Tuesday, 1 May 2012

The Book Club - Rendevous with Rama by Arthur C Clarke

In this episode of the Book Club we talk about Rendevous with Rama by Arthur C Clarke.  Scott starts with an apology because despite suggesting it he mistook it for a different one!  We talk about the innovation and great ideas in the book but despite being a classic it certainly has its flaws.

Our next book club selection is the Clarke Award nominated Hull Zero Three by Greg Bear  We'll be talking about it in 6-8 weeks so get reading and let us know what you think!

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Monday, 20 February 2012

The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams - Recorded Live

This is a special live episode of the book club recorded on Saturday 18th February 2012 as part of the launch of Geek News Radio. We discuss The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams from Jo Fletcher books and receive instant feedback and comments from the listening audience via twitter and the chat room. The episode is completely unedited and it still turned out pretty well. The next book club selection is Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke and we will be discussing it in about six weeks time.
For more live episodes recorded on the day check out the Geek News Radio website or listen to the latest episodes from all of the podcasts on GNR via Stitcher.

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Monday, 5 December 2011

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

In this episode of the book club we talk about Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Scott and Steve discuss the main themes of the book and focus on aspects of the story including the Battle School, Ender's transformation, manipulation, his siblings and also the comic book adaptation by Marvel Comics. The book has been optioned for a movie and now it seems as if it is moving ahead into production which we also touch on briefly and how we think it will compare to the book and comic book. Make sure you pick up a copy of the next book club selection which is The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams from Joe Fletcher Books. We will be talking about this book on Saturday Feb 18th during a live 24 hour podcast and listeners will have the ability to join the discussion during this special episode.

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Tuesday, 4 October 2011

Horns by Joe Hill

In this episode of the book club we discuss Horns by Joe Hill. The book follows the transformation of Ig whilst exploring his past and the murder of Merrin for which he was blamed, but never convicted.

Our next book club selection is Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. We will be discussing the book on Monday 28th November 2011 so be sure to get your comments in. Contact information is available at the end of the show as usual.

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Thursday, 18 August 2011

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

In this episode of the book club we talk about Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K Dick - inspiration for the movie Blade Runner.  Scott and Steve discuss the major themes of the book, including empathy, emotions and humanity.  Despite feeling relatively lukewarm about the book it raises a number of interesting questions.  Be sure to pick up the next book club suggest, 'Horns' by Joe Hill.

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The Dresden Files

In this special episode while Scott is away, Steve is joined by a guest co-host, Stacey Whittle from the podcast Small Press, Big Mouth. Both Stacey and Steve are enormous fans of the Dresden Files novels by Jim Butcher. Just ahead of the release of latest book in the series, Ghost Story, they look back across the series talking about favourite moments, characters, events and how its main character, Harry Dresden, and the series have evolved. This episode has a lot of spoilers about the series to date. We also discuss some other urban fantasy series towards the end and make a few recommendations.

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Monday, 13 June 2011

Zoo City by Lauren Beukes

In this episode of the Book Club we speak to Lauren Beukes about her Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novel, Zoo City, from Angry Robot books. Scott and Steve discuss her writing process, the Clarke Award, Zoo City and its influences and how her career has changed since winning the award.

The next book club selection is the classic Science Fiction novel - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. The novel was also loosely the inspiration for the SF classic movie Blade Runner. We will be discussing the novel some time in August, so that gives you plenty of time to pick up a copy and send in any comments or feedback.

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