SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

Johan wrote: "Michael wrote: "Hey everyone--

Michael here. While I've been lurking in this group for a while, I decided it was finally time to introduce myself to you all.

In a previous life, I was an engineer..."
That's so wild! It just took me way too long to realize that while I liked science, it was never meant to be my actual profession.

Hi! I'm new to the group. My first science fiction was published last week and I'm very happy to connect with other readers and writers that love this genre. My story was inspired by the New England landscape and one of my favorite activities is posting photos of nature on Instagram. My favorite books are Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I love them for the story-just close enough to reality yet made-up and terrifying.

Howdy, Ivy! I was impressed with the early horror, too! Way better than I anticipated :)

Hiya John! Mark is a popular author in this group, hope you'll check in to the "What Else Are You Reading?" thread and tell us about your experience!

Hi. I'm Alan. I write light horror and murder/mysteries.

Hi Alan! Glad to have you come read with us! Hope you find some great books!

Ivy wrote: "Can anyone direct me to some help for promoting my science fiction book? Any advice is appreciated."

This is a group for readers, so you might get better help in one of the author focused groups, which I unfortunately know nothing about. If you do want to ask for help in this group, then please do so in the Author folder, as that is the only place we allow author talk. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Absolutely everyone calls me Laf (short for Lafeu - like in Alls Well That Ends Well - Shakespeare.) I currently hail from Brisbane, Australia - though have had a moderately nomadic life so far, and certainly don’t plan on stopping that anytime soon. Who knows where I’ll end up next!

All through growing up and through to my teens I was an incredibly avid reader - however it dropped off entirely over the last decade. I feel deeply grateful to those who have inspired me to take that hobby up again, never realising how much I have missed it (or needed it!) While overwhelmed, and more than a little intimidated, I am hopeful that coming into a space like this would only encourage me to delve even deeper.

My proudest achievement when I was a young teenager was my book collection. I’d purchased 99% of the collection myself - having saved all my allowance and spending it at the best second-hand bookstore in the world (I might be biased) when I went on holidays to Canberra four times a year. Each time I would go up there with a suitcase that was empty, and return with it full of books. When I started driving, it would be a trunk full of books instead. By the time I had moved out (at 18) I had amassed hundreds and hundreds of books, all crammed into my little bedroom - from new editions all the way through to antique first edition prints. The oldest I had at the time was a first edition (albeit very worse for wear) of Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens. Although not sure if I have it anymore, having abandoned my poor collection at my mothers after moving states many years ago. Lol. During that time I leant more heavily towards fantasy, though these days find myself to be more sci-fi inclined. My heart looks to the stars now days.

Considering how often I move these days - and now that I’m returning to The Book Life - I am incredibly grateful for eBooks. I love having a library in my pocket. With this newly rekindled desire to read, I’m keen to knock off quite a few titles that I’ve been meaning to get around to for so many years! (I’ve got to get my lists sorted…)

I recently read the Broken Earth trilogy, which I am sure needs no introduction here, and was absolutely floored by it. It really moved me.

An all time favourite is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy which is lighter than what I usually like, but it’s just so endlessly charming, witty and chaotically fun.

Outside of all that I am a photographer, printer and graphic designer by trade although I love to dabble in illustration and art as another hobby of mine.

Welcome, Laf! Glad to have you. Your collection sounds impressive! But you're right, ebooks are far more practical. I hope you find new favorites with us and plenty of support for your return to the hobby!

Hi,

I'm Sara and I live in Ohio (USA). I used to be a voracious reader, but now I'm more of an audiobook addict. I was rather shocked myself to realize just how many audiobooks I've listened to in the past few years. I stopped adding them all to my Goodreads account because it just got tiring. I'm one of those "readers" who finds an author I like and then reads/listens to everything that author has ever written.

I have somewhat eclectic tastes. I like some literary fiction, some science fiction, some fantasy, some thriller, some crime/mystery. My favorite book, Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is pretty much unclassified, so there you go.

