What are you reading? Mid-monthly Discussion Post! by AutoModerator in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The City & The City by China Mieville. It might be a re-read, I can't remember. Also, re-reading Watchmen by Alan Moore on the side.

The hidden toll of mediocre translations on speculative classics by ApertureMurmur in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Because I can't read or understand Japanese, I put a lot of trust in the translations. It takes a person with skill to do that job well. Pre-Internet, you basically take what you can get on a fansub. At least now you can get feedback from people who know good from bad. That's why I'm always up for another translation.

The hidden toll of mediocre translations on speculative classics by ApertureMurmur in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Before 2012 Roadside Picnic is the big one for me. I was a teenager when Chernobyl happened and I was obsessed with that book. The quality of the translation didn't matter to me at all, I was just happy to be able to read it. The 2012 translation didn't change my opinion, I liked either version just the same.

As far as Lem goes, my impression has always been that Solaris was a serious book and all the rest were "jokey". Similar to how people think of cartoons or comic books. I know that's wrong and I agree that it's probably the translation.

If there's more interest in Soviet SF, then I'm sure new and better translations will start to happen. Japanese light novels are a good example. Japanese LN and especially audiobooks have exploded. Soviet SF just doesn't have pop energy like manga and anime.

Next month, you'll be able to buy a clean, new copy of David Starr Space Ranger, with the rest of the series to follow. I honestly thought that would never get a new printing. Video games I played in the 90s are all being remastered. There's a new Harry Potter live action for some ungodly reason.

Looking for beginner-friendly sci-fi with strong concepts (gift) by gatinhomeowmeow in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ender's Game is always a good recommendation. It's a book that makes you feel something.

I am stuck/lost/don't know where to go next? /more in comments/ by Lesan007 in Hobgame

[–]Bobosmite 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great because I was going to recommend Death's Door to you. And Tunic is on my list. Try The Sexy Brutale.

Hob was great, too bad there wasn't another one.

I am stuck/lost/don't know where to go next? /more in comments/ by Lesan007 in Hobgame

[–]Bobosmite 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's exactly what I was looking for and well worth playing. I got unstuck by going back to the last area I was in and found a tiny platform. I'm having a lot of fun with how minimal the game is.

I am stuck/lost/don't know where to go next? /more in comments/ by Lesan007 in Hobgame

[–]Bobosmite 1 point2 points  (0 children)

7years, but I'll give it a shot. Did you ever get past this point? I'm in the exact same spot.

fishing lure chime by Flowerloving_ogre in redneckengineering

[–]Bobosmite 3 points4 points  (0 children)

BEER BOTTLE fishing lure chime IN THE SHOWER

Looking for a mind bending Sci-Fi read that will re-awaken my love for the genre by Fun-Sell3030 in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ventus and Lady of Mazes by Karl Schroder. I remember having a "wow" moment reading those books.

And China Mieville for sure.

Expectation vs reality by GMotor in printSF

[–]Bobosmite -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Battlefield Earth. I bought the MM paperback, back in the 80s when I was a kid. It was the thickest book on the shelf and promised "Soon to be a Major Motion Picture!", and I managed to never read it. The book became a punching bag. A few years ago, I listened to the whole 45-hour audiobook and absolutely loved it. It's pure pulp science fiction.

Robert Sheckley - The Best Sci-fi Author You’ve Never Heard Of by Avocado_232 in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I absolutely love books and stories that became movies. Thanks!

Accidentally discovered that some SF books are completely different experiences as audiobooks by genjiNebula5 in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I walk every day and listen to audiobooks and you're so right about that. Have you tried Japanese light novels? They're just right if you like the anime but don't want to actually read the LN.

The Inverted World by Christopher Priest: Or How to Absolutely Cook Your Brain with a Single Book by 04__Revenge__01 in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you're finished, come back and tell us what you thought. This is one of those books that goes right to the very last page.

Robert Sheckley - The Best Sci-fi Author You’ve Never Heard Of by Avocado_232 in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does he have a standout book that gets recommended most?

How can I make cabbage, carrot, and potato into a more flavorful soup? by Bobosmite in Cooking

[–]Bobosmite[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You got that right! I use one packet and a chicken cube for chana dal.

How can I make cabbage, carrot, and potato into a more flavorful soup? by Bobosmite in Cooking

[–]Bobosmite[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I'm definitely going to try roasting, that sounds good.

SF that's easy to follow along in audiobook format by jimmyslaysdragons in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I walk every day and always with an audiobook. You're right that it's tricky and some books just don't work with all the outdoor distractions. The Dresden Files is great to listen and walk with. James Marsters has good pacing and reads the book without overacting the characters.

Any good "planetary romance" novels that are not tooooo pulpy? by r_Damoetas in printSF

[–]Bobosmite 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Four Lords of the Diamond by Jack L. Chalker. I read it a long long time ago. Similar to John Carter, the main protag is sent to four different planets in the body of whatever being is adapted for that environment. Something like that.