Lists – Page 5 – Dr. Shaun Duke, Professional Nerd

10 Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2013

Now that I’ve covered movies and television, I think it’s time I hit the big stuff — books. Here’s the ten books I’m looking forward to this year (feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments): The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Lauren Beukes last year for her novel Zoo City. And guess what? I get to do it again for The Shining Girls! Beukes is one of my favorite authors of the new millenium, and definitely one of my favorites of all time. Her work is entertaining, complex, and downright beautiful. The Shining Girls will certainly be a new milestone for South Africa’s greatest genre writer! Bonus Point: Rumor has it that she got a six figure deal for this book. That’s freaking awesome! The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord Karen Lord has been on my radar since the release of Redemption in Indigo. Maybe it’s because I’m slightly obsessed with Caribbean literature (it’s what I study, after all), or because she looks badass in her red jacket (we met briefly at ICFA). It might also have something to do with the fact that Karen brought a whole bunch of Edna Brodber books from the Caribbean and had them sent to me through Mari Ness. I’m biased like that… But more likely it’s because she’s a damn good writer (who, like Beukes, will be on my little show too). The Best of All Possible Worlds should be a standout this year. Bonus Points: Karen Lord was apparently a part-time soldier once. That makes her slightly more badass than fellow Caribbean writer Tobias S. Buckell, who spends his days in a leather coat and man shades. Ghost Spin by Chris Moriarty Ever since Spin State, I’ve been waiting for Chris Moriarty to release another book for adults. And it’s finally coming! If I’m not mistaken, Ghost Spin is set in the same world as Spin State and Spin Control, though it’s been so long since I last read Spin State that I can’t honestly remember where it ended. That’s a good thing because it gives me an excuse to re-read! Ghost Spin should be one of those insane science fiction novels packed full of sensawunda and sociopolitical critique. I can’t wait. (If I’m lucky, she’ll agree to be on m my podcast!) Bonus Point: It’s post-cyberpunk! That means it’s cyberpunk, but sexier. Sister Mine by Nalo Hopkinson I wrote half of my MA Thesis on Nalo Hopkinson, so it goes without saying that I perpetually look forward to everything she writes. It’s hard to imagine not feeling this way when I learn that Hopkinson has a new book coming. Let’s face it — she’s a fantastic writer and a wonderful person (I’ve met her — and I embarrassed myself something fierce). I expect nothing but genius from her new novel (as always). Bonsu Point: The plot involves a magic system which can be severed in one half of a set of conjoined twins through surgery (or so the book description indicates). Sounds fascinating! On the Razor’s Edge by Michael Flynn Despite some reservations about In the Lion’s Mouth (see the review here), I cannot help but remain intrigued by Flynn’s writing style and science fiction world. This book continues the story from the previous three books (two of which I still have to read) and should include some of the incredible science fiction wonders that intrigued me about In the Lion’s Mouth, including the fascinating character of Donovan buigh, who had his brain cut up into multiple personalities at some point in the past. Plus, the continuation of the war with the Names should hit its all time height here, which means there’ll be a lot of wicked super assassin fights! Bonus Point: The covers for his books are bloody gorgeous. Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell Most people will read this book because of Swamplandia!, which was well liked by many readers and critics. I want to read this book because of the first line of the description: “A dejected teenager discovers that the universe is communicating with him through talismanic objects left behind in a seagull’s nest.” That’s the kind of imaginative geekery I expect in my weird literature, and this one is chock full of short stories with such weird premises. It’s bound to be an exciting ride! If only there was some way to get her on my podcast… Bonus Point: The New Yorker listed her as one of the 20 best writers under 40. That’s got to count for something, right? The Childhood of Jesus by J. M. Coetzee I suspect a few of you are familiar with Coetzee’s work, as well you should be. His writing has spanned numerous subjects, from colonial empires in Waiting for the Barbarians to animal ethics in The Lives of Animals. This new one promises to offer a very different look at a Jesus-like story. Knowing Coetzee, that means it will also include some slightly fantastic elements, just as much of his other work has. This makes him one of those hidden SF/F writers that nobody in genre really thinks about. Well, they should. And that’s why I’m eagerly anticipating The Childhood of Jesus. Bonus Point: Coetzee won the Man Booker twice before winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003. And he deserved every single award. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Every since I saw the following TED talk by Adichie, I’ve been jonesing for a new novel from her. Her new novel has a flare of the romantic epic to it, and it happens to be one of the few African novels I know about that I’ll probably read despite having nothing to do with SF/F. Brilliant writing deserves to be loved. Bonus Point: Her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, won the Orange Prize, perhaps the most important award for literature by women. She was also listed as one of the best 20 writers under 40

