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DrNefario
Posted 2015-01-16 8:00 AM (#9301 - in reply to #9296)
Subject: Re: The Definitive 1950s Reading Challenge		Quote Reply



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jwharris28 - 2015-01-15 6:08 PM

Why does some science fiction become dated? DrNafario says the pulp style pushes him out of Galactic Patrol.

It's a tricky one, really. I think it might simply be Smith's version of the pulp writing style. There are other older SF books I can read quite happily, even if their visions of the future seem quaint, and there are plenty of contemporary works of other genres that are absolutely fine. The viewpoint and the pacing are just a little bit off compared to what I'm used to, so I never quite feel comfortable. It's a bit too breathless and a bit too distant. I'm nearly done with it now, though.

I'm kind of expecting Galactic Patrol to be my least favourite book of the challenge. It wasn't really my first choice for 1950, but I'm trying to read what I already own where possible, and I wanted to get started as soon as possible, meaning I didn't get to scout out too many second-hand book stores.

I am aiming to read books I haven't previously read, and I can currently cover 8 of the 10 years (having just bought City by Simak about half an hour ago), but a few of those 8 aren't my first choice, and I hope to replace them before I reach those years. It gives me an excuse to browse second-hand books, which I haven't had since I completed my Agatha Christie collection last year.

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