Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

Please use this topic to nominate a Classic Science Fiction or Fantasy novel, anthology or novella you wish to discuss as a group in May (beginning May 1.)

(A Classic novel would typically have been published prior to 2000 and be considered a popular, trailblazing or important work of science fiction or fantasy. Presumably, any actual "classic" is still in print!)

You need not have read the title you are nominating; after all, you'll be reading along. Feel free to say why you are making the nomination, if you care to. If your nomination is selected by the group, you'll be expected to take the lead in the discussion.

We read & discuss up to three SF/F books each month: One is a "Classic" SF/F book (novel, anthology, novella or other story) which was written before 2000; that discussion starts on the 1st of each month. One is a "Contemporary" SF/F book, which was written after 2000; that discussion starts on the 21st of each month. We may also read one book from a series, as part of reading the entire series; that discussion starts the 11th of the month. You can always check on our upcoming SF/F book discussion topics by scrolling down on the Group Homepage to the "Upcoming Reads” section.

You can review past group selections in the "read" section of our Group's BookShelf. If you wish to continue a discussion of one of those past selections, all those discussion topics are still open in our Book Discussions area.

Note that this is our discussion selection for May. The Riddle-Master of Hed has already been selected as our April Classic Novel discussion topic.

Nominations will be open through Friday, March 15, when I'll collect the nominees and post a poll so members can choose among them.

I'll renominate The Alteration.

And I’m doing.... The Gods Themselves

This is a second book in the series but we read the first one as a group so will give it a try. It is a prequel, I don't think you need to have read the first book to read this one, however it will likely affect how you read the first one if you read it after (just a little bit regarding some mystery around one character) - A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge

Yeah that one is pretty much stand alone. I remember being impressed and engrossed

Reminder: Today, Friday, is the final day to nominate a Classic Fantasy or Science Fiction work for our May group read and discussion.

I'll nominate Roadmarks by Roger Zelazny. It's a fairly short book, but has a very odd style. The Road runs through time. Chapters I deals with one timeline that is in chronological order. Chapter II's were written, tossed in the air, & randomly inserted in between chapter I's for the most part. It makes for an interesting read, especially since it has a lot of famous & infamous characters throughout history making cameo appearances.

Jim wrote: "It's a fairly short book"

Has Zelazny actually written a long book? :) All 5 of his first Amber book together is shorter than a single Martin/Stevenson/etc book

I think Lord of Light is his longest & that's not quite 300 pages. IMO, he told the stories he wanted without wasting words which so many authors do. He leaves much to the reader's imagination which I appreciate. I've seen a bedroom, so a few relevant details are all I'm really interested in. I don't want or need the author to spend a couple of pages describing it. It's why I quit reading Stephen King years ago.

Thank you for the nominations. A poll to select our Classic Science Fiction / Fantasy Work discussion topic for May is now open. If you're interested in participating in the discussion of one of our nominees, you can vote here for your choice.

Please vote only if you plan on participating in the discussion of that book.

Note that this is our discussion selection for May. The Riddle-Master of Hed has already been selected as our April Classic Novel discussion topic.

This poll will be open through Friday, March 22.

Jim wrote: "He leaves much to the reader's imagination which I appreciate...."

That's one of my favorite things about Zelazny. He tells so much story with so few words. Le Guin is like that also.

Hmm, Roadmarks appears to be out of print and there are no ebook versions of it. If you vote keep in mind you'll have to hunt down a used copy (of which Amazon has some cheap ones)

I use Abebooks.com. I think they're owned by Amazon, but they don't change $3.99 shipping for a lot of their books.

Unfortunately the US is the only one that gets free shipping, shipping to Canada appears to be more in the 6.50 US (about 8.80 CDN) range which by itself many times more than the cost of the book :) Amazon.ca actually has better shipping prices but of course need to combine the shipping and the book price to find the best deal, and take into account how good/bad a condition you're willing to tolerate.

Mainly just wanted to point the book's publishing status out since would be unfortunate if people voted since it sounded good but then didn't want to hunt down a used copy to participate :) I myself was checking it out as a possible second choice.

Reminder: For those who are interested in discussing one of the above nominees with the group, today, Friday, is the final day to vote for one of our Contemporary Fantasy or Science Fiction novel for our April group read and discussion.

As the first poll poll did not produce a clear choice, I've created a runoff poll to complete the selection process for our Classic Science Fiction / Fantasy Work discussion topic for May.

Please vote only if you plan on participating in the discussion of that book.

Note that this is our discussion selection for May. The Riddle-Master of Hed has already been selected as our April Classic Novel discussion topic.

This poll will be open through Friday, March 29.

Reminder: For those who are interested in discussing one of the above nominees with the group, today, Friday, is the final day to vote for one of our Contemporary Fantasy or Science Fiction novel for our April group read and discussion.

Our selected Classic Science Fiction discussion topic for May is...

The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov

The discussion will begin May 1.