10 Movies I’m Looking Forward to in 2013

The other day, I released my “top 10” list for television shows premiering or continuing in 2013. Now it’s time for movies. Why? Because movies are where it’s going to be hot this year. Here goes: The Award Contenders Elysium From the writer and director of District 9 comes this promising new science fiction wonder starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. I have no idea what it’s about, except that it involves some crazy guns and this odd viral promo and an incredibly vague description on IMDB. But it’s Neill Blomkamp, which means I’ll watch it no matter what. Bonus Point: Matt Damon is my kryptonite. Ender’s Game Regardless of what I think of Orson Scott Card as a person, I am thoroughly looking forward to this adaptation of one of the greatest science fiction books of all time. With a strong cast and Gavin Hood as writer/director (the guy behind Tsotsi), I expect this one to not only be good, but great. Bonus Point: Asa Butterfield is set to play Ender. Given his performance in Hugo, I can easily see good acting coming our way. Gravity I still believe that Children of Men is one of the best science fiction movies ever made, and that Alfonso Cuaron is a superb director when not messing with Harry Potter. I’ll see Gravity for that reason alone; the fact that Clooney and Bullock are the stars is icing on the cake. My only hope is that they take the concept seriously enough to consult actual scientists. What would happen to a pair of astronauts stranded in space? No idea. Where’s a scientist when I need one? Bonus Point: Rumor has it that Sandra Bullock’s performance in Gravity is the crown jewel of her career. I’m willing to shell out $10 to see that! The Amusing and Exciting Iron Man 3 The first film was about what you’d expect from a good superhero movie — awesomeness. The second was still pretty good, but always stuck with that “I know I’m a middle movie and will probably not live up to my promises” bin. Now comes what I hope will be the best of all the Iron Man movies. With Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin, what could go wrong? Bonus Point: Robert Downey, Jr. is still here, which means all the things we’ve come to love about the Iron Man will remain. Monsters University I’m not one for prequels — not since Star Wars screwed that all up. But Monsters Inc. is still one of my favorite Pixar movies, which means I’ll go to the prequel without much fuss. With all the original cast returning, it’s hard to say no… Bonus Point: Billy Crystal and John Goodman will bring us more comedy gold. The Soon-to-be-Ignored-for-No-Good-Reason Upside Down Technically, this movie is already in theaters…if you live somewhere like Hong Kong or Canada. Bastards. In any case, I love the premise for this film. It promises to have a flare of the beautiful to it, with solid actors and a compelling, if not unique, spin on the alternate reality concept. Can’t wait! Bonus Point: Kirsten Dunst. Some people can’t stand her, but I love her. Period. Guilty Pleasures The Last Stand Arnold returns! And he’s not taking himself too seriously either. That’s a good thing when you consider that the man has dozens of devoted impersonators and an amazingly mockable career. Throw in Luis Guzman and Johnny Knoxville and you can expect this to be campy, explosive, and a whole lot of fun. That’s why I’m seeing it…because it’s fun! Bonus Point: Jee-woon Kim directs, which means it will probably be pretty good. Riddick I’ve always had a soft spot for the Riddick films. I loved Pitch Black and I still think The Chronicles of Riddick is one of the most underrated science fiction films from the last decade. And now we get one more try for franchise success, with everyone of significance from Chronicles returning to their original roles. I have no idea how they’re going to tie everything together, but Twohy has never disappointed me, so I’ll see this one as soon as it hits the big screen. Bonus Point: Katee Sackhoff is in it. Color me Starbucked… A Good Day to Die Hard John McClane meets Russia. Russia gets its ass kicked. What else do you need to know? I mean, it’s Die Hard. Either you love it or you hate it. I happened to enjoy the hell out of Live Free or Die Hard, so you better believe I’m going to see this bad boy in theaters the first chance I get! Bonus Point: Patrick Stewart is supposedly playing a Russian general. I don’t know if that’s true, but it sounds awesome… Film-I-Should-Know-Better-Than-To-See-But-Will-Anyway-Because-Benedict-Cumberbatch-is-in-it! Star Trek Into Darkness I know. I hated the first J. J. Abrams foray into the Star Trek universe. I still do, even though the first 20 minutes are actually pretty good. But Benedict Cumberbatch is the villain in this one. And I bet he’ll make Eric Bana look like a wimp. Besides, the trailer looks good and they might actually keep the plot coherent in this one…It’s worth a shot, right? Bonus Point: We still don’t know who Benedict Cumberbatch is supposed to play. IMDB still think he’s Khan, but I’m hoping he’s either a brand new villain or a more sinister version of someone we’ve all forgotten… ——————————————— There you go. What would you add to the list?

