Howdy y'all, This is my very first post ever on this forum (and only my third on any forum.) Before we get to my own answer to the thread question, please allow me to tell you a little about myself. I am 20 years old, and currently employed as a full-time actor at Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre in Snow Camp, NC (about 30 minutes south of Greensboro.) Those of you who have better memories than mine may remember that OSC wrote a review of the theatre last year. I happened to also be in attendance the evening he visited, and also loved the plays, so much that I auditioned for them this year. I've been a fan of OSC since about 8th or 9th grade, when a good friend told me to read Ender's Game because he thought I'd like it. And so I went down to the local library, picked up a copy of A Planet Called Treason--I never was that good at following directions--and have loved OSC ever since. I am a believing Mormon, and unashamed to say so. Though I classify myself as conservative, I tend to lean more moderate than most Mormons (probably due to my career as an actor--dang thespians.) I look forward to meeting you all. Oh, and to answer my own question, I am currently reading Unaccompanied Sonata: and Other Stories--an oldie, but goodie.
Posted by Max Factor (Member # 5474) on :
I have the Seventh Son currently on my nightstand Posted by Roland (Member # 5370) on :
Sarah.
But I haven't been able to get into it so far, so its place will be taken up by First Meetings starting tonight.
Posted by Alucard... (Member # 4924) on :
I had the EG series and Enders Shadow in my nightstand, but just had to pack them all 'cause I am moving.
Welcome to Hatrack!
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
I just finished Red Prophet, so Prentice Alvin is next on my to-buy list. I'd have done it already, except that I'm rereading my Robert Jordan novels and in the middle of Manifold: Space.
The concept of basing a series of fantasy novels around one's historical religious leader is fascinating to me, as is creating a sci-fi novel out of one's holy text. Unfortunately I belong to the churches of Christ, which have few good analogies to LDS and no tradition of literary fiction at all....*sigh*
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
I no longer keep books on my nightstand, lest I spill my glass of water on them. However, the stack next to my bed (within reach) has Future on Fire, Future on Ice, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy, Children of the Mind, Lovelock, The Abyss, Stone Tables, Ender's Game, and Xenocide. There wouldn't normally be this many there -- I occasionally return them to the shelves -- but I had been looking for a specific quote for someone, and have still been unable to find it. *sigh*
As a side note, the OSC books here on the computer desk (they're here because I was looking for that same quote) are A Storyteller In Zion, Treason, A Planet Called Treason, Maps in a Mirror, Lost Boys, Speaker for the Dead, and The Worthing Saga.
Welcome to Hatrack!
--Pop
Posted by Slash the Berzerker (Member # 556) on :
The Diamond Age
Oh.. wait, who wrote that?
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Starting today it's Earthfall, though I think Hart's Hope is still there, along with a few others. I'm looking for some other stuff to read.
Posted by Gottmorder (Member # 5039) on :
none, I've read all the ones I own!
[ August 09, 2003, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: Gottmorder ]
Posted by Nessa Nu (Member # 5471) on :
Homecoming Part 5. I am in the middle now. After that I will read either "How to write science fiction..." or "Character and viewpoint" and *maybe* write something myself .
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Hmmm - good idea to keep the water and the books separated, Pop. Welcome, Brian.
Currently on my nightstand, next to the bed, under the bed and on the bed reside (besides Pepper, my cat):
Earth Prayers From Around the World Treks Not Taken, S. Boyett Daily Word Growing Up Again, J. Illsley Clarke My Grandfather's Blessings, R. Remen, M.D. Why Christian, D. Hall
and I just completed Strange Days, P. Kennealy and will be starting (the heart of your question) Lost Boys, which I have not read before and am looking forward to slowly enjoying.
Posted by Emperor Palpatine (Member # 3544) on :
*coincidence hits me in the face........now*
If were to read an OSC book next, it would be the second Alvin novel.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
The Memory of Earth
The first book to my favorite series.
quote: but I had been looking for a specific quote for someone, and have still been unable to find it. *sigh*
Papa Moose, I would be willing to help you look because I have a very good memory of good quotes. Could you give me a description?
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
Palpatine> I have to admit I found Red Prophet very strange. It was as if half the social setup Card had produced was being torn down. We have the Iroquois safely set up as a state and the groundwork for peaceable integration between colonists and natives, and suddenly....well, you haven't read it, so I'll keep my mouth shut. Much the same situation with knacks and the like--I'd gotten used to the idea that the common folk consider them good, or morally acceptable anyway, and then...
Posted by unohoo (Member # 5490) on :
I'm just starting "Pastwatch, the Redemption of Christopher Columbus", but I gotta admit, I'm having some difficulty getting into it.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
Im reading his short story in "Stars" edited by Janis Ian tonight.
