Serpent Catch trilogy by David Farland ($3.99 each)
John JosephAdams, Hugh Howey, editors
APB-SAL is a blog about education, science, science education, fiction, science fiction, literature, literary stories, poetry, and anything else that strikes the blogger's fancy. NOTE: This blog interrogates art. It rarely make moral proclamations. For that attend the church or politician of your choice. This blog concerns aesthetics, not propaganda. Consider this as interviews with books where the interviewer presents interviewees, so you get what you need to do your own thinking.
Showing posts with label James Patrick Kelly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Patrick Kelly. Show all posts
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
$0.99 ebooks + 1
Legacies
(Repairman Jack)
by F. Paul Wilson
Galaxy's Edge Magazine:
Issue 1, March 2013:
Stories by Robert J. Sawyer, Jack McDevitt, Kij Johnson, JamesPatrick Kelly, Stephen Leigh, Lou J. Berger, Nick DiChario, Alex Shvartsman,Robert T. Jeschonek
Writing Scary Scenes
(Writer's Craft)
by Rayne Hall
Waiting for Snow in Havana:
Confessions of a Cuban Boy
by Carlos Eire
$2.99
(Repairman Jack)
by F. Paul Wilson
Galaxy's Edge Magazine:
Issue 1, March 2013:
Stories by Robert J. Sawyer, Jack McDevitt, Kij Johnson, JamesPatrick Kelly, Stephen Leigh, Lou J. Berger, Nick DiChario, Alex Shvartsman,Robert T. Jeschonek
Writing Scary Scenes
(Writer's Craft)
by Rayne Hall
Waiting for Snow in Havana:
Confessions of a Cuban Boy
by Carlos Eire
$2.99
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Slow Down + Blog Assessment + Writer Interviews + Posts You May Have Missed
Slow DownToo many posts consume time. I must slow down. I have stories to write and submit, so enjoy what's here.
Blog AssessmentThe last assessment was in December of 2012. I've been at this since Dec 2009--a little over four years (although I also blogged at s1ngularity:criticism and Mundane SF blogs before this). With nearly a thousand posts, that's about two posts for every three days. When I get bogged down at school, I post less frequently.
For two and half years, page visits have grown ten percent or so per month, which amounts to a twenty-fold increase. The per post view-rate has grown since last year from 35 to 55 or so, not quite a sixty percent increase. This is more dramatic when you consider the early posts with few hits are factored in (the hits were probably my mama who accidentally hit the refresh button a few times.
A year ago, one post--"Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid--outstripped all other posts and accounted for ten percent of the traffic (it's now five). I guess it's a good one. Fifty to a hundred folks stop by each month to take a look. Trent Zelazny's interview posts may have been the only posts that overtook her monthly lead.
Interesting to see which classic stories people are still fascinated by. Theodore Sturgeon's "Microcosmic Gods" and "Thunder and Roses" have drawn hundreds of readers in less than a year, but the other Sturgeon stories only about two dozen each. I'll be interested to see which stories of the big three--Arthur C. Clarle's, Isaac Asimov's and Robert Heinlein's--people are still fascinated by. William Gibson and Ursula K. LeGuin drew less attention than I would have supposed although I need to do more or theirs..
In retrospect, part of the blog's growth was not only the quantity of posts but also the quality of their presentation. I changed presentation when I reviewed and interviewed. Take note if you blog.
Popular posts can be viewed on the right.
Writer InterviewsOn file are the following:
- Loralee Leavitt
- Christopher Barzak
- Trent Zelazny
- Kenneth W. Cain
- I have upcoming interviews with G.O. Clark and Dustin Lavalley.
Posts You May Have Missed
These are posts I thought there might be more interest than they've received:
- A Scene-by-Scene Analysis of the Movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey*
- Analysis of Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott*
- A number of James Patrick Kelly posts--one of the best writers of speculative fiction in the 90s and 00s. I didn't put much time into pretty-fying them, focusing on content. Maybe I'll revise them one day.
* These two might make a nice contrast, treating religion from opposite ends of the spectrum.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Writers on Writing (interviews, etc.)
