Lilith's Brood Response

Reading, Lilith’s Brood, I was left with many unanswered questions regarding society and moral. For one thing, it seems some form of sexual violence is present within this story. It seems to be a metaphor of rape as it portrays human-Oankali interaction. Did Oankali force humans into the gene trade? Were their actions as a group morally defensible? And, were the principles of consent violated by the Oankali? What lead me to think about these things was an article, We Get to Live, and so do They, by Thomas Foster. I wanted to understand more about this trilogy, therefore, I researched more about it and other’s opinions on Octavia Butler’s writings. When the Oankali came to Earth, it was during a time that humanity was on the verge of being destroyed. And, as the Oankali arrived, it was known that they had enough knowledge about the humankind, enough to be attracted to them. While on the verge of destruction, the Oankali couldn’t discuss the merits of a gene trade with humans, therefore consent was not given. In the end the Oankali saved the human species from what could have been the end of humankind. The Oankali couldn’t save humankind without entering into a trade relationship. Not in the cleanest way for engagement but in a relationship, the Oankali did no wrongdoing, considering they created the Mars colony and allowed the human species the chance to continue independently.   

            I thought this was an interesting way to look at the triology and thought it could be a good discussion about morals. Was it okay that the Oankali gene traded without consent in order to save humankind

Snow Crash Response

Snow Crash was a really great read, in my opinion. I loved the comparison and the possibility of science fiction as fiction. I loved the deadpan humor Stephenson keeps in the story, because for me, it kept the story smooth and an easy read considering it’s a science related story (something I don’t typically choose to read). I thought it was so interesting how Stephenson viewed the future, such as there being one world (America) full of suburbia, all identical and the government is so small yet still inefficient. And to think of the internet as something completely different, Metaverse, in which you can access a virtual world as an avatar, however you want to look. To me, it’s not too far off of where the internet is heading in real life. From games like, The Sims, in which is being considered to become a free/open world gameplay for its 5^th installment, it’s very similar to what Stephenson wrote about in terms of the Metaverse. It’s almost crazy to think that a science fiction story can be so relatable in terms of where our world is heading today. I also really appreciated the character development in this story and the fact that every character crosses paths at some point. To me, having every character interact at some point without knowing too much of every person’s interests or loyalties, it keeps the suspense of the story and really brings the reader in to be fully invested in each character’s storyline. Although, my only critique of this story was the lack of development within the virus, such as I wanted to know more, like, what is, how it came about and what danger comes with it? I think Stephenson focused too much on explaining what exactly it is that he loses it and it’s hardly a conflict. But to me, especially now when reading this story, it would have been a really interesting idea to discuss. However, Stephenson’s descriptions of what the world has come to, was compelling enough and had me fully invested for the entire read. I love that he balances between his dead pan humor and making a social comment, combining something serious with some type of humor to cope. The story may at times fall apart because of time and it being maybe too simple or too predictable, although for me it was still an exciting read!  

The Martian Response

This week, I decided to read, The Martian, by Andy Weir, mainly because I had seen the movie years ago. I thought it would be interesting to see how the original would be, considering I enjoyed the film so much. What I found so interesting in this story was Mark Watney’s survival along with how NASA and so many more on Earth got together to save Watney. I will admit, that this story was sometimes challenging to read and understand because of Watney’s engineering/mechanical descriptions and equations. However, while challenging it also made sense considering the story revolved around a man stuck on Mars trying to survive, which correlates to very intense and not so easy explanations for how he will get off this planet. I also think what made this story so intriguing was that all the information being given to the reader has already happened and you are reading his commentary. As I said before, it makes sense for the complicated detailing and even with his commentary he goes on to explain the importance of every single decision and how it is life threatening. I thought in the story there was a good mix between a complicated explanation of what is going on and the almost insanity of one man alone and trapped in the isolation of a planet. I thought Andy Weir did a perfect job at subtly showing this man’s intellect mixed with how one’s mind works after so long of being isolated. However, his commentary or what they are defined as, logs, in this story are intended to be read by those back on Earth in the event of his return or death. I think, because of overly detailed explanations and descriptions made this story very realistic. Sometimes when it comes to space focused stories it’s easy to make it very fictional and cheesy, however, in The Martian it was clear that this person knew what he was talking about and had that realistic thought process of “I might die, I better create logs to help those on Earth to understand how I lived so long on another Planet.” I thought this novel was great and the story was so intriguing because of the stressful atmosphere, Weir created.      

