August and September Read

You get two months for the price of one in this reading assignment! Should you choose to opt in...read FICTION in the SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY genre...ONE OF EACH...which is why you get more time. I realize this may be difficult for those of us who don't naturally read these genres. But that's what this "club" is for...to stretch your minds and introduce you to new authors and genres.

Here are some basic guidelines to assist you in defining the genres. (Obviously, there is some overlap and no one will be policing you or reading over your shoulder. And feel free to include a young adult or childrens book as your choice...as long as the genre is the proper one.) Science fiction generally includes stories with themes related to science and technology. The books present a radically different but possible reality. They may deal with time travel, space colonies, robots, life on other planets, or invasions of Earth. The moral of the stories often revolve around the conflicts between science and superstition or progress. Some classic sci-fi authors are Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury (he writes fantasy too), Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert and Frederick Pohl. There are many newer authors as well. Look on www.fantasticfiction.co.uk for ideas if you get stuck.

Fantasy almost always has elements of magic, often includes imagined, strange or fantastical creatures or dragons, and sometimes deals with mythology and legends. The moral almost always deal with the battle between good and evil (and usually good wins). Many fantasy books include elements of humor as well. The Narnia series, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter are definitely more fantasy than sci-fi (remember there's often some overlap). Artemis Fowl and the Dragonlance series are primarily fantasy. So is The Dark is Rising series. You get the idea, I assume.

Ask each other for help if you need it. You can also find information online and at most libraries. These two genres have many loyal readers and you shouldn't have a problem trying to find two titles to read. Let us know what you think about your books...especially if these are genres you don't normally read.

Happy reading!