For my part I know nothing with any certainty,
but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

~Vincent Van Gogh

And dream we did. On January first of this fine year a band of intrepid explorers set out on a grand journey among the stars, some seasoned spacers, others still green but eager. Together we took solace in the pages of science fiction. The months of January and February flew by quickly, as they always seem to do. For those who do not believe in time travel, the swift passage of time makes you wonder. The Sci Fi Experience 2011 is over, though the “experiences” we all took part in will surely resonate for a long time to come.

For those of you who participated I wanted to give you this rather belated opportunity to share about your experience, what you read, what did or did not thrill you or surprise you. What books others simply must read and what stories you think should be avoided. Really this is a chance to just wrap things up.

I completed 14 reads during the two month period as well as numerous short stories. The reading was largely very rich and rewarding, and even more rewarding was discussing the books with you here, reading your reviews, and adding to my ever growing list of authors and books that I feel compelled to experience. Additionally, I made a great bunch of new friends, additions to my karass, over at the Classic Science Fiction Book Club.

This is what I got through for the Experience:

January

1. The Third Bear ~Jeff Vandermeer (9/10 stars) [TBR pile]

2. Bolo: The Annals of the Dinochrome Brigade ~Keith Laumer (7/10) [purchased used]

3. The Rolling Stones ~Robert A. Heinlein (8/10) [borrowed, audio]

4. Apex Magazine Issue #20, ~Catherynne M. Valente, ed (6/10) [subscription]

5. Ship Breaker ~Paolo Bacigalupi (10/10) [purchased new]

6. Among Others ~Jo Walton (10/10) [purchased new]

7. Michael Whelan’s Works of Wonder (8/10) [gift] ~Michael Whelan

8. Asimov’s Science Fiction, February 2011 (4/10) [purchased new]

9. How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe ~Charles Yu (8/10) [Personal Library]

10. Star Beast ~Robert A. Heinlein (8/10) [audio, borrowed]

11. Metatropolis ~John Scalzi, ed. (8/10) [Personal Library]

February

12. The Eyes of the Overworld ~Jack Vance (6/10) [Personal Library]

13. Hospital Station ~James White (7/10) [purchased used]

14. Among Others ~Jo Walton (re-read, read aloud to Mary)

As I look back at my list I cannot help but be excited all over again. There are some wonderful reads here, stories that have come unbidden into my mind throughout the course of my day to day existence, stories that I will read again and will remember fondly and no doubt gently force into the hands of others as time passes.

I did a wonderful job with keeping up with reviews (you can find links in my Books Read 2011 tab at the top of the blog) until the end of January, then I faltered. I have not reviewed the Scalzi, Vance or White and all are worthy of a review and worthy of your attention. I will try to get reviews up for them at some point. No promises, but it is something I feel the stories deserve.

Ship Breaker and Among Others were my 10 out of 10 reads during the Experience. I enjoyed Among Others so much I immediately turned around after finishing it and read it aloud to my wife. I suspect that book may have more visits from me in the future. But those were not the only great books I read.

I discovered that Jeff Vandermeer is a great short story craftsman. I found an author in Keith Laumer whose short stories feel like kin (perhaps twice removed) to the robot stories of Isaac Asimov. I was reminded why Robert A. Heinlein is an author whose work can spark a fire of science fiction passion many decades after they were first gifted to readers.

And more than anything I was reminded just how much fun it is to talk about science fiction with readers who enjoy it too. I am very passionate about the genre and these two months at the start of the year, with their largely cold weather (for me) and my immersion in my first love, make me feel like I have stepped through a portal to my past where I can reminisce and recharge.

I am so very grateful to artist Les Edwards for the use of one of my all time favorite science fiction images for the banner. I have done Mr. Edwards a disservice by not completing my interview with him (yet). I will be doing so. I am also very grateful for all of you who participated, either by joining in on the science fiction reading or by commenting here on the various posts, or both. You are appreciated and loved dearly. You are an inspiration and a comfort. Thank you all so very much.

If you did a wrap up post, or would like to, please post a link to it here in Mr. Linky.

Although the review offerings here at Stainless Steel Droppings may be moving away from distant planets, I will continue to keep my eyes on the night sky, and I suspect there will be many a more science fiction reviews here throughout the year, despite my return to more earthly paths. And speaking of earthly paths, of journeys…

Tune in Monday, March 21st for the beginning of the Once Upon a Time Challenge! One of my very favorite artists has agreed to allow the use of her art for the challenge banner and I’m so excited about sharing the upcoming fantasy, fairy tale, folklore and mythology journeys with you.