10 TV Shows I’m Looking Forward to in 2013

There are so many things to watch this year, but I don’t have a billion hours to stream every single TV show being made right now. I’ve got to be picky. Very picky. The following are my top picks for the year. Do with it what you will… Here goes: Sherlock (Season Three)(BBC) Need I explain why I cannot wait for the third season of Sherlock? Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are simply amazing as Sherlock and Watson, so much so that I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. Plus, I am chopping at the bit to find out what happens next! Bonus Point: A clever, modern take on the classic character is always fun. Game of Thrones (Season Three)(HBO) I’ve reviewed enough Game of Thrones to make it clear that I would probably sell a kidney to afford cable for the remainder of the show. The first two seasons were amazingly good, with knockout performances from a wide range of cast members. Fantasy television has never been this good. Ever. Bonus Point: Finding serious, well-written, compelling fantasy TV is impossible…until now. Defiance (Syfy) Original programming on Syfy. By that I mean original programming that isn’t B-movie drivel that makes Christmas TV Movie season look like a joyride… I’m intrigued by the premise, if only because I have some vain hope that it will be much better than Fallen Skies, which may be the most predictable TV show next to Walking Dead… Bonus Point: Syfy is taking the show seriously enough to work with Trion Worlds to create an MMO to run alongside. Pretty cool. The Following (FOX) Color me psychotic, but I love dark crime thrillers. The Following feels something like Millenium, but with a stronger, more connected storyline. The idea is intriguing. Plus, James Purefoy plays the villain, which should work just fine! Bonus Point: Kevin Bacon. I’ve loved the man since Tremors. The Americans (FX) Anyone who knows me also knows that I call them communists every chance I get. Why? Because I find it amusing to resort to political hackery for the sake of comedy. Thus, The Americans has a plot similar enough to my hobby to make it interesting enough to try. Considering that there is so much garbage on TV right now, I could really use a good old fashioned non-genre drama with a little political spunk to it! Bonus Point: Keri Russel = heaven. Doctor Who (Season Seven Part Two)(BBC) Doctor Who has fallen in the ranks for me. I really love the show, and Matt Smith is a decent Doctor, but the stories are getting a little tired for me. If I see one more Dalek, I’m going to throw something, if only because every major series surprise always includes the Daleks. That’s not entertaining anymore. But I’ll keep watching and hoping that things will improve. I’m hoping for some amazing story connections, some brilliant plotting, and some old time Doctor fun! We’ll see… Bonus Point: It’s science fiction and still better than 90% of the stuff on TV that has the audacity to call itself science fiction… Ripper Street (BBC) I’m quite fascinated with BBC productions at the moment (if this list isn’t enough of an indication). Some of the best writing is found there, and I suspect Ripper Street will be no exception. The show follows the aftermath of the Ripper murders, which tells me that it will be less about the Ripper himself than about how a police force regains its respectability after failing to bring the Ripper to justice. Intriguing, methinks. Bonus Point: Jerome Flynn. You know, the guy who plays Bronn in Game of Thrones? I know, right? Hemlock Grove (Netflix) The first Netflix beast on this list. And I really hope it turns out well. Netflix has the perfect platform for original television; if Hemlock Grove and Arrested Development do well, then say hello to a new generation of online-only entertainment. But to Hemlock Grove: it’s a kind of urban fantasy crime thriller staring Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgard. What else do you need to know? Bonus Point: Aaron Douglas of Battlestar Galactica fame plays the Sheriff. Woo! Orphan Black (BBC America) BBC America has big shoes to fill with this one. Its UK mother has already produced some amazing shows, so I’m hoping that Orphan Black is the American branch’s response to great cable SF/F. And it’s about clones, which is always fun for us academic types. Bonus Point: It’s coming soon! Arrested Development (Season Four)(Netflix) I do not need to say a damn thing. It’s Arrested Development, and it’s coming back to us through Netflix. Thank you, Netflix! Thank you so so so much! Bonus Point: It’s Arrested Development…completed. What more do you want? ————————————————– And that does it. Which TV shows are you looking forward to in 2013? The comments are yours!

