Helpful Score: 2
----Hugo and Nebula winning author Connie Willis, strikes again----
If you read Keith Laumer's Retief series, and laughed to see the person in the thick of things attempting to (and usually succeed in) accomplishing his government's goals in spite of that same government's political in-fighting and bureaurocratic idiocies; and if you liked C.J. Cherryh's portrayal of alien viewpoints; and if you were fascinated by Ursula LeGuin's really 'different' alien cultures, this book is for you!
Findriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the rather unpromising-looking planet. Back on Earth, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking government red-tape stupidity, and an uncooperative and only semi-cooperative native guide.
Oh, did I mention that some rather peculiar lovc interests start developing? Just when you think you have things figured out, there is a new twist each time.
If you read Keith Laumer's Retief series, and laughed to see the person in the thick of things attempting to (and usually succeed in) accomplishing his government's goals in spite of that same government's political in-fighting and bureaurocratic idiocies; and if you liked C.J. Cherryh's portrayal of alien viewpoints; and if you were fascinated by Ursula LeGuin's really 'different' alien cultures, this book is for you!
Findriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the rather unpromising-looking planet. Back on Earth, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking government red-tape stupidity, and an uncooperative and only semi-cooperative native guide.
Oh, did I mention that some rather peculiar lovc interests start developing? Just when you think you have things figured out, there is a new twist each time.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a short sci/fi novel by Hugo and Nebula award winning author, Connie Willis. A quick light, read, not as in depth as her "Doomsday Book".
Helpful Score: 1
A short, light-hearted read. Connie Willis seems to alternate between humor and incredibly detailed research (or sometimes both, as in To Say Nothing of the Dog); this is pretty far toward the humor side of the spectrum. I'm tempted to say "for Connie Willis completists only" but that would be a bit harsh. Think of it as a very short novel (or an extended novella) that explores the ideas of sex, love, territorial exploration and political correctness, with tongue firmly in cheek. It was a decent read but I expected more from a Connie Willis book, even though this was written early in her career.
Three novellas from a SF icon. Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553562940/sr=1-8/qid=1155674011/ref=sr_1_8/104-3933876-8535146?ie=UTF8&s=books
" Findriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the ridges and scrub-covered hills of the planet. back home, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking regulations and uncooperative aliens. Teamed with a young intern whose specialty is mating customs, and a native guide of indeterminate gender, the group sets out for a previously unexplored sector of the planet. As they survey canyons and cataracts, battle dangers, and discover alien treasures, they will soon find themselves in alien territory of another kind: exploring the paths and precipices of sex. And love."
This book, like all of Ms. Willis' work, is absolutely top-notch! In my opinion Willis' excellence is comparable to that of Ursula Le Guin, though I find Willis' work to be much more entertaining. Not to disparage Le Guin, but she can be a bit dry. Willis' works are filled with a richness and humor that I adore.
Book is in exc. cond.
This book, like all of Ms. Willis' work, is absolutely top-notch! In my opinion Willis' excellence is comparable to that of Ursula Le Guin, though I find Willis' work to be much more entertaining. Not to disparage Le Guin, but she can be a bit dry. Willis' works are filled with a richness and humor that I adore.
Book is in exc. cond.
Fun romp on a new planet. Gender confusion and sexual attraction. The comedy of later work (To Say Nothing of Dog) is evident here.
Great!
From the back of the book:
"Finriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the ridges and scrub-covered hills of the planet. Back home, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking regulations, and uncooperative aliens. Teamed with a young intern whose specialty is mating customs, and a native guide of indetermintate gender, the group sets out for a previously unexplored sector of the planet. As they survey canyons and cataracts, battle dangers, and discover alien treasures, they will soon find themselves in alien territory of another kind; exploring the paths and principles of sex. And love.
"Finriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the ridges and scrub-covered hills of the planet. Back home, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking regulations, and uncooperative aliens. Teamed with a young intern whose specialty is mating customs, and a native guide of indetermintate gender, the group sets out for a previously unexplored sector of the planet. As they survey canyons and cataracts, battle dangers, and discover alien treasures, they will soon find themselves in alien territory of another kind; exploring the paths and principles of sex. And love.
