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WT Sharpe 04-27-2017 01:29 AM

May 2017 Book Club Vote
 
May 2017 MobileRead Book Club Vote

Help us choose a book as the May 2017 eBook for the MobileRead Book Club. The poll will be open for 5 days. There will be no runoff vote unless the voting results a tie, in which case there will be a 3 day run-off poll. This is a visible poll: others can see how you voted. It is http://wtsharpe.com/Pictures/Multiple-Choice_C3.gif You may cast a vote for each book that appeals to you.

We will start the discussion thread for this book on May 20th. Select from the following Official Choices with three nominations each:

In Times Like These: A Time Travel Adventure by Nathan van Coops
Goodreads | Amazon US / Barnes & Noble / Kobo US
Print Length: 384 pages
Spoiler:
From Goodreads:

"We broke something. How do you break time? Can something so bad happen that you fracture the world?" Benjamin Travers has been electrocuted. What's worse, he and his friends have woken up in the past. As the friends search for a way home, they realize they're not alone. There are other time travelers, and some of them are turning up dead. When Ben meets an enigmatic scientist and his charming, time-traveling daughter, salvation seems at hand, but escaping the dangers of the past may lead to a deadly future. If he hopes to save his friends, Ben must learn to master space and time, and survive a journey where past and future violently collide.


Balance of Trade (Liaden Universe #3) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Goodreads | Amazon US / Audible / Baen
Print Length:464 pages
Spoiler:
From Goodreads:

Assistant Trader Jethri Gobelyn was an honest, hardworking young man who knew a lot about living onboard his family's space-going trade ship; something about trade, finance, and risk-taking; and a little bit about Liadens. It was, oddly enough, the little bit he knew about Liadens that seemed like it might be enough to make his family's fortune, and his own, too. In short order, however, Jethri Gobelyn was about to find out a lot more about Liadens...like how far they might go to protect their name and reputation. Like the myriad of things one might say-intentionally or not-with a single bow. Like what it would take to make a Liaden trade-ship crew trash a bar. Like how hard it is to say "I'm sorry!" in Liaden. Pretty soon it was clear that as little as he knew about Liadens, he knew far less about himself. With his very existence a threat to the balance of trade, Jethri Gobelyn needed to learn fast, or else help destroy all he held dear.


Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Goodreads | Wikipedia
Print Length: 145 pages
Spoiler:
From Goodreads:

Red Schuhart is a stalker, one of those young rebels who are compelled, in spite of extreme danger, to venture illegally into the Zone to collect the mysterious artifacts that the alien visitors left scattered around. His life is dominated by the place and the thriving black market in the alien products. But when he and his friend Kirill go into the Zone together to pick up a “full empty,” something goes wrong. And the news he gets from his girlfriend upon his return makes it inevitable that he’ll keep going back to the Zone, again and again, until he finds the answer to all his problems.


The Collapsing Empire (The Interdependency #1) by John Scalzi
Goodreads | Overdrive
Print Length: 334 pages
Spoiler:
Our universe is ruled by physics. Faster than light travel is impossible—until the discovery of The Flow, an extradimensional field available at certain points in space-time, which can take us to other planets around other stars.

Riding The Flow, humanity spreads to innumerable other worlds. Earth is forgotten. A new empire arises, the Interdependency, based on the doctrine that no one human outpost can survive without the others. It’s a hedge against interstellar war—and, for the empire’s rulers, a system of control.

The Flow is eternal—but it’s not static. Just as a river changes course, The Flow changes as well. In rare cases, entire worlds have been cut off from the rest of humanity. When it’s discovered that the entire Flow is moving, possibly separating all human worlds from one another forever, three individuals—a scientist, a starship captain, and the emperox of the Interdependency—must race against time to discover what, if anything, can be salvaged from an interstellar empire on the brink of collapse.


Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Goodreads
Print Length: 194 pages
Spoiler:
From Goodreads:

Guy Montag is a fireman. In his world, where television rules and literature is on the brink of extinction, firemen start fires rather than put them out. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden.

Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television 'family'. But then he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people did not live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television.

When Mildred attempts suicide and Clarisse suddenly disappears, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known.


Kirinyaga by Mike Resnick
Goodreads
Print Length: 306 pages
Spoiler:
From Goodreads:

Hailed for his grandeur of imagination and superb worldbuilding, winner of and nominee for more than fifty awards for his outstanding work, Mike Resnick has rightfully won a place as one of science fiction's master storytellers. Now, in Kirinyaga, Resnick presents the haunting and utterly compelling tale of one man's utopia.

