I just read one of the latest Anne McCaffrey novels (now in paperback with about 450 pages) The Skies of Pern. This Science Fiction world continues to develop. The above link is to the author's web site - check the links to Rukbat as seen by present day astronomers on Earth.
The early settlers technical know-how was recovered thanks to the AI computer, so that they could put a stop to the traditional menace from the skies, so now people are wondering what will become of the traditional professionals who have protected their planet, and provided essential services. The central theme is a big rock splashing into the ocean setting up monster tidal waves, and what to do about that patterned after our own real world, except the Pernese solution is the marriage of Dragon telepathy and teleportation into a third ability telekinisis. We also have hints of disaffected troublemakers plotting future surprises.
For those of my friends unfamiliar with this SF series, there is a friendly controversy as to whether it should be categorized as Science Fiction or as Fantasy, and I believe it is both. Traditional SF has to explain how the presented science is other than what our current reality understands, and I think Anne does that satisfactorily. The problem for some readers is that they equate Dragons and Psychic Phenomena as Fantasy, and do not read the explanations. Traditional Science Fantasy is to have a fanciful world filled with engaging characters who go on adventures, and we thrill to join them. The Pern series is that also. So it is both SF and Fantasy in my mind, and high caliber both.
The Pern series might be read in sequence (also see her website / books / series / Pern): Dragonflight; Dragonquest; Dragonsong; Dragonsinger; The White Dragon first two chapters only; Dragondrums; The White Dragon remaining chapters; Get off the Unicorn; Moreta's Ride; Dragonsdawn; Chronicles of Pern; Dragons Eye (Red Star Rising); The Girl who heard Dragons; Renegades of Pern; Masterharper of Pern; Runner of Pern (I think I missed this one); All the Weyrs of Pern; Dolphins of Pern; The Skies of Pern; Atlas of Pern; and I have probably missed a few, but anyone who reads more than a few of these will soon fall in love with the series and get them all. There are also several games and SF Fandom activities based on the Pern series, and some information on Anne's site about how to avoid violating her copyright by such activities.
Anne McCaffrey is a prolific author with many series.
- I also enjoy the Pegasus series, which explore moving ESP and Psychic Phenomena into Science and Engineering that lead mankind into the exploration of our Universe.
- I enjoy the Ship who Sang series, which provide a wonderful technological adventure life for humans whose disabled bodies are an impediment only in our current real life.
- Decision at Doona, with a few sequels, is a kind of down to earth grass roots first contact series.
- Dinosaur Planet, and sequels, is a great way of showing how Science Fiction reflects the reality of the author and publisher as our reality marches forwards in the development of equality for women in our society. You can see how in her early writings this was truely a Science Fiction concept, but now it is fully accepted.
- So if you enjoy Science Fiction, Fantasy, Good Literature, seeing how SF truely reflects our recent reality, are interested in fiction about where genetics and biotechnology might take us, or mental powers that science today does not consider credible, Space Opera, then there is entertainment for you in the writings of Anne McCaffrey.
I still read pretty fast - I purchased this book Sunday night, had a hard time putting it down, then finished it up the next day. I probably spent 6 hours reading it, which is not quite 250 pages an hour like I did when I was younger, more like 75 pages an hour, so I have slowed down in my middle age (I am almost 60 years young), but I suspect I still have considerable mental capacity, and will continue to enjoy great literature for many decades. When I was in Bob Evans last nite on my way home from Borders book store, the waitress asked if it was a good book, and I also told her about my first visit to the Borders in Evansville, saying that it does not have near the size of collection that is in our Barnes and Noble, but the layout is very similar to Books a Million, except they have much more Audio Books and good stuff for Children, although not as rich as Barnes and Noble (whose Evansville store is almost a city block in size).
She did not understand the appeal of Audio Books, so I explained that when I am driving long distances, like to another city, it is a nuisance trying to pick up whatever Radio Stations are a changing, but this is a great way to get the contents of a novel, provided we have a sufficently high quality sound system that we can hear the novel without losing touch with traffic noises. I also sometimes listen to fact books when sitting in traffic jams. I consider that better than reading a newspaper which can sometimes distract me from the fact that the traffic has started to move again.
1:44:43 PM 
|
|
