Pick-a-Shelf discussion

Just starting the thread...

Who knew this would be a Science Fiction book?

I read Dead Until Dark which pretty light very readable in comparison to how I normally find this genre. This was my first foray into the much talked about world of Sookie Stackhouse. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either.

3 stars

Never Let Me Go
by Kazuo Ishiguro
3 1/2 stars

This book was on my to-read shelf for ages and I think I thought it had a different type of plot from its description. I actually was confused on why it was on the science-fiction shelf. After reading it I realize that it fits nicely in the genre. It was part coming of age and part science-fiction. It has a very conversational style to it that made it easy to read. It was not exciting and I think it really did not have any big twists, but the plot rather built up gradually as you read it. It was sad in many ways, but I enjoyed it.

Ender's Game bu Orson Scott Card
3 Stars

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I ever would. However the story had enough basis in politics and psychology to keep me interested most of the way through. By the time I started to get bored I was too close to the end not to finish. 3 stars for a scifi book is pretty high praise from me.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox
by Mary E. Pearson
5 stars
It had me engrossed from the first few pages (a fast read, but it was one of those books for me that I looked forward to reading).
On the cover it asks "How far would you go to save someone that you love?" and it had me asking that question throughout the story. Although teens may identify with the main character 17 year old Jenna, as I read it I identified with her parents. If something happened to my kids and I lived in their time and had access to their medical advances, would I do what they did? I think I am still pondering that question.

Dune by Frank Herbert
4 Stars

This was a tough book to start but once you're a few chapters in you begin to understand what is going on. The author doesn't explain things so you're forced to figure it out at the same time as the characters.
The themes could be easily transplanted into a fantasy book if it had a historical rather than a future setting.
As such it would appeal to serious science fiction fans or lovers of classic fantasy.

So, I am reading "The Giver" and I am on page 72 so far. This is a great book. It reminds me a lot of the TV show "Lost". The "Community" that these people live in reminds me a lot of the "Others" on that show.

My big question right now is "what happens to people when they are 'released'?" At first I thought that was community-speak for dying, but since I know it isn't what DOES it mean? If you know, don't tell me! Wondering is 90% of the fun of this book.

Lynne wrote: "So, I am reading "The Giver" and I am on page 72 so far. This is a great book. It reminds me a lot of the TV show "Lost". The "Community" that these people live in reminds me a lot of the "Other..."

I loved The Giver! I struggled with the meaning of 'released', too...keep reading!

I finished listening to Neverwhere on a road trip with my hubby. I had read the book a few years ago and loved it. The audio was just as good as the book and read by Neil Gaiman - one of my favorite authors.

Have just finished The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood. The Handmaid's Tale is set in a very different World than the one we live in today. Predominantly set in the future, the World's birthrate is in heavy decline, and the handmaid's only value as a member of society is delicately balanced on her potential to provide a viable womb for the privileged. Her life hasn't always been this way, as you will see when her life as it was before is gradually drip fed throughout her current life's story.
It is a beautifully vivid picture that Atwood paints. One that makes me realise with absolute certainty that although it's the first of her books that I have read, it will definitely not be the last. My favourite book so far this year. 5 stars

Lynlee, didn't Neil Gaiman do an amazing job of reading that? I loved listening to the different accents he gave the different characters.

I find that some people seem to code things as SCIFI that I would never put in the category. LOL

Cam: wrote: "Have just finished The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood. The Handmaid's Tale is set in a very different World than the one we live in today. Predominantly set in the future, the Worl..."

I love this book. It is so dark and scary and sad

I just finished my first SCIFI for the challenge - The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfield. I enjoyed it but I liked Uglies better

Terri wrote: "I find that some people seem to code things as SCIFI that I would never put in the category. LOL"

I noticed the same thing. I think a lot of people get confused with the differences between Sci-fi & Fantasy.

I read From a Buick 8 by Stephen King and give it 4 stars. I really liked this book and was happy to see that it actually had a real ending with all the loose ends tied up. Usually King's books leave you hanging, so I was excited to know for sure what happened.

I'm with you guys....I would classify Stephen King as horror, but there it was under science-fiction.

