Satire and Si-Fi

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy address's the present's issue of space travel as well as the impending doom of being destroyed by Aliens. Put in a more comical way, Arthur and Ford escape the evaporation by hitchhiking on the offending ship. I really enjoyed listening to the radio show, the characters are great and comical and the robot Marvin is by far my favorite character in the series. In the Earth's present world, pre-evaporation, Aliens were already on the 

planet under the guise of a Human form. Arthur at least seems unaware of that other creatures had infiltrated into the human population.

Ford being a 'being' that has set his goals on updating the Guide saves Arthur from getting evaporated and then has to deal with Arthur's questions throughout. The issue of the Earth getting destroyed is a common one that people worry about, though the likeliness of us experiencing in our current lifetime is minute. Though maybe we have Aliens among us, who knows.

Another thing that has been in constant thought of, if there are other beings out there, what is their thought of us? Most people think that they probably perceive us as undeveloped, unknowing and naive, borderline stupid on some occasions. When Arthur questions about the Earths entry in the guide, Ford has put the entry as 'Harmless.' Arthur of course is offended and then the entry is amended to 'Mostly Harmless.' It's funny to thing about it, but inherently we are probably mostly harmless to other lifeforms as they are probably more advanced than we are. Though that's just speculation.

Literary Speculation

Oryx and Crake is another of those novels alongside Bloodchild and Fragments of A Hologram Rose, in which they are descriptive in such a way that you need to fill in the rest of the blanks. Its an interesting way to write, where you describe something but its so foreign that the reader has no relevant input and must then use their imagination with things they associate it with to get the full picture, at least that's what if feels like to me. Oryx and Crake is already a interesting read even though I am once again a tad lost in the beginning, a foreign society with two adults and tons of children with selective world views. Its so far and enjoyable story and definitely plan on finishing it at some point.


Now, for the Aquatic Uncle, such a weird short story but also intriguing. The story it self was fun to read but again I was lost throughout when faced with foreign descriptions of certain things. Vague descriptions of animals, such as no color and some shapes that may represent vaguely things we understand in our own world, we relate these things with things we know and again input that to get a cohesive idea. The Aquatic Uncle was a ride for sure though, the quick transition of things was fun and the ending was a sure twist, though was hinted at after the fiance meets the uncle. Over all a descriptively deprived yet fun and twisting journey was this read.

Diverse Position Science Fiction

Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler is an experience to read and about half way through, I sat back, my mind loaded with questions. For starters its very interesting and uniquely written, also I can see it being a majoritarian culture being related to the fact there are the T'lic, large insect like creatures with six limbs, that lay their eggs inside mostly willing N'tilc, who are essentially picked partners for the T'lic. Its apparently been this way for years and is just how things are and no one dares change it. 

One thing about this book is the descriptive wording used to identify these insect like creatures. You are given just enough detail to have some sort of image but then its left up to your own mind to fill in the blanks. I like this way of writing though my mind comes up with confusing solutions that are also a little terrifying. For my, the insect creatures with the description provided I envisioned the Insects to be Lengthy snake like creatures with six long skittery limbs, pale skin and a face like a human woman with long hair. I don't know why this what my mind wanted to put in the blanks but with that vision it makes this interesting story a little horrifying. This short story is very intriguing and I again would want a longer version, I want to know the after and would definitely continue reading.

Tom Harrison Illustration

Cyberpunk and Steampunk

The way this is written is intriguing, having this obvious cyber world with newly created concepts that I can't quite grasp because they are unknown to me. The adaption of cyber into the human body, making it feel robotic and very technical is really cool and creative. This short story has a very good depiction on a cyberpunk ish world with its weird attributes and character interaction and great world building in a small paragraph. The whole reading felt like a dream, and may have been one for dear Parker. The reality of having these recorded tapes that playback recorded moments is interesting and leaves me curious on how it functions, there is mention of a machine that plays the tapes but it seems like the tapes play as dreams while you sleep, so you must be hooked up to this machine somehow. Its a very good little story and I wish it was longer.

I read the short story Fragments of a Hologram Rose, this short story is a little peculiar in its writing style. Its interesting and sounds very rational which makes sense as a cyberpunk short, it fits well with the notion of the story. The descriptions of how the character narrates makes it so that I have to continually check back and read it again just to relate it back to the books world.

