Catching up to do…

I just finished Shambleau and about half way through the Review.  But I’ve decided I’m not going to  begin on a new book until I’ve caught up and squared away all the outstanding books.  So, what I’ve got to do is this:

Shambleau and Others: Review
Cosmic Engineers: Read and Review
Renaissance: Review
The Robot and the Man: Review
The Mixed Men: Close Up & Review

Aside from the first two, I’ll have to re-read the others to refresh my feelings about them.  Especially Renaissance, I didn’t really know what to make of that particular story.

Back…

Arrived back in Korea a couple of days ago… As was my experience from my last trip back home to NZ, I got very little reading done. I only just started the penultimate story in ‘Shambleau’ last night. I guess we’ll get back into some normality over the next week or so. Actually, I have the next seven days off work – ostensibly to indulge in some self-quarantine to await the onset of Swine Flu. Bonus.

Off to New Zealand tomorrow…

My vacation begins.   Back to NZ for a couple of weeks, back to Korea on the 21st and then I have an extra 7 days before returning to work.  Why an extra 7 days??  Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education policy for minimizing the spread of  the dreaded Swine Flu.  I have to stay cloistered at home for a week after returning to Korea, noting my general health and reporting smartly to medical authorities should I show any ‘flu-like’ symptoms.  Hey, I’m not complaining…

I’m especially looking forward to seeing my kids.  They are growing up so fast and I miss out on a lot.

On the GP front, there are 6 books waiting for me.  another copy of both ‘Space Lawyer’ and ‘Agent of Vega’, a copy of ‘Minions of the Moon’, two copies of  ‘Shambleau and Others’ – one with dust jacket and one without, and a jacketless copy of ‘Northwest of Earth’.  As a result I don’t need to take a GP book away with me, I can make a start on ‘Shambleau’ once I get there.

Waiting

I just finished Jack Williamson’s ‘The Crucible of Power’, part of the ‘Five Science Fiction Novels’ anthology.  The mini-review will be up soon.  I’m due to start another book but I’ve decided to wait until ‘Pattern for Conquest’ arrives because I really want to get into that.  It should be here by the end of this week.

And a couple more…

Just sealed the deal for a copy of Clifford D. Simak’s Cosmic Engineers – first binding and in Fine condition for $98.  This is from the same chap whom I got ‘Pattern for Conquest’ from.  If the condition is anything like that (and he assured me it was) then I have another fantastic book heading my way.

Also I picked up another copy of ‘Space Lawyer’ from a dealer in New Zealand for $27.  It was difficult to tell from the pic, but it looks in pretty much the same condition as the copy I already have.

In another New Zealand purchase, I have the acquisition of a copy of Shambleau and others by C.L. Moore for less than $40 in progress.  It looks to be in VG+ condition, another excellent buy.

One I really wanted…

Pattern for Conquest by George O. Smith is one Gnome Press title I have really, really wanted.  Now I have it!!  In Fine condition too!!  Just won it on eBay.  I’ll talk about why this title was so appealing to me in the Close Up whenever that will be.  I’m very excited about having it arrive.

New Read…

Finished the first novella in ‘Five Science Fiction Novels.’  The mini-Review should be up soon, also the Close Up for that book isn’t far away either.  Next up is Space Lawyer by Nat Schachner.

One At A Time

I’m currently reading Five Science Fiction Novels put together by Martin Greenberg.  Just to be different (I like thinking of ways to be a little different), I’m going to read and review each of the five separate stories in between reading other books.  At the end, I’ll average the ratings to arrive at a final one for the anthology.  Sound like a plan??  Cool.

A copy of Groff Conklin’s anthology Science Fiction Terror Tales went for $75 on eBay the other day.  I was sorely tempted to bid.  This is one of the rarer GP titles, but albeit in reasonable condition, it was an ex-library copy with the associated defects.

I’m struggling with the Review for Renaissance.  I have mixed feelings about the book, and it was a very complex read.  It might be a while before I see my way clear on it.  Might even have to read it again…

On to a new book… and other stuff.

I finished ‘This Fortress World’ last night and began Five Science Fiction Novels edited by Martin Greenberg.  The Review for Fortress World should be up in the next couple of days.  It was an excellent read.

I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of the four books that are on their way.  If I’m very lucky, they will be here tomorrow, otherwise I expect them next week sometime.  It’s been a while since I had a book arrive, I think I’m having withdrawal symptoms…

I’m listening to The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F. Hamilton at present.  It’s a very challenging task.  Many characters, multiple and seemingly disparate plot threads (that are just beginning to converge now) and some excellent takes on future technology and culture.  At about 42 hours listening time, it’s going to take me a while, and this is just the first book in The Night’s Dawn trilogy.

I’m also considering reshooting all book covers.  Extracting them out of their protective covers to do so.

On, to a new book…

I’ve started reading Robert Randall’s The Shrouded Planet.  I think I will do a ‘double-header’ or ’side-by-side’ style Close Up and a single large Review for that and The Dawning Light, it’s sequel.  Could be interesting.

I’m currently working on the Review for ‘Men Against the Stars’.  I’ve grudgingly come to the conclusion that I don’t (or can’t) really do a classic ‘review’, my results are often more like a synopsis with a bit of opinion thrown in.  But that’s ok.  I try to avoid giving too much away while still giving you an idea of what it’s all about and perhaps whether you would enjoy it or not.