Jeannette Cheney [J. Kathleen Cheney] talks about killing…your darlings
Cat Rambo interview
What My Mentor Taught Me By James Patrick Kelly
Why I Write...Karen Traviss: Science Fiction
Elif Shafak: The politics of fiction
Cat Rambo interview
What My Mentor Taught Me By James Patrick Kelly
Why I Write...Karen Traviss: Science Fiction
Interesting comment on how people are only associating with the like-minded and becoming more extreme, as psychological studies have pointed long before.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Movement Moves (Genres and subgenres)
Charles Stross on worldbuilding for posthumans
Jane Lindskold on books that change your perspective (the article's strength, the explanation of "why", sadly disappears)
500 "new" old fairy tales
Rattle on Speculative Poetry
Omni arises with new fiction by Rudy Rucker
Jeffrey Ford on Tradition
Michael Swanwick on the fantasy traditional and how his novels navigate this
Charlie Hugh Smith predicts The Next American Revolution
James Patrick Kelly on Cyberpunk
Octavia E. Butler on Predicting The Future
Humorous bookcover cliches (although it doesn't hamper my appreciation of a few designs)
Jane Lindskold on books that change your perspective (the article's strength, the explanation of "why", sadly disappears)
500 "new" old fairy tales
Rattle on Speculative Poetry
Omni arises with new fiction by Rudy Rucker
Jeffrey Ford on Tradition
Michael Swanwick on the fantasy traditional and how his novels navigate this
Charlie Hugh Smith predicts The Next American Revolution
James Patrick Kelly on Cyberpunk
Octavia E. Butler on Predicting The Future
Humorous bookcover cliches (although it doesn't hamper my appreciation of a few designs)
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Breakaway, Backdown by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Asimov’s June 1996
The story opens “You know, in space nobody wears shoes.
“Well, new temps wear slippers. They make the soles out of that adhesive polymer, griprite or griptite. Sounds like paper ripping when you lift your feet.” How does this description match the narrator? Come up with at least three.
Kelly, the author, does not directly say where the story takes place. Are there enough clues that suggests where? How does that affect the story and narrator?
Cleo, the narrator, equivocates. Why might she do so here: “I had ... have this friend, Elena.”
What about her name, Cleo? How does it fill in some aspects of her character, considering how she reacts at the end?
How does the narrator describe space? Is it all positive, all negative, or a mix?
Why is the narrator using “personas” or imprinting? Look up imprinting.
When talking of her mentor’s theories, Cleo speaks negatively of high heels, yet wears them. What does that tell of such a character?
What does Cleo say the night and space have in common?
Cleo goes on for a page describing the difficulty of exercising in space, but ends saying how she can’t talk about it. Why?
How does Cleo feel about Elena? Use various passages in the text.
After finishing the story, look up any mention of appearances. How does appearance figure into how people choose whether to break away or back down?
After answering these questions, tackle what the narrator means about the heart shrinking in space.
The story opens “You know, in space nobody wears shoes.
“Well, new temps wear slippers. They make the soles out of that adhesive polymer, griprite or griptite. Sounds like paper ripping when you lift your feet.” How does this description match the narrator? Come up with at least three.
Kelly, the author, does not directly say where the story takes place. Are there enough clues that suggests where? How does that affect the story and narrator?
Cleo, the narrator, equivocates. Why might she do so here: “I had ... have this friend, Elena.”
What about her name, Cleo? How does it fill in some aspects of her character, considering how she reacts at the end?
How does the narrator describe space? Is it all positive, all negative, or a mix?
Why is the narrator using “personas” or imprinting? Look up imprinting.
When talking of her mentor’s theories, Cleo speaks negatively of high heels, yet wears them. What does that tell of such a character?
What does Cleo say the night and space have in common?
Cleo goes on for a page describing the difficulty of exercising in space, but ends saying how she can’t talk about it. Why?
How does Cleo feel about Elena? Use various passages in the text.
After finishing the story, look up any mention of appearances. How does appearance figure into how people choose whether to break away or back down?
After answering these questions, tackle what the narrator means about the heart shrinking in space.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Big Guy by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Asimov’s June 1994
Murph lives both online and in his apartment, and that’s about it. He watches through the internet as a security guard. Some sexual situations suggested.
Why did Murph delete his nipples?
What might it feel like, after wanting to meet a girl in person, to encounter two live people together (Dr. Bertrand and his hired girl)?
