Here we go:
- Futurismic has a really elaborate image that maps out the various scientific disciplines based on published papers, etc. It’s astonishing and hard to describe. Also at Futurismic is news that humans are naturally optimistic. Apparently a lot of people think things will get better. Dystopias are out! (Well, not really, but it’s fun to say, I suppose.)
- Wired lists 10 strange species discovered in 2008. And by strange, I really do mean strange. Ideas are already swimming in my head from this list.
- io9 lists 10 eco-catastrophes from early science fiction. Lots of stuff I’ve never read, and all interesting.
- I’m not sure I linked to this edition of Grasping For the Wind’s Inside the Blogosphere about relatively unknown SF/F authors. Good stuff there.
- NextRead asks: How do you choose what NOT to read next?
- SF Signal wonders what the dream price for eBooks is. Me too, actually. Personally, I think under $5 for new “mass market” editions (or at least 40% off cover price). That would make them appealing, I think.
- Theological Scribes asks why there are hardly any Christian science fiction tales. I think the better question is why there are hardly any Biblic retellings in science fiction format, because there are a heck of a lot of books that look at the future without necessarily violating a “Christian” worldview.
- Christopher Morris makes some interesting observations of NYT Bestseller’s lists from today and way back when. Funny how so much of what sells is genre fiction…
- Metaphysical Fantasy lists some subgenres of the fantasy genre with decent descriptions. A good list to acknowledge.
- Publetariat offers a pros/cons discussion of royalty-based indie publishing. Good stuff!
- John C. Wright wonders which science fiction and fantasy books we would read to our children. He goes into a great discussion of the various books he’s considered and tried, and even talks about Harry Potter in some detail. Great post.
- Jesse’s Blog makes some interesting observations about how we perceive the Other. Definitely worth reading if you’re interested in such discussions.
- The Launch Pad asks whether kids are reading enough science fiction these days. Good observations here and certainly a question that needs to be asked.
- Incredible Things has a list of twenty incredible bookcases. Simply stunning.
And that’s it! Enjoy!