Posts tagged science fiction.

aaknopf:

readyplayerone:

Check out our map of the Dystopian Universe, a collection of the most memorable apocalyptic futures and digital wastelands ever put in print. Blow it up to full size and explore, you might never come back. 

Great list. Did they miss anything?

Tropes vs. Women #5: The Mystical Pregnancy

The Mystical Pregnancy is a trope writers use to create drama and terror by invading, violating and exploiting women’s reproductive capabilities. Often these female characters have their ovaries harvested by aliens or serve as human incubators for demon spawn. Sometimes they are carrying the Messiah and other times Satan himself.

(more info over at Bitch)

Dianne Wynne Jones 1934-2011

I read a lot when I was a kid but I rarely ever re-read books. One of the few that I did read was Dianne Wynne Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle, a book that was made famous by the beautiful film adaptation by Hayao Miyazaki. 

I never really read about the death of a celebrity or famous person in the news and feel something real, a connection, an intangible something or another that I long for. But when I read the news today about Dianne Wynee Jones’ death I actually let out a faint little gasp. To be honest, I don’t even remember that much of the book now (…like with all things from childhood, it’ll probably look and feel different) and it’s been a while since I saw the movie but I still have this warm and fuzzy feeling with me, a feeling that makes me gasp when I read about her death because of the way she had been a part of my life. I’m not really sure if these words are enough to even attempt to explain anything I’m trying to say, its all a nebulous cloud of childhood nostalgia, excitement over remembering something I once loved but had forgotten, and that woeful ache in your heart when you realize that a writer you admired will not be writing again. All I can do is recommend her books and hope others can enjoy the beautiful wor(l)ds of Dianne Wynne Jones.