Speculative Fiction Challenge
To commemorate my joyous move to my own domain I figured I would do something stupid and ridiculous and host a reading challenge that only me and one other person will take part in. That’s okay, because I get to make bad jokes and puns!
This is the sexy official challenge image.
My love of speculative stories came from by way of video games, then literature (which will cause all lit snobs everywhere to either implode or vomit? Or maybe think things like, “well, at least she finally came to her senses!” and to that I say: COCK.). I attribute my love of this category, in some ways, to my fanfiction hobby. I do so much speculating in worlds created by others, reading the what-if’s created by other fan writers, that original speculative fiction was the next logical step RE: feeding my addiction.
Speculative Fiction the action of the story can take place in a culture that never existed, a world we know nothing of, or an earth that might have been or might be, to name a few. … This distinctiveness is best illustrated in the primary question asked by the writers of Speculative Fiction, “What if?” … this genre has a special capacity to deal with the human equation. (source)
In organizing, I decided to focus on four genres within the speculative fiction umbrella. Elaborations:
This challenge is meant to be easygoing and open and because a) I’m a lazy whore, b) I change my mind a lot, and c) A LOT. I’M SERIOUS. There are many book suggestions at the above links, as well as at Lost Books and The Internet Speculative Fiction Database. For alternate history, check out Uchronia. This is a list for magic realism, and there are some discussions about magical realism on that page. If anyone has any other resource, feel free to suggest.
Challenge Timeline:
The Date You Are Reading This - April 1st, 2008. However! Last day to sign up for the challenge is December 1st, because I am giving things away at the end (possibly to myself?), therefore I need a solid list by the 1st of December so Joe Q. Random can’t sneak in March 25th and steal the limelight with books he already read three years ago. THAT ISN’T COOL, YO.
Challenge Requirements
For this challenge, you read six books. It’s up to you which areas of speculative fiction you read in; these categories exist only because I wanted to use these ridiculous titles that are only hilarious to me:
- Skinning Schrödinger’s Cat With Occam’s Razor: read six science fiction books.
- Herding Unicorns and Dragons With An Untested Magical Staff: read six fantasy books.
- Points of Divergence, or Oh Shit We’re All Speaking French!: read six alternate history books.
- Decoder Rings Never Looked So Good: read six magic realism books.
- A Theoretical Handbook For the Unseasoned Speculator: otherwise known as the speculative fiction buffet. Here’s how it might look:
- Science fiction (3), Fantasy (1), Magic Realism (2)
- Science fiction (1), Fantasy (1), Alternate History (1), Magic Realism (3)
- Fantasy (4), Alternate History (2)
Challenge Sign-up
- Choose path.
- Choose books.
- Post list.
- Leave link to list in comments here with your name.
That easy! I will list it here, because I don’t hold with that Mr. Linky stuff. I left LJ because I was tired of automation! I WON’T GO BACK, AND NO ONE CAN MAKE ME.
The link to this entry is: http://www.the-book-ninja.org/speculative-fiction-challenge/
Gimme Gimme
If you write about of any of the books you read during or after the challenge, I want the URL. Come back by here any time during the challenge dates and drop it to me in the comments (or via e-mail). Make me happy in my pants. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO.
Free Stuff
I’m doing this two ways, because I am full of generosity (and just want to give free books! FREE BOOKS!).
- If you review/recap/talk about three of your books, you will be tossed in the hat to get a free book (of your choice, because if it was me choosing, you’d just get a copy of Larklight).
- When you finish all your books, if you come back here and say, “my number one book for this challenge was TITLE!”, you will be tossed in the hat to get a free book (of your choice, because if it was me choosing, you’d just get a copy of Larklight).
The challenge looks to be fairly small this time around, and that’s two chances! Two whole chances to get a free book. As always, particulars will be worked out via me and the winners when the end of the challenge comes around, winners chosen randomly from a literal hat by the number on the participant list, etc., etc.!
Challenge Images
More images:
If you want to wrangle with the official image, the untouched version is here. The image is from the cover of Ivory: A Legend of Past and Future by Mike Resnick. I have not read this book, but look! IT IS AN ELEPHANT. And also there is a rocket. This combination could not be passed up. Rockets and elephants and elephants near rockets encompass the very soul of this challenge. True story!
Speculators (Who Are Made of Awesome)
- Renay - reading list
- Michelle - reading list
- Becky - reading list
- Maria - reading list
- gautami tripathy - reading list
- Yati - reading list
- Victoria - list pending!
- KJ - reading list
- Shannan - reading list
- Lightheaded - reading list
- Rebecca - reading list
- Shree - reading list
- ~nsr~ - reading list
- Dewey - reading list
- Hank - reading list
- MichelleD - reading list
- SeanD - reading list
- Mimi - reading list/reviews
- Ted - reading list
I’m picking the one where I read a lot of magic realism and a lot of nothing else.
http://reader.inthelouvre.org/book-challenges/
I’m picking the one where I read a lot of magic realism and a lot of nothing else.