What does it mean to “live fast?” Use text to support your answers. Does Murph live fast? Is it what he wants?
What is it about being cut off from his workmate that’s so disturbing to Murph? What does that suggest?
Why does Dr. Ghatak’s confession disturb Murph when that’s exactly what he wants to do?
Is what Murph’s walking into--his new, in-person relationship with Cat--a good thing? Support your answer with the text. (In-person vs. virtual, limited vs. fluid identity, life vs. death, paid vs. voluntary companion )
Murph lives both online and in his apartment, and that’s about it. He watches through the internet as a security guard. Some sexual situations suggested.
Why did Murph delete his nipples?
What might it feel like, after wanting to meet a girl in person, to encounter two live people together (Dr. Bertrand and his hired girl)?
What does it mean to “live fast?” Use text to support your answers. Does Murph live fast? Is it what he wants?
What is it about being cut off from his workmate that’s so disturbing to Murph? What does that suggest?
Why does Dr. Ghatak’s confession disturb Murph when that’s exactly what he wants to do?
Is what Murph’s walking into--his new, in-person relationship with Cat--a good thing? Support your answer with the text. (In-person vs. virtual, limited vs. fluid identity, life vs. death, paid vs. voluntary companion )
Monday, August 6, 2012
Best Christmas Ever by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Sci Fiction 2004
Albert Paul Hopkins, the last man in the world, experiences what Aunty Em, his biological robot wants to be the best Christmas ever. All he wants for Christmas is a Glock 17.
Questions: If Aunty Em is Albert’s robot, who probably name it? What famous book and movie is it from? What did the protagonist in that book want with Aunty Em (or what was she a symbol of)? If Aunty Em is that symbol for Albert, does he have that with her? Explain.
How is his smell described? Look it up in the dictionary. What else does it describe?
How does Aunty Em behave toward Albert? What kinds of movies does she want him to watch? How does he respond?
What are biops? How does the text let you know?
Other names are important. Some of the biops are pals. How well does Albert know them? How well does Albert’s attitude toward any creature match what it’s supposed to be?
When Aunty Em cooks, what does she use? How does that mirror her ability to reach Albert?
Why does Albert want to know the date (what were they talking about earlier)? What would it tell him if he knew it? Why doesn’t Aunty Em simply tell Albert the date?
How does this passage fit into the story: “hemlock sprouted from the ruins of the town”?
Most of the biops behave in as helpful, servant-like manner possible. What about Kathy? How is her behavior similar yet different?
When Aunty Em thinks Albert’s catching the Christmas spirit, is he? What tells you that?
How does Ellen behave? How might her behavior affect Albert? Why do his eyes go misty? Can it be for more than one person?
Albert is sometimes described as “the man”? Why? How might that affect relationships even if it’s never spoken?
Why is Aunty Em’s reaction to Spicy Adventure Stories hollow?
When Albert receives the Glock, what is his reaction? Why, then, does he want it? Check his dialogue.
How does Aunty Em see this Christmas? Do you agree? Explain.
Have you met anyone like Aunty Em, Kathy and Albert? Do they have real life counterparts? How do you feel toward them? Which makes Albert more human or humane?
Albert Paul Hopkins, the last man in the world, experiences what Aunty Em, his biological robot wants to be the best Christmas ever. All he wants for Christmas is a Glock 17.
Questions: If Aunty Em is Albert’s robot, who probably name it? What famous book and movie is it from? What did the protagonist in that book want with Aunty Em (or what was she a symbol of)? If Aunty Em is that symbol for Albert, does he have that with her? Explain.
How is his smell described? Look it up in the dictionary. What else does it describe?
How does Aunty Em behave toward Albert? What kinds of movies does she want him to watch? How does he respond?
What are biops? How does the text let you know?
Other names are important. Some of the biops are pals. How well does Albert know them? How well does Albert’s attitude toward any creature match what it’s supposed to be?
When Aunty Em cooks, what does she use? How does that mirror her ability to reach Albert?
Why does Albert want to know the date (what were they talking about earlier)? What would it tell him if he knew it? Why doesn’t Aunty Em simply tell Albert the date?
How does this passage fit into the story: “hemlock sprouted from the ruins of the town”?