Dear Christmas: My Favorite SF/F Re-Reads

There’s still time to get to the shops and buy that special gift for your estranged husband or twice-removed cousin. Okay, let’s face it. You’re not buying gifts for them. If you’ve popped onto this page, it’s for one of three reasons: You read this blog. You told me to write on this topic. You’ve got a weird scifi and fantasy geek child or friend and you have no idea what to get them. If you’re in the #3 category, then prepare yourself for this completely uneven list of books I enjoyed enough to read more than once! Here goes: Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson I’m biased, because Hopkinson (and Buckell) was one of the authors I focused on in my Master’s Thesis. It’s also a novel I’ve reviewed for SF Mistressworks and one I’ve taught at the college level. It’s an enormously rich book, too. Caribbean folklore + science fiction + twin worlds = simply stunning. Crystal Rain, Ragamuffin, and Sly Mongoose by Tobias S. Buckell All three are amazing. Like Hopkinson, Buckell mixes in Caribbean references and characters, but drags them out into the wide world of Space Opera throughout the series (Crystal Rain is almost a Civil War-style steampunk novel, while Ragamuffin and Sly Mongoose are exciting Space Operas — the latter includes zombies and floating habitats in the atmosphere of a Venus-like planet). I love reading them over and over (plus, The Apocalypse Ocean, book four, is also damned good). 1984 by George Orwell This is one of the few books I will read over and over and over again. I used to read it once a year, but I haven’t done that for a while. But if you’ve ever read the book, you’ll understand why: it’s one of those books that benefits from re-reading because you’ll discover new stuff all the time. And I mean that. There are so many little details in this book. Orwell was a genius! Zoo City by Lauren Beukes Folks will notice a trend on this post. That trend goes something like this: how many books written by people from other countries (originally or currently) can I stick on a single list? Well, get over it. Most of what I read these days are books by folks from elsewhere, in part because that’s what I study. Go figure. Lauren Beukes is our resident South African writer. And she’s a good one! Zoo City remains one of my favorite books of all time. It mixes animal familiars with amateur sleuthing and social commentary, which is A+ in my book. The Palm-wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola It’s weird to Westerners and controversial to many African scholars. No matter which side of the world you come from, though, I think this is one of those unique, fascinating pieces of literature. Every time I read it, I’m amazed by the oddness, the rapid pace, the almost spoken-word style of storytelling, and the folklore. I recommend it to anyone who loves weird stuff. City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer This remains, for me, one of the top three greatest New Weird books ever written (assuming, of course, that New Weird actually exists — I’m not convinced anymore, but it’s a catchy word that I find useful). There’s no way to describe this book without ruining some of its most compelling parts, so I’ll just say this: it has an appendices full of letters, documents, and other wonderful bits, all of which enhance the story. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman I suspect most of you are familiar with this one. Good. You should be. It’s one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written (top ten for me). If you haven’t read it, then all you need to know is this: a thorough examination of social change and war in a far future, military space opera setting. It’s amazing. That is all… Perdido Street Station by China Mieville Another great New Weird novel. Mieville is, I think, one of the most innovative writers in SF/F right now (alongside Jeff VanderMeer). Perdido Street Station is no exception. The way he constructs creatures, cultures, cityscapes, and so on is admirable. I suggest everyone start with PSS, but even works like Embassytown or The City & the City contain some interesting concepts and ideas. He’s one of the new greats (hopefully he’ll keep producing new and innovative work for years to come). Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Vonnegut is another of those strange writers. I’m still unsure if Slaughterhouse-Five is actually science fiction or some kind of PTSD novel. It’s probably both at the same time. Either way, it’s an amazing book. There are compelling uses of “time travel,” social commentary, weird digs at science fiction, and much more. If you’ve never read it, you should. Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower nearly made me cry. That’s not small feat, if I’m honest. Usually, I only cry while reading books in which I already have emotional investments. Butler’s work, however, is incredible. Sower follows a young woman with a rare form of synaethesia that allows her to feel what others feel. That might be cool in times of plenty, but this novel is set in a post-apocalyptic United States where pretty much everything has gone to complete crap and humanity is clinging desperately to its little pieces of civilization. It’s a brilliant read. The House of the Stag by Kage Baker I love this book more than I love breathing. Well, sort of. I really love breathing too… The House of the Stag combines fairytales, epic fantasy, and awesome in one little package. When I first read it years ago, I fell in love with it. The way Baker plays with fairtale narratives to create something fresh and new (along with her unique way of using theater-related stuff in the narrative) is, well, fresh and new. What more do you want me to say? One For Sorrow by Christopher Barzak Barzak is a

Dr. Shaun Duke, Professional Nerd

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Tag: Lists

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10 Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2013

10 Movies I’m Looking Forward to in 2013

10 TV Shows I’m Looking Forward to in 2013

Dear Christmas: My Favorite SF/F Re-Reads