By the twentieth second century in the African nation of Kenya, polluted cities sprawl up the flanks of sacred Mount Kirinyaga. Great animal herds are but distant memories. European crops now grow on the sweeping savannas. But Koriba, a distinguished, educated man of Kikuyu ancestry, knows that life was different for his people centuries ago--and he is determined to build a utopian colony, not on earth, but on the terraformed planetoid he proudly names Kirinyaga.

As the mundumugu--witch doctor--Koriba leads the colonists. Reinstating the ancient customs and stringent laws of the Kikuyu people, he alone decides their fate. He must face many challenges to the struggling colony's survival: from a brilliant young girl whose radiant intellect could threaten their traditional ways to the interference of "Maintenance" which holds the power to revoke the colony's charter. All the while, only Koriba--unbeknownst to his people--maintains the computer link to the rest of humanity.

Ironically, the Kirinyaga experiment threatens to collapse--not from violence or greed--but from humankind's insatiable desire for knowledge. The Kikuyu people can no more stand still in time than their planet can stop revolving around its sun.

Deeply moving, swiftly paced, and profound in its implications, Kirinyaga is Mike Resnick's most triumphant work to date. His Fable of Utopia is the book every science fiction reader will want to own and savor for years to come.

PandathePanda 04-27-2017 09:08 AM

The Collapsing Empire (The Interdependency #1) by John Scalzi would be a nice read :D (and it's in my tbr pile :D)

Dazrin 04-27-2017 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PandathePanda (Post 3512806)
The Collapsing Empire (The Interdependency #1) by John Scalzi would be a nice read :D (and it's in my tbr pile :D)

My main problem is that the wait list is 18 people per copy at my library. I will try to get it if it wins but I doubt it will be in time.

I really enjoyed Roadside Picnic when I read it a few years ago and it could have some good discussion with it.

I have been meaning to read Fahrenheit 451 for a while so this would "force" me to do that.

JSWolf 04-27-2017 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazrin (Post 3512957)
I have been meaning to read Fahrenheit 451 for a while so this would "force" me to do that.

I've read this and force is a good word. It was a bit dry (imho).

JSWolf 04-27-2017 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazrin (Post 3512957)
My main problem is that the wait list is 18 people per copy at my library. I will try to get it if it wins but I doubt it will be in time.

There is a thread on how to maybe get books from Kobo for 50% off. Have a go and see if you can get this at a reduced price.

CRussel 04-27-2017 07:36 PM

Come on, folks, give Balance of Trade a try. You'll like it. It's positive, non-distopian, and an excellent standalone book in one of the best SF series out there.

(On Fahrenheit 451 -- it's a great book. I've read it. I don't ever need to read it again, thank you. And on distopian books in general -- I have no interest whatsoever in reading any more of them. Full stop. )

issybird 04-27-2017 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRussel (Post 3513039)
Come on, folks, give Balance of Trade a try. You'll like it. It's positive, non-distopian, and an excellent standalone book in one of the best SF series out there.

(On Fahrenheit 451 -- it's a great book. I've read it. I don't ever need to read it again, thank you. And on distopian books in general -- I have no interest whatsoever in reading any more of them. Full stop. )

LOL! I'm not much for science fiction, as you know, but my exceptions are for time travel and dystopias. De gustibus, etc.

issybird 04-27-2017 09:10 PM

I figure if Fahrenheit 451 wins, I'll also watch the film, which I haven't seen in decades. And it's an idea which is current, as I see that HBO is in the early stages of a new film (which I would hope will be closer to the book than I remember the Oskar Werner/Julie Christie movie).

GA Russell 04-27-2017 11:19 PM

I usually vote on the first day, but this time I will wait till May 1!

JSWolf 04-29-2017 12:06 PM

I'd like it if we picked a book that most of us have not read.

JSWolf 04-29-2017 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRussel (Post 3513039)
Come on, folks, give Balance of Trade a try. You'll like it. It's positive, non-distopian, and an excellent standalone book in one of the best SF series out there.

It's Liaden Universe #3. Notice the 3? It's part of a series and it's not the first book or the book club has not read the first 2.

CRussel 04-29-2017 12:28 PM

NO, Jon. It's not #3. First, it's standalone. Doesn't require or need anything else in the _Universe_ (note, not Series, but Universe -- there's a difference. ) Second, it's the first chronologically that is actually part of that Universe. There are two books "from before" that are prequels, written later, and not really part of the any other storyline.

If you've not read the books, please try to avoid giving people misinformation, Jon. Because it really does no one any good. Even for someone as chronologically focused as you are, I wouldn't recommend starting with the two Crystal books. They're good books, but they are like most prequels. Written much later, and best read when you know what they're prequels to.