Anansi Boys/American Gods Response

As I read, Anansi Boys it was clear that there was some relation between Anansi Boys and American Gods. Gaiman tends to take the unknown or mysterious and relate it to the real world, combining two things that would fortunately create a whole new world. I felt as though I couldn’t write a response without comparing his two novels, Anansi Boys and American Gods. And, being that I had already read American Gods it helped me in terms of perspective when I read Anansi Boys. Both stories are very metaphorical, which is Gaiman’s style when it comes to writing his stories. It seems that Gaiman always strives to compare things to one another. Such as, when Shadow has his altercation with the god of technology, Gaiman is almost saying that “language is a virus” and that “religion is an operating system” and that “prayers are just so much fucking spam” (51). By doing this within his writing, it sets up who the character is to the reader, which I enjoy. Also, an example of this is when Spider and Charlie, in Anansi Boys, lose their father, he contrasts masculinity and being a physical island, stating that “no man is an island” (106). Also, by adding this, he is adding emphasis and emotion, saying that men can also show a weaker side, especially when something as drastic as losing a parent occurs. I’m a fan of Gaiman, I’ve only read two books from him but I can say that I enjoyed both stories equally. I believe that most other authors don’t really go into as much great detail as Gaiman. For Gaiman, he can describe something so little as, a cup of water, so greatly that it makes that cup of water interesting and intriguing. I enjoy that Gaiman creates a certain atmosphere in his novels, especially Anansi Boys and American Gods. I think I enjoy his writing style so much because in a way it relates to my own artwork. Gaiman can play with phrasing and wording to speak to readers directly, whether that be emotionally or mentally. To me, his work is subtle while also sliding in important issues or discussions in his stories. For me, when I make photos I am always trying to show a narrative and trying to create something others can relate to and maybe see that other people are out there like them. I also, always try to be subtle because for me, making work that has whatever issue is being talked about thrown in viewers faces, it’s just tacky and cheesy.           

Night Circus Response

Night Circus is a book that in my opinion, you have to read twice. For me, the first time reading this story, I didn’t understand all of the nuances and characters, until it was too late. For me, that’s something very rare when it comes to good books. Most books you read today, you know the entire plot and how it’s going to end. So many stories nowadays are predictable and something you’ve probably read already. When reading, The Night Circus, I didn’t feel that way. The plot is so loosely written in the beginning that the only connection you can see is between Marco and Celia. As the story proceeds, one can get confused with the POV and time period jumps. But as the story goes on, Morgenstern, brings all of those jumps together and connects them to your two main connections, Marco and Celia. The book doesn’t really give you time to stop and think about what is happening and how Morgenstern is pulling so many plots together until the book is almost done.

What I appreciate so much about what the author does here is that she knew what she was doing with distracting you in the beginning making you think you knew the story between Marco and Celia, however, by the end of the book there’s so many different things happening and so many different people introduced and connected to one another.

My complaint about this book however, is the amount of POV characters. The first time reading this story, I was for sure lost and confused, there’s almost twelve POV’s if not more. Even at the beginning of the story the author makes you feel as though you’re the one walking through the circus but then is switched to another character. However, if you give it another read, and keeping the ending in mind you understand the characters more and why the author wrote them in at those specific times.

Other than that, I really did appreciate this book and it was a fun read!       

The Hobbit Response

When thinking about the hero’s journey in regards to literature, The Hobbit is a great story to look at. For me I think Thorin was a very strong character and leader. He was someone who demanded respect because of his royal blood. Although, his heroism is questionable, does doing the right thing make you a hero and fighting alongside the dwarves make you a hero? The movie no doubt portrays him as a hero, however, Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf are shown to do most of the problem solving and saving. Although. Majority of their journey Bilbo did have extra help with Gollum’s magic ring. Then, looking at Thorin, when he was cursed with dragon sickness, he was okay with the idea of many elves, humans and dwarves dying in battle as long as he didn’t have to part with a single coin. It took his companions to speak to him and clear his mind of the dragon sickness that he decided to lead the men into battle.

w

Akata Witch Response

Akata Witch was a very interesting read and I enjoyed every bit of it. The world described in Akata Witch, is just so distinct. The world described is just something that isn’t predictable yet there’s a familiarity about it. The presence of magical insects such as, the giant red grasshopper and a wasp that creates sculptures for praise adds a sense of fantasy to the story. Real world issues however, still occur in this story like sexism, racism and classism, which is a very interesting parallel between fantasy and real life. It’s interesting to see what the author wanted to keep in, in terms of real world experiences. I appreciate that Okorafor writes her young adults as young adults. The characters speak, argue and enter relationships and then handle these things like actual young adults; this story isn’t sugar coating anything.

            I’ve been a fan of witch related stories my whole life, I guess I just enjoy that magical/fantasy driven plot. Media such as, AHS Coven, The Craft or kiki’s delivery service have always interested me and I feel as though stories like the previously stated ones all have perfect character development. I feel like fantasy related stories tend to just focus on the magic or conflict at hand rather than giving characters a personality that viewers can relate to, such as Blair Witch Project. Akata Witch is one among money of my favorite witch related stories because this story is so different from other witch stories. There’s more to think about in Akata, not just magical and fiction but real world issues and relationships. Akata was very interesting and I would definitely read it again.