Most of the biops behave in as helpful, servant-like manner possible. What about Kathy? How is her behavior similar yet different?
When Aunty Em thinks Albert’s catching the Christmas spirit, is he? What tells you that?
How does Ellen behave? How might her behavior affect Albert? Why do his eyes go misty? Can it be for more than one person?
Albert is sometimes described as “the man”? Why? How might that affect relationships even if it’s never spoken?
Why is Aunty Em’s reaction to Spicy Adventure Stories hollow?
When Albert receives the Glock, what is his reaction? Why, then, does he want it? Check his dialogue.
How does Aunty Em see this Christmas? Do you agree? Explain.
Have you met anyone like Aunty Em, Kathy and Albert? Do they have real life counterparts? How do you feel toward them? Which makes Albert more human or humane?
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Cruelest Month by James Patrick Kelly -- Analysis
Summary: Nell, a corporate lawyer, left her daughter in a play area while Nell ran off to take of an emergency, but the daughter fell off a cliff. Nell asks if the father were to blame, and she ends up in a divorce. Now she has had spooky visitations from her dead daughter. Her tricycle appears in her mother’s bedroom, the daughter’s dolls on the living room couch, and her telephone rings with a message of absolution.
Analysis: What’s interesting are the main character and her reliability--not in any overt way but in small, subtle self-deceptive ways. First is that she is good at her job, high on the corporate ladder, knowledgeable of how flowers will be read in the company, and the president’s desire for keeping her around and concern for her health. Second her recounting of events seem largely sane and the reactions of the other characters seem indicate they agree (unless she conveniently leaves that out); however, the company president might indicate this might be in question, but in such a case, he might not have handled as he had.
The foremost self-deception, however, is her knowledge that she was the last to take care of her daughter, yet she asks her husband later if he were the last to have seen her. Next, she claims not like certain men--former husband and psychiatrist--but she also wishes they were still around after she rejects them. Massinger she rejected immediately for a relationship before he even initiated personal overtures. What and how we see Massinger, through her eyes, leads us to agree with her rejecting Massinger although it might give her exaggerated amount of pleasure to reject him. Nonetheless, she immediately calls him up when she needs a psychiatrist when trouble arises soon after. Later, she claims she’d seduced him first, but we don’t see that evidence. Did she suppress it? Or did she make that up to protect her interest in him? Either way, it’s self-deception.
Third, she’s doing something at work that’s undermining her progress to get the company president to talk her into a long vacation. Fourth, she claims Massinger’s furniture is “too slick and insincere,” which seems as likely a critique of Massinger as his furniture. Rather, he may be a little slick (although more likely clumsy in the bumbling way he handles her--creating personal connections when he ought not to and the bedroom) but otherwise too sincere, for he acts keenly interested in both his pursuit of her and his maintaining his client even when she’s soundly rejected him--in a manner that suggests she could sue him if she so desired. (Again, why did she willing enter into a relationship that she knew would violate his code of ethics?)
The case for this being a psychological ghost: The clear case of self-deception. Yet why? She wants to be absolved of her guilt. If her daughter’s ghost had returned, why would it be in the mother’s bedroom? It seems an unlikely place for a child to play (although children are curious about their parents’ things, it remains unlikely).
The case against: Is there evidence that she would try to make herself insane? Would she pull this mental game on herself? It seems unlikely. Yet she is undermining her own work on the job, and she does go out with Massinger even when she suspects it will not be her thing. However, are these evidences any different from what many sane women might do?
Analysis: What’s interesting are the main character and her reliability--not in any overt way but in small, subtle self-deceptive ways. First is that she is good at her job, high on the corporate ladder, knowledgeable of how flowers will be read in the company, and the president’s desire for keeping her around and concern for her health. Second her recounting of events seem largely sane and the reactions of the other characters seem indicate they agree (unless she conveniently leaves that out); however, the company president might indicate this might be in question, but in such a case, he might not have handled as he had.
