April is for Arthur

gully_foyle

gully_foyle

Here kitty kitty kitty!
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
1,257
Location
Brisbane, Queensland
Fellow Chronites,

A little reminder that in April we might read a book in honour of Arthur, and raise a glass, and probably raise a glass while reading one of his books. I've found a copy of Fountains of Paradise, which I've never read.
 
Im in !

I have read only Childhood's end that i will order one of his other better books to honour him.
 
I'm rereading Other Side of the Sky (a collection of short stories including The Star, one of the best SF stories written)
 
I was going to start a Clarke right after he died, until I saw you suggestion for a group read in April. I held off, but I’m going to read Childhood’s End as soon as I finish my current read.


 
Me too, going to read Rendezvous with Rama as soon as I'm done with my current read.

Cheers, DeepThought
 
I am sure Arthur will be meeting the Big G. Hope he finds out which of the 'nine billion names' to use
 
Oops! I meant The Songs of Distant Earth. I’ve already read Childhood’s End. So far, The Songs of Distant Earth is a pretty good read.
 
I dont have a clue what of his other books to get.

Is there a hard SF one that shows why he is seen as the legend he was ?

Im asking since i dont have any of his books right now and have to get something of him.
 
2001, A Space Odyssey might be a good place to start. Or Childhood's End, although as has been said it's a bit spotty in that some parts are brilliant and some, well, aren't.
 
Rendezvous with Rama is one of his better-known works, with lots of fans. It captured both the Hugo and Nebula awards. I also enjoyed The Fountains of Paradise.


 
I'd second Razorback's recommendations. Both Rendezvous and Fountains are outstanding books. Mind you, lesser known works such as A Fall of Moondust and The Sands of Mars are also well worth reading.

I've just ordered a copy of the new, signed hardback reissue of Tales from the White Hart from PS Publishing... Can't wait to read those wonderful stories again (and I believe this edition includes a new tale, co-written with Stephen Baxter).

Seems a great way to remember a great writer.
 
The Songs of Distant Earth or The Fountains of Paradise it is for me.

Nothing wrong with Rama but those two sounded most interesting to me.

I want to start lighter than with his most famous work.
 
Sands of Mars is a bit too naive, so it's a bit hard to get into. I found Childhood's End very spotty. Rama is very good. City and the Stars is one of his best. 2001 is one of the great SF novels, regardless of the film. But I think some of his collections really show his talent. The Sentinel is my personal fave. I've started Fountains of Paradise so I'll let you know what I think. (As if I wouldn't.;))
 
I'm now reading Childhood's End.
I haven't read it before (criminal I know as it has been on my bookshelf for ever :eek:) and so far, it is a fantastic story, with ACC's blend of hard SF and mysticism/religion
 
Fountains of Paradise was pretty good, although I would still vote for 2001, Rama and City and the Stars over it. The first half was a little patchy, the second half was impossible to put down.
 
I read 'A Fall of Moondust' shortly after his death was announced - good fun, and well plotted in my view, even if a little dated. And I've just finished a collection of 15 of his short stories (dating from 1950 through to 1962), called 'Tales of Ten Worlds', which was full of interesting ideas. Next is probably 'Rendezvous with Rama', as I've got it at home...
 
Thank you Arthur. I cracked open a bottle of Retsina, lit up a fat one and went out into the garden where i sat in a deckchair, listened to some Tallis on me MP3, toasted you and the moon and lamented your passing.
I shall re-read 'The City and the Stars' ... actually, i'll probably re-read 'em all.
 
I've read almost nothing by Clarke. Any suggestions on where to start in terms of novels?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
Ursa major POLL -- 300 Word Writing Challenge -- No 53 (APRIL 2024) -- -- CHRISTINE WHEELWRIGHT WINS! Writing Challenges 0
Ursa major POLL -- APRIL 2024 75-word Writing Challenge -- VICTORIA SILVERWOLF WINS! Writing Challenges 0
The Judge April Reading Thread Book Discussion 246
Ursa major 300 Word Writing Challenge -- #53 (April 2024) -- VICTORY TO CHRISTINE WHEELWRIGHT! Writing Challenges 28
Ursa major Discussion Thread - 300-word Writing Challenge #53 (April 2024) Writing Challenges 116

Similar threads


Back
Top