[nesfa-reading-group] Book recommendations for our next vote

[tracy at windweaver.com]

MARCH NOMINATIONS FOR NOVEMBER 1 VOTING
from Tracy Marks

_STEAL ACROSS THE SKY _by Nancy Kress
https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Across-Sky-Nancy-Kress/dp/0765359561
The aliens appeared one day, built a base on the moon, and put an ad on 
the internet:
"We are an alien race you may call the Atoners. Ten thousand years ago 
we wronged humanity profoundly. We cannot undo what has been done, but 
we wish humanity to understand it. Therefore we request twenty-one 
volunteers to visit seven planets to Witness for us. We will convey each 
volunteer there and back in complete safety. Volunteers must speak 
English. Send requests for electronic applications to 
witness at Atoners.com."

At first, everyone thought it was a joke. But it wasn't.

This is the story of three of those volunteers, and what they found on 
Kular A and Kular B.

 From reviews: _This is brilliant writing, very imaginative. Although the 
idea ETs may have intervened in our evolution is not new, this is an 
extremely creative take on that basic plot, one which raises issues 
regarding the ethics of genetic experimentation and alteration.  Kress' 
characters are well-developed and complex, and their different 
perceptions and interpretations about what they witness in two different 
civilizations have significant repercussions when they return to earth._
________________________________________

_HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES_ by Salman Rushie
https://www.amazon.com/Haroun-Sea-Stories-Salman-Rushdie/dp/0140157379/
  "Rushdie… is one of the best contemporary writers of fables and 
parables, from any culture. Haroun and the Sea of Stories is a 
delightful tale about a storyteller who loses his skill and a struggle 
against mysterious forces attempting to block the seas of inspiration 
from which all stories are derived." (from Amazon's description)

In this wondrously delightful story, Salman Rushdie gives us an 
imaginative work of extraordinary power and endearing humor that is, at 
its heart, an illumination of the necessity of storytelling in our 
lives.

Tracy's comments: _ This has been one of my favorite novels of all time, 
and one that can be read on many levels. First, as a delightful fantasy 
for children and adults. Second, as an allegory of overcoming writer's 
block and the obstacles we face in our own life's "story". Third, as an 
allegory of Rushdie himself - victim of a fatwa set against his life, 
and censorship of his writing which led to his exile to Great Britain._
_______________________________________

_DUNCTON WOOD_ by William Horwood
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345291131
A community of moles in a forest near Oxford faces a bleak and 
evil-laden future unless two of their number, young Bracken and his mate 
Rebecca, can revive the ancient beliefs and traditions linked to the 
great stone.

One reader says: "An animal fantasy along the lines of Watership Down, 
but far greater. Its characters are moles that act much as moles do, but 
with language, intelligence, purpose, and above all spiritual depth. To 
lend authenticity, the author spent a year studying a colony of moles 
firsthand, as well as educating himself through scientific studies of 
moles. But then comes imagination, and the imagination is great indeed. 
The moles (unlike, at least for most of us, real moles) move us and 
touch us deep in our psyches, deep in our spirits. This is both an 
earthy and a mystical masterpiece. It is also full of action (in the 
fights for leadership, territories, and mates) and adventure."

Tracy's note: _I remember when Watership Down became popular in the 
U.S., an engaging novel told from the point of view of rabbits. But when 
my mother told me that I should read the British  bestseller, Duncton 
Wood, written from the point of view of moles, I hesitated. But then I 
read it and was completely engrossed by the highly developed and often 
heatwarming characterizations and the world-building. And I agreed - 
it's much better than Watership Down! Warning: It is long - 550 pages. 
(NOTE: There are many sequels, with similar titles) _

ALSO: _I initially wanted to recommend Horwood's Stonor Eagles, a book 
I've loved that has been vividly engraved in my memory for years but the 
Minuteman Library network doesn't carry it. However, I just asked them 
to purchase it (https://www.minlib.net/services)_
https://www.amazon.com/Stonor-Eagles-William-Horwood/dp/0531098737/
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