(Image by Vincent di Fate, used with permission)
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty,
but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”~Vincent Van Gogh
——————
“In space no one can hear you scream”
~tagline from Alien
True, but if you were startled from your slumber last night with the echoes of a scream ringing in your ears, that just might have been me: I decided it was time to post about the 2012 Science Fiction Experience!
The sight of the stars makes me dream as well, and has done so for as far back as I can remember. The phrase “littered with stars” was inadequate to describe what my young eyes experienced as I gazed upwards on dark Nebraska nights, the sky untainted by the pollution of city lights. America’s space program was in its glory days and my young imagination was fueled by the reality of space travel as well as the fantastical imagery of shows like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Battlestar Galactica. It is little wonder that science fiction became my first love and that my younger years were spent lost between the pages of books by Harry Harrison, Larry Niven, Brian Daley and Alan Dean Foster, dreaming of the days when I too would be “boldly going”.
Though that dream remains unrealized for so many kids who went before me and have come after, my love for science fiction has not diminished and the places it takes me continue to delight. A few years back I decided I would like to invite other readers to spend time together to:
a) Continue their love affair with science fiction
b) Return to science fiction after an absence, or
c) Experience for the first time just how exhilarating science fiction can be.
This event was not to be a challenge. It was not a dare nor was it a contest. It was meant to be an experience, a word I did not choose at random. The very best connections with books are more than just a detached reading, they are an experience–an immersive, engaging interaction between the reader and the characters and events between the covers. It is that tangible joy I feel when reading science fiction that I wanted to share with like readers, while at the same time creating an open, embracing forum for those to participate who have either not read science fiction in the past or have had less than successful experiences with the genre.
And so the Science Fiction Experience, or Sci-Fi Experience, was born.
I have never been able to ascertain a logical explanation for why the arrival of old man Winter causes me to go nearly mad with a desire to read science fiction, but as that is the case the logical time for me to host this non-challenge was the months of January and February.
And so I officially welcome you to The 2012 Science Fiction Experience, which runs from January 1st, 2012 through February 29th, 2012. That’s right, we get an extra day this year! Woo-hoo!
The “rules” of the experience are simple: there are none. Remember, this isn’t a challenge. If you would like to join us in reading and discussing any science fiction reading or television viewing or movie watching you do over that time period, please do. Although signing up isn’t required, nor is posting your reviews, I do like to be able to keep up with folks who are participating, so there will be a Mr. Linky at the end of this post and there is a SF Experience Review Site for you to link any SF-related posts of any kind that you would like the other participants to check out. Again, this doesn’t have to be entirely book related. It really is about experiencing science fiction (and even non-fiction having to do with space or technology) of all kinds.
The Review Site can be found here and also by clicking on the banner linked on the right hand side of my blog under the Challenge header.
And for those who want them, here are a couple of smaller banners than the one heading this post:
Vincent di Fate is an amazing illustrator and he has not only graciously allowed the use of this image for the Experience, but will be granting an interview as well, so look forward to that in the coming weeks. Thank you again, Vincent.
To reiterate something I mentioned above, let me recycle a statement from last year’s Experience:
“…I want to provide, here at Stainless Steel Droppings, an environment in which science fiction connoisseurs and science fiction layman can come together and discuss books in a non-judgmental, non-threatening manner.”
I feel very passionately about that and I hope you’ll join us. If you decide to join, please sign up your name and your blog site (and you can link to a post about this if you would like to but it isn’t necessary for participation) below:
If this was all I had to say about the start of the new year it would be enough.
But wait, there’s more!
Andrea over at Little Red Reviewer discovered a passion for classic science fiction over these past few months and is hosting her own non-challenge which dovetails beautifully with my own. It is:
You can see the details by following this link. If you are planning to join in with the 2012 Science Fiction Experience and if vintage science fiction is on your menu, please plan on participating in Andrea’s event as well. Some of Andrea’s classic reading in 2011 has me very excited and I am thrilled to be joining along with her.
Here are a few smaller banners for her event if you need them:
Isn’t it a great banner? As I told her, I believe I actually have this book in my collection.
I am looking forward to beginning a new year immersed in vintage and contemporary science fiction and I cannot wait to discuss these with all of you. Oh the places we’ll go…
Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinder critics and philosophers of today — but the core of science fiction, its essence, has become crucial to our salvation, if we are to be saved at all.