I'm also an attorney, a pet chicken owner, and a recovering marine aquarium enthusiast.

In any case, I've only been a member of this group for a few days and I'm already having fun.

Cheers

Welcome, Sara! Glad you're having fun 😊 hope you have lots more! I love audiobooks when I'm catching up on admin work!

Hey all, I’m Jordan. I’ve enjoyed reading for a long time, and thought it would be cool to read a book with other people. My favorite fantasy is The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss (please finish your third book) and my favorite sci fi is probably a tie between Ready Player One and Oryx and Crake. Looking forward to reading with you guys!

Hi Jordan! Great selection of favorites :) And yes, if you ever run into Pat, please do whatever you can to get Door of Stone handed to us haha

Hope to see you in discussion! As you may have noticed we have more or less three different "book talk" spaces--the official monthly group reads, the "What Else Are You Reading" thread and then just an epic boatload of buddy reads. I hope you find something that works for you!

Hi all. I was born in 78 in New England. I moved to Florida in March. A Study in Scarlet and the Sherlock books were what got me hooked on reading. I'm not sure what the first sci fi book I ever read was. Maybe it was a young adult book in elementary or middle school, although I think it was mostly fantasy books. The Time Machine by HG Wells is the first one that stands out that I read as an adult.
Frankenstein actually was, but there's debate about whether it's a sci fi or horror novel.

I've also enjoyed sci fi by Arthur C Clarke, Pierre Boulle (Planet of the Apes), Alan Dean Foster, PD James (Children of Men), and Kurt Vonnegut.

Hi everyone! My name is Sara and I was born in 1986. I’m an American. My father was in the military and we moved around every few years when I was a kid, including several years spent living Brussels, Belgium and Germany. I attended university in Charleston, South Carolina at one of the best liberal arts colleges, College of Charleston and I graduated with a degree in English Literature.

A little over a year ago, I moved myself from Seattle Washington area to the Netherlands in order to be with my Dutch fiancé. I love to read everything and am interested in discovering the best that Science Fiction and Fantasy have to offer. I belonged to a really great Sci-Fi book club for about a year and I miss it very much, having a group of interesting and diverse people to talk with about books and introducing me to books or authors I would never normally have read. Not totally sure how this group works but am interested to be a part of it.

Welcome, Sara! We have a few directories under "group business" that might help you, but my vote is for poking around! We've got lots of great books currently being discussed or about to be, hope something speaks to you! If not, no worries, come share your thoughts on what you're reading 😊

Welcome Sara!

OK sorry

Hi everyone! I’m only just I introducing myself, because I only just discovered this folder! I just kind of launched into participating.

I was born in the USA but have lived in Europe for the last 25 years. Mostly in Germany, but also a couple of years each in Paris and London and now in the countryside in England (not far from London though).

I am a professional classical singer specializing in early music (medieval and baroque mostly) and teach singing to anyone who wants to learn how to maximize their singing potential and learn about themselves in the process.

I am a lifelong voracious reader and for a long time I’ve been reading almost exclusively SF and F. I also love Speculative Poetry. My all time favorite author is Ursula K LeGuin. Followed by Robin Hobb for completely different itches.

Some books I’ve read lately:
Wool, by Hugh Howie
The White Mountains, John Christopher
The Lost Hero, Rick Riordan
Rereading the Realms of the Elderlings series by Hobb currently on Royal Assassin
The Lady Astronaut of Mars, Mary Robinette Kowal
Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones
Lost Stars a Star Wars Story, Claudia Gray
Catwings series, Ursula K. LeGuin
The Tombs Of Atuan, UKL
Sutherland’s Rules, Dario Ciriello
Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
2018 Rhysling Anthology (poetry)
The Tao Of Pooh, B. Hoff
Hunger Games #2 and 3
And many more!

I’m loving the discussions in this group and hope to be able to participate in some future group reads.

Hi everyone. I’m from Australia & have just joined. My local book club was a disaster.

