One thought on “My tweets”

1. My rank-ordering:

   1. “The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling” Ted Chiang

   Exploring the effects of technology on the human condition is one of the definitions of science fiction that has often been bandied about. Of course, that definition is way too narrow. But this story actually fits within that narrow definition; and fits powerfully, despite the detached, reportorial tone that is common to Ted Chiang’s fiction. An easy choice for #1 in this group. Ted Chiang is a Hugo-winning juggernaut. He has had 8 previous Hugo nominations. The first four times he was nominated, he lost. But he now has a four-nominee winning streak, and he may well be about to extend that streak.

   2. “Opera Vita Aeterna” Vox Day

   The two main characters here were vividly (and economically) drawn. I thought the evolution of their relationship was nicely portrayed. Hey, it was a more interesting relationship than the one between Elma and her husband Nathaniel in “Lady Astronaut of Mars.” It had more passion in it, too. Though somewhat foreshadowed, the ending of this story sort of came out of nowhere for me. Still, it had impact.

   3. “The Waiting Stars” Aliette de Bodard

   Though the story captured my interest, the ending here was wacky even by science fiction standards. Talk about a bridge too far! What seems to be the main theme of de Bodard’s work (“Asians gotta be Asians, let Asians be Asian, don’t be trying to colonialize the Asians!”) doesn’t really resonate with me. I’m just not big on ethnic solidarity. Also, I have no clue why the Galactic Federation was doing what it was doing to the mind-ships/girls. Seemed like a lot of trouble to me.

   4. “Lady Astronaut of Mars” Mary Robinette Kowal

   An aging astronaut, one possible final mission, a dying husband…adds up to a Hugo nomination, I guess. Elma the astronaut has this unquenchable desire to be in space. We’re supposed to just accept this. Look, I’m a long time science fiction reader. I think it would be cool to go in space. I also think it would get old fast. After all, what is Elma signing up for? Years of solitary confinement in a tiny room that will definitely be damaging to her health. (Sounds awesome. Sign me up!) Anyway, it will get her away from her dying husband, which she seems to regard mostly as a perk. Except for the guilt she’ll feel. But Doctor Fangirl will look after him (I guess her medical practice isn’t that busy). I really disliked the final line. It’s supposed to make us feel better that she has a metaphorical means to “let my husband fly.” But that poor, magnanimous dude isn’t flying anywhere, literally of figuratively. The story contains the sentence: “That the need to explore is necessary.” Kowal has done better.

   5. “The Exchange Officers” Brad R. Torgersen

   Torgersen gives us no reason to have a stake in the outcome.

   I think it’s going to be a battle between Chiang and Kowal. I’m pretty confident that de Bodard will finish third.

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