~Isaac Asimov
I am SO excited!!!!
I am too, Becky.
I was already pretty sure I was joining you on the sci fi this year…and then you quoted one of my favorite star-related quotes from Van Gogh, which just makes me feel I HAVE to join! 🙂
What I’d really like to read are some Star Trek: Original Series novels. I haven’t found a really good new-to-me one in a long time. So I thought I’d just throw that out into the universe and see if anyone comes back with suggestions!
I’ve got a ST:TOS novel around here someplace, I think a really cheesy one by Alan Dean Foster. . . and now I simply have got to dig it out. 😉
I didn’t realize ADF wrote a Star Trek novel. I’ve read his Star Wars novel, Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, I don’t know how many times. It is funny because it was written before the whole Leia/Luke sibling reveal and so early on in the story there are a few musings by Luke that turn out to be very creepy in that light.
I KNOW I’ve read something by ADF…but I can’t think what, and I can’t find anything on my shelves. Time to go hunt the “Books Read” list…
probably the ONLY two original star trek books I ever read , (and they were very good) ..if they are still around are Carmen Carter’s Dream’s of the Raven and A.C. Crispin’s Yesterday’s Son… most likely you read them already lol
I think I’ve read Yesterday’s Son, but not the other one.
Actually, I haven’t read either. Thanks for the suggestions!
Ishamel by Barbara Hambly was a ST:TOS novel that I enjoyed VERY much. It’s Spock-centric.
Alright Cheryl, reeled you in by rockin’ the Van Gogh! I read the first novel in the Vanguard series a few years back and really liked it. It is set in the original universe but does not focus on known characters. Kirk and the Enterprise make an appearance in the first book, but it is brief. You might want to check those out. I’m hoping to get to the second in the series during this event.
I’m not familiar with Vanguard–I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
Here’s a wiki link that sheds a little light:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_Vanguard
I’m in! I hope I do better than I do in previous years… I don’t read nearly enough science-fiction…
As much as you manage to read in a year, your “better” is probably equal to the amount of SF I squeeze in during a normal year. LOL! Glad to have you taking part.
I’m sure you’ve guessed, but I’m totally in! 😀 And january is almost here! sqqueeee!
Yes, you were a given. I was going to drag you in kicking and screaming if need be.
I am in! Already had several SF books lined up for 2012, so this was a no-brainer. Looking forward to it.
Sweet! Look forward to seeing what you have in your line up.
Here are my possibles (all are on the list for next year, just have to see how many I manage in the first two months):
1. My Name is Legion by Roger Zelazny
2. The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
3. The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells
4. The Future on Ice by Orson Scott Card (ed)
5. Prayers to Broken Stones by Dan Simmons
6. Murder & Magic by Randall Garrett
7. The Masks of Time by Robert Silverberg
8. The Jesus Incident by Frank Herbert & Bill Ransom
9. Future Crime by Cynthia Mason & Charles Ardai, eds.
Interesting list! I know just what you mean, my list of what I would like to get to over the next two months is far longer than is realistic, even were I to take a month off work and just sit around reading all day. 🙂
Haven’t heard of that Card edited anthology. Gonna have to look that one up.
There’s another one called The Future on Fire–also edited by Card.
I’m really looking forward to this! Now off to Good Reads to create a new shelf of SF Experience books as potential reads!
Oh boy, I just realized something. I think the only SF books I have are my Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy and The Forever War by Joe Haldeman. Must acquire more!
Those sound like good starters! You should come back and link your Goodreads shelf when you are done with it.
The Thrawn trilogy is really good, probably the best Star Wars books out there.
I would agree.
They certainly are. I’m constantly re-reading the Thrawn Trilogy.
And I’ve got a pretty good start for my SF Experience shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6116848-sarah?shelf=sf-experience
Not sure how many I’ll get through but I’m pretty happy with the list. I’ll be adding more in the coming weeks of course as I read through the comments here and see more recommendations.
Yes indeed, a very good start on your shelf. We are starting the group read of Foundation on January 1st, by the way. An announcement will go up soon.
Haha, so I also looked at my TBR list and realized that The Foundation was the only sci-fi book that I own that I haven’t read yet. That will have to be rectified!
I’m thinking more Ursula K. Le Guin, because she’s quickly turning into one of my new favorites.
Great! The timing couldn’t be better then.