Love reading all types of genres but I guess SciFi & Fantasy & mystery crime novels are my favourite.

I live in a small coastal town which boasts the oldest registered hotel in Australia.

I’m an older person & share my home with 2 cats & 1 dog. I have 3 adult children & 3 grandchildren.

Looking toward some great reads & discussions.

Pauline

Welcome, welcome, Diane!! I'm glad you've found conversations to dive into. Sounds like your life is quite an adventure, that's awesome! Looking forward to hearing how that influences your thoughts on the books we read!

And Pauline, so glad you found us! Sorry your group was a disaster. I'm hoping we're more like that friend who isn't expecting company during spring cleaning--delighted, but a bit chaotic ;-)

'ello everyone. I am myself. I hail from the country of Norway, I am 32, which I was unsure of last birthday, I thought I might have become 31, then I was like 'daaamn'. But that's life.

I read mostly SciFi and fantasy, and I love it when authors miss the two, like the Starship Mage series. I've read loads of books, but only recently joined Goodreads, I try to give what I read scores, but damn it's hard being objective.

Anyways, 'ello :-)

Hiya, Jonas!

Welcome to Goodreads and the group! I think everyone figures out their own way to make ratings meaningful. Good luck and God speed on that one :D

Science Fantasy is awesome, I also like when authors mash up old tropes into something I hadn't considered. I hope you find lots of great books with us and that we see you in discussion!

Hi I'm Paul, new to the group, looking forward to a virtual book group, never tried this before.

Big sci-fi fan, loved it for years from classics such as Asimov (thanks to my Dad's book collection as a kid) to modern stories such as Artemis. I love the humourous stuff like Douglas Adams and being in the UK, sci-fi like Doctor Who ( a particular favourite series was the Doctor Who books that were written in the years it wasn't on TV).

I used to be an even bigger fantasy fan loving stuff from Eddings, Fiest, Brooks, Jordan but somehow fell out of love with it in recent years (aside from Harry Potter reading that with my kids).

One of the reasons for being here is to try to rediscover this love.

Thanks for reading, Paul

Hi Paul! Hooray! Time to discover things. Would you like some books by the crate or the truck load, like gravel?

I am kidding, I'll do my best not to inundate you ^^ But there are so many great books, I can't wait to hear what you think of the things that stand out to you!! We're about to start Rosewater and The Song of Achilles if either or both of those sound fun. If not, no worries, there are some books we're re-reading, and just an obscene number of buddy reads, too. Or, if you're enjoying doing your own thing, I hope you'll check in and tell us about it!

Allison wrote: "Hi Paul! Hooray! Time to discover things. Would you like some books by the crate or the truck load, like gravel?

I am kidding, I'll do my best not to inundate you ^^ But there are so many great b..."

Thanks. I've ordered Rosewater and Song of Achilles and hopefully they will arrive in time to read along in November. There is so much else in the group it is a little overwhelming so I'll start with that for now :)

I think that is a great place to start! First impressions thread is up on the first, full discussion on the 7th, but if you're not ready by then, no worries, just jump in whenever!

Hi all!!!

Allison wrote: "Hi Alan! Glad to have you come read with us! Hope you find some great books!"

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

Bruce wrote: "Hi all. I was born in 78 in New England. I moved to Florida in March. A Study in Scarlet and the Sherlock books were what got me hooked on reading. I'm not sure what the first sci fi book I ever re..."

Ah! I'm sorry Bruce! Hello!! I've seen you posting, and am glad you're here ^^ Didn't mean to ignore you, not sure how I missed your post. Anyways, welcome, looking forward to more conversations!

Thank you ever so much for letting me join. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend !!!

Beth wrote: "Thank you ever so much for letting me join. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend !!!"

You, too, Beth! We're so glad to have you!!

Hi, I'm Scott. I'm a healthcare professional, amateur musician and an aspiring writer. I love (but can't really write) science fiction. Fantasy is hit or miss with me. I love some, some seems too repetitious. (Most urban fantasy is cool.)