Uglies
By Scott Westerfield
3 stars

It was a very entertaining story about a society in the future where everyone gets operations to become pretty and a few people who live outside this ideal society that decide to remain ugly. I like the book, but I felt that there were still a lot of unanswered questions at the end. It is a series so I would assume that these questions are answered in the next book, but I am not curious enough to read it immediately.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
by Douglas Adams
5 stars

Loved this book and the funny humor and outstanding silliness of it all. I'm not the biggest fan of sci-fi, so it's nice to have something that is overly ridiulous and fun as well as easy to understand what is going on.

Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal
by Jonathan Swift
2 stars

I really could have enjoyed this book, but it dragged on in such a way that I rushed through it to get to the different interesting stories that Gulliver embarks upon.

Wondrous Strange
by Lesley Livingston
5 stars

I wouldn't have considered this sci-fi, but others do I suppose. I really enjoyed this YA novel that reveals the world of faeries and their involvement in the human world. There are sparks of love, but nothing overtly much to subtract from the twisted plotline, involving some interesting surprises and more amazing creatures of myth.

The Battle of the Labyrinth
by Rick Riordan
5 Stars


The Last Olympian
by Rick Riordan
5 stars


I can only gush about these two books which are in the same series. These books are full of action, mythological creatures, and interesting relationships. They are young adult books, but that does not distract from their merit. They involve you from the beginning and present characters that, although they are more than human, are so realistic and have their own faults. I can't help but love this series and especially loved the way it ended with the last book - The Last Olympian.

I read the Invisible Man by H.G Wells and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the story to be bogged down in the details of the science behind his invisibility rather than on how it changed his personality and behaviour but it wasn't. Wells describes the science during a conversation between the Invisible Man and an old friend of his and in doing so it doesn't get overly complicated and is easy for the reader to follow. A very well written story this didn't have the usual feel of sci-fi as on the whole it stayed away from complex scienctific descriptions and concepts. A very enjoyable read

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - 4 1/2 stars

I really enjoyed this series, and this book was a great final installment. I agree entirely with Kristen's review, and I believe that these books are a wonderful introduction to mythology for kids. I'm kind of sad the series is over, but perhaps this won't be the last of Camp Half-Blood.

I finished "The Giver" and have to give it 5 stars. It is, without a doubt, one of the best, and most thought provoking books I have ever read. That's one of the things that is so fantastic about this group. This book has been on the back burner for me for years, but once again, Pick A Shelf got me to extend myself a little.

I don't want to say too much about this book because one of the best things about it is the aura of wondering exactly what's happening. I was right about many aspects but still shocked several times during the course of my time in "The Community". It's a quick read, so if you haven't read it yet, I would suggest you run out to the library and check this one out before we move on to our next genre!

Now I'm moving on to "The Golden Compass".

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
4 stars

An intriguing short story which is almost entirely different to the popular culture interpretation of Jeckyll and Hyde. Without giving too much away, Hyde is not the monstrous uncontrolable creature found in many movie adapations and although Jekyll is fearful of his creation he is not so unaware as we are lead to believe.

Lynne wrote: "I finished "The Giver" and have to give it 5 stars. It is, without a doubt, one of the best, and most thought provoking books I have ever read. That's one of the things that is so fantastic about..."

Lynne, now you'll have to add the companion books to The Giver to your TBR list. The first one is Gathering Blue and then Messenger. :)

Luann wrote: "Lynlee, didn't Neil Gaiman do an amazing job of reading that? I loved listening to the different accents he gave the different characters."
I LOVED that he read it! There was never any doubt what character was speaking - he even did a great job with the girlie voices :) Now, we're on the lookout for the mini-series on Neverwhere.

Luann wrote: "Lynne wrote: "I finished "The Giver" and have to give it 5 stars. It is, without a doubt, one of the best, and most thought provoking books I have ever read. That's one of the things that is so f..."

Thanks for the recomendations. I will add them. :)

Lynne wrote: "I finished "The Giver" and have to give it 5 stars. It is, without a doubt, one of the best, and most thought provoking books I have ever read. That's one of the things that is so fantastic about..."