I must admit that when it comes to sci-fi I’m very poorly read and this is something that I’ve been trying to change and be more rounded about. I tend to veer towards fantasy/adventure/historical but I do want to include some SF. I’m waiting for that one book that really grips me and puts me on the right path! I will definitely check out everyone’s posts and see if something really grabs my attention.
Thanks
Lynn 😀
I wouldn’t feel bad, Lynn. I’ve been reading science fiction since I was a kid and I am FAR from well-read, partially because much of my life I did a bunch of rereading of favorites rather than trying new things, and partially because there is just so much to read. The amount of vintage stuff I would still like to read is huge, and of course writers keep cranking out a ton intriguing new material every year.
Feel free to go to my categories drop down and choose “science fiction”. You might find some stuff you like there.
I’ve been looking at sci fi today, suprisingly I have read some – such as Dune and The Time Machine. Was thinking of reading a couple of classics – Journey to the Centre of the Earth and maybe War of the Worlds and maybe, I Robot and either Ender’s Game or Brave New World. What do you think??
Lynn 😀
I think that sounds great. I haven’t read War of the Words and I don’t think I’ve read Journey, but that is more vague. I love I, Robot. One of my favorite short story collections. And Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead are two of my favorite science fiction books.
Okay, cool, if you speak so highly of Ender’s Game maybe I’ll get that one first.
Ta 😀
Lynn
It is not a book without its controversy, but I myself found it to be very engaging and it is a wildly popular book.
I’ve been looking forward to this since I saw the link to the 2011 challenge on a blog a couple of months ago.
My goal for 2012 is to read all the Doctor Who NSAs I haven’t read yet (about 30) and considering they’re not very long, I hope to read 8-10 in the two months of the challenge.
That’s great, Hellen! I’m glad you found out about it. I have yet to read any Doctor Who books, but I have a three novella collection of Tom Baker stories and every time I see the lovely Amy Pond on a new Dr. Who book I want to snag it and bring it home.
I love this experience. Like the Christmas song says “it’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
It’s been a while since I read any of the Star Trek original series novels but here are some of my favorites.
Yesterday’s Son by A. C. Crispin
Timetrap by David Dvorkin
Double, Double by Michael Jan Friedman
“Double, Double” was a sequel to the television episode “What Little Girls are Made Of”. My favorite was probably “Timetrap”.
I might have to dip back into “Star Trek” for this year’s experience.
I will definitely be reading some Asimov.
It is, Jim. I agree!
I haven’t read an original series Trek novel in forever either. I still have a handful of them that I enjoyed and I wouldn’t mind going back to them at some point.
Glad you are joining us.
I’m really excited as well to join. I’m not the most experienced sci-fi reader, but I’ve enjoyed the few I’ve read in the past. I have two books from George R.R. Martin I received a month ago, and I’ve also got The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood I’ve never finished because of other reading commitments, so I’ll need to start from scratch on that one. I just picked up The Blind Assassin by her as well. I’m not sure if I’ll read any of those or just rush to the bookshop to pick up something else (maybe The City & The City by China Mieville?). It’ll be fun rooting around to decide which one to read. Thanks for hosting and providing such a wonderful illustration by this artist. Just gorgeous; I would have joined anyway just so I can hog the button and display it on my site.
You are welcome, Natalie. I’ve heard interesting things about Mieville’s book Embassytown, which I think is considered his first real foray into science fiction. I think Kraken will be my next Mieville read, maybe for the Once Upon a Time challenge. Always so many choices.
Count me in! In fact I have continued my tradition of starting my Sci Fi experience in December. 🙂
I plan on watching some more of the remastered Star Trek episodes in HD and finishing off my viewing of Dr Who season six.
As for reading I will be finishing On Basilisk Station by David Weber soon. I also hope to read some Heinlein, Asimov, and some Star Trek fiction.
Awesome art for the experience this year and I can’t wait to read the interview with Vincent di Fate. His artwork is incredible.
I didn’t get much reading done yesterday during football, too busy blogging, so I need to buckle down this week. I’m only about half way through On Basilisk Station (good stuff) and would like to get another book in before the end of the month.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Vincent di Fate has to say as well.
