Sci-Fi Group Book Club discussion

Here's your opportunity to suggest group reads for April. Unlike that of March, this is not a themed read so anything goes. All suggestions made in this topic will be listed in a poll in a few days' time so that we can vote on the two books for the monthly group read. Please feel free to repeat any earlier unsuccessful suggestions you made in previous topics.

Greg wrote: "Here's your opportunity to suggest group reads for April. Unlike that of March, this is not a themed read so anything goes. All suggestions made in this topic will be listed in a poll in a few days..."

My suggestion is a brand-new novel I've heard wonderful things about from several people: SPACEMAN OF BOHEMIA by Jaroslav Kalfar. People whose SFnal credentials go back to getting Groff Conklin anthologies for single-digit birthdays all the way to my oldest grandson who reads *shudder* the Wheel of Time series. That seems like a great reason to include it.

And here's the Goodreads link to that book - which has only been published this month: Spaceman of Bohemia. Looks like an intriguing read - thanks for suggesting it Richard!

The Three-Body Problem

Three-Body Problem is the first chance for English-speaking readers to experience this multiple award winning phenomenon from China's most beloved science fiction author, Liu Cixin.

Set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, different camps start forming, planning to either welcome the superior beings and help them take over a world seen as corrupt, or to fight against the invasion. The result is a science fiction masterpiece of enormous scope and vision.

Hugo Award for Best Novel (2015), Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novel (2014), Locus Award Nominee for Best Science Fiction Novel (2015), John W. Campbell Memorial Award Nominee for Best Novel (2015), Prometheus Award Nominee for Best Novel (2015)

I nominate: Children of Time...because it's on the list, has some great reviews and I haven't read it yet.
(I have read all the Three Body Problem books - great choice!)

PSXtreme wrote: "The Three-Body Problem

Three-Body Problem is the first chance for English-speaking readers to experience this multiple award winning phenomenon from China's most beloved science f..."

That's one I've wanted to read for some time so I won't nominate anything else.

I nominate "The Enemy Beneath" by Brandon Clarke. It's brand new from an unproven author, but it's world is set-up to go from hell-scape to serenity in the next book. I recently finished it and see a lot of potential.

It centers on a young enlistee, Damon Granger, who is discovered to have a special ability. His "Aura" is known to be unique, however, it manifests itself in a way the government and military have never seen. The Argil, the enemy of the human army, are on the brink of winning the war for the planet. Luckily, Damon Granger's, unique Aura qualities manifest, promptly identifying him as humanity's last hope. The science is explained in the novel and the action is entertaining. The biggest drawback for me is the length. Its a quick read and focuses closely on Damon and his crew. I wish the author had included the details of a few other characters who were important in the beginning but then faded as the story progressed.

Well, this being a "book of the month thread", maybe I should've nominated something I haven't read. Apologies. How about an oldie but goodie, "Watchmen". The philosophies and conflicts still mirror today's society.

I place in nomination The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. One of best debut novels I have ever read. Multi-thread, non-linear plot structure, with exceptional attention to detail and a "hard science" overtone and followed meticulously. It is an emotion-touching, first-contact mission with incredible depth of development of characters. You will be spellbound, emotionally drained, and touched as never before. It is a long read, but worth your time to read this debut masterpiece.

I would like to nominate The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F Hamilton again and also The Chimes by Anna Smaill.

As the group's newest member, I'm going to nominate The Alliance by Chris G. Wright. I haven't seen book covers in the topics, so I'm going to be the first to add on in a comment. If covers aren't allowed since they really make the comments look messy, please let me know and I'll edit my comment.



Anyway, the book is brilliant and worth the read by sci-fi fans. For an indie book, it was quite a surprise.

Greg wrote: "Here's your opportunity to suggest group reads for April. Unlike that of March, this is not a themed read so anything goes. All suggestions made in this topic will be listed in a poll in a few days..."

I would suggest The I Am Number Four Series. I really enjoyed it on my first read, and it has a lot of good side books as well... The first book can be read as a standalone as well.

I'll be setting up the poll to vote on the suggestions made in this thread tomorrow so if anyone has another suggestion or two, now's the time to post it here! :)

And the poll (https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...) will go live at midnight tonight (GMT) or 4:00 pm (PDT). Happy voting!

I've been contrary and read The Chimes from the April nominations. :). I had some trouble staying focused on it, but found the concept fascinating and some of the imagery was beautiful. I've already decided I need to re-read it and devote a decent chunk of time to each sitting, instead of in small bits, to do it real justice. Good suggestion!

Anthea wrote: "I've been contrary and read The Chimes from the April nominations. :). I had some trouble staying focused on it, but found the concept fascinating and some of the imagery was beautiful. I've alread..."

No harm in opting to read books from previous group read topics instead of the current one! Glad to hear you liked The Chimes.