Posted by filetted (Member # 5048) on :
Nothing at the moment, but no doubt the paperbacks of the recent stuff at some point.
Now, I'm curious if there is a recommended-reading list around here? My list of "must read" authors has dwindled significantly, and I'm in need of good lit in my life.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Oh my - I just finished Lost Boys. *insert stunned emoticom here*
So much for a slow, leisurely read. I couldn't put it down. OSC's a gifted observer of humanity - and he certainly shows that in all his works that I've ever read.
Another stunner, Mr. Card - I am sorry I waited so long to read it.
Posted by Fitz (Member # 4803) on :
I don't have a nightstand, and I haven't read an OSC book for at least a year.
Posted by Stradling (Member # 1182) on :
Hear, hear, Shan.
Crystal City, such as it is, is the Card currently on my "nightstand" - as it will be until I can read it all.
Alden
Posted by flyby (Member # 3630) on :
Maps in a Mirror is on my nightstand, but I'm in the middle of reading Lost Boys.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Tried but true - Ender's Game.
The only catch is that it's [only] my second copy, as the covers (and some pages, come to think of it) fell off the first and I need to begin breaking this one in Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Where did you get a copy of Future on Fire? I always assumed it was one of those mythical books that didn't really exsist.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
First Meetings is on my nightstand...
Enchantment always seems to be close by no matter how many times I've read it. Ender's Game as well (of course) and Lovelock are other "I've already read them" favorites.
Posted by petunia77 (Member # 5509) on :
i just finished Heartfire and I had started The Memory of Earth before I found Prentice Alvin (couldn't find it ANYWHERE..drove me nuts cuz I was on a roll)..And i will probably pick that back up tonite. I can't wait for the Crystal City. Petunia Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :
I like this topic. It's been quite a while since I ventured back to this side of the forum!
*feels nostalgic*
I don't have a nightstand but currently on the floor next to my bed is Lovelock. I haven't even started it yet, but I just bought it because it was way cheap. ($4.99 at the BYU Bookstore...I think sometimes they get tons of OSC books in stock and sell them really discounted because last Christmas I got Ender's Game for $2.99, and in March I got Saints for $6.99...good buys, eh? )
Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
I don't have a nightstand either, but I've got Hart's Hope, The Worthing Saga, Wyrms, and Songmaster in a little stack at the foot of the bed.
I CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER FOR CRYSTAL CITY! *rants* Posted by flyby (Member # 3630) on :
Just finished Lost Boys, so it's off there, but Seventh Son will soon replace it as soon as I find it. The sad thing is that I think I already packed it, so I may have to wait until I unpack at college to start it! Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
My room is too small for a nightstand...
Anyway, I'm reading Speaker for the Dead.
Posted by cyruseh (Member # 1120) on :
Right now... Rebekah. I'm about halfway through it, the first day I started reading it (this past Sunday) I read about 150 pages of it. Now that I am back in the work week, I've had to slow down but I believe that I will have the book read by the end of the week. If I had more free time, this wouldn't be such a big deal, but I am usually so busy that I am only able to squeeze in a chapter before falling asleep. Not with this book there is no falling asleep on this one! I really liked some of the parts in it.
Posted by AnonymousNC (Member # 1544) on :
I am re-reading the last two "alvin" books to be ready for Crystal City. Mainly I am waiting for the next "chapter" of the preview of Crystal City!
I am also re-reading some of S. King's Gunslinger series as the new one of those also comes out in November.
November will be a good month for me!
Posted by Ryan_Larsen (Member # 5530) on :
My nightstand is seconding as a bookshelf, so there are many books on it.
Currently I'm reading The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, but when I get done reading Tolkien I'll begin the Homecoming series that I just recently aquired from a friend.
I'm glad to be a part of hatrack!
-Ryan
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
I got my copy of Future on Fire from a used book store, I'm not sure if it's still in print.
I've finished up The Worthing Saga recently (which reminds me, I need to vist another thread here...). I have something like 8 massive copmuter books (stuff like PHP, Assembly, C++ algorthims, Copmuter Organization and Design ) so I haven't had much time for OSC books latley.
Hobbes
[ August 13, 2003, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: Hobbes ]
Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :
I just found "Treason" in a used bookstore in good condition for two bucks! *yay* I FINALLY get to own one of my favorite OSC books!
(I'll probably still get the reprint, though. )
Posted by Peruru Dragoon (Member # 2545) on :
Pastwatch
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I just finished Ships of Earth and have been planning to get the next one from the library, but we only have one car right now. Also, I have How to write Sci Fi/Fantasy on hold.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Wyrms. Not my fav, but it's been a while since I read it and I needed some "new" material.
Posted by Hushidh (Member # 3511) on :
I finished Saints for the first time a few weeks ago. I wish I were reading something by OSC right now, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding any books by him that I haven't read yet.