I love that this “challenge” doesn’t have rules. I can read one or a million. Now that I am settled, I’m totally in. The Foundation by Asimov just arrived in the post on Friday. Perfect timing! Not sure how many I’ll get to, but it will be fun to attempt more science fiction and to read other reviews. I’ve always meant to read more science fiction and you have been helping me. Baby steps…
Me too, glad for this on and Andrea’s. Glad you got Foundation in. The group read will start January 1st! Baby steps are good, welcome!
Cool! I’m in!
I am so looking forward to this Carl! and I think I will have the daughter joining me this year. She loves sci-fi (especially on screen); finding age appropriate themes are a little easier w/ sci-fi than fantasy, but we will be looking for recommendations.
as I am thinking about next year’s reads, I will be working on my sci-fi experience list.
the image is marvelous!
I’m so happy to hear that you are doing this with your daughter, that will be so fun. Here are a couple of suggestions, for what they are worth:
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, a book that will be on my ‘best of’ this year, is one YA near future SF book I would recommend. It has a few older themes in the beginning of the book but nothing that I think is out of line with other stuff you’ve mentioned that she has read.
Zoe’s Tale by John Scalzi is another excellent YA book. It is a retelling (but more) of the last book in his Old Man’s War trilogy, which are more adult. The protagonist is a teenage girl and I’ve recently read other reviews by folks who picked it up without reading the trilogy and felt like it works great as a stand alone. It is very good.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, while it does have a mystery theme, also has SF elements tied in. When You Reach Me is another YA book with SF elements that is good.
Scalzi’s Fuzzy Nation may also be a nice choice. A friend with early adolescent children did point out that there were several mentions of drinking in it, so if that is something that you would want to avoid I would give this a pass, otherwise I think it is by and large teen friendly.
I don’t know if your daughter would find older SF unbearable, but Robert A. Heinlein’s Star Beast is excellent fun, with a likeable boy and “dog” and a strong teen female character too. His short story The Menace From Earth also has a good female protagonist and is fun.
Gaiman co-wrote a SF YA novel called Interworld that I wasn’t particularly fond of, but others have enjoyed.
That might make a start.
awesome, thanks Carl!
My pleasure.
Thanks for putting this experience together, Carl. I used to read a ton of science fiction (I spent one summer reading the entire Foundation series as a kid) but just got out of the habit. I’ve been thinking about reading some SciFi this year, so this non-challenge is a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to reading the reviews and getting ideas!
That is great, Col. Exactly what I hope happens when I host this experience. Look forward to seeing what you choose to read to get back into the genre.
So excited, I’ve been looking forward to this. I plan to cover four different time periods of writing starting with The Time Machine, moving forward to the 1950’s or so, then around the seventies, and finally something very recent because I wanted to get a sampling from different generations. Most of my selection so far seems to be heavy on the dystopian, which I love, but I’m hoping to get some variety in there if I have time. Plus I’m planning on graphic novels, movies, television, …. sigh. Hope I can get it all in!
What a really fun idea. Are you planning to do a post after the 4 to compare and contrast what you see from the different generations?
That’s a good idea, I hadn’t thought of it. I just might do that!
Looking forward to it Carl. Already got Gareth L Powell’s “The Recollection” lined up for this. I read his “Silversands” and liked it a lot so I’m excited to read his latest.
All the best to you. Congratulations on another great year of blogging. Have a great holiday season and all the best for 2012
Stuart.
You too Stuart, hope your Christmas season is a great one and am glad you are joining us this year.
Thanks for organizing this, I am so ready for it. Just found a copy of Brunner’s Stand On Zanzibar to start off with.
I’m loving the cover on the recent re-release of Stand on Zanzibar. The one with all the words on the cover. I’ve been curious about that book since it was discussed in Jo Walton’s Among Others.
That’s the edition I found. I read Zanzibar when I was in college, decades ago, and parts of it have stuck with me. I can’t wait to re-read it!
Its great when parts of books stick with us. Many times I find that it is books that I might not have initially thought would have that kind of lasting impact.
Always pleased to have an excuse to broaden my sci-fi horizons, and it falls at a perfect point in my life right now. Two years ago exactly, I began reintroducing myself to sci-fi during a self-proclaimed sci-fi month, intended to do exactly this… looks like it’s time for round two!
That is great, I’m glad it all works out and that you are joining us. Round two it is!
oh, I am most definitely IN! with a pile of books just begging to be read!
Glad to have you sgist!
