Women of Science Fiction

One of my favorite book blogs, Dreams & Speculation was running a fabulous book club for 2011, called the Women of Science Fiction. Unfortunately, due to real life getting in the way, D&S has had to close up shop, which meant that she could no longer host her oh-so-awesome book club. So even though I’ve got my own book club, Alphabet Soup, I couldn’t let Women of Science Fiction die. It’s a theme that’s too dear to my heart, and considering I’ve read at least half of the books on the list and can’t wait to read the rest, I decided to host Women of Science Fiction for Dreams & Speculation!

How will it work?

Just like it did before. If you’re already signed up, the only real difference for you is that you’ll be coming here to Calico Reaction instead of Dreams & Speculation for discussion. All discussions will be posted on the last day of the month. If I’d previously read the book, then instead of a review, you’ll get a discussion post with a link to my review (if you’re interested in it). If I’ve read the book along with you, you’ll get the full review. Either way, discussion is the same: tell me what you loved, tell me what you hated, tell me if you plan on reading the author again or tell me how you feel the selection enriches or detracts from the genre. Show me your reviews. The works! My review style might be different than what you’re used to, but I hope the discussion remains the same. Like Dreams & Speculation, Women in Science Fiction is a topic I’m passionate about, so I can’t wait for the discussion!

The 2011 Reading Schedule:

If you would like to have a copy of the reading schedule feel free to download this .pdf version. The table below will be updated throughout the year with links to the relevant discussions (however, please note that the original discussions from January through May were hosted at Dreams & Speculation, which has since folded under. I’ll link to my own reviews were applicable, but some of the selections I read long before I was reviewing, so no review/nor discussion post is available).

January Dust by Elizabeth Bear	February The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin	March Darkship Thieves by Sarah Hoyt
April The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis	May Mappa Mundi by Justina Robson	June Lilith’s Brood by Octavia Butler
July Cordelia’s Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold	August China Mountain Zhang by Maureen McHugh	September Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon
October Farthing by Jo Walton	November The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood	December City of Pearl by Karen Traviss

What’s Different?

However, between my own book club, Alphabet Soup, and the Women of Science Fiction, I don’t have room to do everything (try as I might). This means that the Tiptree Bonus Round will not be hosted here at Calico Reaction. But there’s good news! If you’re tearing through the Tiptree, then you can join in on the discussions over at Randomly Yours, Alex. Please note the reason I’m not also hosting the Tiptree isn’t to drive you all crazy: it’s because that even when Dreams & Speculation was hosting BOTH, I couldn’t keep up with BOTH, so I’m reading the Tiptree on my own sweet time. However, Alex is going to provide some GREAT discussions, so if you’re interested, I hope you’ll swing over there and lend your support.

Sign-Ups

To sign up to participate in the book club: fill out this form. Unlike Dreams & Speculation, I will not be tracking participation for prizes. Truth be told, I don’t have the time. However, if you want to be part of the email list reminder, then please, definitely sign up so you stay in the loop!

Looking for more books to read in 2011?

Check out the Alphabet Soup book club here at Calico Reaction, and you can learn everything you want to know about that club here, including current and future club selections!