By now, most science fiction readers know that James Tiptree, Jr was not James Tiptree, Jr, but rather Alice Bradley Sheldon. Sheldon was a retired CIA officer (and scientist/artist/critic/businesswoman) who, between 1968 and her death in 1987, published some of the most acclaimed short stories in the genre, using Tiptree as her nom de plume. (She also published a few stories – mostly ignored at the time – under the name Raccoona Sheldon.) I was too young to discover her work while she was living, […]
“Like a movie reel run in reverse”
Wow. I’ve been sitting here considering just copy-pasting “wow” two hundred and forty-nine times. I’d give this book six stars if I could. I think North Korea holds a fascination for many of us in the west. Certainly it does for me. I was eight when the Berlin Wall fell; old enough to know that something was happening, but too young to really grasp the significance. North Korea is the only closed country I’ve ever been aware of. Cuba is near enough and porous enough […]
Tart green apple on the nose, with a smooth mouthfeel and a dry, cheeky finish
Does this actually count as a book? I know there’s no minimum page requirement, but 20 pages is not a lot of pages. Well, I have read it, and now I shall review it! Hang on, I’m just going to pour a glass* first. OK I’m back. A few weeks ago, NPR aired a segment about this book. I was immediately charmed by the interview, and resolved to track down the book and buy it immediately. You see, I enjoy a glass of wine, but […]
You’re no match for Matilda
Hello all! I’m a Cannonball Read newbie and this is my inaugural review. I am absolutely thrilled to be here! Matilda was one of my very favorite books when I was in elementary school. As a smart little girl with a love of reading and my own particular and deep-seated sense of justice, I found it an immensely appealing fantasy. (Of course, I’m really nothing like Matilda: I enjoyed the attentions of loving parents, went to schools that challenged and supported me, and as far […]