JSWolf 04-29-2017 03:36 PM

According to Sharon Lee, Balance of Trade is the third book in chronological order.

Quote:

Internal Chronology:

Crystal Soldier, Crystal Dragon, Balance of Trade, Trade Secret, Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon, Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change, Carpe Diem, Plan B, Fledgling, I Dare, Saltation, Ghost Ship, Necessity’s Child*, Dragon Ship*, Dragon in Exile*, The Gathering Edge*, Alliance of Equals*, Neogenesis*

_______

*Portions of these novels occur simultaneously. If we do this right, by the time we’re finished with the Five Book Dash, readers ought to have a 365º view of the action.

CRussel 04-29-2017 05:00 PM

Yes. But what that particular quote doesn't say, although they have said it elsewhere, is that the two Crystal books are prequels. Canon, but before Liad is Liad. And definitely before the elements of Liaden society are established.

JSWolf 04-30-2017 07:07 AM

Oh, just a quick note...

In Times Like These: A Time Travel Adventure by Nathan van Coops is FREE at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Kobo.

JSWolf 04-30-2017 07:10 AM

Why are some giving nods to books in the nominating phase and then not voting for them? Why bother acting like you'd read the book and then not give it a vote? That's just wrong. Every book in the vote should have at LEAST three votes and those at least three votes should be from the three that gave the nods.

I'm tempted to call out those that didn't vote with their nods, but I'd rather it be made a rule from next month on.

issybird 04-30-2017 08:22 AM

^ Sometimes people nominate something to help fill out the slate. Sometimes they're waiting to vote. I'm sure there are other reasons.

issybird 04-30-2017 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by issybird (Post 3514128)
I'm sure there are other reasons.

Maybe you could tell is why you gave a third to Holmes on the Range in February but didn't vote for it?

That one was too easy! :D These are all inconsequentials, Jon! Why not just focus on nominating a good slate of books and promoting those that will make for an interesting discussion?

JSWolf 04-30-2017 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by issybird (Post 3514131)
Maybe you could tell is why you gave a third to Holmes on the Range in February but didn't vote for it?

That one was too easy! :D These are all inconsequentials, Jon! Why not just focus on nominating a good slate of books and promoting those that will make for an interesting discussion?

I've done that and still the wrong books were chosen. A great example of that was our recent mystery month. What we ended up with was a very poor book based in Africa.

CRussel 05-01-2017 04:39 PM

I'm really, really hoping that something comes along and knocks out Fahrenheit 451. I have read it, and I honestly don't want or need to read any more distopian books for the next 4 years. We have some good books in this list, so let's try anything else - I really don't want to take the month off.

issybird 05-01-2017 04:58 PM

Have to disagree; I think Fahrenheit 451 would make for a great discussion in a way I'm not sure the other books lend themselves. I also think the film would be a fun watch in conjunction, for those who like that kind of thing. Classics are worth rereading. :)

I'm currently reading another classic dystopian novel ( The Man in the High Castle and it's terrific and not dated. I know I'm late to the party on this one! But I'm not suffering from a surfeit of dystopias yet. I'll have to give the Amazon show a try once I'm done.

ATDrake 05-01-2017 05:03 PM

I'm not voting since I never read the selections at the same time as the Book Club does, but for anyone who was on the fence about trying out Strugatsky's Roadside Picnic, maybe it would be worth it to point out that it's currently on sale at Kobo in Canada & the US for just $3.99 couponable?

JSWolf 05-01-2017 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf (Post 3514112)
Oh, just a quick note...

In Times Like These: A Time Travel Adventure by Nathan van Coops is FREE at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Kobo.

This needs to be repeated in hopes that it can win. Just two more votes needed.

CRussel 05-02-2017 02:12 AM

Well, looks like you get your wish, issybird. I'll see you all on the flip side...

Nyssa 05-02-2017 07:48 AM

For some odd reason, the book is not available in my library system (as in anywhere in the county), and I can't justify the $10 to $12 price tag.

JSWolf 05-02-2017 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nyssa (Post 3514990)
For some odd reason, the book is not available in my library system (as in anywhere in the county), and I can't justify the $10 to $12 price tag.

The price is rather silly for such an old book. There's no reason for it to be $11.99.

issybird 05-02-2017 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nyssa (Post 3514990)
For some odd reason, the book is not available in my library system (as in anywhere in the county), and I can't justify the $10 to $12 price tag.

Hoopla has the audiobook, so people can listen on demand, no waitlist, if their library has Hoopla. The film also seems to be available on YouTube, if people would like to access the content in that manner, although obviously there are differences. I remember the film as creepy and rather stilted, but affecting.

