SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

I loved the baby swap scene. "Damien is a nice name."

So, in January, my reading has been a hodgepodge. I finished GRR Martin's Songs of Ice & Fire. I think Volume 2, A Clash of Kings is better than the first one. Things are just as bleak, but the characters become much more developed and accessible. Books 3 & 4 continue in this vein. No comments on the absent 5th.

I started the Butcher Codex Alera series. I really liked Furies of Calderon. The second book, Academ’s Fury was also good, but I wasn't quite as taken by it. I generally like series, because I am already familiar with the world and attached to the characters. However, Butcher did such a good job introducing his world and characters in book one that it was a pleasure rather than a struggle. And, oddly, I think I missed the newness of the first book in the second book (although there were plenty of interesting new characters and action). I plan on keeping the others saved up for when I need a good escapist read that I can count on. Thanks to the group for recommending it!

I also read:
Vinge, Fire Upon the Deep
Asaro, Catch the Lightening
Steinbeck, Cannery Row (recommended to Steinbeck fans)
Schafer, Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (excellent for bookish women looking for something compelling but not too heavy)
Arkunin, The Turkish Gambit (a weak historical novel pre-revolutionary Romania)


The other interesting book (of potential F&SF interest) that I read was Pelevin's Sacred Book of the Werewolf. This is a book set in contemporary Russia that has some familiar fantasy elements (some set in China) as well as some interestingly new ones. It is a little intellectual in some of its references (for better or worse, but mostly for better). And, both the plot and characters keep you engaged (reading it is a pleasure rather than a chore).

I've started Watchmen for the February discussion. It definitely has some interesting elements. I might even make it through and enjoy it. But, I can't help wishing I had read it when I was younger, preferably when I was more interested in and knowledgeable about pop culture. I would have enjoyed it more and gotten more out it.

Sandi wrote: "I loved the baby swap scene. "Damien is a nice name." "

I literally - LOL'd just now

That's one of my top ten favorite books, Robin. I think I must re-read it every year when I need something to make me laugh.

Robin
Good Omens is also a favourite, and I love DEATH as a character. I regularly read Pratchett books but my favourite has to be Reaper Man.

I'm so glad this seems to be "a winner" to people. I just finished up Griffen's Daughter (a read for the fantasy club here on GR so I can devote full time now to Good Omens. I read some Pratchet but so long agon and at a time that I was reading so many authors I really can't remember much. My only experience with Gaiman was Stardust, which I'm sad to say was not my cup of tea - it was just too fairytalish - which I know was the point but still not what I was looking for. From what I have heard Giman is a very varied writter so I wasn't going to let my first read of his deter me from looking into others. At some time I still want to read American Gods as I have also heard that is good.

-- Wife of GR author Michael J. Sullivan: The Crown Conspiracy (10/08) | Avempartha (04/09)

If you ever find the audio version of Good Omens, grab it. It's read by Stephen Briggs and he does a wonderful job, especially with Crowley. It seems to be hard to find for some reason and I had to get mine on eBay.

PS: Even though most people don't have cassette players anymore I always think of Crowley whenever I drive past a car that's playing a "Queen" song.

I just did a quick - re-read of The Road to be prepared for tomorrow. Also decided to pick up Game of Thrones - never read before. So I'm keeping current with several books at one time ;-)...I'm still liking Good Omens.