Hugo Winner Book Review: The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge

I found this novel rough going. I wanted to give up on it a few times, and I did set it aside for several weeks. But about half way through my interest picked up.

There is nothing wrong with the story or writing. For some reason the plot and characters did not particularly appeal to me and it is leans more towards "soft" science fiction where I am generally a fan of the "hard" genre.

It is very imaginative, and has some very poetic writing.

Hugo Winner Book Review: A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller

The winner of the Hugo award for best novel of 1961 (the year I was born), I found this an interesting novel that is hard to categorize. Is it post apocalyptic science fiction? Black comedy? Does it make a statement about where the world may have been headed during the cold war (and maybe in the future)? Is it for or against religion?

Written in three parts, each separated by several hundred years but taking place in the same location, it is a long and sweeping novel. I'll need some time to absorb it.

Recommended, even for non-fans of science fiction. But be prepared to look up some Latin words and phrases.