The foremost self-deception, however, is her knowledge that she was the last to take care of her daughter, yet she asks her husband later if he were the last to have seen her. Next, she claims not like certain men--former husband and psychiatrist--but she also wishes they were still around after she rejects them. Massinger she rejected immediately for a relationship before he even initiated personal overtures. What and how we see Massinger, through her eyes, leads us to agree with her rejecting Massinger although it might give her exaggerated amount of pleasure to reject him. Nonetheless, she immediately calls him up when she needs a psychiatrist when trouble arises soon after. Later, she claims she’d seduced him first, but we don’t see that evidence. Did she suppress it? Or did she make that up to protect her interest in him? Either way, it’s self-deception.
Third, she’s doing something at work that’s undermining her progress to get the company president to talk her into a long vacation. Fourth, she claims Massinger’s furniture is “too slick and insincere,” which seems as likely a critique of Massinger as his furniture. Rather, he may be a little slick (although more likely clumsy in the bumbling way he handles her--creating personal connections when he ought not to and the bedroom) but otherwise too sincere, for he acts keenly interested in both his pursuit of her and his maintaining his client even when she’s soundly rejected him--in a manner that suggests she could sue him if she so desired. (Again, why did she willing enter into a relationship that she knew would violate his code of ethics?)
The case for this being a psychological ghost: The clear case of self-deception. Yet why? She wants to be absolved of her guilt. If her daughter’s ghost had returned, why would it be in the mother’s bedroom? It seems an unlikely place for a child to play (although children are curious about their parents’ things, it remains unlikely).
The case against: Is there evidence that she would try to make herself insane? Would she pull this mental game on herself? It seems unlikely. Yet she is undermining her own work on the job, and she does go out with Massinger even when she suspects it will not be her thing. However, are these evidences any different from what many sane women might do?
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Dark Side of Town by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Dark Side of Town by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Summary: Talisha discovers mechdream pills in her husband’s underwear drawer. She suspects it’s a pricey, sick sex dream, upsetting her because she wants to live in a better place. To get revenge, she asks Ed, an expensive and popular consultant what she should do. He advises her, if she still loves him, to take a pill to see what it’s all about. When he gets home, she tries to rile him, but he is unmoved. She takes the pill and discovers he’s built a new world for them, full of cars and a better home.
Questions:
What are two ways of reading Werefolk? You will probably read one way on your first reading and a different way on the second.
When Talisha asks if Ricky thought she was stupid and lists evidence to the contrary, are these good evidences?
In terms of philosophical debates, “everyone said that” is a what? Name and define it. How does “everyone said that” play out this time?
Explain the undermining of Talisha’s understanding of Werefolk through the images here: “Just before the camera could reveal that the beautiful young man wasn’t wearing any pants either, the ad cut away to an older roundish woman in a daisy-print dress.
Describe the irony here: “Who was doing for Talisha? ‘Call Ricky,’ she said.”
Why doesn’t Ricky react to Talisha’s anger?
How does the quote from Hegel tie in thematically?
Make a list of how Talisha in her anger sees Ricky and how his actions show something else. For example, Ricky and his beer might suggest to some he is a lush; however, Talisha notes that it only takes three to get him going. Also, how does Talisha feel about Ricky, despite her anger-colored vision.
What is the point of the title?
Summary: Talisha discovers mechdream pills in her husband’s underwear drawer. She suspects it’s a pricey, sick sex dream, upsetting her because she wants to live in a better place. To get revenge, she asks Ed, an expensive and popular consultant what she should do. He advises her, if she still loves him, to take a pill to see what it’s all about. When he gets home, she tries to rile him, but he is unmoved. She takes the pill and discovers he’s built a new world for them, full of cars and a better home.
Questions:
What are two ways of reading Werefolk? You will probably read one way on your first reading and a different way on the second.
When Talisha asks if Ricky thought she was stupid and lists evidence to the contrary, are these good evidences?
In terms of philosophical debates, “everyone said that” is a what? Name and define it. How does “everyone said that” play out this time?
Explain the undermining of Talisha’s understanding of Werefolk through the images here: “Just before the camera could reveal that the beautiful young man wasn’t wearing any pants either, the ad cut away to an older roundish woman in a daisy-print dress.
Describe the irony here: “Who was doing for Talisha? ‘Call Ricky,’ she said.”
Why doesn’t Ricky react to Talisha’s anger?
How does the quote from Hegel tie in thematically?
