I've read so many of these, Banks, Washington Black, Essex Serpent, the Chabon book. Reading really is an exploration into both other worlds and ways of thinking, and having piles of unread books at home is the sign of true wealth in my mind. 🤓
Good reminder that I need to stop what I'm doing and read Kim Stanley Robinson right now. It looks like it was published during the years I was reading basically everything in our town library sci-fi section, but I guess either the librarians or I missed those.
I've no idea how I ended up reading Red Mars back in the day. Probably a review in SFX Magazine, and at the time NASA was doing lots of exciting Mars exploration/landings, which were being broadcast live on British TV. Exciting times. Feels a long time ago!
I’m a big admirer of both KSR and IMB—not forgetting the non-Culture novels (my absolute favourite is The Algebraist) and the non-SF published as plain Iain Banks, especially The Crow Road.
Which makes me very intrigued by your other recommendations, none of which I know.
I haven't yet read Banks' non-SF stuff! Which I'm aware is a very silly situation to be in. I'll have to make sure to read at least one more of his this year at some point.
I've read so many of these, Banks, Washington Black, Essex Serpent, the Chabon book. Reading really is an exploration into both other worlds and ways of thinking, and having piles of unread books at home is the sign of true wealth in my mind. 🤓
It's the closest we have to telepathy, I think. Very slow, but still very intense telepathy. :)
Just checked out Washington Black from my local library.
Nice! I went in not knowing anything about it and was surprised all the way through.
I plan to read it this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes ☺️
Good reminder that I need to stop what I'm doing and read Kim Stanley Robinson right now. It looks like it was published during the years I was reading basically everything in our town library sci-fi section, but I guess either the librarians or I missed those.
I've no idea how I ended up reading Red Mars back in the day. Probably a review in SFX Magazine, and at the time NASA was doing lots of exciting Mars exploration/landings, which were being broadcast live on British TV. Exciting times. Feels a long time ago!
His non-scifi 'Antarctica' is also really good.
So many good recommendations here. Your description of Essex Serpent makes me want to find it and read it. Thanks for this.
I’m a big admirer of both KSR and IMB—not forgetting the non-Culture novels (my absolute favourite is The Algebraist) and the non-SF published as plain Iain Banks, especially The Crow Road.
Which makes me very intrigued by your other recommendations, none of which I know.
I haven't yet read Banks' non-SF stuff! Which I'm aware is a very silly situation to be in. I'll have to make sure to read at least one more of his this year at some point.
You’ll find that some of them have hints of SF-ness, or at least speculative elements, like The Business.
Really good recommendations. I haven't even heard of a few of them. I'm adding them to my lengthy TBR pile.
Enjoy! Now that I'm wrapping up Triverse I'm really looking forward to carving out more time for reading and discovering a load of new stuff.
Kavalier & Clay - such a good book