Book Review (Novella): All Seated on the Ground by Connie Willis

All Seated on the Ground by Connie Willis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read the electronic version via the Asimov's website: http://www.asimovs.com/_issue_0805/allse...


Probably rates a 3.5, but like Connie Willis, I love Christmas and singing in very large choirs. Combining the two, especially with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, is priceless.



And as Aunt Judith and the Altairi reminded me: ‘A prompt handwritten note expressing gratitude is the only proper form of thanks.' I'll be posting those notes to friends and family today.



Highly recommended, especially during this joyous season, bearing tidings of comfort and joy to all.



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Book Review: The Mote in God's Eye

The Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I should read more space opera, especially when written by Niven and Pournelle. The human Empire (Russian in origin, which seemed odd considering in 1974 when first published, the USSR was Communist not Imperialist) has first contact with aliens from a system referred to as "The Mote." Communication is key, but as expected, truth is the first casualty in diplomacy and war. By the time I reached the end, having had bits of both sides of the story, I kept wishing and hoping ... 'if only' the aliens had divulged the truth behind their species' biological problem, I believe, even a militaristic human society would feel compassion for them and strive to solve what the alien's considered unsolvable or impossible or 'Crazy Eddy.'

Join in the discussion of this book at the Beyond Reality GoodReads book club. 

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Beyond Reality's currently-reading book montage

474 members
Welcome to the Beyond Reality SF&F discussion group on GoodReads. In Beyond Reality, each of our me...

Books we're currently reading

Grand Conspiracy

by Janny Wurts

Start date: December 2, 2010

Under Heaven

by Guy Gavriel Kay

Start date: December 1, 2010

The Mote in God's Eye

by Larry Niven

Start date: December 1, 2010

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My ‘Best of 2010′ Meme for Beyond Reality

First thing I'll have to do is look up what 'meme' means because I'm drawing a complete blank on that.

Beyond Reality's currently-reading book montage

472 members

Welcome to the Beyond Reality SF&F discussion group on GoodReads. In Beyond Reality, each of our me...

Books we're currently reading

Grand Conspiracy
by Janny Wurts
Start date: December 2, 2010

Under Heaven
by Guy Gavriel Kay
Start date: December 1, 2010

The Mote in God's Eye
by Larry Niven
Start date: December 1, 2010

View this group on Goodreads »


Share book reviews and ratings with Beyond Reality, and even join a book club on Goodreads.

Our illustrious leader, Stefan, posted this thread and these questions for us to ponder and pontificate upon. My answers and musings can be found below (and I'll be reviewing my stats and reviews on GoodReads to bolster my memory).

What was the best fantasy book you read in 2010?

Only five of my reviews this year earned a five star rating, two of which were science fiction novels. Of the three remaining fantasy novels, one was a re-read, which I won't count towards this year's 'best of' list. The final two are difficult to choose between so I will call it a tie between Warhost of Vastmark by Janny Wurts and Breath and Bone by Carol Berg.

What was the best science fiction book you read in 2010?

Hands down, Connie Willis' All Clear swept me away. I strongly suggest that you read Blackout first and follow it immediately with the second half/second novel All Clear


Best any-other-genre-that's-not-SF-or-fantasy book?

I only read a handful of non-fantasy or non-SF novels this year (typical for me, I'm happily stuck in my rut). I had no five star reads in this category, but a couple did stand out: The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Murder of Roger Akroyd.


Best new book (meaning, actually published in 2010)?

Again, this will have to go to the dynamic duo Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis


Best debut novel?

Did not read any debut novels this year.


Best short story collection or anthology?

The Masters of Fantasy collection proved to contain the best overall collection of short stories from my favorite genre and several of my favorite authors.


Best short story?

"Sundering Star" by Janny Wurts from the Under Cover of Darkness anthology.


What was your favorite Beyond Reality "Book of the Month" in 2010?

I suspect it will be the one I'm currently reading . . . Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay


Who's the best author you discovered this year?

Robin McKinley and her young adult fantasy award winning novel The Hero and the Crown.


Best SF&F-related website or blog?

I don't follow any of them 'religiously' but I get bombarded with a multitude of tweets from myriad sources. The one I frequent the most is John Scalzi's Whatever blog.


Best SF&F movie?

I'm even harsher rating movies than I am with books. I gave no five star ratings this year. Three movies made it to my four star rating (barely) and they include Avatar, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I.) and How to Train Your Dragon.


TV show?

Stargate Universe, but not because I really like it, more because there's little else to watch when it comes to science fiction television. Yes, I watch Doctor Who, Eureka, Warehouse 13, etc., but they are frivolous and entertaining ... popcorn for my mind.

Book Review: The Towers of Midnight

Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The tangled knot of plot threads weave a tapestry of convergence. The Last Hunt begins, prelude to the Last Battle.

Of the main characters, Perrin's growth and acceptance sealed him as the rising, shining star among the brilliant cluster of Two Rivers misfits out to save or damn the world. Mat's character surprised me most this novel. Normally, I skim through chapters devoted to Mat's point of view. Not so this time around. I wonder if I'm seeing Brandon's influence on Mat or if Jordan's plan included more maturity for Matriam at this point in the epic. The Aes Sedai (Nynaeve, Egwene, Cadsuane and even Elaida, briefly) had their moments, but the support staff (i.e. Warders) shined. Lan, Gawyn, Galad (by osmosis mostly as Gawyn's step brother), Brigitte - all received long overdue attention. I wanted more from Aviendha's thread. Rand and Min sporadically pounced in and out of various hot spots, spectacularly so in Maradon.

With the end so close, I fear I'll break with the strain of waiting another year (or more) for the epic conclusion to a saga I started over two decades ago.

It's darkest before the dawn ... or the end of all things. Tarmon Gai'don breaks.


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