Hugo & Nebula Awards: Best Novels discussion
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Beggars in Spain
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2024 March-xx BR: Sleepless Trilogy
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Kalin
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rated it 4 stars
Mar 01, 2024 09:00AM
![Kalin | 1343 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1533002938p1/14209609.jpg)
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Allan wrote: "I’ll join too. When are you looking to start?"
I planned to finish a few more short fiction for 2024 nominations and start with monthly reads, then BR, so my optimal schedule to start around the 20th, but as Kalin wants to "start sooner rather than later", I may move my monthly reads after the BR
I planned to finish a few more short fiction for 2024 nominations and start with monthly reads, then BR, so my optimal schedule to start around the 20th, but as Kalin wants to "start sooner rather than later", I may move my monthly reads after the BR
I am also trying to finish a few more novellas before the deadline so I'd like to start around 9th.or 10th. But I've got the audiobook on loan so I might start listening slowly before then.
Sounds good to me, I’ll shoot for next weekend. I’ve also got the audio on loan too, but I’ve got time.
I have wanted to read this for quite a while. I don't know if I will have time . . . right now I am reading The Uninvited, which I am finding slow.
I will try to join
I will try to join
So is the novella exactly the same as the novel? I realize that there are 4 parts to the novel. Is the novella just one of the 4 parts?
I just want to know if I should read it first
I just want to know if I should read it first
Kateblue wrote: "So is the novella exactly the same as the novel? "
I guess Kalin ment novellas published in 2023, not this book, which is definitely a novel
I guess Kalin ment novellas published in 2023, not this book, which is definitely a novel
OK, then, I will skip the novella in the belief that it is very/totally similar to parts of the book
![Stephen Burridge | 694 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1720021115p1/20535791.jpg)
I've started listening to the audio on my commute. The first few chapters are really strong. What a shitty dad!
Kateblue wrote: "OK, then, I will skip the novella in the belief that it is very/totally similar to parts of the book"
Yeah, I'm reading the H/N-nominated novel, not the H/N-winning novella.
I'm trying to read 2023 novella releases in time to nominate for the Hugos this year, like Acorn said.
Yeah, I'm reading the H/N-nominated novel, not the H/N-winning novella.
I'm trying to read 2023 novella releases in time to nominate for the Hugos this year, like Acorn said.
![Jim | 14 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1707058443p1/146566449.jpg)
I gave it 3 stars, which in my universe means: "Solid writing; good, entertaining or informative." I'm a rather harsh critic, so 3 stars means I liked the book quite a bit. I enjoyed the conflict between the libertarian point of view versus the more socialist view, and the fact that Nancy Kress never really chooses one side over the other. I did think the novel ended a little abruptly, so I would have liked more -- then I discovered there is more! Two more novels in fact, so I plan on getting to them this year sometime.
I read it a couple years ago and found the premise really interesting. I think that the second half slowed it down a little & then it had an open ending. I’m re-reading so that I can follow up with the 2nd book, also a HN nominee, and maybe the 3rd. I’ll likely finish The White Dragon tomorrow, then I’ll get started.
Oh yeah I'm super into the premise, even though it is total bollocks biologically speaking.
I have books 2&3 and want to get to them at some point too.
I have books 2&3 and want to get to them at some point too.
![Stephen Burridge | 694 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1720021115p1/20535791.jpg)
I thought the presentation of the “libertarian” point of view was somewhat dated and I didn’t care for it. Partly a matter of my own politics perhaps.
I’ll put another general criticism behind a spoiler warning:
(view spoiler)
I may be too generous with the stars, because I regard those as serious criticisms. I did find the book pretty absorbing. Kress seems to be good at writing about characters with intense personal relationships and conflicts.
Hi everyone, if you are going to discuss the book's themes or plot as someone who has read the full book, please use spoiler tags like Stephen did, as some of us are just starting it.
I started last night, got through a couple chapters. I'm with Kalin, what a shitty dad....and husband.
![Kimberly (kimberlyanne) | 50 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1619196058p1/1827094.jpg)
I finished Book One (Leisha) last night. It was really good but (view spoiler)
I can see how Book One would have made a good standalone novella, it has a story arc of its own that while not conclusive, does feel like it could be an open-ended ending. Has anyone read the novella? Are there broad changes to the text, or is the novel just adding on three additional sections to the story of book one?
I can see how Book One would have made a good standalone novella, it has a story arc of its own that while not conclusive, does feel like it could be an open-ended ending. Has anyone read the novella? Are there broad changes to the text, or is the novel just adding on three additional sections to the story of book one?
![Stephen Burridge | 694 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1720021115p1/20535791.jpg)
Entirely agree with this point, which is somewhat similar to my own criticism behind a spoiler warning in comment 18 above. Though better stated.