I am planning to read this after I finish The Host. I can't wait! I had an opportunity this spring to hear the author of this books speak and didn't end up going. I think I am going to be very disappointed I missed this chance after reading the book.

I'm not a science-fiction person, but The Giver is one of my all-time favorite books. I thought it was amazing, so I'm so glad you liked it!

I'm having a tough time making it through my Sci-fi choice for the month: New Moon. I'd term it fantasy, but it's on the Sci-fi shelf, so it counts! If only I could get through it...

Lynne wrote: "Luann wrote: "Lynne wrote: "I finished "The Giver" and have to give it 5 stars. It is, without a doubt, one of the best, and most thought provoking books I have ever read. That's one of the thing..."

I am almost finished with Foundation, which is a good book, very Asimov, but sort of timely for the world today. Anyway - I just ordered The Giver from the library after reading all your posts and hearing you gush about it this weekend. I can't wait. You know I trust your judgment in books, so I'm sure I'll love it.

Also on my last few pages of Lost in a Good Book, which I am really enjoying. Another one of your picks that were spot on.

Jen B wrote: "I'm not a science-fiction person, but The Giver is one of my all-time favorite books. I thought it was amazing, so I'm so glad you liked it!

I'm having a tough time making it through my Sci-fi c..."

Did you read Twilight? Did you like it. I know people usually either love it or hate it. Anyway, I thought New Moon was definitely the weakest of the four books.

Lyn wrote: "Jen B wrote: "I'm not a science-fiction person, but The Giver is one of my all-time favorite books. I thought it was amazing, so I'm so glad you liked it!

I'm having a tough time making it through..."

Lyn, I actually did like Twilight. It's one that I didn't have any intention of reading until a friend insisted that I did, so I caved, and I really enjoyed it. But New Moon is verrrry slow...but I'm going to finish (hopefully by the end of May!)

Princess of the Midnight Ball
5 stars

Definitely more a fantasy, this book was a retelling of the old fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Sisters. I loved the elements and abnormal male hero that knits to save the love of his life.

I just finished Lost in a Good Bookand give it 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book and now can't wait to read the next one in the series, but I have other books to read first. Anyway - I found the second book better than the first most likely because I was used to the society and the way things worked in the Literary World. Also, the book jumping fascinates me. I want to be a book jumper. Can you imagine? Being able to go into your favorite books and actually meet the characters and talk to them? Wow, how fun.

I also especially liked the alternate world that her Dad described toward the end of the book, which was obviously our world as it is now.

Jasper Fforde has such a great sarcastic wit! Next up, The Giversince everybody has been raving about it. I can't wait!

Hello!
Im new to the group, how do we track what books we read and Im reading Pretties the second book after Uglies. Does it count as a science fiction book?

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. 5 stars.

Why did I wait so long to read this? I think this should be required reading in library schools. I think this should be required reading for everyone who loves books - and everyone who doesn't! This is well-written with a powerful message, yet at the same time a wonderful science fiction story with cool technology!

The edition I read has an author's afterword where Ray Bradbury gives examples of people (or butchers/censors to use his words) who have changed or altered his works in some way. He says, "There is more than one way to burn a book. And people are running around with lit matches."

I just finished up:
Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld
5 stars

I really am digging this sci-fi/fantasy series. I like the action and twists and turns that it is taking. It's also nice seeing some of the history being revealed the newest Midnighters.

Lyn wrote: "I just finished Lost in a Good Bookand give it 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book and now can't wait to read the next one in the series, but I have other books to read first. Anyway..."

Hey Sis- Glad you liked "Lost in a Good Book". I think the series gets even better as it goes. Book 4 was my favorite. My favorite character is Spike. I think he should get his own series.

Thanks for having such faith in my recommendations. I know you will love "The Giver". It's one of those books you think about long after you are finished reading it. If we ever get to the general fiction shelf(or maybe mystery), you will have to give "Amagansett" a try.

Alas, so many books...so little time.

Luann wrote: "Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. 5 stars.

Why did I wait so long to read this? I think this should be required reading in library schools. I think this should be required ..."

Cool quote. This book was next on my Sci-Fi list but I opted for "The Golden Compass" Maybe I shouldn't have.

