science fiction
For some reason people are always surprised when I tell them I'm into sci-fi. It's not like there is a stereotypical image of female science fiction fans, anyway. It is also the only genre I actually like short stories from. Isaac Asimov is brilliant with his short stories. I'm always fascinated by his concepts and use of logic. My favorite story is "Liar!" where through some unauthorized tinkering, a robot is created with the ability to read minds. However since robots are governed by the three laws, one of which is the inability to harm humans, he had to tell everyone what they wanted to hear to save them emotional pain. He stroked a man's ego, even though he was wrong, told a woman a man loved her when he didn't. You feel so sorry for her, because it was her only foray into live and it was a lie. She was so angry, she killed the robot by presenting him with the paradox that he was hurting people by telling them the truth and hurting them by telling them lies. Truly fascinating, to me anyway. David Brin is also brilliant. He does a wonderful job of showing the different dynamics and psychology in dealing with very different alien races. One aspect of sci-fi that has always attracted me, is the potential of humanity it explores. What innovative ideas will we have in the future? The technology, the knowledge is endless with possibilities. I've always thought space was beautiful. I like the vast emptiness and the fact that there is something out there so much larger than yourself. Most people don't like feeling small or insignificant, but it just makes me appreciate life more, because of its smallness. They have this planetarium presentation at the New York Museum of Natural History that is similar in theme, where you get to see just how small in the universe we actually are. Sci-fi humor is also wonderful. Douglas Addams is a classic choice ( I thought the new movie was great. Alan Rickman was the only choice for Marvin). David Asperin's Phule series is great ( gotta love those incompetant soldiers). My favorite however is Eric Idle's "Road To Mars." The concept is genius. A David Bowie look-a-like robot of two comedians is out to find the formula for comedy and become the first robot stand-up comedian. I knew Idle was brilliant at comedy, but not at weaving such an intriguing tale of adventure, romance, and science fiction. Synopsis: Science Fiction = brilliant.
posted by road2mars at 5:02 PM
2 Comments:
Science fiction does equal brilliant. And it is rare that girls read and enjoy sci-fi. I know a few and I enjoy talking about it with them, but like I said, only afew. The authors you mentioned I haven't heard of. Only Douglas Adams I've heard of but haven't read (I need to). I enjoy Frank Herbert, and more modern science fiction authors such as Kevin J. Anderson. I should look into the other authors though. It's always nice to have a change.
TyRo
science fiction is a genre that most people, especially women, tend to overlook. i don't read a lot of sci-fi work, but i have read Douglas Adams' four part trilogy. (yeah, it was originally suppose to only be trilogy but Adams' continued the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy into a fourth book.) i thought the book was great. it was hilarious, and very unrealistic. if you like a lot of humor, depressed robots, and the thought that a towel is the only thing in life (other than a hitchhiker's guide) you will ever need in the entire universe, you'll really like the book! enjoy!!!
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