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
Folk of the Fringe
I found a copy at a used bookstore a few days ago, and though I have a few others to read, I'm looking forward to digging in.
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
Just about finished with The Call of Earth now, so I will be moving to The Ships of Earth very shortly. Posted by BelladonnaOrchid (Member # 188) on :
Actually, I believe Xenocide is on the shelf right above my bed, since I have no nightstand.
I also have a copy of Queen of the Damned in my purse... I like to mix things up a bit occasionally.
Posted by Chveya (Member # 2623) on :
I'm reading Songmaster right now. Again. I've almost read everything at least twice now... Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
I have Songmaster, I just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I don't know why, but I find it hard to get into.
Posted by Mikal (Member # 5564) on :
I had trouble getting into songmaster at first too, but once I did, I loved it. On my nightstand I've got Pastwatch and underneath it Enchantment for when I finish.
Posted by wieczorek (Member # 5565) on :
Nadda one OSC book can be on my nightstand for a long time...well, it can be there, and I can pay attention to it in my sleep, but I have books to read as assignments... It's a terrible crisis, and I think that I should make a petition against being forced to read books that stink!! Glory Field , by Walter Dean Myers. Sorry, if anybody likes it...
"Remember, the enemy's gate is down"
Posted by En Vista (Member # 3848) on :
Alvin Journeyman. I'm re-reading the series so I'll be all current when Crystal City is released in September.
Posted by cyruseh (Member # 1120) on :
Well, I finished Rebekah, and then right after that I read Memory of Earth. So now I am on ships of earth. I think I am going to go for a personal record on how fast I read the homecoming series. Posted by Julie (Member # 5580) on :
I finished First Meetings yesterday so now I'm rereading Ender's Game. (I don't even know how many times I've read it) The next book on my list is the third Homecoming book. I would've bought it months ago but the book stores always seem to be missing the one book I need in a series. I may need to resort to ordering it online.
-Julie
Posted by SirReal (Member # 5257) on :
I'm in the middle of Prentice Alvin(again). Re-reading the series in expectation for the new one. Also, Ender's Shadow that I'm reading aloud to my wife. And, so you don't think I only read OSC, I'm in the middle of Superstition by David Ambrose.
[ August 25, 2003, 01:06 PM: Message edited by: SirReal ]
Posted by WheatPuppet (Member # 5142) on :
I've taken a break from a long Alivin Maker binge and am now thorougly enjoying the excellent Dune: The Butlerian Jihad. Brian Herbert is a much, much better writer than his father. I found most of the books in the Dune series totally impenetrable. I only picked up The Butlerian Jihad because I wanted to know more about the ancient war against the thinking machines that's referenced so many times in Dune.
Posted by Morgaine (Member # 4691) on :
Alas, Shadow Puppets is the only book I brought with me from home. I'm planning to pick up a (used) copy of Prentice Alvin and either Sarah or Rebecca, or anything else I can find cheap. I'm going to a library soon, so I should pick up some others there.
Posted by Jexxster (Member # 5293) on :
Well, at the moment I will admit to reading a couple books that are not by OSC. I am just about 100 pages off of finishing the Legacy of the Drow by Salvatore, and am reading Timeline by Crichton on my Axim when I have spare moments.
I plan on getting into the Alvin Maker series next though.
Posted by Borommakot (Member # 2160) on :
Currently the OSC on my night stand is Worthing Saga.
Your Friend,
Borommakot
Posted by Morgaine (Member # 4691) on :
quote:Timeline by Crichton
Good book. I had a couple technical problems with it, though. Let me know if you notice anything . . . wrong with it.
Posted by Celtic Flame (Member # 5556) on :
PastWatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus
I'm reading it for the second time. I loved it the first time through...it's one of the best Sci-Fi novels I've ever read.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Morgaine,
I loved Timeline -- but I'm dying with curiosity to now what technical problems you thought about when you read it. It has been awhile since I read it, but would still love to hear your viewpoint.
Farmgirl
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
quote: Good book. I had a couple technical problems with it, though. Let me know if you notice anything . . . wrong with it.
I liked Timeline, what's wrong with it?
Posted by Morgaine (Member # 4691) on :
Farmgirl/Nick,
How familiar are you with the laws of physics pertaining to parallel universes? Because there were some serious flaws in the information he used, which is amazing because of the amount of research he does for his books. It sounded good, most of it was good, but the important stuff was not clear, thrown together, and didn't seem like he even understood them.
Basically, the characters in Timeline found the note from the Professor on the dig, then went to a different universe to save him (since time travel is impossible, one must go to a similar, parallel universe to that earlier time). How could the note, from a different but parallel universe reach them? And then Marek at the end? It's impossible.
