For my part I know nothing with any certainty,
but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
~Vincent Van Gogh
It never fails. Like clockwork, the cold December evenings and the enormous presence of the constellation Orion in the winter night skies ignite within me the desire to return to my literary first love, Science Fiction. Last year at this time I described it thus:
“Science Fiction as a genre and the art of reading have been inextricably linked together as far back as my earliest solo reading memories. It is a bond that the passage of time and my own growth as a reader has not severed. In fact it is quite the opposite. As my length of days stretch out before me I find the ties to my own past growing ever more strong and ever more important.”
The awareness of this phenomenon in my own life caused me to wonder if perhaps others had similar feelings about the science fiction genre and so I personally declared the first two months of the new year the time for The Sci Fi Experience 2008 and encouraged others to read and share their love of science fiction. That Experience spawned what was arguably the greatest single month of reading that I have ever had in my life (something I will share more about in my forthcoming Year in Review post). I enjoyed this experience so much that I want to share it with you again.
And so with great pleasure I announce The Sci Fi Experience 2009, which will run from January 1st through February 28th, 2009.
As I said last year, this is an experience and not a challenge. There are no reading lists, book requirements, etc. I do not argue about what is or is not considered ‘science fiction’. Nothing about this two month period of science fiction celebration should cause anyone to feel obligated to participate. I host two other very involved challenges throughout the year and the last thing I want to do is start a new year adding stress to your busy lives or my own. This is simply a time to experience how exhilarating science fiction can be.
Again from last year:
“More than any other genre of fiction, science fiction reading is to me an experience– not only does it transport me to another time and place in the future but it also transports me to my past and as such creates an aura of reading that is wonderful to experience but difficult to describe. I can only hope that you fellow readers are nodding your heads in agreement right now, recalling similar experiences that you have with various novels and/or genres of fiction.”
In the midst of other non-science fiction related posts that will appear on Stainless Steel Droppings over the next two months you will find a heavy dosage of book reviews, Friday Favorites posts, Short Story Sundays and other items that celebrate various aspects of science fiction. As part of The Sci Fi Experience 2009 I will also be promoting Annie’s What’s In a Name 2 Challenge and 42 Challenge. In honor of our blog friend Dewey, who passed away over the recent Thanksgiving holiday, I will also be sponsoring a mini-challenge for Chris and Robin’s Dewey’s Books Reading Challenge that will occur on Saturday, January 17th called the Out of This World Mini-Challenge. It will be science fiction related and details will be available very soon. I tell you to encourage you to look at other challenges you may be participating in to see if science fiction can fit anywhere within those challenges.
I have updated last year’s review site. Should you read any science fiction during the months of January or February and wish to link to your reviews I encourage you to do so on the Sci Fi Experience 2009 Book Review Site.
There is no requirement to ‘sign up’, but should you want the rest of us to know that you are participating so that we can keep an eye on your blogs, please feel free to let us know in the comments section.
Here are a couple of banners should you desire them:
Other than that, I hope that over the course of the next two months that you can discover some books from my reviews that you will want to add to your book piles and I hope to discover the same from you. Though this is not a challenge, there will be a few giveaways along the way, so keep your eyes open for those.
(Cygnus 1, image by Les Edwards)
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
2009 is almost upon us and I for one could not be more excited about the literary journeys that we all are about to embark on. I cannot wait to share these journeys with you.
Let us boldly go…
Awesome that you’re hosting this again Carl! And thanks once again for doing a mini-challenge with me and Robin’s challenge. Can’t wait to hear the details! I’m starting with Old Man’s War and then reading Mary Doria Russel’s The Sparrow…don’t know where I’m going to go from that yet. Oh yeah! I still have some Stainless Steel Rat books too! Awesome. This’ll be fun.
I’m so glad Carl is hosting this again. I had a blast last year reading so many Scifi books ( Foundation Series by Issac Asimov, The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester, The Last Colony by John Scalzi, Hunter’s Run by George RR Martin, Gardner Dozios, and Daniel Abraham, Big Time by Fritz Lieber, Parts of Time and Again by Jack Finney, parts of Dying of the Light by George RR Martin, and more books and short stories that I know I’m forgeting right now. The Scifi experience really kick started my reading in 08.
This year I couldn’t wait until Jan. 1st so I started my Scifi reading around December 15th when it really got cold where I live. The cold just puts me in a Scifi mood. So far I’ve read The Forever War by Joe Hadelman, Star Lady and Fast Friend by George RR Martin, and I’m about a third of the way through Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi. I hope to watch the scifi classic film Forbidden Planet during the experience as well this year.
