Assigned Reading (#3): The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks

In an attempt to educate Mrs. NW, who is not exactly an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, Mr. NW each month assigns a classic novel. The previous instalments covered The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.

That’s right, lovely readers. Another month has flown by. I should be telling you all about how much I loved/hated Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence, the actual book Mr NW assigned for this month but I never made it past page 20.

Thought Series: Exploring the relevance of science fiction ideas and technology in real life

There are some cool technologies and ideas that pop up time and time again in Science Fiction that, sadly, I think are never going to be a reality. This is part one of a five part series about these technologies and ideas. These articles will just be my opinions, you are absolutely welcome to disagree and as always I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Post Scarcity Society/ Technological Utopia

Science Fiction introduces us to many astonishing ideas and technologies. Some of these things may be possible in the future, but many are either downright impossible or extremely unlikely.

What’s in a name?

I’m still away for work. I’m glad to find Mr NW is doing a good job of keeping on top of things but this is really bugging me, so here I am, ranting about a pet-peeve.

As I mentioned in last week’s post, I’m reading The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks [according to Mr NW the M is important]. I’m enjoying it but there is one thing that is frustrating me.

Mr NW is flying solo this week

Today is Labour Day in New Zealand, so Mr NW and I are in full on holiday mode (Mr NW is re-reading The Lies of Locke Lamora as I type this). Big thanks to Samuel Parnell for getting us the day off.

Samuel Parnell. Photo credit: nzhistory.govt.nz

But change is ahead.

Can Science Fiction be cool?

Today Mr NW shows that Science Fiction can be cool (because Mrs NW has her doubts).

I know what you’re thinking – in what universe is Science Fiction actually cool? Isn’t it just green aliens, lasers and pew pew spaceships? Well… okay, some of it is that (and it’s pretty legit too). My point here is that the very best Science Fiction can be so much more.