Science Fiction. Land of logical freedom -- the limits of science are both free and necessary to create worlds that are only *somewhat* like the one we live in. I've claimed that Sci-Fi is out of my box. As far as books are concerned it really, really is. But truthfully, I like Sci-Fi TV and movies. Nothing that hardcore--The X-Files was a bit too creepy for me. However, I do love Star Trek, Star Wars and various other fun Sci-Fi-based films (read: Zombieland). In the "what's your favourite action movie" game my answer is definitely the new Star Trek. And not just because Chris Pine (aka Captain Kirk) looks just like my husand (wink, wink). I just like Star Trek. When it comes to books my science fiction forays were few and far between. Until recently...all of sudden book club and friends and websites (cause I listen to the interwebs) were all about Science Fiction. And...
It has been so much fun! Sobering events in the last few make it even more desirable to imagine that the world could change drastically. (Obviously imagining the world away is not the solution; yet a break is still deeply appreciated.) Onto nicer thoughts...
I have read three books -- a classic of Science Fiction Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card), a comedic one, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams) and a present day sci-fi, Wake (Robert J. Sawyer). What a lovely cross-section, no?
Reading Ender's Game is like reading a intro to Science Fiction. And it did what I never expect Science Fiction to do: grabbed my attention and held it. I did social sciences in school -- I naturally am (geekily) enthralled by history, politics, trivia. But futuristic claims? Not what I'm used to. Ender's Game, friends. So great. Here's what Science Fiction does that I love: using more far-fetched realities it creates real commentaries on our current society. Most are built on the premise that in the future our problems will move to deeper extremes. Thus, reading these books that exist in the 'extremes' of society helps to illuminate our own current problems. When you read a book set in distant future and it seems to be pretty truthful to what is happening in present day (especially around propaganda), you know it is good. Ender had characters that I grew with, plot turns that were widely unexpected and a full, complete story. I found myself really wanting to talk to people about it which is definitely the mark of a book that has surprised and enthralled me. A great gift the reader in your life (which might be you) but also for a teenager -- boy or girl.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (HGG) is essentially reading a British comedy. Think of reading Run Fat Boy Run or Death at a Funeral (if you haven't seen those movies, you really should). It's hilarious, slightly irreverent and quippy. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's commentary isn't subtle at all, but well worth reading anyway. And you'll learn the answer to the eternal question. What more could you ask?
Finally, Wake. This book was probably the biggest stretch for me (didn't have the far-off futuristicness of Ender's Game or the humour of HGG). Set in present day Waterloo, Ontario Wake follows the story of 15 year old Caitlin, who is about to make some huge discoveries about the world and the Internet. It weaves several disparate stories into one (albeit not quite -- this is the first book in the series and few pieces have been left hanging) which is a style I enjoy. I'm good with switching around and trying to perceive where all the stories will intersect. Some of the Canadian/math/physics humour was a bit on-the-nose for me. My big beef? I don't like it when I have to read more books to get to the ending. I like books that tells its own story and then I can choose to go farther if I want. That being said, I totally want to know how it ends.
There is something about the Sci-Fi genre that loves a sequel. All of these books are the first of series. But with Ender's Game and HGG I have been warned several times that the subsequent books aren't worth reading. This is my PSA not to read the rest of those series. With Wake, you can check in later. I'm going to have to read the next two to find out what happens.
Any recommendations of Sci-Fi reads? Based on these three, I'm open to what the genre has to offer. And yes, I have read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. And yes, it is awesome.
I have definitely been letting down my side of this blogging bargain -- the part where you read what I write...clearly I haven't been writing. A few things have happened -- nothing major, just life-- but things that have slowed my hands and my eyes. Things that are good even: seeing people, spending time with friends, late nights and early mornings. But things that tire me out, things that change my focus, things that capture my heart. All good, not bad. But busy. Busy so much that I stopped reading. I stopped reading.
I went to book club in November and had read not one single word of the book. Not one. And, in case you wondered, I'm that kid that did her homework and met deadlines. I don't go to book club unprepared, let alone unread. I just don't. But, then in November, I did. My Kindle sat with lots of choices, I had fresh new books from the store. But I was tired. Good tired, but tired nonetheless.
Realizing I had let go of reading made me feel a little lost. Adrift. Unanchored. And while faith is my great anchor, my tree and my mountain, reading (in all forms) keeps me steady. Refreshes me and stills me. It moves me between worlds, ends my day and restores my soul. Reading is my outlet. Always has been. I was in a good rhythm this fall -- reading lots, exploring different genres, carving time out during my day to ground myself. But when a good rhythm gets broken it is hard to reinstate (read: exercise). So I have been pushing myself to read for 5 minutes at night or during the day. Trying to get my head back into the space where it flourishes rather than sleeps. I still need more sleep; I'd still always choose relationship over convenience and I'd still rather sacrifice a bit of me to be with people. But I am going to be more careful for myself and making space for what builds me up.
So now, I'm going to go read a bit. I've actually been reading sci-fi (WHAT?!?). If I thought non-fiction was outside my comfort circle, well, sci-fi is practically a foreign language. But I have, with the help of friends, discovered some gems. More on those soon.
Merry Christmas. I hope to write again soon, but if not, I hope this season brings small, profound measures of peace and hope in your world. I do hope, always, for humanity. I hope for pain to be comforted, thirst to be quenched and peace to be restored. And my hope is more certainly for you.
Love and peace to all.
Finally, Wake. This book was probably the biggest stretch for me (didn't have the far-off futuristicness of Ender's Game or the humour of HGG). Set in present day Waterloo, Ontario Wake follows the story of 15 year old Caitlin, who is about to make some huge discoveries about the world and the Internet. It weaves several disparate stories into one (albeit not quite -- this is the first book in the series and few pieces have been left hanging) which is a style I enjoy. I'm good with switching around and trying to perceive where all the stories will intersect. Some of the Canadian/math/physics humour was a bit on-the-nose for me. My big beef? I don't like it when I have to read more books to get to the ending. I like books that tells its own story and then I can choose to go farther if I want. That being said, I totally want to know how it ends. 