Reading
After majoring in creative writing and literature for four years, I left college deciding that I could not possibly be bothered reading anything that had not been written before 1945. I don’t know if my professors were deliberately trying to foster a literary snobbery, but I adopted it nonetheless. If a work of literature was not considered to be labeled as a “classic” then I would not even pick it up.
Please.
I’m certainly not trying to take away from the classics nor am I arguing with the attributes which have placed them in such a distinctive category. Tolstoy, Ibsen, Bronte; I could read them over and over again, which is part of the reason they are considered to be classics. What I am trying to say, however, is that there are some fabulous books being written as we speak, the authors of which may or may not receive the accolades they deserve, yet they are bringing enormous pleasure and insight to people.
After my brief interlude with literary snobbery, I found myself cast out into the fictional winds, searching for a genre of choice. I read various types of books, enjoying each and every one for its unique story and message. It was after watching the David Lynch version of Dune, however, that I realized the inevitable truth – I am a Science Fiction/Fantasy fanatic. The movie led to the book which led to the series…and the rest, as they say is history.
Upon reflection, it all makes sense – the endless childhood hours spent watching Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, the fascination with Madeline L’Engle books…I was a Sci-Fi fan in the making.
I was recently reading an article by Camille Bacon-Smith which discussed the changing demographics of science fiction fans. I have to say that I’m glad to learn that the previously male-dominated audience has been changing over the years. Not to say that I’ve minded being one of a few women at a book talk or convention, but it certainly makes things a bit less awkward.
Of course, there are many books which are pushed into the classification of Science Fiction/Fantasy for lack of a more distinctive classification. Novels which deal with the supernatural and paranormal often fall into this genre, although they can be quite different. Either way, I find that anything which takes a story from the confines of accepted reality and which challenge the norms of the world that we live in both fascinates and thrills me. It’s like a massage of the brain or an orgasm of the mind.
So, after this rather long interlude, (I still haven’t figured out how to master the art of brevity), I would like to introduce you to some of the books I am currently or have recently been reading.
Currently Reading:
Creating a main character who is a hermaphroditic, indentured servant, forced to serve a fictitious king sets a premise for an unusual and intriguing story. Couple this with Mary Gentle’s creation of alternative history and we have the makings of some very interesting fiction.
Following Ilario’s adventures as he/she is thrown out of court and is chased down by the very forces which he/she has has been raised to trust and love, keeps the reader fascinated and wondering.
The novel explores several interesting concepts such as Ilario’s decision to define him/her self as both genders as well as politically charged intrigue which is set against a familiar and yet different, historical backdrop. I’m anxious to find out if Ilario can rise above the difficult circumstances he/she has been faced with and would love to see him/her triumph above the self absorbed, political and social status seekers.
Research, research, research. The sequel to Confirmation, which is yet to be titled, delves much deeper into ancient cultural history and myths. Jakob Streit’s book, Sun and Cross: From Megalithic Culture to early Christianity in Ireland, looks at the origins of Christianity in Irish culture.
Streit makes the assertion that Irish Christianity developed separately from Rome and was deeply integrated into the established, spiritual climate. Streit traces the integration of the religion to the ancient, sun monuments of the megalithic age and argues for the importance of the influence of Irish Christianity on European countries during the Dark Ages.
Pretty interesting stuff and definitely provides some food for thought.
Recently Read:
I picked up C.S. Friedman’s 1998 novel at a local book fair and was hooked from the start. Described by Publisher’s Weekly as ”a cross between cyberpunk and Star Wars” it tells the story of Jamisia, a young woman who has been deliberately traumatized into developing Multiple Personality Disorder as part of a project designed to create the ultimate space pilot.
Set against a backdrop of a futuristic universe where space travel is extremely dangerous and can only be mastered by those possessing the “gift” of insanity, Friedman’s book gives a unique perspective on the integration of technology and human biology. It also provides an unusual explanation for the development of so called “alien species” throughout the galaxy.
Could not put this down, from cover to cover.
I couldn’t find a graphic for The Last Legionary Quartet, the anthology of the Legionary books, so I had to settle for just one of the series. I picked the anthology up at the same book fair as described above. Douglas Hill’s action packed series is considered to be a “cult classic” among Sci Fi fans and delivers constant action from the first paragraph.
The books center around Keill Randor a member of the legendary ”Legionaries” a highly trained fighting force of paid mercenaries. When Randor’s home planet is brutally destroyed, he finds himself thrust into a series of adventures in pursuit of the source of the destruction.
Along the way he encounters a mysterious group of scientists who live in secrecy and who are guiding to helping the universe against a newly emerging evil which threatens to enslave mankind.