I'm planning to listen to the audiobook and watch the film. I've neither read this nor seen the movie in decades and I'm looking forward to reacquainting myself.

bfisher 05-02-2017 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf (Post 3514991)
The price is rather silly for such an old book. There's no reason for it to be $11.99.

Possibly on a lot of college reading lists; so a cash cow for the publisher

JSWolf 05-02-2017 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfisher (Post 3515019)
Possibly on a lot of college reading lists; so a cash cow for the publisher

The paperback is $9.70 at Amazon. Also, that is still too high.

The problem with paperbacks is that the publishers have changed the paperback to be this rather odd and harder to read version that's now taller and thinner and doesn't fit on the book shelf. They did this so they could raise the price. The excuse that it's easier to read is pure BS. The mass market paperback (MMPB) was a much better form. It isn't as tall, it's easier to hold, and it fits on the bookshelf. Greedy publishers have changed things and not for the better.

Hollow Man 05-02-2017 10:52 AM

Yeah, the book should be available in mass market paperback for no more than $6 or $7 (and that's even absurd, but what can you do, it's not the 60s and 70s anymore).

I got my copy a few years back at a used bookstore for a dollar, so if you hunt around, you can get it cheap. There are a bazillion copies floating about, so no need to spend ridiculous prices to obtain a copy.

-HM

WT Sharpe 05-02-2017 11:44 AM

The expense is absurd, but it is a good book. I just wish something less familiar had won, though. On the plus side, it should make for a good discussion.

bfisher 05-02-2017 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollow Man (Post 3515048)
Yeah, the book should be available in mass market paperback for no more than $6 or $7 (and that's even absurd, but what can you do, it's not the 60s and 70s anymore).

I got my copy a few years back at a used bookstore for a dollar, so if you hunt around, you can get it cheap. There are a bazillion copies floating about, so no need to spend ridiculous prices to obtain a copy.

-HM

There's also the option of the public library. I'm 9th on the hold list for a pool of 17 print copies at the Ottawa Public Library (there were 17 holds for the 3 epub copies). May is a common book report time for lots of Ottawa high school English lit students, from my memories of my kids' school days :D

issybird 05-02-2017 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe (Post 3515083)
The expense is absurd, but it is a good book. I just wish something less familiar had won, though.

It's such a high-concept and famous book that I wonder how many people really remember the story. I don't, beyond the barest of outlines. I even wonder how many think they've read it or claim to have read it when they really haven't. Or maybe just saw the movie. All of which is entirely understandable!

I'm curious to see how well it holds up, among other considerations. It goes without saying that it's a book that should be read, even if it proves to be a chestnut (and I doubt it will).

GA Russell 05-02-2017 07:52 PM

I don't think that I've ever voted for the top two finishers before!

WT Sharpe 05-03-2017 01:18 AM

The bad news is that there's a waiting list at my library for the ebook. The good news is that the audiobook was available and I was able to download it to my Overdrive app. The further bad news is that I now have only 7 days to listen to it, so I'd better get started.

Dazrin 05-03-2017 01:19 PM

I am #6 on 7 copies so I may not have it quite in time but shouldn't be much later.

CRussel 05-03-2017 02:46 PM

#7 on the list, one copy available. No chance at all that I'll get it in time. And $12 USD for a book I don't particularly want to read is not encouraging.

Good news is, there are two audio versions at the library, both currently available to borrow. One of them actually sounds like a good narration, at least on a quick sample. But I have so many books in my audio queue ahead of it...

Maybe. I'll at least borrow the MP3s for the one that sounds possible.

issybird 05-03-2017 03:08 PM

I see Tim Robbins is the narrator of the version at Hoopla. I'd expect him to be good and it's rated 4.4 stars at Audible. Since it's only 5 hours long and available on demand, I'll wait until closer to the discussion date before listening.

CRussel 05-03-2017 03:30 PM

The library doesn't have the Tim Robbins version, but does have one read by Christopher Hurt that sounded possible. Wouldn't be WhisperSync'd, of course, even IF i were willing to spend $12 USD for it.

Mims 05-03-2017 07:16 PM

I am seeing Fahrenheit 451 on Kobo for $3.61 and in iTunes for $1.99. These are not the expensive Simon & Schuster 60th Anniversary edition which is all I could find at Amazon, BN, and is what is available in overdrive. I have never bought an iBook before but for $1.99 - I hit the buy button. Seems to be nicely formatted but has no copyright or publisher info in the book itself. Umm? The store description does say it is a paper book but you must have iBooks to read. Strange.


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