The only answer I have is that at the same time the Professor left to a parallel universe, another Professor, from another universe, jumped into the current Earth, but in the past. Some clarification of the scientific principles he used would be great, because it would help prove this theory, otherwise, there's this major gap in the "timeline" and a flaw with his pseudo-time travel theory. I hope not, I'm so sure he's too smart to leave such major holes like this.
[ August 31, 2003, 05:07 AM: Message edited by: Morgaine ]
Posted by wieczorek (Member # 5565) on :
I've finally finished my summer reading, so I can read OSC again!!! Yay!!!
"Remember, the enemy's gate is down"
Posted by Bricks-N-Sandwiches (Member # 5603) on :
My summer has been spent getting re-aquainted with OSC...I just took back COTM to the library... When I was much younger I read Wyrms...but I could not wrap my brain around all of the concepts...so when I re-read it at the beginning of summer I aquired a new respect for OSC. So I looked thru the section where I got it and started on Enders game...I made short work of it and was HUNGRY for more. SFtD wasn't at the library so I had to wait for the inter loan...So I read Enders shadow shadow of the hegemon and shadow puppets.Still waiting for the inter loan(very tiresom) I picked up on the Alvin Series and read all of the released works. I did this so I didn't poison my view of Speaker with the half information I would have from Xenocide. To make this very long story short...I'm just waiting for the next installment to the series.
Posted by wieczorek (Member # 5565) on :
Same here, bricks. I'm anxious to get my grasp on sotg, if that's what you mean by "the next installment of the series". I find it difficult - I finish books so quickly that I can't wait for the ensuing book. Like Harry Potter and OP. I finished it in three days and now I have to wait. But then again, I finished EG in 1 day (over night) and the rest within the next week). I've got to find other things to do to keep myself occupied...
"Remember, the enemy's gate is down"
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Morgaine, I understand what you're saying (yes, I've read Schrodinger's Cat and all those theories, and I have a college-son who is a physics major and very interested in the concept of parrallel universes).
However, I don't think at any time in Timeline, that Crighton was saying we were working with different universes. He wrote the story from the viewpoint of time travel in this universe (so I didn't have a problem with the things that were found, etc).
Of course, we all know all the problems with the whole idea of time travel at all, when speaking logically. But I was reading Timeline to be ENTERTAINED, not as fact, so that is why I didn't have a problem with it, I guess.
He made it more believeable, I might add, than some of the "time travel" episodes there were on Star Trek <HA> (or Quantum Leap, if you are old enough to remember that show!)
I guess if I wanted reading to be absolutely factual, I would read non-fiction instead of fiction and sci-fi. Crighton does a good job of researching so well that is SOUNDS believable a factual -- but we have to remember that in the end, he is writing fiction.
Farmgirl
Posted by Morgaine (Member # 4691) on :
quote:Orignially posted by Farmgirl However, I don't think at any time in Timeline, that Crighton was saying we were working with different universes. He wrote the story from the viewpoint of time travel in this universe (so I didn't have a problem with the things that were found, etc).
Not so. If you read carefully the chapter when they're on the plane and Gordon (I don't have the book, but that name sounds right....) is explaining the theory, he distinctly says that time travel is not possible, and that they are not travelling in time. They are going to a different, but parallel, universe where time has progressed slower, which is inevitable with an infinite amount fo similar, parallel universes.
quote:Originally posted by Farmgirl Of course, we all know all the problems with the whole idea of time travel at all, when speaking logically. But I was reading Timeline to be ENTERTAINED, not as fact, so that is why I didn't have a problem with it, I guess.
He made it more believeable, I might add, than some of the "time travel" episodes there were on Star Trek <HA> (or Quantum Leap, if you are old enough to remember that show!)
I guess if I wanted reading to be absolutely factual, I would read non-fiction instead of fiction and sci-fi. Crighton does a good job of researching so well that is SOUNDS believable a factual -- but we have to remember that in the end, he is writing fiction.
Yes, I remember Quantum Leap. One of my favourite shows, actually. If I remember correctly, there were very few serious holes in that show. A bunch of paradoxes, and questions, but nothing major to the integrity of the basic premise of the show.
The thing with Crichton is that his books are usually so well written, it's hard to tell that he's writing fiction. Heck, in Andromeda Strain, he had constant footnotes from non-existant and real sources. That's his style. So when I read his books, I expect to find no line between fiction and reality, something he usually does very well, even with obviously fictional ideas, such as Jurassic Park. Because I think of his books so seriously, I read them more carefully. This seemed like a major thing, to "forget" that they're not in the same universe, that it's a different one, therefore the eyeglasses, the note and the deal with Marek couldn't have happened.
