The Short Science Fiction Story Sunday, Jul 29 2007

The Genre of Short Science Fiction

Science fiction is a huge genre with many aspects that authors use for their stories. Some authors use the advancement of technology as a basis for massive showy battles of various sorts. Others use the wonders of technology as a tool for creating situations where a concept can be realised. Still others use the future as a way to recreate other stories in a different setting. While any story can be long or short, there is something special about the classic science fiction short story. In my opinion it is appropriate to rank this genre as a theme in itself.

Deep and Decisive

What makes the classic short science fiction story great is that it is profoundly deep. Much as the animals served Aesop for his parables, science fiction serves the authors of today for theirs. The classic short story has a point to make. It carries a weight and meaning that can be savoured for a long time after the story has been read. The shortness allows for the power of the story to be enjoyed without getting lost in the details. Many times I have drawn upon the aid of these stories in philosophical arguments. Their strength lies in a partial mirroring of mankind and reality, where the futuristic stage allows certain aspects of humanity and society to be brought to light. Sometimes, the story also offers a solution to a dilemma posed. Many times these solutions have later been implemented and accepted as the solutions chosen by society, demonstrating the power of the science fiction story.

Leave a Response »

 

Reading a Soap Opera Wednesday, Jul 18 2007

One of the new authors I discovered recently is Jackie Collins.  Usually I am not one to read trashy novels (read: Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts) because I can’t read poorly written books.  I had seen Jackie’s name on the best seller’s list a few times but thought nothing of it.  Paris Hilton was seen carrying ‘Lovers and Players’ and after seeing my sister read it, I decided to see what the hype was about.

Jackie Collins surely knows how to reel the reader in.  I couldn’t put the book down.  The entire novel revolved around a cute, young woman on her way to stardom with her amazing voice and the people that try to get her there.

A few months after reading this book, I was in that sort of genre mood again.  I searched the library’s shelves and picked up another Collin’s hit called ‘Hollywood Wives - The New Generation.’  This book involved scandal, deceit, blackmail, and kidnapping.  It was fast moving, a quick read, and actually delved nicely into the characters background and feelings.  Don’t let the five hundred and nineteen pages throw you off.  What I like about Jackie Collins is her ability to give the reader a sense of the
Hollywood life in terms of parties, restaurants, agents, and producers.  Most of the characters are actors, actresses, singers, and entertainers.

Personally, I prefer to read her novels written after the year 2000 because they are more relatable in terms of technology.  I wanted to read about these
Hollywood characters that use cell phones, otherwise I’d feel like they are out of touch with reality.

Currently, I am reading ‘Hollywood Divorces’ and it’s already a page turner.

Leave a Response »

 

Value of Reading Thursday, Jul 12 2007

Have you ever thought about how many happy memories are spent surrounding a book?  There are all those hours at bedtime, when a child begs for just one more story.  Snuggled in against a parent, a child revels in the special time together focused on a book.  You can picture the eagerness of the child as he or she waits with anticipation for each treasured word of a favourite story.  I am sure that you can imagine the stirring of the senses as the child lovingly turns the pages to reveal yet another colourful and attractive illustration.

For children, reading is such a valuable pastime.  First of all, the stories help to develop the imagination.  There are ideas that are raised and then can be discussed.  There may be a particular problem or issue that can be addressed in the book, for example a fear of the dark. In addition, learning to read as such a critical part of our development is often made easier for those who have followed the words in their favourite story books for a long time.  Being able to recognise and picture the words often facilitates spelling and writing words in the future. Through the magical world of books, a parent can provide a child with so much for the future.  There are moments to cherish and certain books that will often remain in a child’s life forever.  There are some stories and tales that will never be forgotten.  Think of how many faces that would be brought to life with a smile by the simple words “Cat in a Hat”!

Leave a Response »

 

Flight Reading Monday, Jul 9 2007

What could be a better occupation for the duration of a flight than reading a
book?  For all those passengers who enjoy flying and also those who dislike
flying – a book is a wonderful diversion and a great way of passing the time. 
Sometimes when on a flight, the time may appear to be standing still – or even
be going backwards – according to time differences – however the activity of
reading has proved to be an excellent distraction for many travellers.  Have you
ever thought about the number of people to be found in the bookshop at the
airport choosing a suitable novel?

Let’s face it how many pastimes or forms of entertainment can you think of to
help in passing the time while you are stuck in an aeroplane seat for a number
of hours?  Okay – the flight services do usually offer an in flight movie, but
if this is a film that you have seen before or something that you are not
interested in – then you have to find your own entertainment.

Imagine my horror, when a friend told me that she was taking a book about a
plane hijacking as her flight companion!  Out of all the possible reading
alternatives in the world – why choose such a book for such an occasion?  You
will be happy to know that the flight ended safely and the passengers reached
their respective destinations without any undue drama or delay.  I did forget to
ask my friend about the book though!

Powered by ScribeFire.

Leave a Response »