Readers' Corner

Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog

January 29, 2014 Introductions continued

 

My name is David Greenfield and I work as a Circulation Clerk at the Northfield Public Library.  I am also in charge of the library’s Science-fiction Book Club, which began in October of 2012 (more on the Book Club below). 

My expertise in this genre lies primarily in fantasy, to which I was introduced at a young age.  My dad got me started on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  Then one day after a Dungeons & Dragons session, a friend of mine lent me his copy of R.A. Salvatore’s Homeland, and I was hooked. 

I want to echo a sentiment in Jamie’s earlier blog post that not only is the science fiction/fantasy genre HUGE; these days it seems like it is everywhere.  In just about every literary category you can name you can find a book which has elements of this genre in it.  Sometimes people read a science fiction or fantasy book and don’t even realize it, because it is not shelved in the sci-fi/fantasy section.  Paranormal romances, mysteries with an undead detective, and literary fiction with time-traveling protagonists are all examples of these “genre crossings.”  So, not only is there something for everyone in sci-fi/fantasy, as Jamie said, but it is popping up in other literary categories outside of its own as well. 

What I hope to share in this blog is my knowledge and passion for science fiction and fantasy literature.  If you are already an avid sci-fi/fantasy reader, I hope you will share your passion with us, too!  If you are new to the genre, give it a try and let us know what you think! 

In closing, I am going to put in a plug for the Science-fiction Book Club.  We meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 P.M. in the library meeting room.  Our next meeting is February 25 and we will be discussing Red Planet Blues by Robert Sawyer.  Books are selected on a month-by-month basis from suggestions proffered by those in attendance.  We currently have about half a dozen that come regularly and more than double that on the club mailing list.  If you want to add your name to the mailing list or have any questions, please send me an email at david.greenfield@ci.northfield.mn.us. 

Characteristics of Fantasy:

1.       It is framed by magic.  Detailed settings depict another world, often Earth, but out-of-time or invisible to most people.

2.       It is Good versus Evil.  Good triumphs in the end but often at a price.

3.       Like science fiction, it is frequently written as a series.

4.       It is written in a wide variety of moods, but in the end it is optimistic.

5.       It often emphasizes character development.  Protagonists evolve and grow through a series of challenges they must face.  Characters often include mythical or fantastic creatures, including dragons, elves, wizards, vampires and the like.

6.       It has a storyline that starts slow and picks up speed.  In the beginning the author builds the world and introduces the cast, but the narrative pace quickens as more adventure elements appear.