Also, I understand that the concept of time travel is impossible. It's still a fascinating subject. If one can make it sound plausible, while not sounding too spaceship-y, great. He did, the theory was amazing about the time travel, but there's still the question of Marek and the professor, which is a major one.
As I said, I've seen only one possible way for his theory to be regarded as correct, and the plot to flow, and that is to have a simultaneous "leap" (if I may) of a different professor from a different universe into ours, at the same time that the professor from ours left to yet another one. So a diagram would look something like three parallel lines, A, B, and C (the universes) with a jump from the end of B to the middle of C. at the same time, there would also have to be a jump from the end of A to the middle of B, B being our universe, C being the one where everyone goes, and A being a similar but more advanced universe.
Meh, ok, maybe I take it too seriously, but if you're going to write Science Fiction, or at least Science-based fiction, you'd better be prepared for people to read your work critically. Especially serious fans!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Thanks for the correction, Morgaine.
It HAS been a long time since I read Timeline, so maybe I should go back and read again a little more carefully. I must have missed (or forgotten about) that passage you refer to.
However, I also agree with you -- he writes so very realistically on the scientific level, that it is often hard to remember that we are reading fiction!
I found his most recent, "Prey" to be that way -- but I know so little about the area of science he addresses in this book, I wouldn't recognize any discrepancies if there were there.
Posted by Morgaine (Member # 4691) on :
quote:Originally posted by Farmgirl Thanks for the correction, Morgaine.
It HAS been a long time since I read Timeline, so maybe I should go back and read again a little more carefully. I must have missed (or forgotten about) that passage you refer to.
However, I also agree with you -- he writes so very realistically on the scientific level, that it is often hard to remember that we are reading fiction!
I found his most recent, "Prey" to be that way -- but I know so little about the area of science he addresses in this book, I wouldn't recognize any discrepancies if there were there.
No problem. The only reason I'm familiar with it is because I must have read the book about 15 times (almost as many as Shadow Puppets )
I haven't read Prey yet, but I plan to. It is amazing how much research he does for his books. I always wondered whether all novelists put that much care and effort into them, to make them seem plausible, or if some people just have a knack for making the impossible sound possible, or if only SciFi writers cared.
"Nothing is impossible, only improbable." - Isaac Asimov
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
I'm currently reading Enchantment again. Not only is it the best OSC novel ever, but it also has the coolest cover.
(Always judge a book by its cover)
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
Children of the Mind, now. I'm sort of mad, though...after I finish this one, I would have read all of the available Ender/Bean books, and I'll have to wait for SotG. I don't want to do that. :/ I would next read the Alvin Maker books, but I don't want to start another series that I couldn't finish for a while. And the other books written by OSC don't look as interesting, which means I'll probably venture on to another author. But if I do that, and get involved in another author, I may forget about Bean's series!
Agh, reading is a frustrating business. Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Crystal City.
I wish.
Hobbes Posted by wieczorek (Member # 5565) on :
Reading can be frustrating - I finished SP about a month ago and I'm just waiting for SOTG to be released...but imagine all of those people who read SP when it was released, about a year ago. They have to wait for an even longer amount of time. See, this part is frustrating, too!!
I am currently reading The Seventh Son , but I'm only on about page 10. I don't know why I haven't found time to get around to it. I feel terrible !! Well, I have plenty of time over the weekend I suppose. I really wish that SOTG was available for reading now, but I will certainly bump it up to the top of the list when it comes out!!
*edited because I accidentally said that SOTG had been released a year ago when I meant to say SP...
"Remember, the enemy's gate is down"
[ September 06, 2003, 09:50 AM: Message edited by: wieczorek ]
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
UPDATE--I haven't posted in a while (though I've been a lurker extraordinaire) so here goes:
In the time since I originally posted this, I finished Unaccompanied Sonata and started on both The Worthing Saga and First Meetings. Both of them currently occupy the place-on-the-floor-next-to-my-bed-where-a-nightstand-would-be-if-I-actually-had-one (aside: that may have set a record for the number of hyphens in a phrase.)
Also, I have moved back to Radford, Va. because the season ended with the (musical Big River) on Aug. 23rd and I started classes at Radford University on the 25th.
Posted by Weltallz (Member # 5649) on :
Right now: Pastwatch
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
I can't wait for Shadow of the Giant and The last two Alvin books! Right now I'm sort of re-reading Ender's Game (from the library, I don't own it ). I also want to read OSC's other books, but I have to get the money to buy them first . Darn bookstore only has expensive hardbacks...ARG...
I'm also reading The Book Of Merlyn by T.H. White.
[ September 16, 2003, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: Eruve Nandiriel ]
Posted by sackler (Member # 5683) on :
I didn't even know who OSC was until about 5 weeks ago. I started with Ender's Game and read through the shadow books, then started with Speaker and I just finished Xenocide tonight, but I didn't finish it until the bookstore had already closed, so I couldn't go get COTM
I've been reading the enderverse back to back for the past five weeks. Hi my name is Ryan, and I'm addicted to OSC!