Make a list of how Talisha in her anger sees Ricky and how his actions show something else. For example, Ricky and his beer might suggest to some he is a lush; however, Talisha notes that it only takes three to get him going. Also, how does Talisha feel about Ricky, despite her anger-colored vision.
What is the point of the title?
Friday, August 3, 2012
Barry Westphall Crashes the Singularity by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Infinite Matrix
When you want to excite students about science, sometimes it’s fun to pull out the strange if less certain futures that might be out there, such as the Singularity. If your student likes the odd, the strangeness of the presentation and subject matter in this story should bloom like a wild flower in the student’s mind.
Summary: Barry Westphall visits different times of his own life, but it turns out he’s in the future, his mind compartmentalized to keep each memory as real as possible although a certain unreality glazes the background.
Questions:
What does coffee do? Alcohol? What does it mean that this character drinks both at the same time?
What is the key feature of an armadillo? What does that do and how does that play into what the character is trying to do with his life? Is he successful?
Why mirrors the link between Barry’s selves?
Why the desert?
An empty glass with ice in it. Why is it empty? Is it empty if it has something in it?
Why is the knotty pine a “nightmare?” Or is it the pine, or the close 3rd person’s consciousness?
When you want to excite students about science, sometimes it’s fun to pull out the strange if less certain futures that might be out there, such as the Singularity. If your student likes the odd, the strangeness of the presentation and subject matter in this story should bloom like a wild flower in the student’s mind.
Summary: Barry Westphall visits different times of his own life, but it turns out he’s in the future, his mind compartmentalized to keep each memory as real as possible although a certain unreality glazes the background.
Questions:
What does coffee do? Alcohol? What does it mean that this character drinks both at the same time?
What is the key feature of an armadillo? What does that do and how does that play into what the character is trying to do with his life? Is he successful?
Why mirrors the link between Barry’s selves?
Why the desert?
An empty glass with ice in it. Why is it empty? Is it empty if it has something in it?
Why is the knotty pine a “nightmare?” Or is it the pine, or the close 3rd person’s consciousness?
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Heroics by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Asimov’s November, 1987
With a title like “Heroics,” what might you expect the story to go into?
What do you think of a hero who takes off his new Nikes first?
Three hours pass before commenting that Mike was going to get up. What might Mike have been thinking about?
What does it mean that Mike reminds himself of the price of his Nikes? List at least two. $39.95 in 1987 probably would have been a good shoe, especially considering that Mike is a runner.
Considering Peg’s interest in astrology and palm-reading, explain her blaming Mike’s sleeplessness on spices in the chili.
When Mike tells himself he’s given up secret ambitions, has he? What in the text says why or why not?
In terms of heroics, discuss why Mike reminds himself of his state record in high school running, and how Duffy can swell up his friend’s pride after recounting Mike getting up after falling and winning the race, even twenty years later. Yet Mike says he isn’t ashamed of not fighting in Vietnam.
While we don’t know how Mike acted earlier, in terms of what we do know, why might Peg’s superstition make Mike so angry? Incorporate his reaction to the foretelling of Peg’s second happy marriage.
What about Jamie’s talk of superheroes? Why might Mike note the son’s eating GI Joe Action Star?
Each time the dream appears, the readers aren’t sure if it’s a dream. How does that make us feel when the real thing occurs? What might the author be trying to evoke in the reader?
In the dreams, Mike hesitates in his heroism. Does Mike make any mistakes in his acts of heroism at the end? What does it mean that the “big kid” dies?
With a title like “Heroics,” what might you expect the story to go into?
What do you think of a hero who takes off his new Nikes first?
Three hours pass before commenting that Mike was going to get up. What might Mike have been thinking about?
What does it mean that Mike reminds himself of the price of his Nikes? List at least two. $39.95 in 1987 probably would have been a good shoe, especially considering that Mike is a runner.
Considering Peg’s interest in astrology and palm-reading, explain her blaming Mike’s sleeplessness on spices in the chili.
When Mike tells himself he’s given up secret ambitions, has he? What in the text says why or why not?
In terms of heroics, discuss why Mike reminds himself of his state record in high school running, and how Duffy can swell up his friend’s pride after recounting Mike getting up after falling and winning the race, even twenty years later. Yet Mike says he isn’t ashamed of not fighting in Vietnam.