I look forward to everyone’s Scifi reviews and posts. Also an early Happy New Year to everyone!!!
Happy New Year to you too Jeff! Love all that Martin! I’m hoping to continue the Ice and Fire series with A Storm of Swords this year.
Hey this is a super idea… 2008 was my walking through blogging and well I missed this. However I do think it is a great idea. I have several sci-fi titles that keep the benches warm and I would like to participate. My immediate and devoted love is still to fantasy and I mean the dark, gothic, horror kind. But from my occasional interaction with sci-fi I have found it enticing. I can undersytand, why so many people enjoy it.
Anyways John Scalzi awaits…
I have a huge pile of SF I need to get to. Ben Bova, Orson Scott Card, Jack McDevitt, Charles Stross and John Scalzi (Yeah Scalzi!) are all sitting on my shelf and begging to be read. A good challenge is just what I need.
I don’t think I got around to reading a lot of sci-fi last year…but I’m definitely going for it this year!! Glad to see you are “hosting” again, Carl!
How can one resist any challenge when the button looks this good! I don’t read much scifi (funnily enough I said this last year too I am sure!) but I am sure I can find something to fit the bill!
I really enjoyed this last year, so I’m definitely in for this one! Thanks for hosting again, Carl! And thanks for connecting it to our Dewey’s Books Reading Challenge! I agree with Marg…the buttons are great!
I really don’t read a lot of sci-fi, a fact which I’m rather ashamed of (I’m in charge of science fiction AND fantasy at my bookstore, yet my sci-fi knowledge is rather limited while i gorge myself on fantasy :p) so I was going to dedicate 2009 to reading sci-fi. So this challenge is one I welcome!
Marineko: For shame! 😉 Just kidding. I’m glad to be helping in some small way to increase your knowledge of science fiction. When you get that raise because of your stellar knowledge of science fiction I expect a kick back. 🙂
Robin: You are welcome and I’m thrilled to be able to take part in something honoring Dewey. She is certainly missed.
Marg: Thanks, glad you like the button! Had to find some way to put my ‘glamour shots’ of my Leia/Artoo statue to use.
Stephanie: I was thinking about you when I typed this up last night because of short stories. You are always really good about writing about short story reading and last year during my science fiction binge was when I read the majority of the short stories that I read for the year.
SQT: Can’t wait to see what you read. I have been wanting to try Ben Bova for years, most especially because of all the fantastic John Harris covers on his books. Not sure where to start though.
Harry: I am so glad you are in and I really have to do a better job of getting to your site as you have some great posts!
Jeff: You are already tearing through the sci fi! We did read some great books last year, didn’t we?!?! I look forward to seeing what else you tackle during this experience. I too will be reading Agent to the Stars at some point thanks to the generosity of my blogger secret santa.
Chris: It is an honor to be a part of the challenge honoring Dewey, thank you and Robin for letting me do so. I wanted to wait a few days before making a specific announcement about that so that it didn’t get lost in the details of this experience. I’m thrilled that you’ll be reading Old Man’s War and I hope you enjoy the series as much as Jeff and I do.
*bowing down in respect* That comment about my blog was mind-blowing since I think you have the greatest posts by far. And as I am inspiried I will have some interesting topics as posts.
I am excited to be in. The last challenges were smitten away because of personal issues and well safe to say I vanished like a truck had cut my blogger days short, but since this is an experience I would love to get tuned in so to say and read at least one novel.
I love Sci-Fi; count me in! Sounds like fun! 🙂
I’m in! I’ve been looking forward to this one for weeks! (Okay, months!!!) And thanks so much for mentioning the 42 Challenge 🙂
Becky
Becky: Glad to do it, I’ll be promoting it more thoroughly in a few days because I plan on participating myself.
Jessi: Great!
Harry: Glad things are better now and I hope 2009 sees you having the time to devote to your blogging and anything else you want to do.
What with Old Man’s War and Speaker for the Dead on their way to me and an Iain M Bsnks sitting on the the TBR pile I’ll definitely be taking part 😀
I am so in! Let the fun begin 😀 I could read some Wells or Card or Vonnegut or Bradbury…the possibilities!
Nymeth: Yes indeed, the possibilities. I have been going over and over potential books trying to figure out just what I want to read first. I love it!
Bart: Ah, what great things are coming your way! I bought an Ian Banks short story collection recently that I look forward to reading as part of the experience.