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
I just picked up Pastwatch, but I've only read the prologue so far.
Posted by Shartae (Member # 5688) on :
I currently have Enders Game, Children of the Mind, and Shadow of the Hegemon on me bed... because I dont have a night stand!
but interestingly enough, I have two single beds side by side to each other, and it makes good room wich totally makes up for a night stand
I wanna read Shadow Puppets!!!! *Will suggest many more OSC to her school library*
Ive read every other Ender book. I need to try to find others like Sarah... *and she just forgot the rest of the other book's names*
[ September 18, 2003, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: Shartae ]
Posted by Wonder Dog (Member # 5691) on :
I was sick today, and my family gave me Shadow Puppets paperback for my birthday, but I hadn't read Shadow of the Hegemon yet, so I borrowed it from my little brother and read that today. I guess Shadow Puppets is up next...
Was that even proper english? :0) Wonder Dog
Posted by Rohan (Member # 5141) on :
I did a search and couldn't find this so I'll ask someone to explain, why is time travel impossible? Get as physics-y as you want, I'll follow.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Ender's Game. For the...
:: counts on his fingers... toes... ran out of fingers AND toes... asks friends for help... ::
Err, nevermind. The important thing is I'm reading it. Again.
Posted by Tman (Member # 5716) on :
Just last night I finished Shadow Puppets, and I can officially says I've read all in Ender's saga. I had just started The Worthing Saga, but when I got this book I jumped to the occaision.
After I'm done with that, any next-series suggestions?
(This is my first post on any Hatrack River forums, btw.)
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Rohan Your question is best answered by Morgaine, but it has already been discussed in this thread, when we talked about Michael Crichton's book TIMELINE
I'm halfway through "Hitting the Skids in Pixeltown."
Posted by Rohan (Member # 5141) on :
thanks, Farmgirl, but it still didn't answer the question of why time-travel is impossible. The name Schroedinger's Cat was thrown out, and the problems with the book Timeline were mentioned but none of these specifically addressed why time travel is impossible. that's ok, though. it is too much probably for this thread, and a definite derailment.
Posted by Morgaine (Member # 4691) on :
[u]About time travel and why it cannot happen:[/u]
(please note that I do not consider this suffiecient proof for time travel not being possible, it is a good concept nonetheless.)
According to Dean Koontz, in the wonderful novel Lightning, time travel is impossible because of the paradoxes it creates.
A person cannot go back in time, because anything he alters will not create his timeline. He would have created a tangent to the original line. (think "Back to the Future Part 2") His world, his timeline, where he came from, does not exist anymore, so neither does he. He ceases, at that moment of change, to exist.
A person cannot go foreward in time for the same reason, just reverse. If they change the future, it would mean a change in the past of the future, and his world wouldn't exist anymore. He ceases to exist as well.
Therefore, we may be able to get there, but we can't do anything. I mean anything. Breathe, take up space, because any change leads to our non-existence.
There are other, more technical, physics related answers, I can go into them another time, but right now I have to catch a bus. Hope this helps. Read the Dean Koontz for a better, clearer, explanation. (I asked the question at NASA, they verified it, so don't think it's just one novelists idea)
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
quote: A person cannot go back in time, because anything he alters will not create his timeline. He would have created a tangent to the original line. (think "Back to the Future Part 2") His world, his timeline, where he came from, does not exist anymore, so neither does he. He ceases, at that moment of change, to exist.
I think time would freeze. Your theory works, except, if he doesn't exist, he couldn't change the past, which means the change of the past (since it wouldn't exist) couldn't possibly affect his future. So, I think time would freeze.
[ September 24, 2003, 12:08 AM: Message edited by: Da_Goat ]
Posted by Ryan_Larsen (Member # 5530) on :
I just finished the Homecoming series. It was pretty good.
Now I'm finally reading Harry Potter, though... I want to find "How to write Fantasy and Science Fiction"....
[ September 25, 2003, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: Ryan_Larsen ]
Posted by Yzerman (Member # 5741) on :
EarthBorn
Next in line are the tales of Alvin Maker.
Still waiting on the next book in the Shadow series.
And for those of you reading Pastwatch...stick with it, it took me a while to get thru the first Half of the book(almost a month and a half) but once the characters are layed out and the plot is set, the rest is well worth the wait.
[ September 25, 2003, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: Yzerman ]
Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
I just finished reading Enchantment...again. I love it! *sigh* It's a great book. I really like books that take fairy tales and put a new twist on them.
Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :
seems like the only time i can find to read is during my lunch at work. i'm about to finish neil gaiman's american gods, and i would like to find my way through the harry potter series, but as for OSC, i'm keeping up with the online preview of the crystal city, i still need to get ahold of a copy of shadow puppets, and somewhere, though i am about to move, i have a copy of saints.
Posted by Pelbar Spin (Member # 5791) on :
I'm currently rereading Maps in a Mirror. I love his short stories and how he can expand some of them into novels without changing the short, like EG. Some of my favorites in it are: Eye for Eye; Kingsmeat; Sandmagic; Fat Farm; and my favorite, A Thousand Deaths. I enjoy every short in the book and they are put together perfectly. I can sit down and read the whole thing in one sitting, or I can read one at a time. The book just flows.
Posted by LockeTreaty (Member # 5627) on :
Currently I have just finished all of the Enderverse books again, and I find that college leaves me with some spare time. My problem is that after reading many of OSC essays I find that I fear the unknown, in the aspect that I'm cautious about reading other writings by OSC, because they could leave me with a repeat distaste. So as not to obtain that impression again, I was wondering what books you would suggest that are similar to the Ender series. To put it bluntly a series without a lot of personal politics involved. Thank you for all potential suggestions. Posted by TheSeeker (Member # 4608) on :
Well I would say that Earthborn is on my nightstand, but one I don't have a nightstand and two, I carry the book around with me in my car so if I get a spare 30 seconds, at a train or something, I can read. But other then that I have been so busy lately, I have been reading Earthborn for about a week now Posted by beatnix19 (Member # 5836) on :
Waiting for Crystal City. Now that Walking on Water is finished and I don't have a fix every few days I'll probably reread the rest of the series just to get me back up to date.
Posted by elsimer (Member # 5889) on :
currently reading Crystal City (advanced proof). I was a little worried about the fact that it was available before the release date, so I wrote an email to Tor. Never received a response so I guess they don't mind.
[ November 08, 2003, 09:41 AM: Message edited by: wieczorek ]
Posted by CaliphAlai (Member # 5915) on :
Speaker for the Dead ... took me a while to get into it, but its good now!
Posted by Poseidon (Member # 5862) on :
i FINALLY got the Crystal City-- 5 days after it came out. aggg, the abuse!!! anyway. i'm on page 232 and its pretty good so far. yay. i stayed up really late last night reading that and my damned confusing science magazines so now i'm pooped.
[ November 15, 2003, 10:51 AM: Message edited by: Poseidon ]
Posted by wieczorek (Member # 5565) on :
Alvin Journeyman! Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Shadow Puppets, then I'm planning on rereading the Alvin series before friday, when I'll go to the signing and buy Crystal City.
Posted by wieczorek (Member # 5565) on :
HEARTFIRE! I've got to finish it by tomorrow so I can start to read Crystal City!!
Posted by LockeTreaty (Member # 5627) on :
The Investment Counselor from First Meetings. Can't get enough of the super-being Jane. Especially when they can do what she did with Ender's taxes. Posted by Merlin The Sage (Member # 5931) on :
None right now.....thy as read all of OSC books that ye is concerned with.
Weilder Of Excalibur -Merlin
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Egad. I didn't know Merlin was illiterate.
Posted by roxy (Member # 3416) on :
Enchantment Posted by ulyadd (Member # 5957) on :
It's called "The Salmon of Doubt" by Douglas Adams and it goes out to all of you highly recommended. in the way of the one who inspired this site I believe that "Shadow Puppets " will be next
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
Prentice Alvin. I decided to reread the series before tackling Crystal City. It was a good move. There's so much detail I'd forgotten in the first two books.
I think I enjoy the Alvin Maker series more than any of the others. (Note - not wanting to debate this. Others are free to have other OSC works as their favorites - I won't say they're wrong.)
Posted by Proteus (Member # 794) on :
Wrestling with the original Dune trilogy (Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune - All in one handy hardback) before i start on Shadow Puppets. So i will have one on my nightstand just not yet. Hmmm.... do i re-read the Thomas Covenant Chronicles or the Ender saga first? Decisions....
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
I just got the Lord of the Rings red leather collector's edition from Amazon. That's on my nightstand.
Posted by hasdy (Member # 5905) on :
Just finished reading Ender's Shadow for the 3rd time and moving on to Shadow of the Hegemon. Looking forward to reading Puppets.
After that, I think I'll go back to reading the Alvin series and work my way up to Crystal City.
an den.... I'll go back to the Homecoming series.
It was only 3 weeks ago that I've rekindled my joy of reading fiction after years of not even picking up a book.
It's weird, ever since I started reading again.... i've been happier.... or content.... it's really odd.
oh... and I also have the first 3 books of the Hubbard's Mission Earth series on my night stand.
happy reading!!
