The Sword and Laser discussion

Our book pick for next month is: China Mountain Zhang by Maureen F. McHugh

Let us know what you think about the pick.

Weirdly, I was thinking about this book a few weeks ago.

I remember when this book came out (early/mid 90s?) and it was advertised as being about the part of the world everyone was ignoring but would be a major global player in the future. And lots of people were like, “Yeah, right.”

I never read it, so I have no idea if there’s some prescience to the book or not. Will be interesting to find out.

Of the nine library systems I have cards for, the DC Public Library is the only one that even owns a copy. Just a two week wait so that’s cool. Sounds like just my sort of book.

My library district didn't have it so I ordered the Tor essentials edition which includes an introduction by Jo Walton. Looking forward to reading it.

I have heard of it but don't know anything about it.

I read this about ten years ago, I was just getting back into sf and this is one of the new (to me) books that excited me the most. Good excuse to read it again.

Were it not for the title, the blurb would sound odd: "post-revolutionary America" - isn't that literally any point in the last 200 or so years?

Looking forward to reading this. Too bad there's no audio book version.

Kwajguy wrote: "Looking forward to reading this. Too bad there's no audio book version."

I’ve had this book on my radar for ages but never got round to reading it. It being an S&L pick is a perfect opportunity to finally get round to reading it. It’s a shame there’s no audiobook and no copies in either of my library systems but the kindle version was only £1.99 so it was easy enough to get hold of. Now I just need to try and finish my current kindle read (Royal Assassin) before the start of September…

^ $12 in the US for Kindle. OTOH there are cheap used paperbacks. For that matter $12 ain't all that much either.

Hmm, first time in a long time I will actually read a physical book for S&L! Looking forward to it!

John (Taloni) wrote: "^ $12 in the US for Kindle. "

That's weird. It's AUD $12 in Oz for the Kindle version. Which is about US$7.80 😕

Every time I read that title I flash on Pandora's Star and Morning Light Mountain.

I went to Barnes & Noble after my doctor appointment today and they had one copy, so I bought it. Saving it from the hoarders.

Tassie Dave wrote: "John (Taloni) wrote: "^ $12 in the US for Kindle. "

That's weird. It's AUD $12 in Oz for the Kindle version. Which is about US$7.80 😕"

The used hard back is $140!!!

It's very strange that the Kindle version is 2 Euros in Germany and 12 bucks in the US! Wow!!

Many copies on ebay priced from $4 to $6 shipping included.

The month has begun. Go forth and discuss!