While we don’t know how Mike acted earlier, in terms of what we do know, why might Peg’s superstition make Mike so angry? Incorporate his reaction to the foretelling of Peg’s second happy marriage.
What about Jamie’s talk of superheroes? Why might Mike note the son’s eating GI Joe Action Star?
Each time the dream appears, the readers aren’t sure if it’s a dream. How does that make us feel when the real thing occurs? What might the author be trying to evoke in the reader?
In the dreams, Mike hesitates in his heroism. Does Mike make any mistakes in his acts of heroism at the end? What does it mean that the “big kid” dies?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Hubris by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Realms of Fantasy, April 2002
Look again at the definitions of “hubris” the author provides. Come up with at least four examples in this story. Consider all characters and persons who give the text meaning.
How is the unnamed protagonist’s arc in the story like the description he provides in the first paragraph? How is the reader similar?
Why the muse of history?
What is ironic about how the protagonist identifies the other workshop participants by what they wear?
How are all characters like the severed heads (see protagonist’s explanation)? How is the protagonist not like the severed head? What then do these contradict itself? Is contradiction necessarily a bad thing in fiction?
What is the protagonist trying to do by breaking down age into such broad categories (see ending and opening)?
Is the protagonist’s fate horrible?
Look again at the definitions of “hubris” the author provides. Come up with at least four examples in this story. Consider all characters and persons who give the text meaning.
How is the unnamed protagonist’s arc in the story like the description he provides in the first paragraph? How is the reader similar?
Why the muse of history?
What is ironic about how the protagonist identifies the other workshop participants by what they wear?
How are all characters like the severed heads (see protagonist’s explanation)? How is the protagonist not like the severed head? What then do these contradict itself? Is contradiction necessarily a bad thing in fiction?
What is the protagonist trying to do by breaking down age into such broad categories (see ending and opening)?
Is the protagonist’s fate horrible?
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Ice Is Singing by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
The story is written in second person. Are you supposed to believe that that “you” is you?
A three-piece suit usually suggests what? What’s the irony here?
The ice is described as singing and sounding like a gunshot. What does that do both for the story and theme?
Look M.C. Escher, if you aren’t yet familiar with his work and note how his patterns work. What makes the Escher tie appropriate to this story?
What do you feel toward the character that he studies the author photos of another woman?
A three-piece suit usually suggests what? What’s the irony here?
The ice is described as singing and sounding like a gunshot. What does that do both for the story and theme?
Look M.C. Escher, if you aren’t yet familiar with his work and note how his patterns work. What makes the Escher tie appropriate to this story?
What do you feel toward the character that he studies the author photos of another woman?
Monday, July 30, 2012
Serpent by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Fantasy & Science Fiction, April 2004
Background: If needed, read Genesis 1-3.
As in the original, the serpent alters the story a bit.
What does the Serpent see as the two sides?
The serpent’s game is different this time. How so?
What is the point of each joke, including the last “joke?” Why use them?
Contrast the names of the two new humans. Which one does the serpent convince?
Background: If needed, read Genesis 1-3.
As in the original, the serpent alters the story a bit.
What does the Serpent see as the two sides?
The serpent’s game is different this time. How so?
What is the point of each joke, including the last “joke?” Why use them?
Contrast the names of the two new humans. Which one does the serpent convince?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Pyramid of Amirah by James Patrick Kelly -- Reader’s Guide
Fantasy & Science Fiction, April 2004
How do the first three sentences capture Amirah’s mood?
What had Amirah expected when she offered herself to the meaning? When Amirah receives the news, what is her reaction--rather, what reaction does she note?
What part do jokes play in this religion? Compare and contrast between this and “Serpent.”
About when was the name “Betty” last in vogue? What does that suggest about her pyramid?
Compare the appearance or lack of miracles in this story and in “Serpent.” What might that suggest?
How do the first three sentences capture Amirah’s mood?
What had Amirah expected when she offered herself to the meaning? When Amirah receives the news, what is her reaction--rather, what reaction does she note?
What part do jokes play in this religion? Compare and contrast between this and “Serpent.”
About when was the name “Betty” last in vogue? What does that suggest about her pyramid?
Compare the appearance or lack of miracles in this story and in “Serpent.” What might that suggest?
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