I have been surrounded by books my whole life. From the moment I have distinct memories of places, we have always had books around our homes And since my Dad helped to manage university BOOKstores, they were always a backdrop for any conversation. This is all a good thing. I love books. They are such constant friends, ready to transport you into other minds and other perspectives.
I am a great fan of science fiction and fantasy, mostly because they begin in a reality and then move thoughtfully through that reality. All authors are skilled writers (duh!) but their gifts vary widely. Some are especially great at devising world systems, and then telling epic stories about those places. Others rely more on the human experiences of social development, but tell very interesting "alternates" to them, hinged perhaps on a subtle change to an outcome.
Of course, with an introduction like that, I could go in a dozen directions. But my intent was to talk about my little library. I have several hundred sci-fi/fantasy books. My wife has often referred to it as a part of my dowry. When we married, I sold off at least half of it, but have been building it back again. There are about 250 titles in the "already read" section, and another hundred or so in a "to be read" section. I keep that "to be read" section for the sole reason that I always want to have something that I know I will like at hand - it is a kind of reading security blanket for me. And I love me a good discussion about fantastic futures!
I expect that there will be plenty of time for reading in the next bit. I am always looking for good books to read, and participate in two book clubs already. Anyone with a good sci-fi/fantasy title to suggest? I am all ears. They help me focus on the future, and live outside the present...
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6 comments:
Hello Fellow Book Lover (aka Ed),
Although I'm not a fan of sci-fi lit, I recently read an amazing, life-altering book. Don't know if you'd like to read it, but thought I would pass along the recommendation.
It's called "Unbroken," by Laura Hildebrand. She's the same woman who wrote "Secretariat." The book is a true story about an Olympic runner named Louis Zamperini who became a bomber in WWII, survived for 40(?) days in a lifeboat when his plane crashed into the ocean, and became a POW at the hands of the Japanese for several years. The obstacles he overcame were mind-numbing. Through it all, he persevered and never lost faith (hence the title of the book) that he would survive. Louis is now 96 years old and still kicking.
Let me know if you'd like to borrow it.
Lisa
What are your thoughts on e-readers like Kindle or Nook? Might save some shelf space and you could have your entire library with you all the time.
Oh, and not sci-fi, but Shadow Divers is an excellent read - true story and it will have you on the edge of your seat.
Read any of Tim Powers books? I thought Earthquake Weather was great, also the Annubis Gates, Expiration Date.. lot's of good ones!
I like the idea of 'secret histories' that his books explore.
I probably can't recommend a book in this genre that you don't already know (about), but I'm a fan of time travel and also of historical fiction. The series that joins the two is Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon. The first of the now 7-book series is called Outlander, set mostly in Scotland at the time of the Bonnie Prince Charlie uprising.Forever reading!
I would say that "The Passage" and "Girl in Landscape" (or anything by Jonathan Lethem) have been my favorite sci-fi books that I've read recently.
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