Oooooohh. Now this looks interesting. I’m not “signing up” quite yet though. The new year looks like it’ll be fairly busy for me so I’m making no commitments 😉
Hope you had a great Christmas and a very happy New Year.
I can always count on coming here for enjoyment.
What a great idea! You can count me in. I’ve got nine science fiction titles on my TBR right now, and I have a feeling I’ll be adding some Scalzi before too long.
Science fiction has not been on my “gotta read” list in a while, though it was a strong force in my reading roots. I had never even heard of John Scalzi, so yesterday I went to the library to pick up the first two in the Old Man series. Sitting on the Sci Fi shelf next to Scalzi was ‘The Lady in the Loch’ by E. A. Scarborough. On the font cover is a coach/sled pulled by horses. Hmmmm intriguing. I opened the cover and saw that the author was a Nebula Award winner. Even more promising. So I took that book home with me too. I will report back!
I am glad you are hosting this experience again, Carl. It still surprises me that I used to read mostly sci-fi and now I read fantasy and hardly touch sci-fi… I really need to do better on that! I have no idea what I am going to do for the experience. 2008 was such a bad reading year that I am not trying to get my hopes up for 2009! I really should try and read Dune, but that means starting another series… Decisions, decisions!
The mail just came and no Spectrum 15. 🙁
Long time lurker and fan, first time ‘hello there’. Great blog and an even better idea. I tend to read a lot of urban fantasy, but now is the time for me to venture into more of the sci fi arena. Can’t wait to get started.
I love the banner and the idea!I missed out last year, but I love sci-fi so here I am!
I have The restaurant at the end of the universe, The handmaid’s tale, and the left hand of darkness all waiting to be read!and I could probably squeeze in some mangas for my manga challenge as well:P
So looking forward to this one, Carl, especially as I’d already signed up for the 42 Challenge. Love the banner, another classic!
I do so love the Princess Leia figurine. 🙂
Will keep an eye out for any sci fi titles along the way and see if I can share.
Dark O: Glad to hear it. It was a fun purchase that I’ve really enjoyed having in my home office this year. And thanks, I appreciate you keeping an eye out.
Bride: Thanks, it seemed like just the right image to resurrect for the banner. I’m so looking forward to the 42 challenge, it should be great fun.
Valentina: Oh yes, I hadn’t even thought about manga…but now that I do I may have to review Cowboy Bebop for the 42 challenge!!! Glad you are going to experience some sci fi this new year!
Nerissa: So glad you aren’t lurking anymore (although I do appreciate all the lurkers). I hope you find some really engaging sci fi to read during the experience and welcome!!!
Kailana: Sorry your Spectrum didn’t come today. It is worth the wait though! Dune has been on my list for the last 2 years and I really want to try to actually get to it sometime during 09. I’m not sure I would feel the need to read beyond the first book, but who knows. Once I get hooked I might just feel the need.
Qugrainne: Sounds like a great trip to the library!!! I’m looking forward to that report!
Memory: Great! Scalzi will be a great addition, but I’m also looking forward to seeing what your other nine titles are.
Yoli: Glad I can entertain and bring enjoyment! 🙂
Fence: No need to sign up or make a commitment. Just please put a link to any reviews of sci fi books if you do happen to get around to reading one or more. After all, my pile is only a small mountain right now. 😉
I think I’m probably up for this too. Thanks for making it a casual kind of thing rather than an offical challenge.
Wow this is great. I am going to write about it on scifijungle.com.
Marianne
I’m in! I am looking at some Connie Willis or Kage Baker to start. Hubby discovered John Scalzi this past year and has been raving about his books, so I may try to fit some of those in, as well.
Felicia: I have Doomsday Book by Willis that I picked up last year for the experience and didn’t get to. We’ll see if I can do so this year.
Marianne: Thanks, I appreciate any publicity and your participation.
Cath: I love it not being an ‘official challenge’. I hope by doing it that way people who are not big on sci fi, or haven’t tried it, will go ahead and pick up one novel and give it a try.
Without a doubt, you’ve got two very excited participants here! Annie’s got a whole pile ready to choose from. Personally, I’m looking forward to some more Stainless Steel Rat, among other things. At this time last year, as the Sci-Fi Experience was beginning, I wasn’t at all convinced I was going to enjoy it. This year I know better. 🙂
Debi: Great! I’m glad you both will be participating, especially knowing more Stainless Steel Rat will be in there!!!
ah… well, this IS appropriate, as i’ve just received three juicy science fiction novels for christmas. hopefully i’ll be able to get off my arse and review them…
and, i just have to say, beautiful photography. you’ve photographed that leia/r2 statue a lot but you still manage to find new ways of making it fresh.
just seeing that pic made me want to dive into the sci-fi experience!
