There’s so many different topics that I’m eager to tackle — bullying, books for boys, slow reading, and many more — but right now I’m just going to show some brag photos.
Note: Did you like that use of the word “brag?” Stole it from Feed by M.T. Anderson. Good book, vibrant, creative, smart, perhaps a little too message-driven (mindless consumerism = bad), and part of my ongoing education in Speculative Fiction, where everything seems possible — and pitfalls abound.
Anyway, some shots:
Maggie, age 9 . . .
Nick, age 17 . . .
Me, age 49, after pitching batting practice on a hot day. Sorry, no photos of the Good Wife this time around — I haven’t yet obtained written permission.
James how is your speculative fiction, eduation going?
Before I started working in the children’s section. I didn’t read this genre but its so popular, I quickly learned I had to embrace it.
I really like it now, though I am still speculative fiction lite.
As an author you don’t have to learn more about Sci fi fiction, so its cool that you are.
Doret, I need a list of recommended titles, I’m groping in the dark.
And, the fact remains, I’m a terribly slow reader.
Mostly, I’m reading for inspiration and getting it, the wide open possibilities.
Do you have any suggestions?
Yes, I alway have suggestions but lets narrow it down some, so I don’t give too much or suggest the wrong thing.
What exactly are you looking for? In terms of storyline, characters or basically whatever will get me closer to recommeding the right title for you.
I am a professional I don’t go about this all willy nilly.
Doret,
I guess I’m at the “Essential Reading” stage — and I’m open to adult and YA.
I guess I’m more curious about alien life than, say, fantasy. Honestly, I’m still fuzzy on why and when Science Fiction became Speculative Fiction (or was that just a marketing thing?).
I’d also be interested in anything you really, really liked. By the way, your answer is bloggable!
Just wanted to say I’m glad you included FEED as part of your sf education! It’s one of my favorite books ever.
If you want some adult sf recommendations, you might try Asimov’s FOUNDATION books–they are pretty accessible, esp. since they’re really collections of inter-connected short stories.
For something more modern (and less accessible) you could try THE CITY AND THE CITY by Mieville–it’s about a murder investigation that takes place in two cities that share (rather impossibly) the same geographic location.
Cory Doctorow also has some sf that appeals to both teens and adults, like LITTLE BROTHER and FOR THE WIN, the latter of which is about kids who get paid to play online video games.
I’ll going to do a post on The Spectacle with a reading list, but it might take a while.
Parker, I was hoping you’d stop by. These for the recommendations, I’ll take a look. Love The Spectacle — keep up the good work.