I am going to be focussing on the first couple of books at least of the Vorkisagan saga by Lois McMaster Bujold for my sci fi experience this year.
they are fabulous and I hope you enjoy them as much as I and everybody i’ve talked into reading them has! Space Opera at its finest!
I’m in! Now I have to decide what to read. I have quite a few books waiting in my pile already.
I’m glad to hear it, welcome Hilcia! 🙂
Yes! I can finally take a break from writing. Will start on The Dune Chronicles once I’ve completed Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.
J*
Sounds like a great plan, welcome Juliet!
I’m in!!! I’ll be adding a post tomorrow. One of our really cool presents was a graphic novel featuring Boba Fett – the complete adventures 🙂 I’ll be reading that for this experience! Also some Heinlein, and if I can find Revelation Space, I’m longing to read that. I’ll do a longer post about this, just wanted you to know that I’m excited it’s this time of year again. I also love the buttons for both yours and Andrea’s challenge. Have to see if my Asimov qualifies as an old sci-fi book 🙂
That sounds like fun!
I can’t imagine any Asimov book that wouldn’t qualify as “vintage”. 😉
I need to give Revelation Space a try. I’ve heard that it is a weaker novel and that the other two in the trilogy are better so it has been hard to get myself motivated to read it despite liking Reynolds’ work.
This looks like my kind of thing, so I’m in. I would have been reading and blogging loads of SF anyway, so some company whilst I do it would make the universe seem a little warmer to me…
Currently have on my list:
Beyond This Horizon and Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein
I, Robot By Isaac Asimov
The Time Machine and The Invisible Man, by H.G. Wells
Against the Fall of Night, by Arthur C Clarke
and A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, by Jules Verne
Good luck to everyone else taking part, and I look forward to reading wat you have to say!
Great Paul! Welcome!
I have a copy of Space Cadet on my shelf. Love I, Robot. I’m so glad you are joining in and hope you’ll post any reviews so that we can all check them out.
So excited to dive into some science fiction early this year. I have always loved the genre but lately have been reading more urban fantasy. Should be fun!
Cheers!
~Lia
Excited to have you join us Lia! Hope you find some stuff that really trips your trigger.
Okay, so it took me long enough…but finally I’m in. Thanks Carl–your experience/challenges always make reading just that much more fun. 😀
I’m also in! Hopefully, I’m going to read more SF this year than last year which was more fantasy oriented.
These are on my reading list: Robinson’s Red Mars, Cherie Priest’s Clockwork Century books, Scalzi’s Fuzzy Nation, more C. J. Cherryh, and a bunch of Star Trek TNG and DS9 books.
You’ve got some great stuff lined up, Mervi. I’ve enjoyed the first two of Cherie Priest’s books in that series. Fuzzy Nation is great fun. I’d like to get back to the ST Vanguard series at some point, and I know there is a new original series novel coming out at the end of the month that looks interesting.
This sounds terrific! I just signed up, and put up a post on my blog called “Why I Love Reading and Writing Science Fiction.” Now to check out the Review Site!
I will check it out, Karen, thanks for joining in.
Excited! Literally just found out about this. 2011 was that year that began my love affair with sci-fi. 2012 will be the year when the love will be cemented. Thanks for hosting!
Wonderful! Glad you found out about this and welcome to the science fiction community.
A little late but my post is here:
http://read-warbler.blogspot.com/2012/01/sci-fi-experience-and-few-thoughts.html
Not that late at all, still a lot of time left in the Experience. I’ll be over to check out your post. Thanks for taking part with us Cath
I’ve finally done my post for this experience! yaaay! Oh, I just saw I can include Boneshaker! I’ll be adding that too, I need to read it. thanks once again for doing this experience, Carl!
Great! I’ll be over to check it out. Loved Boneshaker, hope you enjoy it.
So I guess this means I am in, how do I go about this, since this is my first SF experience ?
Just put in a review on my blog, and link to this site / email the admin ? Or leave a comment regarding the same in this section ?
Cheers
If you look on the right hand side of my blog you’ll see a greenish colored banner that says The 2012 Science Fiction Experience Review Site. For any reviews you do please link them there. Feel free to email me at poegeek (at) gmail (dot) com if you have questions. Great to have you with us.
I wish I had known about this earlier. I love the idea and the reviews are great. I included, on the other page, a post from my blog about my (personal) challenge to read through every Hugo Award winning novel.
Cheers,
Jeremy