The Fiction of Ideas

Reading Aye and Gomorrah was an experience. Its really the first time I've encountered writing such as this and this topic is unknown as well. It took me a moment to really catch on to what was going on. The terms used relating to terms we have as a society but in its own way was really interesting. The idea of have sort of these non-gendered people who, from what it seemed, didn't have to much of a choice in the matter. Also, as said, they were required to be stripped of their fruits for the purposes of going to space, as the matter of space affected them in such a way. Which they probably could have found a better solution to that problem instead of just getting frilly with a knife.

The way the spacers are treated is interesting, a little like prostitutes in a way as they are offering something of themselves for something they require and the reluctance from the main interaction is kind of refreshing. I enjoyed this short story and wish it had gone further!

Witches

Akata witch is a very interesting novel, the idea of Nigerian Witch who is Albino is pretty unique. I really feel for Sunny for the way the kids treat her. This novel is unique in it's setting and the writing style is refreshing and the subtle comedic moments are a joy. Ive only read a little but I'm already attached to Sunny and Orlu. The magic world is interesting as well, it does have some similarities to Harry Potter, such as 'muggles' though they of course aren't name that in Akata Witch, they still refer to the non magic humans.

I've found out that the title of Akata Witch was later changed to What Sunny Saw In the Flames, which I though was interesting. The word Akata was described as derogatory towards foreign born members of their society, since Sunny was born in America and then her family moved back to their home country.

Mythic Fiction and Contemporary Urban Fantasy

I read a bit of Anansi Boy's by Neil Gaiman, so far its pretty interesting and I'm definitely going to continue reading it. The premise of the book is really interesting and is relatable with the fact of an unknown brother inheriting his fathers powers, while poor Fat Charlie resents his embarrassing father. The idea of a spider god is a little terrifying but also really cool, I'm terrified of spiders so again, TERRIFYING. The mythical element of god creatures and other beasts and persons, such as the bird woman when Spider gets attacked by Flamingo's.  The idea of other mythology is very interesting as well, this world has a lot of years on it and with it has come so many myths born from legends born from truth. A myth focusing on the Spider God, Anansi, an African god of myth, is really interesting. A lot of people with just general knowledge of myth can only name greek gods and I think using other gods in well written novels can peak others interests in learning outside of the area and delving into exploring other cultures.

                                        

The Novel of Spiritual Education

 I am one of a ton of people who haven't read the Harry Potter Series, I have seen all of the movies of course, I love Harry Potter, definitely one of my favorite series. It has such depth, the world and lore so deep you've got to start swimming. There's the training of wizards to be decent wizards and the dark motive coming out with the side of Slytherin, being the house they are it makes sense, no hate towards my loved house though.

I read of bit the Night Circus, the air of the just the first chapter of the book was creepy and highly reminded me of the Vampire's Apprentice, mostly just the circus theme but still. This book is definitely on my list to read completely. The premise of a magical circus is really cool and is essentially unique during its time, I've hardly seen any other popular magical circus's. Of course along with a dark aspect of the circus, that trope is evidently president in most stories.

Space Opera and New Fronteir

For this section I decided to read The Martian by Andy Weir. I really loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The main character has the best personality for a such a terrifying situation, granted he's a scientist and trained astronaut, but as a human reaction most would be terrified to point of being unable to function. Mark just up and got to business on his survival and used every ounce of smarts he had. His witty comments and banter throughout the book kept it feeling alive and humorous in a dire situation. While reading I constantly had the thought of how I would react if I was in his place, with all my current knowledge, not being a scientist. Its a scary thought, I love space and would love to be an astronaut, but I don't know if I could handle the thought of being trapped in space or on a barren planet with no communications. Mark has a Iron will and impeccable motivation do everything in his power to get home.


I had seen the movie prior to reading the book, and I actually didn't realize there was a book preceding the movie. The film was a joy to watch and I feel that Matt Damon was the perfect choice for Mark Watney. Of course they left out a lot of the in-between stuff, but made up for it by adding the ending of the movie that did not exist in the book. All for all, for new frontiers I'm always attracted to anything space related and my interest is usually piqued. I also recommend fully reading The Martian, its a joy and I always got a kick out of the terrible jokes from Mark.

The Heroic Journey

The Hero's Journey is a well-known concept to novelists and really anyone creating a story. For this weeks read I decided to peek in Warbreaker, written by Brandon Sanderson. This book in the simplest terms is pretty amazing, it got a great concept and great characters and the writing is wonderful. I found myself unable to put this book down and was very happy at this find.

