Steampunk: 20 Core Titles

By John Klima at Library Journal

Steampunk is everywhere, from movies like Sherlock Holmes and Howl’s Moving Castle to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and an art exhibition at the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, England. A subgenre of science fiction, it typically (but not always) employs a Victorian setting where steam power and advanced technologies like computers coexist and often features themes, such as secret societies, found in mystery novels.

Steampunk. Tachyon, dist. by IPG. 2008. 400p. ed. by Ann & Jeff VanderMeer. ISBN 978-1-892391-75-9. pap.
While most of the best steampunk is novel length, this anthology is an excellent introduction to the subgenre. Incorporating work from the mid-1980s to today, this volume captures the movement from its beginnings on, collecting writers such as Michael Chabon, Neal Stephenson, Michael Moorcock, and Joe R. Lansdale, among others. It also includes three essays about steampunk’s place in literature, film, and comic books. This is not only an engaging book to read but a great resource for anyone looking for information about steampunk.

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Conceptual Fiction: Neuromancer by William Gibson

by Ted Gioia at BlogCritics.org

Let’s face it, science fiction books are not famous for their memorable opening lines. You might hear the person next to you on the subway remark: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” But how often do you run into someone muttering: “In the week before their departure to Arrakis, an old crone came to visit the mother of the boy, Paul”? And yes we know, by now, that “Happy families are all alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” But how many of us have memorized: “His name was Gaal Dornick and he was just a country boy who had never seen Trantor before”?

Ah, William Gibson broke the rule with his 1984 classic Neuromancer. The particular ambiance of the book was captured in its oft-quoted opening line: “The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.” Of course, this was an old-school vacuum tube television, where the dead channels were much more poetic than the prosaic blankness of my current big-screen, satellite contraption. When Neuromancer was published, only around 1% of Americans owned a computer, and the World Wide Web was just a glimmer in Al Gore’s eyes. Yet Gibson not only conceived of a plausible evolution of virtual reality, but had already envisioned the kind of hacker culture that would emerge as the dark side of the web. To grasp the future of the technology would have been a stunning achievement in its own right, but Gibson also had a hold on the attitudes and slang, the very anthropology of cyberspace.

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The Idea That Jews Don’t Write Fantasy Is A Fantasy

by Charlie Jane Anders at io9

A new essay claiming that Jewish authors don’t write fantasy literature has caused a firestorm of criticism online, including an impressive list of Jewish fantasy authors. Is Christianity really embedded in the DNA of the fantasy epic? Noting that neither C.S. Lewis nor J.R.R. Tolkien was Jewish, Michael Weingrad writes in the Jewish Review Of Books that the masters of the genre weren’t alone. Jews, as a rule, don’t write fantasy, he claims, and there are no fantasies that are ineluctibly Jewish in the way that Narnia is Christian.

Within hours after this essay went up the other day, people were pointing out tons of Jewish fantasy authors that Weingrad had somehow missed. For example, there’s Isaac Bashevis Singer, who won the Nobel prize for writing, essentially fantasy. Other fantasy greats include Marge Piercy, Michael Chabon, Peter Beagle, Charles Stross, Esther Friesner and Neil Gaiman.

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Your Military Science Fiction Isn’t Really Military Science Fiction

by Andrew Liptak at io9

Futuristic militaries are a staple in science fiction. With their powered armor and laser guns, military science fiction novels are among the most exciting reads out there. Except for one problem. Most are not really about warfare.

While military SF involves military personnel and technology, the cores of the stories tend to focus on elements other than warfare. Before I’m tracked down and shot for saying that, let me qualify that statement. Military SF novels aren’t about the institution of warfare; they focus on the effects of war, on the soldiers, on the morality of an organization, and on what humanity will do to survive.

In military strategy, [only using airborne assault] isn’t really a good idea. Shifting one’s entire military capabilities over to an airborne-style military is just crazy. While it makes for good storytelling, and it’s a very dramatic style of warfare, there are a number of problems with airborne tactics. That’s why large-scale airborne drops on the scale of Operation Overlord in 1944 simply aren’t done any more. Soldiers tend to scatter; soldiers find themselves in enemy territory by themselves; and airborne units are generally unable to operate effectively against an enemy’s heavy units, such as armor. While science fictional soldiers are generally enhanced, such as in Starship Troopers, Armor, The Forever War and so forth, they’re still fundamentally individual soldiers operating without support.

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Vampire story ‘Dark Lover’ a (surprisingly) good read

by Leah Rex at AnnArbor.com

A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece asking: “What’s up with vampire lit?” In particular, I questioned the trend of vampire as romantic hero. When I read this piece now I confess to a bit of embarrassment, because for the past week I have been walking around with my nose in J.R. Ward’s “Dark Lover.”

Yes, I did say “Dark Lover” and it is everything you would suspect – a vampire romance novel filled with longing, bared fangs and sex that would make Dr. Ruth blush.