Luann wrote: "Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. 5 stars.

Why did I wait so long to read this? I think this should be required reading in library schools. I think this should be required ..."

I think some schools do require it. I remember reading it when I was in High school for a lit class. It is a great book!

When I mentioned schools, I was referring to library schools - where people are getting their Master's degree in Library Science. And maybe some of them require it, too. But mine didn't. At least not in any of the classes I took.

This is one of the books I wish I would have read in high school! But I'm glad I at least finally got around to reading it.

Thanks for the clarification Luann. I was wondering what a library school was but didn't want to look stupid by asking. I certainly agree with you that this book is uniquely relevant to that career path. As for regular high schools, my son just graduated from high school a year ago and they did not come CLOSE to reading anything as classic as Fahrenheit 451. In fact, I was totally disappointed in the reading selections that they read in high school. I think that there is definitely a place for the classics, and the relevance of some of the old classics continue even in today's society. OK - I'll get off my soapbox now.

BTW I read Fahrenheit 451 in high school, but that was like 35 years ago. Ouch!

That is interesting that they would not read it at the university level. Sometimes I think the classics are not as focused on anymore. I was thinking of classics that I have not read and there are quite a few. One that amazes me the most is that I have not read Wurthering Heights. It is on my to read list, but I have yet to read it.

One of the things that has been amazing me lately is how many of the classics I FEEL like I have read even though I haven't read them because I have heard them reffered to so much, seen the movie, PBS mini-series, etc. But of course that doesn't (and shouldn't) count. But it always makes me think, "Have I really read this, or do I just know the story?" Wuthering Heights would fall into that category for me as would pretty much every Jane Austen!

You know your going to have to read them though Lynne, at the very least Pride & Prejudice & Wuthering Heights. You too Tara for Wuthering Heights. But I certainly know what you mean, Fahrenheit 451 is on my to read list along with many many more I never came close to reading at school. Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn come to my mind in relation to feeling like I've read them but have in fact not.

Kindred By Octavia E. Butler
This book was so good I'll have to edit my profile for my favourite books EVER!
That is especially impressive as I don't usually do science-fiction. Kindred would be best described as time travel/historical fiction. The central character Dana, is a modern dayish (1976) African American woman that spontaneously gets sent back in time to the antebellum South, to save the life of the Son of a white plantation owner.
This book was so terrifying, so horrendous it could turn the strongest stomach nauseous, but few books have made me care for the characters more. I LOVED IT, I LOATHED IT, but I LOVED IT MORE, MORE, MORE.
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou Lauren! If you hadn't have chosen science fiction I would never have looked at the link and taken the punt.
5 Stars *****

Terri wrote: "Cam: wrote: "Have just finished The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood."
Terri wrote:"I love this book. It is so dark and scary and sad"

You might want to try Kindred if you haven't already Terri, your above discription fits it perfectly!

Lynne wrote: "One of the things that has been amazing me lately is how many of the classics I FEEL like I have read even though I haven't read them because I have heard them reffered to so much, seen the movie, ..."

Reading classics that I had previously missed has been one of the great unexpected side benefits of GR for me. Before GR I would read an unread classic every once in a while - maybe once a year. But since joining GR, I've been reading more and more of them. It started when I noticed that a HUGE number of people on my friend list had read To Kill a Mockingbird. I felt like everyone else in the world must have read it except me! And why hadn't I? No reason in particular. I just was never assigned it in school and never happened to pick it up on my own. I had seen the play and parts of the movie so knew the storyline. But as you say, Lynne, that doesn't and shouldn't count! So I added it to my TBR list along with several other classics that I've been wanting to read. And I've been slotting them in to challenges (such as the Shelf-a-Thon) and mixing them in here and there as I read and have found some GREAT books to add to my favorites! Not every classic has become a favorite, but they've all been worthwhile reading in one way or another.

Another benefit of returning to the classics that GR has helped me figure out is -- I guess it is that books that I read and didn't like earlier in my life, I now enjoy. Tastes change. The different challenges have encouraged my to get back to the classics, and I find that some of the books that I tried to read earlier and did not like are enjoyable now.