I started this and was liking it, but I am reading several books at the same time and a I am starting to get them mixed up. So I am going to finish Ninth House and then I will be back
![Kimberly (kimberlyanne) | 50 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1619196058p1/1827094.jpg)
![Rebecca | 400 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1714255830p1/128641938.jpg)
I'm at about 20% in my re-read. I have to agree with Kalin's spoiler. (view spoiler)
Also, as I proceed, I'm recalling what I found to be a flaw in the writing the first time around. (view spoiler)
Also, as I proceed, I'm recalling what I found to be a flaw in the writing the first time around. (view spoiler)
Kimberly wrote: "Well, I love Kress' writing - I haven't been able to put this down today. "
I have read only one novel by her, much more recent The Eleventh Gate and while it wasn't 'wow' type of SF, it was a solid interesting story. I plan to join BR
I have read only one novel by her, much more recent The Eleventh Gate and while it wasn't 'wow' type of SF, it was a solid interesting story. I plan to join BR
Finished last night. Second time through, it was better than I remembered. My first spoiler above still holds true, but I did change my view of the second. My issue there was not so much of an issue this time. I'm very interested in tackling Beggars and Choosers and will likely start that today.
![Jim | 14 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1707058443p1/146566449.jpg)
I just finished Beggars and Choosers a few days ago. I liked it a lot. Haven't decided yet if I like it more than Beggars in Spain, but there are some things I did like more. I have the third book Beggars Ride on reserve at from the library and should get it within a month.
![Kimberly (kimberlyanne) | 50 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1619196058p1/1827094.jpg)
![Rebecca | 400 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1714255830p1/128641938.jpg)
Rebecca wrote: "I’m at about 65% and it’s dragging a bit. The first two sections were great! So I’m hoping things pick back up again."
I agree it dragged in the middle, but it gets better at the end. I really want to start the next, but no time now
I agree it dragged in the middle, but it gets better at the end. I really want to start the next, but no time now
![Joe Santoro | 252 comments](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_25x33-8a3530ed95c3dbef8bf215b080559b09.png)
Like how did the US disintegrate in a generation? I do think the author fell into the trap of having societal changes that should have taken much longer happen in 15-20 years so they can have the same characters around.
I also didn't need there to be even better sleepless? That was kinda silly.. I mean that's just doing the same story again with different characters.
It definitely qualifies as a good book in the 'sci fi makes you think' department though... I may read the next one at some point, we'll see.
Joe wrote: "I also didn't need there to be even better sleepless? That was kinda silly.. ..."
Seems to me Kress was trying to show that there exist unintended consequences when you start tampering with gene mods. I think she could have (view spoiler)
Seems to me Kress was trying to show that there exist unintended consequences when you start tampering with gene mods. I think she could have (view spoiler)
I've started it yesterday and so far a great book, the start gave me Robert A. Heinlein vibes and one of the important characters in the middle I guess a homage to Dune series, esp. 2nd and 3rd volumes
One of the great things so far that unlike more recent SF with political bend (view spoiler)
One of the great things so far that unlike more recent SF with political bend (view spoiler)
Joe wrote: "There are pretty clear right and wrong sides by the end, I'd say."
Yes, but (view spoiler)
Yes, but (view spoiler)
Anyone else going on with the trilogy or at least the 2nd book? I've been trying to get to it, but other reading has taken precedence. Maybe in the next few days.
Yes, I'm definitely going to continue to both sequels but I don't want to prioritize them this year; I'm thinking of reading one a year rather than going through them quickly.
In a weird position now with the group where I'd want to nominate Beggars and Choosers, but Beggars in Spain hasn't yet been a BOTM or been officially "read" by the group (even though it seems most group regulars have read it now).
In a weird position now with the group where I'd want to nominate Beggars and Choosers, but Beggars in Spain hasn't yet been a BOTM or been officially "read" by the group (even though it seems most group regulars have read it now).
So, I am going to be continuing with this series in May or June, when I have time. So I will be reading Beggars & Choosers. Want to join me, Kalin?
I am reading a T Kingfisher book and then The Dark Between the Stars. I will be ready after that. So a week or so? Shall I make a new thread? Or shall we just continue here?
Just continue here I think. I started it yesterday & got nearly halfway through the audio. Pretty good, moving fast.
I plan to join but only after all monthly reads, so at least 10 days, likely more (5 books, plus I may get some non-fic from my lib)
Thanks, Acorn! I made a big dent in #2 yesterday but don't have as much listening time today. Good story though, told first person through the perspectives of three different individuals, only one of whom was in the first book.
Book #3 was also available from the library, so I borrowed it & might squeeze it in before The Fall of Hyperion. I have to admit that I flinched when I read its blurb, though, which has a dreaded reference to "what it means to be human"!
Book #3 was also available from the library, so I borrowed it & might squeeze it in before The Fall of Hyperion. I have to admit that I flinched when I read its blurb, though, which has a dreaded reference to "what it means to be human"!
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Robert A. Heinlein (other topics)Kim Stanley Robinson (other topics)
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