I haven't made it all the way through the novel as I'm writing this but from what I can decern, Siri would be the main player here. She follows pretty closely, so far, to the typical pattern. The poor girl stands out like a sore thumb in her small town and is suddenly sent aw.ay to the colorful kingdom of Halledean, at first she's scared and wishes to return home and refuse this forced call, but as she arrives and witness the city she decides to take up her duty and crosses the final threshold to her fate. Siri is a pretty headstrong character her can't keep her emotions in check most of the time and I love her for it. Another character that I've grown to love is the Returned Lightsong, he's witty and funny and just an enjoyable character throughout what I've read.

Warbreaker is pretty different from other novels I've and that makes it very appealing to read something totally new and enchanting.

New Weird

Horror and weird definitely go hand in hand. I read of a bit of Borne and its a very interesting novel that from the very beginning has a weird feel. The author's way of writing emphasizes the weird and sort of makes the novel feel a bit off. Weird can be defined as anything vastly different from our current understanding, foreign is different. In the world of the Novel, this is nearly all they've known and have grown used to this weird world full of basically biotech.

Many movies and novels coming out in the horror genre could be placed under the new weird category. Themes are going that directions as the foreign are a horror tactic. A few classified 'weird' movies would one from a few years again called "The Boy." A very misdirected movie that I quite enjoyed, it was captivating and a very weird air and story.

J Horror

Japenese horror has a very specific feel to it and almost always has a sort of cryptic moral meaning underlying its entirety. Whether it be a novel or a film the characteristics are similar. A moral lesson is taught throughout the story's main points. A Wild Sheep Chase is a pretty interesting read, with unnamed characters and A jaded protagonist it reaches many levels of creepy and weird. The way horror is portrayed in the west very different. I feel as though there aren't as many moral settings for the viewer to take from. The settings of the stories are vastly different, there is an obvious cultural difference.

There is a manga by Junji Ito named Gyo that is awesome and super weird and just a little terrifying. I can't even thing of how to describe this piece of work, more of less there are weird sets of technology created by a near mad scientist that has flailing tubes and envelopes dead bodies, animals and humans. Its gruesome and gross but as a horror fan it is an interesting read. I had first saw the book in Barnes and Noble's and I HAD to get it and its one of my favorite manga and I try to get other people to borrow my book and read it! The style for one is freaky and interesting and similar to how I draw sometimes, so kindred artists ha! 

Interview With The Vampire Response

The relationships in Interview with a Vampire are very interesting and very different compared to those in other vampire books. For one there is an obvious relation between the two main male characters, which I feel like it isn't seen as often in novels from then. Also the awkwardness of the young female vampire's character interactions with much older than her. It is very weird to experience these knowing she has a young girls body but the mind of an adult. It's a tad harrowing.

I had of course seen the movie before reading some of the book, I saw the movie when I was pretty young and I can slightly recall that my mom had a copy of the book and I had considered reading it but just never did. The movie quickly became one of my favorites as someone who loves the supernatural, my love OF COURSE started with vampires, I feel like most people are acquainted with vampires first, at least for me. Now my interest is focused on werewolves but that's another time. The style of the movie was enjoyable and actually quite believable, to me at least.

Frankenstein Response

During my reading of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, thoughts of how Victor as a person, of how very terrible he is and doesn't prove able to handle his own creations was prevalent. For someone who defied society he reacted the very same. A few themes stood out to me from the reading, the feel of darkness, Isolation, and madness.

For starters with madness, I honestly feel like the madness is defiantly within Victor, the notion of being able to create life and able to experience it even though he frightens away from his own creation. He then has the notion to destroy this creation who has gained human senses of the world, feelings and experiences of nature and society. There is also a sense of madness with the monster in the sense of him being furious towards his creator who wouldn’t even take responsibility. As well as him killing those close to Victor in an outrage against him.

 Another being Isolation and darkness which I feel go a little hand in hand. The monster is subjected to Isolation as he flees Victor and any members of society and he is left alone with himself. This is a sense of physical and emotional isolation that plagues the 'Monster.' Here is where he begins learning of societal nature as he wanders and awaits victor.

Horror Film and Literature Tropes

Horror Film and Literature Tropes:

-Bad weather

-Secret passages

-Creepy/Haunted Castle

-Dark lighting

-High contrast

-Damsel

-Monster(s)

-Crazy/Mad scientist

-Dead body

-Over exaggerated eyes

-Sudden music/Dramatic Music

-Organ Theft

-Re-animation