Well, you did warn me you’d do it. I got a crash course in figuring out exactly what magic realism was. It was like..when you sort of know something but not quite? Let’s just say, my degree program didn’t really discuss genres! My education has so many holes.
Okay, just try and stop me doing this one. Especially as I still have to read Starcross and the other Temeraire books and what’re the odds of this EATING the html? But. Yes. Definitely doing this one.
Especially as I still have to read Starcross and the other Temeraire books
Um, Y! You do need to read them, otherwise my heart will be broken and might never recover (although next time I am definitely going to give you money so you can send me the next book in Reeve’s trilogy! NO MORE OF THIS “I’LL BE PATIENT!” crap. NO MORE!).
I have posted my list here:
http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2007/10/speculative-fiction-challenge.html
My list is up now: http://abookgeek.blogspot.com/2007/10/speculative-fiction-challenge.html
I am in. Will post my choice in a while. I think I will read a mixed bag!
I am in. Will post my choice in a while. I think I will read a mixed bag!
Excellent! Glad you decided to join, and I can’t wait to see your choices.
[…] Speculative Fiction Challenge is hosted by The Book Ninja. The challenge runs from October through April 1, 2008. You may not sign up for the challenge after December 1, 2007. (So, dear readers, we’ve got a month and a week or so to decide if we want to commit.) […]
I — I must confess! I kept thinking of the challenge as I sorted through my to-read pile, so I decided to join.
Here’s the list: http://fiddlededee.distantskies.net/2007/10/19/speculative-fiction-reading-challenge/
(But will I finish reading everything by April? That is the burning question.)
[…] To celebrate finally finishing setting up the site (and a reason for me to procastine posting about the books I have read), I’ve decided to take part in the Book Ninja’s Speculative Fiction reading challenge! […]
I said no challenges this year…but what the hell.
I’ll go with the speculative fiction buffet, and have a little bit of everything: one SF, one fantasy, one magical realism, one alternate history, one short story collection and one sf related non-fiction. How about that?
Did I already say I was doing this? Well, I am. Working on putting together a list now, and it’ll be a buffet. Is it cheating if it’s all or mostly books that I was planning to read eventually *anyway*?
At least two of them are already in my house…
I said no challenges this year…but what the hell.
This is an attitude I like.
I’ll stick you on the list, whenever you choose your titles just drop me a link. 
…aaaaaand list!
I would like to join this one. I am just short one book though. Link given.
I would like to join this one. I am just short one book though.
Welcome to the challenge! It’s okay about being a book short. You might find something that applies later, too, and either is fine.
Aww, just finished reading Stranger in a Strange Land and now I find this site. Hahaha!
I’d like to join but I don’t have a list in mind yet. And really, your ridiculous titles made me laugh. I’m torn about having to choose from science fiction, fantasy and magical realism as I have a pile of books from those. Aargh!
My list is up. I’m choosing the Theoretical Handbook for the Unseasoned Speculator.
Ha ha, unintentional side-effect, but laughter never hurt.
Meanwhile, welcome to the challenge! I shall add your name to the list and come by to nose at your choices soon!
Here is my list. I would love to join this challenge.
I will be taking the “A Theoretical Handbook For the Unseasoned Speculator” track. Here are my book selections.
1. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
2. The Bone People by Keri Hulme
3. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
4. Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World: A Novel by Haruki Murakami
5. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
6. Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Here is my list:
http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2007/11/read-lists-for-various-reading.html
I’m joining in, working on the list, choosing the Theoretical Handbook For the Unseasoned Speculator Path, and since I’m going to overlap this challenge with another I”ll be reading 8 books, if that’s ok with your rules.
[…] 13th, 2007 · No Comments Joined Book Ninja’s challenge, choosing the A Theoretical Handbook For the Unseasoned […]
I’m joining in, my list is here:
http://cafeshree.wordpress.com/2007/11/13/speculative-fiction-challenge/
[…] can also browse around the reading lists of people taking part in the Speculative Fiction challenge for […]
Hi, I’m new to book challenges and I thought I’d like to join in the fun! So here’s my list:
http://nsrbookrelish.blogspot.com/2007/11/since-i-need-to-sign-up-by-dec-1-for.html
Well, welcome! I’m pretty new to book challenges myself, but I can promise it’s fun.
Thanks for joining in — I’ve added you to the list.
Count me in! I’m at work, so I can’t make my list yet, but I will do that later. I’m going to try the buffet, I think.
Hey, I just found your blog sort of randomly, but I’m doing a year-long speculative fiction personal challenge myself, centered on dystopian lit. Can I sneak in under the sign-up deadline? Also, I have a MASSIVE list I’m using - can I just say “the first 6 I read off the list I’m working from”?
I listed my books tonight. My husband will also be joining, but I’ll let him sign up himself.
Yes and yes! Just let me know the link to your whole list and I’ll provide that one.
[…] The Speculative Fiction Challenge: 0/6 Runs through April 2008. […]
I’m in for the Handbook approach; I need a refresher course.
http://weblog.xanga.com/seand13/630055799/reading.html
Cool! Okay, here’s “the big list” - right now I’m reading Elvissey, which is really damn good, and an interesting twist on Elvis-as-Messiah.
http://epicdystopia.blogspot.com/2007/11/big-list.html
- Hank
Dude, I suck. So yeah, I don’t mind if you don’t recognize me as an official participant, but I’ve been picking books for this anyway. I was just holding back because of my inability to finish a book I am not enjoying.