[ December 01, 2003, 02:11 PM: Message edited by: hasdy ]
Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
I would read Homecoming first. It's the best OSC series. Posted by hasdy (Member # 5905) on :
oh.... I've read them all before. It's just been so long since I have so I decided to go back to them.
I'll eventually get there! Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :
*has read Homecoming eight times* Posted by PetraFan (Member # 4735) on :
Currently near my bed is Earthborn, the last of the Homecoming series. Very good series I might add!
Also I have a very boring book by my bedside, but that's only for snoozing! Posted by SouljaKlipp (Member # 6092) on :
ES, SaH, Xenocide, Pastwatch, Enchantment, Memnoch the Devil, Illiad, Jurassic Park, The Lost World, The Seven Military Classics translation i got for Christmas which is wicked cool. klipp
Posted by Magius (Member # 6091) on :
Shadow Puppets is on my night stand, along with an Oxford English Dictionary .
Posted by Fooglmog (Member # 6088) on :
I have about 2 dozen books on my nightstand, mainly because I never move them off it once I'm done with them. Only a few are OSC books, most that should be there have fallen onto the floor, but here are the ones which are still clinging to my nightstand (I just went and checked) Ender's Game, Shadow of the Hegemon, Shadow Puppets, Children of the Mind, Seventh Son, Read Prophet, Heartfire, The Call of Earth and The Abyss.
-Fooglmog Guy with no clue.
Posted by Scarecrow (Member # 6109) on :
ES, SotH, Dictionary of Quotations, Band of Brothers, Black Hawk Down couple of other military related ones
Posted by Blackheartedwolf (Member # 6483) on :
Right now I am re-reading Shadow of the Hegemon. I re-read Ender's Game, then Ender's Shadow... only to discover that I no longer had Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, and Children of the Mind. I also have Shadow Puppets, but won't read it until I have re-read the rest of the series. I had to order everything on Amazon, used.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I understand that the recent Dune books were mostly written by a ghost writer.
[ April 23, 2004, 11:29 AM: Message edited by: mr_porteiro_head ]
Posted by alath (Member # 6150) on :
I just finished Ships of Earth this afternoon and I can't find my copy of Earthfall anywhere!
*runs around in circles*
Posted by fallow (Member # 6268) on :
Although I haven't got anything by OSC placed anywhere near my sleeping coordinates (other than here), there is a welcoming vacuum of dust-free surface upon which to rest, and a blank slate readership onto which might be inscribed the views of an insightful observer ("ticked off at the world I didn't create" perspectives, being the exception)
fallow
Posted by PetraFan (Member # 4735) on :
At the moment I am reading The Ships of Earth from the Homecoming series.
Posted by Kabederlin (Member # 6304) on :
First Meetings
Posted by Aeroth (Member # 6269) on :
Finished First Meetings last night. Now I'm on Enchantment.
Posted by tonguetied&tvvisted (Member # 6494) on :
Xenocide.
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
About to reread "Songmaster"
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Pastwatch.
I finished it, but it's still lying there on my nightstand..
..and I might re-read it. I really liked it that much.
Farmgirl
Posted by fallow (Member # 6268) on :
Do folks actually keep their reading material on a night-stand?
Posted by fallow (Member # 6268) on :
is there a job-board around here somewhere?
fallow
Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :
I just reread Enders Game today (the novel not the short story) so I think I might start rereading speaker of the dead tomorrow. I won't finish it though, as I actually have work to do.
Posted by alath (Member # 6150) on :
Earthborn!
Posted by wzrd (Member # 6526) on :
Pastwatch at the moment.
Posted by alath (Member # 6150) on :
finished Earthborn. I'm reading Songmaster now, but Pastwatch is next on my list.
Posted by Aeroth (Member # 6269) on :
The Memory of Earth.
Posted by cochick (Member # 6167) on :
last one I read was Earthborn - the next one I want is Sarah.
Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :
:bump:
I know it's bad form to bump your own post, but I am curious once more what everyone is reading as they nod off. Mine is the trade paperback version of Maps in a Mirror. Posted by Napster-{KD}- (Member # 6967) on :
I had Shadow Puppets, but I finished it and am now waiting for Shadow of the Giant
-Napster-{KD}-
Posted by Loial (Member # 5788) on :
I just read the Yazoo Queen story from Legends II a few days ago. It was the first (and till now the only) story I read from that compilation.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
![[Wave]](graemlins/wave.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
) so I haven't had much time for OSC books latley. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
I don't know why, but I find it hard to get into.
![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
![[Wall Bash]](graemlins/wallbash.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
. Darn bookstore only has expensive hardbacks...ARG... ![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
i stayed up really late last night reading that and my damned confusing science magazines so now i'm pooped. ![[Sleep]](graemlins/sleep.gif)
![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)