consistency, craft or common sense: a hot mess that tips “hot“ enough to be enjoyable still
#ClassicLSFBc
pickLe Guin‘s writing is very descriptive with interesting details about the world of Gethen, also known as Winter. It illustrates a rather hostile environment with humans who have fluid gender and sexuality. The reader is allowed to explore the world and its unique inhabitants. The exceptional detail and folk stories make this a fascinating read.
pickIn this fast-paced and violent dystopian novel, New York is cut off from the rest of the world, shrouded in a deadly "funk" that sometimes bestows powers on residents, while territorial gangs vie for control of city blocks. A small group led by the Kid undertakes a mysterious mission; Gillian is appointed Sheriff and tasked with solving a murderous attack. This one requires some concentration: the names and dialogue fly as fast as the swords.
pickSoft pick. The German translation took years to be published and a resume would've helped. Or a character sheet. The switches between the narrators were too fast and the book itself is overloaded with things happening. But it's a good ending after all and I am glad that I was able to finally finish this trilogy.
“Fullness comes when we remember to be with Him before going out to serve Him” Lysa TerKeurst
bailedBailing 100 pages in. Scalzi is always hit or miss for me. I love the idea of this book - the moon has, in an instant, turned to cheese and no one knows why or how it what is next. Scalzi uses interviews, news reports and (for me) way too many pov. The book is creative but I have been sitting here for the last 40 or so pgs wishing I was reading Blake Crouch's Project Hail Mary instead so I am going to stop now
pickThe cozy small business story of Legends & Lattes meets the progressive sci-fi of Becky Chambers, with a flavor entirely its own, in this fresh, heartwarming tale about a motley crew of robots launching a restaurant amid PTSD, prejudice, and review bombing in a future post-war San Francisco. I ATE this UP and already miss the team at Automatic Noodle and the friendship, pride, and love found at the bottom of a bowl of their biang biang noodles!
pickJust wonderful. I love that it was thoughtful and emotional and clever as well as hilarious. I love that it was an ensemble piece, almost more of a connected series of short stories, and yet tied in so well, repeating characters every once in a while and well-framed by the lunar cycle format. Certainly 'cheese moon' is sci fi (or in other hands pure farce) territory, but as Scalzi does so well, this was mostly humans 1/?
I've never been one for physical activity, especially if it's to a practical end, so to relieve me from the tedium of mowing the lawn, we got a robomower!
In best Asimovian tradition, he's been anthropomorphised, and named Ian, after letters in his serial number. 🤖
I can take no credit for setting it up, which my practically-minded son kindly did when he visited yesterday.
Book and a glass of wine in the late evening sun? Don't mind if I do 😊