Yup, this book should be a stinker. I should be posting a snotty review on Amazon right now imploring the good reading citizens of the world to save their money and not buy this trash. Except for this one tiny little thing. It is a damn good read. I mean, utterly entirely compelling in all its over-the-top glory. Maybe it works because, unlike Anne Rice (did I mention I just hate her?), Ward is not trying to do anything but deliver a snorting good read, and man, does she deliver. Here is a heroine you can relate to, a hero (Wrath, swoon!) you want to be real because he’s so yummy, and some gruff cops chewing scenery in between the sex scenes.

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A week without books

by Bibi van der Zee at The Guardian

Going to the loo without a book! It is a profound shock. Instead of reading, I stare at the walls and notice that there are still two empty nails on which I meant – a year ago – to hang pictures. Also, I notice the dust on the floor and the cobwebs on the ceiling. I sense that I will be doing a lot more housework than usual this week.

I decided to try giving up books for a week because I have come to the point where I wonder if they are holding me back. On the whole, the world seems to think that books are always a good thing, that you can never get too much of them.

I am usually reading three, sometimes four books, with a pile of books waiting in case I run out. I never leave the house without my book, and if I’m taking a train I’ll usually have a back-up book in case I finish the first one. I’d rather read than do housework or laundry, and sometimes I’d rather read than talk to friends or husband or family. I’ve been known to boot my children off out into the garden or switch on the TV – “or anything, just sod off for 10 minutes!” – so that I can finally be alone with my book; worse still, I regularly succumb to the siren call of the current novel when I am supposed to be working.

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I read four or five books at a time, but it takes me forever to read them all because I don’t have time to read often. Which sucks. So I could go a week without books, but I wouldn’t be happy about it. When I read the article about Jewish fantasy, I took it literally: as in there is no Jewish version of Narnia. I didn’t think the author meant there was no Jewish fantasy, because I’ve read Jewish fantasy. Now Jewish fantasy isn’t as well known to people who don’t read Fantasy books as the Narnia Series or Lord of the Rings is, but those are movies now too, aren’t they? And the article about Military Sci Fi is interesting, but I have one argument for the exciting strategies versus tactics: tactics can be boring. Try and find a book about tactics (fiction or non-fiction) at your book store. Other than the Art of War and On War by Carl von Clausewitz you won’t find much. I’ve looked. Tactics don’t hook readers, most of whom want to hear about the individual. This is true with non-fiction too: if you get a book about say, the War of the Roses, you won’t be getting a book about the war. You’ll be getting a book about politics that went badly and ended in a war. The same is true with any WWII book you get; you’re either getting politics or stories of individual courage. I’d like to see more realistic Military Sci Fi, but a boom doesn’t seem likely.

Where do you read the most? Are you interested in steampunk? What about military sci fi?

Source: ottawacitizen

A summit of world leaders and top economic thinkers in Toronto this June has put the bite on a vampire romance conference.

So the Twilight “TwiCon” Conference has been moved to Lansdowne Park.

TwiCon’s North Carolina-based managing partner Becky Scoggins said Monday she learned a few weeks ago that TwiCon, which has fans rubbing elbows with actors from vampire films and television series, would probably be bumped by the high-security G20 summit to be held in downtown Toronto.

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre “gave us a call a few weeks ago and said ‘You’ll probably be booted.’ While we we waiting, we were scouting for new venues,” Scoggins said.

Read more here…

This is great new for vampire romance fans. Will you be attending? Come back to OBS Forum and tell us all about it.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Chapter 12
Written by Krystal

Sam came to give Sookie the news that the police intended to arrest Jason the minute he came to and she was filled with emotion. Crying, she thought about her brother, poor Amy, the stupid police and above all, Bill. Picking the phone up, Sookie dialed the Blood in the Quarter to leave a message for Bill about Jason. Deciding it was probably better to call Sid Matt, Jason’s lawyer; Sookie made the call and then headed down to the hospital. When they would not let her see Jason, Sookie headed home to contemplate her naiveté which was the cause of Jason’s arrest.

Memorable Quotes:

Receptionist: “Bloooooood… in the Quarter,” announced a deep voice dramatically. “Your coffin away from home.” (Page 262)

Sookie: Nothing on TV was good, at least not tonight. I thought I might watch Braveheart again: Mel Gibson in a kilt is always a mood raiser. (Page 271)

Rene: Rene screamed. “Aw, Jesus, woman! What you done to me? Oh. God, it hurts!” (Page 278)

Bill: “Your nose is broken,” he observed.
Sookie: I rolled my eyes. “Glad you spotted that,” I whispered. “I’ll tell the doctor when she comes in.” (Page 288)

Questions for discussion:

Are you looking forward to the next book? Who do you want to learn/see more of?