1. I’m reading a bit of everything.
2. Books I’ve read so far:
-The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden by Catherynne Valente
-Flora Segunda by Ysabeau Wilce
-The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
-Fudoki by Kij Johnson
Elvissey, by Jack Womack, was my official first book.
http://epicdystopia.blogspot.com/2007/12/elvissey-by-jack-womack.html
[…] going to be joining Renay’s Speculative Fiction Challenge. But I promised myself a few weeks ago that I would only join challenges if I could overlap with the […]
I’m in!
Here’s my list:
http://bookeywookey.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-if.html
Hi Nay! I tried pinging this post with the last entry I wrote but apparently things were conspiring against me. Even my rss feeds were acting funny.
So here you go, a link to my recap of The Ladies of Grace Adieu and other stories by Susanna Clarke. Surprisingly I have read four out of my six books, but it’s taking me forever to blog about them, XD.
btw, I realize I don’t qualify for the free gifts. Just want to join in with the reading. Thanks.
Here’s a link to my reviews: http://mneme-forgets.livejournal.com/144914.html
Well, you weren’t that late. Only 13 days! But hey, it’s cool with me if you want to follow the rules I made (even though I am totally willing to break them into tiny, tiny pieces! ALL FOR YOU.).
“The Shore of Women” by Pamela Sargent was my second book.
http://epicdystopia.blogspot.com/2007/12/shore-of-women-by-pamela-sargent.html
[…] Start new reading challenges! Focus on the New Horizons challenge and the Speculative Fiction challenge, which end in […]
“The First Men in the Moon” by HG Wells was my third, and a great read.
http://epicdystopia.blogspot.com/2008/01/first-men-in-moon-by-h-g-wells.html
It was not in my list but it qualifies for magical fantasy!
My first read:
http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2008/01/neverwhere-by-neil-gaiman.html
First book done:
http://cafeshree.wordpress.com/2007/12/21/1st-speculative-fiction-book/
I’ve written three reviews, all of which can be found at this URL:
http://owlmoose.livejournal.com/tag/speculative fiction challenge
Also, I’d like to make a swap. Taking out “Noir” and replacing it with “The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden” by Catherynne M. Valente. Thanks for allowing the switch!
Brave New World for the fourth, and I’m still jumping along.
http://epicdystopia.blogspot.com/2008/01/brave-new-world-by-aldous-huxley.html
My second one:
Kafka on the Shore
http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2008/01/kafka-on-shore-by-haruki-murakami.html
Finished my second, and it was a great one!
Game of Thrones
http://cafeshree.wordpress.com/2008/01/19/trust-no-one/
Third one!
Quick read.
http://cafeshree.wordpress.com/2008/01/25/the-fall-garth-nix/
[…] Keep working on challenges! Focus on the New Horizons challenge and the Speculative Fiction challenge, which end in […]
[…] book is also read in conjunction with Renay’s Speculative Fiction challenge! *3 out of 5, fantasy, young adult , author: Diana Wynne Jones, reading challenge: […]
[…] Speculative Fiction Challenge will remain updated until April. No […]
Another down!
http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2008/02/american-gods-by-neil-gaiman.html
[…] Posted on January 10, 2008 by blbooks Speculative Fiction Challenge is hosted by The Book Ninja. The challenge runs from October through April 1, 2008. You may not […]
[…] And of course I forgot. This book was also read for the Speculative Fiction challenge hosted by Renay.
*4½ out of 5, science fiction, steampunk, young adult/children’s fiction , author: Philip […]
Another one done!
http://cafeshree.wordpress.com/2008/02/24/hilarious-book/
[…] had alternates, but I still read this book anyway for Renay’s Speculative Fiction challenge.
*3 out of 5, magical realism , author: Haruki Murakami Comment RSS […]
[…] Keep working on challenges! Focus on the New Horizons challenge and the Speculative Fiction challenge, which end in […]
Three down, three to go! All three books are reviewed, sort of, here.
[…] I am done with 2007. Finally. Talk about slow. /o/ This book is also the last book read for the Speculative Fiction Challenge, hosted by Renay. *4 out of 5 ◊ fantasy ◊ author: Patricia A McKillip ◊ reading […]
Done!!
Thanks for sponsoring.
[…] Keep working on challenges! Focus on the New Horizons challenge and the Speculative Fiction challenge, which end in April, hopefully at the end of the month (I have to check) since I’m not […]
[…] just realised that the Speculative Fiction challenge hosted by Renay ended on 1 April! My posting this now is more of a coincidence than me being […]
Here you go, everything consolidated in one post: ta da~. Though you probably already got the pingback.
[…] The Speculative Fiction Challenge: This challenge has also ended. 6/6. FINISHED! My Harry Potter reread let me skate in with six before the deadline (unless I’m remembering wrong and it was the first of April, not the end). […]