Aug 1, 2019

Next OBC-Meeting

So, the book we're discussing at our next meeting (August 9th, 7.30pm at the Otherland) is Robert Heinlein's Hugo and Prometheus winning, Locus nominated The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (1966).

Algis Budrys praised "Heinlein's expertise for dirt-level politics, snappy dialogue and a sense of an actual living society"! Leigh Kimmel characterized the novel as a departure from what had previously been associated with science fiction! Andrew Kaufman described it as Heinlein's crowning achievement!

Inci's own humble opinion:


Where others see "progressive" relationship models, I see creepy old men drooling over and humiliating young, sometimes even underage women reduced to sex objects; where others see an expression of "libertarian" politics, I read an incomplete understanding of (what should be) basic political knowledge; the non-style, the male predominance, the poor attempt at creating a future language... These are all things that make this book a complete and utter failure to me. Whilst searching for a somewhat critical review (to almost no avail) I realized and was shocked that it is highly promoted by people such as Jo Walton and Adam Roberts that I hold in high esteem, which makes me all the more eager for our meeting because it will be very controversial. This book is the equivalent of a facepalm to me. It is outright harmful. I honestly hate it.
*I stole the title "The Moon is a Harsh Mansplainer" from an opinion-piece with the same title from fromcouchtomoon that you can find here. Thank you fromcouchtomoon, you took the words right out my mouth.

Upcoming discussions are:
August 9 -   The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein
August 23 - Salem's Lot by Stephen King (HORROR SPECIAL)
September 13 - Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
October 11 - Summerland by Hannu Rajaniemi

The Otherland Speculative Fiction Book Club meetings are always on the second Friday of the month (or any other given Friday for the horror, mythic fiction or theory sessions) at 7.30 pm at the Otherland Bookstore.
There's always snacks and drinks that you don't have to pay for, contributions are welcome.
You never need to sign up to join us, but we appreciate it greatly that you do read the book if you're coming.

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