I cut my teeth on two of the big 3, Asimov and Heinlein. I started with Foundation (the original trilogy) back in high school, and I also read Stranger in a Strange Land. Both made inpressions on me. I like Card, Brin, Bear, Benford, Sawyer, Baxter and Dan Simmons. Steven M. Moore and Edward W. Robertson are indies that I truly enjoy.

I'm always up for recommendations for good new SF, but my TBR list is so long, I don't know when I'd get to them. But don't let that stop you. :-)

Welcome, Scott! I wonder if you could hear us debating reading a SFWA sci fi book for January? Seems like something you might enjoy! Hope to see you in conversation :)

Happy Halloween, Kelsey! Welcome! I hope you find lots of great books!!

Hello! I've always been a little shy about joining in on Goodreads discussions, but I thought I'd give it a go – so hi!

My name is Josh and I'm a writer of various things. My favourite genre-y books this year have been Final Girls by Riley Sager and Yesterday by Felicia Yap. I couldn't finish Children Of Blood & Bone (sorry), I'm a big movie nerd, and my genre TBR includes The Cheerleaders, A Blade So Black and Rosewater – which I see is one of your group reads. Might be time to take it off the shelf!

Hi, I'm Cat :) I'm a big fantasy fan and trying to increase my reading of sci-fi. I'm basically here because I followed Alison over... and the group seems to read books I'm interested in, so I decided to stay!

Welcome, Joshua!! Ooo, I hope you join us for Rosewater. I am *loving* it right now and can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!

Haha hi Cat!! Glad to see you :D Hope to finally discuss some books with you real time!

My name is Barb and I felt a lack of sci-fi/fantasy in my life. This group has encouraged me to read a few novels I know I would not have picked up without prompting. Please continue to recommend books you have liked, I will continue to add them to my to be read list. I am a huge western genre fan but slowly turning into a fantasy lover. I will label myself as a "recovering Mystery or Western reader" and a "converted sci fi/fantasy reader".

Welcome, Barb!! No shame in liking what you like! Westerns and mysteries are popular in genre, too! I hope you keep finding new things with us ^^

If you'd like to speed up the process (and haven't already done so!) please feel free to set up a thread in the "Recommendations and Lost Books" folder requesting whatever subgenre/tropes/character archetypes etc sound cool to you!

Hi! My name's Drew. I'm a pretty hardcore sci-fi/fantasy geek and sometimes writer. Life with my (almost) three year old son means I don't read as much these days as I like, so here's a list of books that I'm very slowly working through:

- Collapsing Empire, by John Scalzi
- Fifth Season, by NK Jemisin
- Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman
- Ancillary Justice, by Ann Leckie
- Skies of Wonder, Skies of Danger, by Various (my friend contributed one of the stories)
+ some comics (Tom King's Mister Miracle is great!)

But I'm always at my most conscientious when I'm reading a book along with other people, so I may squeeze in a group selection or two on top of these.

Hey Drew! Welcome! That's really an all-star list you're working on, I hope you're enjoying it!

I hope we are sufficiently convincing to get you into a group read! :D I'd love to hear your thoughts on one of our official (or less official) reads!

Hi Drew! I can totally relate to how difficult it is to read with little kids under your wing! You’ll get your mojo back! Groups like this help!

Allison wrote: "Welcome, Joshua!! Ooo, I hope you join us for Rosewater. I am *loving* it right now and can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!

Haha hi Cat!! Glad to see you :D Hope to finally discuss some books..."

Thanks Allison! I'm definitely going to try, but I'm in the thick of NaNoWriMo so I'm a bit short on time! Great to hear you loved it, though.

Allison wrote: "I hope we are sufficiently convincing to get you into a group read! :D I'd love to hear your thoughts on one of our official (or less official) reads!"

I see that Madeline Miller's doing a reading in Philly in December, so that + this might be the extra motivation I need to get me through SONG OF ACHILLES by end of month!

Ohh cool!! I'll have to look that up, I didn't know she was going to be local!