One of my favorite sci-fi authors (Sharon Lee) has declared June 23rd Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day.
As she puts it:
So! In my Official Capacity as a writer of science fiction and fantasy, I hereby proclaim June 23 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Day! A day of celebration and wonder! A day for all of us readers of science fiction and fantasy to reach out and say thank you to our favorite writers. A day, perhaps, to blog about our favorite sf/f writers. A day to reflect upon how written science fiction and fantasy has changed your life.So … what might you do on the 23rd to celebrate? Do you even read fantasy/sci-fi? Why? Why not?
Fantasy and sci-fi are two of my favourite genres! I attempted to answer the question "why" but I think Darrell Schwietzer articulates it well that I decided to quote him here:
"Dragons, elves, trolls, unicorns, magic and other fantasy elements are not there to be taken literally. Such elements, in a good fantasy story, are not there for speculative reasons at all, but as symbols, as myth, not for what they are but for what they suggest and mean. Le Guin speaks of getting "in touch with reality in a special, private, profound fashion." Fantasy that fails to do this, that isn't true on some inner level, is like bad poetry, merely useless verbiage. Good fantasy is not an escape. It doesn't cover up reality. It lets us see things as they are, perhaps more clearly than any other kind of writing except the great myths."
So, yes, I will definitely be reading a fantasy book and by June 23, post a book review in celebration of the Fantasy and Science Fiction Writers Day. Now I need to decide between Ursula K. Le Guin's TALES FROM EARTHSEA and Terry Pratchett's NATION. Help me: Which would you choose? How about you—what would you choose to read, if you do read fantasy?
~~~
If SF is the literature of change, the fantasy is the literature of longing. Fantasy often ends with the reestablishment of order, with evil conquered and good on the throne. SF often ends with the establishment of a new order, a new way of doing things, with the evolution to a higher order. ~ Treitel
For more related quotes, check this out.
I'm not much of a sci-fi/fantasy reader, but I'd like to read your review of either one!
ReplyDeleteOh! I'll be celebrating too! My post is up.
ReplyDeleteSome nice quotes Alice. I've hearda lot about Nation, hope you enjoy the book, whichever you decide to read :)
ReplyDeleteI've got to tell you, as a fellow fan of sci-fi, I wouldn't choose the LeGuin book. The last book I read of hers, The Left Hand of Darkness, was a complete loss. I mean, I couldn't get into it at all and found it completely lacking that something--whatever it is--that it needed. Go with the other one. Definitely. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI love fantasy, but really not keen on sci fi. I might have to join in with a fantasy one.
ReplyDeleteHei, check out this fantasy series called the Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkinds. Its REALLY good....and it been turned into a tv series (which i thought sucked.....) .
ReplyDeleteIt's hard...they are both SO good. And I think you'll enjoy both. But I'd actually go with Tales from Earthsea, not only because it's brilliant, but also because it's more fantasy-ish. But seriously, they are both so good you can't go wrong whatever you pick :D
ReplyDeleteI think I'll go with Nation since this book is on my wishlist! :D
ReplyDeleteI like to watch sci-fi but not really read it. I'm not sure why. I think I just have too many other books stacked up to delve into it. About the only fantasy I've read in recent years are the Narnia books and Tolkien's books.
ReplyDeleteI think I would choose Ursual Le Guin, just because I haven't read any of hers before. I love that quote too. I actually enjoy fantasy because it lets me escape from reality for a while, but I think he hit the nail on the head when he suggests that good fantasy helps us to see reality better - it is just a bit easier to take in when there are unicorns and elves!
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely go for le Guin, but I'm more likely to be reading my favourite, Philip K Dick.
ReplyDeleteI have never read book by Ursual Le Guin or Terry Pratchett. But I hear lot of my friends like Terry's book. Sorry can't help you there *grin*
ReplyDeleteI hope you have fun reading which ever you chosen to read for the June 23rd reading!
Thanks, JoAnn! I find fantasy fuels my over active imagination. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Bluestocking! It's really great to know you'll be celebrating too! I'm heading over to your post right now.
Thanks, Violet! I was having a hard time finding Nation but when I found it brand new in Singapore for only S$7.90, I was elated!
Hi Shelby! I have LeGuin's The Left Hand of Darkness but I haven't started on it. I did read her Earthsea books and enjoyed them tremendously. I need to finish Book 5 (the one I listed here) and Book 6. But at the same time, I want to read Nation as well...
Hi Viv, do join in! This is going to be fun! :)
Thanks for the recommendation, Stanley! I've been seeing Terry Goodkind's books in the bookstores but so far haven't pick them up. I'd have to try them one of these days. :D
Hi Nymeth! You're right. It's hard because they are both SO good, just like what you've said.
Hi Melody! Thanks for the "vote" hehee...
Hi Barbara, like you, I like watching sci-fi too. I totally enjoyed Tolkien's LOTR.
Hi Shari, glad you like the quote!
Hey Anthony! I'm gonna have to check out Philip K Dick because now I'm curious!
Hi Julia dearie... I do know you don't like vamps... LOL!
they both sound good, I have Nation in my TBR.
ReplyDeletehttp://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Hi Naida, I've decided on Tales from Earthsea :)
ReplyDelete