science fiction
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Science Fiction Fridays: Attack of the killer sequels!
The word “sequel” has practically become a pejorative these days, mostly due to horrendous movie sequels that are clunkier, dumber and less fun than the originals. However, the science fiction and fantasy genre has its own share of clunkers. Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Game (Not) Over
One of the hottest science fiction novels of the past year is Ernest Cline’s rowdy and richlydetailed virtual reality quest novel, Ready Player One. I think part of the reason for this book’s enthusiastic buzz is that it’s tailor made for science fiction and fantasy nerds of all stripes. The novel is chock full of droll… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Let’s Get Graphic
Is there anything better in life than lounging outside on a sunny day reading a great graphic novel? What if we throw in some goth music and some particularly dark graphic novels? Now we’re cooking, my dark-sided friends! So step outside into the sunshine, put on your headphones and check out these surefire graphic novel… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Filling up your e-reader for vacation
If I sound unbearably giddy during this week’s column know that I haven’t won the lottery, I’m just going on vacation! I love vacations not so much for swimming in the ocean or stomach-churning rides at an amusement park or camping near some beautiful vista with all of nature’s majesty. No, I love going on… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: What to read when you’re not watching Game of Thrones
Since he joined the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow hasn’t had much time to read, what with all the other things keeping him busy at the Wall, like fighting ice zombies and protecting Sam and wondering what his pet direwolf is up to. And now that Jon has been captured by Wildlings, there’s even less time… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: School’s out, your education begins
Now that summer has finally arrived and school is out, I feel it is my duty to offer up some great science fiction reads to recent graduates. These are the kinds of books that speak to the confusion and contradictions of being a young adult cast into the “real world” and faced with the options… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Queering reality
If it turns out that the mopey weather keep you from going out to the Pride celebrations going on this weekend in Seattle, don’t feel like you still can’t celebrate! You can still have a great time by curling up with one of these superb science fiction and fantasy books that feature some equally ace… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Sad birds sing the sweetest songs
I am very pleased to announce that mystery, thriller and science fiction wizard Kate Wilhelm will be joining us at the Library at the end of the month for a reading! If you’ve never read Kate Wilhelm before you are most assuredly missing out. From her short stories to her novels, Wilhelm has a way… Continue reading
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Your Next 5 Books: Fantasy with females
In this column we regularly highlight a Your Next 5 Books submission that we find interesting, funny, unique, or useful to other readers. Submit Your Next 5 Books entry now, or stop by and see us in person, and maybe you could see your (anonymous) reading habits on Shelf Talk! Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Don’t wait! Act now!
Lots of great science fiction authors have books out this month, but with brand new books from well-known science fiction and fantasy authors there is usual wait list for their books at the Library. With that in mind, here is a list of author read alikes that are available right now while you’re waiting for… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Eating what you’re reading
I thought about writing some witty intro about Soylent Green being people, or a joke about asking a bartender for his strongest chalice of elven wine. However, in the end I just decided to let these delightfully unique cookbooks speak for themselves. What a great weekend to lock yourself inside and make some sci-fi and… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: That is not dead which can eternal lie
I get asked rather frequently by patrons for horror recommendations, but it’s always a tricky question. While the explosion of the urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers seem to be the most frequent horror reader’s I encounter, I have also noticed a disturbing trend of people looking for H.P. Lovecraft read alikes. I say disturbing… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: As cool as their covers
Even though I did a column not too long ago about updated book covers, I was really struck by the fact that three books I read this week all have gorgeous artwork. These titillating and beautifully rendered designs stopped me in my tracks and had more than a little influence in my choosing to read… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: An ode to teenage anarchists
There’s nothing like a great story starring a strong, resourceful teenager who thumbs their nose at authority and manages to save the day by being true themselves, instead of bowing to whims of establishment. Whether we’re talking about young adult literature or not (and really, does that distinction matter to us science fiction aficionados?), I… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: When the TV is turned off
So of all my deep, dark secrets (including the Rupaul-shaped one that has taken the place of my heart), the one I am most ashamed of is the fact that for most of my life I have had a snobby aversion to science fiction television. For some reason, I felt that the television medium must be… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: If you’re feeling sinister
For no apparent reason, I’ve read quite a few vampire books over the past two weeks. Maybe with the appearance of the sun and the first signs of spring I’ve tried to keep up my goth cred by playing some Bauhaus records and reading some dark vampire lit. I guess we’ll never know. With that… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Friday: SF Film Fest
Local science fiction fans may be well aware of the Cinerama’s upcoming Science Fiction Film Fest, but how many of you read the book first? Interestingly, most of the films started out as books of one kind or another, and they are worth a look. Here’s a rundown. Metropolis: no source book for this one, but this… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Friday: Little grenades of ideas
I’ve read a number of articles, essays and blogs over the past six months describing the apparent slow death of short fiction. Once the cornerstone of science fiction, and a major component of modern literature in general, it does seem like fewer people are reading short stories these days. Whenever I give reading suggestions to patrons, it’s only one… Continue reading