[EN World Book Club] Suggestions & Selectors

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I'd also like to suggest that we choose a book that isn't a huge 500+ page behemoth. Not all of us have enough free time to read a very long book in time to participate in the discussion.

I'll second this. I'm already having problems with the first book, because my reading time has been limited by work.

"Perdido Street Station" by China Mieville. Have too many people read this to make it a choice? I've been meaning to read it for a while, and would prefer to read it before The Scar.

I've read it, but that doesn't mean it can't be a choice.
As far as reading it before the Scar, from everything I've read about The Scar the only similarities are the world and one character. Nothing in it that refers back to PDS that you would have to read to understand whats going on, as its set in a different part of the world, with no other connections.

 

[JoeBlank]

I'd also like to suggest that we choose a book that isn't a huge 500+ page behemoth. Not all of us have enough free time to read a very long book in time to participate in the discussion.

I second Tigana. I read it a few months ago, and it was the best fantasy novel I've read in years.

(emphasis added)

You can't have your cake and eat it too. The hardback Tigana I have is 608 pages. I wouldn't say anything, but I am the next to select, and Tigana is probably my choice.

At least we should have 6 weeks to read this time, and each time after. We just had a shortened period for the first book. Believe me, I too have limited reading time. Finishing Dragondoom by September 15 will be cutting it close for me.

In fact, I am going to declare early that Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay is my choice. That way, everyone who wants to participate will have the extra time to go ahead and find the book.

You can find it on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0451457765/qid=1062717434/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-9457825-2208724?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

I found it my local library too.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

In fact, I am going to declare early that Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay is my choice. That way, everyone who wants to participate will have the extra time to go ahead and find the book.

Of course you would pick the ONLY Guy Kay book that I don't own.
I've got several others of his on the to be read pile. Now I've got to go add another one...

No worries, I'm sure it will be a good one. Now if I could only get another 50 pages of Dragondoom finished tonight. You know, working 2 jobs sucks. There's no time for reading.

 

[Michael Tree]

You can't have your cake and eat it too. The hardback Tigana I have is 608 pages. I wouldn't say anything, but I am the next to select, and Tigana is probably my choice.

I was wondering if anyone would call me on that.

If it isn't too late, can you add me to the list of editorial people too?

 

[Scarbonac]

This is an interesting idea;let me add a few for consideration:

Three Hearts And Three Lions by Poul Anderson (Amazon has it for under 5 bucks,and it's a very D&D-y short novel)

The High Crusade also by Anderson (Aliens and Medieval knights -- very neatly done short novel -- Amazon has it used-- 36 copies as of this posting-- for a buck and up)

The Broken Sword -- It looks like it's PoulAnderson night here ladies and gents, with this short and dark novel about Elves, changelings and troll-warriors
(amazon has it used starting at under a buck).

Yeah,I know that the used books come from sellers other than Amazon itself, but what's wrong with a little risk, a touch of adventure?

These are all good, short, well-written reasonably quick and digestible reads, with the added bonus of being sources of inspiration for some of the tropes of D&D.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Yeah,I know that the used books come from sellers other than Amazon itself, but what's wrong with a little risk, a touch of adventure?

What risk? Have you read Amazon's Marketplace guarantee? It's the only way I'd buy something from a seller who has less than 20 feedback. (Got me a great deal on a school textbook, over 25% less than through the college bookstore...)

 

[Sam]

In fact, I am going to declare early that Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay is my choice. That way, everyone who wants to participate will have the extra time to go ahead and find the book.

Ooohh... Scandalous! Just kidding. I'll update the front page.

I know people are feeling a bit crunched for time. Just remember that we only had four weeks for Dragondoom. Now, with JoeBlank's early selection, we've got over seven weeks. Should have plenty of time.

 

[Sam]

If it isn't too late, can you add me to the list of editorial people too?

It's never too late. Consider yourself added.

 

[ScyldSceafing]

Yet another suggestion

I'd like to put something by Dan Simmons in the list. I'm thinking The Hollow Man, which I read a few years back. I remember it as a two-axis book - on one, it's an interesting exploration of what it would like to be uncontrollably telepathic; on another, it's a poignant meditation on mortality, loss, and spirit.

 

[Scarbonac]

What risk? Have you read Amazon's Marketplace guarantee? It's the only way I'd buy something from a seller who has less than 20 feedback. (Got me a great deal on a school textbook, over 25% less than through the college bookstore...)

I'll be honest: no I haven't. I always assumed that ordering from anyone on Amazon carried the tag "Caveat Emptor" ("Empty Your Caviar-Jar" ).