Journal Entry 1 by 16stepper from Gilbert, Arizona USA on Saturday, June 26, 2004

It's been a while since I read this, so here's the cover blurb:

In the beginning was WWII. Out of the flames was born a new civilization, a new humanity dedicated to one world rather than to many nations, to one peace rather than to many wars. Naver again on Planet Earth would one group of humans "defend" themselves against another group equally convinced that all their actions were "defensive." Never again on Planet Earth. But cycles repeat themselves endlessly; Earth is on the beginning of the human story. Next comes planet against planet, and then the stars themselves.

Current members in order:

lpree (MD)
Erishkigal (Utah)
sqdancer (Alberta, CA)
dodau (UK)
Xula (Spain)
 

Journal Entry 2 by Lpree from Omaha, Nebraska USA on Monday, March 27, 2006

This arrived a few days ago. I've got some other rings ahead of it, but will read it as soon as I can. Sounds interesting - I'm looking forward to reading it!

 

Journal Entry 3 by Lpree from Omaha, Nebraska USA on Friday, May 05, 2006

I'm really sorry for the delay. I gave up on this book several days ago but hadn't journaled that yet. My husband read this book while I was finishing up the ring(s) ahead of this. He's supposed to email me with his thoughts so I can post them here, but I'm still waiting. :) Anyway, I got about halfway through before I gave up. The overall story was pretty interesting, but I got frustrated with the endless lectures masquerading as dialogue. Oh well.... thanks very much for sharing this! I'm glad to have had the opportunity to check this out.

I hope I can get the next person's info today so I can mail it out tomorrow. I'll post my husband's thoughts on this book as soon as I get them.
 

Journal Entry 4 by Erishkigal from Salt Lake City, Utah USA on Saturday, May 20, 2006

lo siento---this arrived in Thursday's mail, and I started reading...but forgot to journal.... 

Journal Entry 5 by Erishkigal from Salt Lake City, Utah USA on Sunday, May 21, 2006

2/3rds of the way thru and having a horrendous time finishing. the farther along I get, the more tired of being lectured over and over I am..... 

Journal Entry 6 by Erishkigal from Salt Lake City, Utah USA on Tuesday, May 23, 2006

ok, glad I stuck it out, the last section had more story than the others. Once past the didactic lectures, anyway The book is interesting from a historical perspective. early on, I looked to the front for the date and was astounded to see 1981! it not only felt so 1950s, I couldn't believe it would actually have been published in'81. After finishing, I looked again, and saw that was the date of publication in this 'omnibus' form--the novellas were actually published individually in 1953 and 4. These are all VERY early Anderson, and the time of the Cold War and McCarthy. Putting it in historical/political perspective helps endure the bad writing. "The Big Rain" was the last novella, and fortunately Anderson was beginning to learn to SHOW rather than TELL. Tho I admit to wondering how he found a publisher after the first.... My best use for this book-- as required reading for beginning writing students (who often just look at wonder what do you mean, show don't tell). Thanks 16-stepper for sharing this leap back into SF history!

Have the addy, should get it in the mail mañana.

 

Journal Entry 7 by sqdancer on Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Arrived safe and sound. And, of course, just as I was getting my last rings safely packaged up for the P.O., five more have come at once. I will get this book moving again as soon as possible. If you find that I have had it for too long, please give me a gentle nudge.

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Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

 

Journal Entry 8 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Arrived this morning. 

Journal Entry 9 by dodau from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire United Kingdom on Friday, September 15, 2006

Dull sci fi spread out over a couple of hundred years. Boring and bland. Pming Xula now 

Journal Entry 10 by dodau at Surface Mail in Fellow Bookcrosser, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (9/19/2006 UTC) at Surface Mail in Fellow Bookcrosser, A Bookray -- Controlled Releases

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