JP: Thanks, it was one of the more fun things I’ve done with the camera. Now I’m intrigued, what ‘juicy science fiction novels’ did you receive for Christmas?!?!
Yeah. JP don’t hold out on us! What did you receive?
hi carl, i’m going for it!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/2009/01/sci-fi-experience-2009.html
Hi Carl. I’m in! Love your page and Avitar!
Happy Reading!
Hi Carl! Sorry I’m a little late to the party. Sign me up! I have heard amazing things about Orson Scott Card. So I am going to challenge myself to read at least one of his books.
http://readslikeagirl.blogspot.com/2009/01/sci-fi-experience-2009.html
haha! i got:
the game-players of titan – philip k. dick
chasm city – alastair reynolds
the left hand of darkness – ursula le guin
i’, a big dick fan so have been looking forward to reading another of his for AGES. also, the cover for this edition is just gorgeous. i wanted it just for the cover! 😀
i’ve wanted to read le guin and “left hand” in particular for more than a decade now, so i’m really looking forward to that.
and “chasm city” is a dip into the pool of modern science fiction. over the last three years i think i’ve exclusively read retro science fiction, so it’ll be nice to read something new.
eek, i meant “i’m a big dick fan”.
by the way, here’s a link for the cover:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-players-Titan-Voyager-Classics/dp/0007115881/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231075458&sr=8-1
“i’m a big dick fan”
I’m not sure that correction is any better, JP. LOL!!!
I just ordered Chasm City from my library a couple of days ago after reading about it and briefly discussing it with John D. over at SFSignal. That and his short story collection, Galactic North. Look forward to your reviews of these JP.
This sounds like a great way to spend the first couple of months of this year – count me in! It’s also the perfect excuse to buy myself books that didn’t arrive here for Christmas. *cackles*
Peta: Exactly! A perfect excuse. 🙂
Hi Carl. I picked a book off your top 2008, The Wood Wife. Looks really cool! Can’t wait to begin the adventure!
Happy New Year!
I am SO GLAD you are hosting this one again. I have been saving a few books in hopes of reading them for the sci-fi experience this year. Last year, when I was starting my blog, I saw all of these challenges, but this was the first one that grabbed my attention so much I decided I HAD to sign up. Thank you for hosting once again!
yeah, i looked that over when i was typing it and i thought it was a bit unfortunate. its a pity about his surname… you always have to say “i like philip k. dick” or “i’m a philip k. dick fan” which is so cumbersome!
JP: I’ve seen lots of people refer to him as PKD. Sorry for being juvenile but I just couldn’t help myself. 🙂
Count me in! There I was, thinking I didn’t have any science fiction on my shelves……..silly me! I found Horizons by Mary Rosenblum, Dune by Frank Herbert (a re-read), Farthing by Jo Walton, and if I can fit it in, a Connie Willis novel – either The Doomsday Book or Bellwether. Oh, I’m excited now! What a fun way to greet the new year, Carl! Thanks! and I found more, too, so I’m not so low on SF books as I thought I was.
Great Susan, glad you’re in and that you found some great stuff to read!
haha, oh no, one can’t help oneself. 😀
pkd… yeah… i suppose. i guess its just a bit silly that we can’t call him by his surname. i guess there are just those words. like prat or well, you know, there are those words which you don’t really want as surnames but some poor people do. and i guess with them they simply can’t be referred to by their surname alone.
i wonder what he would’ve thought of it all. i wonder what i would’ve thought if i had a surname like that. i’m just thinking out loud here.
I’m in! 😀
Sweet!!!
Hi Carl. Thanks for introducing me to Sci-Fi. I just finished The Wood Wife by Terri Windling and I loved it!
Here’s the link to my review:
http://callthechicgeek.blogspot.com/2009/01/wood-wife-by-terri-windling.html
I think I’m going to have to try some more 🙂
I am belated joining the Science Fiction Experience. On Mondays, I publish reviews of novels. Tuesday through Friday I plan on reflecting back on my experiences. This Tuesday I will begin with my first SF book.
http://sciencefictiontimes.blogspot.com/
I finally read The War of The Worlds by Wells 🙂