Ahira's Hangar

Greetings, fellow Hangarites and earthlings:

In honor of Arthur C. Clarke, who passed away recently, I will be devoting myself to a re-read of Clarke's "Rama" and "Odyssey" novels. I also intend to "dissect" Rendezvous With Rama as I go along, and possibly 2001: A Space Odyssey as well. As both are relatively short works, it shouldn't be too onerous a task I've set for myself. It helps that I seriously love these books.

While Rama's status as a classic sf novel is perhaps justification enough for in-depth discussion, I also wish to dissect the novel as a way of "preparing" for the arrival of the movie adaptation - should it ever get made. 2001: A Space Odyssey, on the other hand, came into being as both a novel and a movie at roughly the same time. The movie was, of course, a very influential piece of cinema, and perhaps continues to be. However, the novel is a worthy work in its own right.

Everyone is, of course, welcome to post their thoughts and opinions on these books as I make my way through them. Also, feel free to post comments here, such as expressing doubt about my sanity in taking on this project, etc.

I will be starting this "Clarke-fest" in June or thereabouts. I am not putting anyone under any obligation to contribute a "chapter read" themselves, as it would be unfair to thrust a sudden timetable on everyone out of the blue. I'll simply leave the door open for any fellow Clarke conscripts.

Days of summer and sci fi, here we come...

Extremely cool Moonie! If you said this on Sat. I would have bought Rama instead of Brokedown Palace. You know, I've read at least 6 books of his but never Rama. Looking forward to joining you.

Since I recently found my copies of 2001 and Rama, I would be very happy to contribute and comment.

Clarke was a man of amazing vision and ideas.

If I can pick up copies, I'll definitely take part. Truly one of the defining talents of the genre.

--A

I'm six chapters into Rendezvous and loving every minute of it! I simply cannot believe I've haven't read it before.

Awesome, danlo! Glad you're enjoying the book.

I've started jotting down notes. I might post some opening chapter comments this weekend.

Oh, good. My four day weekend has just started so I should have plenty of time to read the first chapter or two and join in!

I just can't read Clarke because of that godawful monstrosity of a film that Kubrick (surely the single most overrated director fo all time) went and made. I just can't pick up any of his books without thinking 'well what if the film was faithful to the novel???'

He should be an author I like, I've heard a lot of good reviews of most of his novels, but that sodding film...maybe I can treat the read throughs as a kind of aversion therapy...

Come on read RwRama with us-it's got a great pace and short chapters the are really cool and they just explored . Off to

Sorry if you guys were waiting for me to get started. The weather was great this weekend so I just had to get out. I was going to post entries for Chapters 1 and 2, but I thought it'd be better if I just threw Chapter 1 out there for now instead of delaying things any further.

(Did I mention I like that RwR is a short book? This dissection ought to be painless. )

Well ok, just got to get hold of a copy of RWR and I'll be right with you.