Mar

18

Posted by : atcampbell | On : March 18, 2003

Probability Moon by Nancy Kress

This meeting at Willie and Charles’s home attracted fourteen people, including one first-time participant. Our topic was Probability Moon, a science fiction novel by Nancy Kress. The story involves a delegation of scientists from Earth who travel to a distant planet (via newly discovered “space tunnels”) to make first contact with aliens. The story is told via several viewpoint characters, including humans and aliens. Nine of us had started the book, and eight had finished it.

We enjoyed reading a traditional science fiction novel. Kress’s polished prose and well-developed characters led most of us to a fast, enjoyable reading experience. The alien society with a “shared reality” was vividly portrayed. We were able to

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Mar

04

Posted by : atcampbell | On : March 4, 2003

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Sixteen people attended this discussion at Willie and Charles’s house. Our topic was American Gods by Neil Gaiman, a contemporary fantasy novel that had recently won the Hugo Award. The book follows Shadow, an ex-con hired by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday to accompany him on a long road trip during which they encounter ghosts, landmarks, serial killers, and mythical beings. Everyone at the meeting had started the book, and all but one had finished it.

We found a lot to like about this book. One person said, “This is my kind of fantasy!” We enjoyed the strange and intricate details of the places Shadow visited, many of which really exist. We liked the god of the Internet, whose style of speaking resembles that of a well-known Austin writer. We liked this book’s exploration of mythology, and we appreciated Gaiman’s acknowledgement of

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