VOTE: September Challenge
When it comes to "themes" or book choices, a lot of it's going to depend on the mood I'm in and also, sometimes, what I've already got on my bookshelves. :) So far, I've gotten some great suggestions, and to kick off the book club, I wanted to select a theme that's important to me, but also a theme that's "easy access" -- meaning, you should be able to find these particular tiles at your local library.
The theme: Fantasy that takes place in an urban setting
Note the wording? While authors Emma Bull and Charles de Lint created/pioneered the genre of urban fantasy, you'd never guess it based on what's marketed as urban fantasy today. Urban fantasy today is mostly known as a book that usually, but does not always, features a heroine who encounters/does battle with/falls in love with vampires, werewolves, and/or faeries, often taking place in a modern, urban setting.
However, the term urban fantasy merely means that it's a fantasy story that takes place in an urban setting. And I've already pointed out that Bull and de Lint pretty much pioneered the genre, but it makes you think about what OTHER books are out there that are merely fantasies that take place in an urban setting. These types of settings often, but not always, are the main characters of their respective books/series, and I, personally, find myself more comfortable calling these books "contemporary fantasy" or "modern fantasy" simply so that I don't confuse anyone who expects the butt-kicking heroine and fangs/fur/fey combination (although I should note, even the pioneers of the genre sometimes used fangs/fur/fey). But I shouldn't have to, so consider this an education: the following books are TECHNICALLY urban fantasy. However, they also combine elements of other genres and are written by very, very good writers. I've read EACH of these writers before, but not these particular books. So now it's your turn to vote.
Poll September Challenge
You've got until midnight, August 31st to make your decision. Vote for the book that YOU want to read the most, and if you're torn, tough. You gotta pick one. :) If you've already read ALL of the books, pick the one you'd most like to re-read. If you're not participating, then maybe next month will bring something more to your liking. :)
If you're interested in descriptions of the books, I've linked to Amazon below:
Emma Bull's War for the Oaks
Charles de Lint's The Onion Girl
Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere
China Miéville's The Scar
One note about THE SCAR: Amazon says it's the third book set in this city, but it's not exactly the third book of a SERIES. Each of his stories set in the city are essentially stand-alone, so don't let the idea of it being a "third" scare you off in any way. :)
I'll announce the official winner on September 1st, so don't pick up your copy (whether you buy or borrow) until I make it official. Unless, of course, all of these books are so appealing to you that you must have them all. In that case, have fun. :)
The theme: Fantasy that takes place in an urban setting
Note the wording? While authors Emma Bull and Charles de Lint created/pioneered the genre of urban fantasy, you'd never guess it based on what's marketed as urban fantasy today. Urban fantasy today is mostly known as a book that usually, but does not always, features a heroine who encounters/does battle with/falls in love with vampires, werewolves, and/or faeries, often taking place in a modern, urban setting.
However, the term urban fantasy merely means that it's a fantasy story that takes place in an urban setting. And I've already pointed out that Bull and de Lint pretty much pioneered the genre, but it makes you think about what OTHER books are out there that are merely fantasies that take place in an urban setting. These types of settings often, but not always, are the main characters of their respective books/series, and I, personally, find myself more comfortable calling these books "contemporary fantasy" or "modern fantasy" simply so that I don't confuse anyone who expects the butt-kicking heroine and fangs/fur/fey combination (although I should note, even the pioneers of the genre sometimes used fangs/fur/fey). But I shouldn't have to, so consider this an education: the following books are TECHNICALLY urban fantasy. However, they also combine elements of other genres and are written by very, very good writers. I've read EACH of these writers before, but not these particular books. So now it's your turn to vote.
Poll September Challenge
You've got until midnight, August 31st to make your decision. Vote for the book that YOU want to read the most, and if you're torn, tough. You gotta pick one. :) If you've already read ALL of the books, pick the one you'd most like to re-read. If you're not participating, then maybe next month will bring something more to your liking. :)
If you're interested in descriptions of the books, I've linked to Amazon below:
Emma Bull's War for the Oaks
Charles de Lint's The Onion Girl
Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere
China Miéville's The Scar
One note about THE SCAR: Amazon says it's the third book set in this city, but it's not exactly the third book of a SERIES. Each of his stories set in the city are essentially stand-alone, so don't let the idea of it being a "third" scare you off in any way. :)
I'll announce the official winner on September 1st, so don't pick up your copy (whether you buy or borrow) until I make it official. Unless, of course, all of these books are so appealing to you that you must have them all. In that case, have fun. :)