Read and discuss more here.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Chapter 11
Written by Krystal

The next day at work, Sookie got some sympathy for the death of her cat and eventually called Sheriff Bud Dearborn. Bud’s first inclination was to assume Bill did it of course, but she explained that Bill was home when someone threw it on the porch. When Sookie explains that her cat was strangled and they buried her, Bud says they may come and dig it up to check if the case matches that of Dawn and Maudette. Annoyed, Sookie hung up the phone harder than really needed. Sam, who had been in the room doing paperwork, looked up and inquired. Sam explained that the town wasn’t used to murders and Bud was only doing what he thought was right. Sookie realizes that he’s right and apologizes and then makes her way back to work.

Back inside the bar, Arlene approached Sookie and asked her to watch the kids again. Sookie remembered the last time Arlene had asked, but agreed anyways, waiting for Arlene to ask about Bill, which she didn’t.

Memorable Quotes:

Bill: “Hmmm,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ll have to med my ways, Lisa. Thank you for pointing that out to me. When is Aunt Sookie’s birthday, do you know?” (Page 235)

Bubba: “Well, I’m sorry about that. I like cats,” the tall vampire said, and I clearly got the idea he didn’t mean he liked to stroke their fur. (Page 237)

Sookie: “You watched me undress last night, you… you… damn dog!” (Page 250)

Sam: “Yeah,” Sam said from the doorway, his voice sad. “I’m sorry, Sookie. But Bill doesn’t just have a virus, He’s really, really dead.” (Page 252)

Sam: “I didn’t see what was in front of me until I thought it might be taken away,” he said, his voice quiet. (Page 259)

Questions for discussion:

What is your favorite quote from this chapter?

Read and discuss more here.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Chapter 10
Written by Krystal

The next day while getting ready, Sookie realized she needed a break from vampires and needed to remember that she was only human. The only problem was, the combination of Bill and Long Shadow’s blood had made her even less human than her first drink after the Rats. She had whiter and pointier teeth, lighter hair, and even lifted a couch with one hand.

At work, Lafayette noticed the difference in her and remarked on it as she cut the lemons and limes so quickly she was shocked to realize she was done before she even started. As she put them away, Sam appeared next to her, asking what happened to her arm. Sookie made up an excuse and as Sam stepped closer than she wished, Charlsie walked into the bar. Turned out that Charlsie’s daughter was expecting a baby and everyone listened and gave the proper congratulations.

Memorable Quotes:

Sookie: I looked down at the cutting board. All the lemons had been quartered. All the limes had been sliced. My hand was holding the knife, and it was wet with juices. I had done it without knowing it. In about thity seconds. I closed my eyes. My God. (Page 211-212)

Bill: “As a reward,” Bill said. I couldn’t understand how he felt about this.
Sookie: “Free beverage?” (Page 220)

Desiree: “I can’t believe you’re refusing me,” Desiree said, looking up at Bill and pouting. “No one has ever turned me down before.”
Bill: “Of course I am grateful, and I’m sure you are, as you put it, a special vintage,” Bill said politely. “But I have my own wine cellar.” (Page 221)

Questions for discussion:

Did something or someone in this chapter take you by surprise?

Read and discuss more here.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Chapter 9
Written by Rose
Edited by Krystal

The next night, as Sookie prepared for her meeting with Eric, she noted that Bill was right about her feeling stronger, more alert and even prettier. Deciding that tonight was a good night to show off Bill’s “ownership” she wore a low cut shirt, but packed a scarf and silver necklace in case they ran into another cop. Just as she began to worry about Bill feeding off another woman, a knock came at her door. As they got into his car, Sookie remarks how Bill smelt differently and he reminds her that he’ll feel the same if Eric touches her; only Eric will enjoy it and he didn’t enjoy his dinner.

The drive to Fangtasia was marked by silence as Bill and Sookie thought about what Eric desired and all too soon they were parked outside the Fangtasia’s back entrance. As Bill knocked the “secret vampire knock”, Sookie waited nearby, pushing away the urge to hide behind him. They were greeted by Pam, the beautiful blonde vampire who was by Eric’s side on their previous visit, and escorted through the storeroom into another small room where Eric waited.

Memorable Quotes:

Sookie: “You smell different,” I said after we’d been on the highway for a few minutes. We drove for a few minutes in silence.
Bill: “Now you know how I will feel if Eric touches you,” he told me. “But I think I’ll feel worse because Eric will enjoy touching you, and I didn’t much enjoy my feeding.” (Page 199)

Sookie: He said “death or torture” as calmly as I said, “Bud or Old Milwaukee.” (Page 201)

Sookie: “Was that like sharks scenting blood?” I asked, after a fifteen-minute silent drive that almost had us out of Shreveport.
Bill: “Good analogy.” (Page 208)

Questions for discussion:

What effects do you think will manifest if Longshadows blood did indeed go down her throat? How does it affect Bill’s blood in her system? Will it compound her newfound clarity or will?

Read and discuss more here.