Wednesday, April 24, 2013

U is for Ursula K. Le Guin

I Love Sci-Fi/Fantasy Because...

...of Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin
There is something to be said for writers who capture the imaginations of younger readers. This author did that for me. Her Earthsea books were some of the first fantasy books I ever read.

I loved her take on dragons and still see them largely through her eyes. I remember wishing I could learn magic at the school of Roke. She added gebbeth, otak and harrekki to my fantasy lexicon.

She showed me that not all quests are over land. Some quests cross seas and delve deeply into self-discovery. And she knows the power of one's true name.

She's an author who asks simple questions that don't have simple answers. She has five Hugo and six Nebula awards to her credit, and more Locus awards (19) than any other author. I've even read that she inspired Neil Gaiman.

Ursula K. Le Guin is one reason why I love science fiction and fantasy.

25 comments:

  1. I remember reading one of Ursula K. Le Guin's books for a Language Arts class back in high school. I think it was The Left Hand of Darkness...

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    1. Writers rule the universe! Well, at least our own universe! :-)

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  3. I've never heard of her. There's so much to learn in the writing industry.

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    1. So true. I'm continually discovering authors that everyone seems to know except me.

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  4. I haven't even heard of these books, must look them up now!

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  5. I love hearing how an author can inspire someone throughout their life. It's simply amazing. I've never heard of her. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. My pleasure. Anyone who inspires others to achieve should be commended.

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  6. I've never read her work. I will have to commit her name to memory! (My boys are always in need of new books!)

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    1. If they like fantasy-type reads then they'll probably like these.

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  7. I love her Earthsea trilogy! I'll have to check out her other books.
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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    1. I need to read them again. It's been too long.

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  8. I know of her but I've never read her books.

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    1. You're in for a treat if you can make the time, Alex.

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  9. Love Le Guin. Love love love. Earthsea is great, but just one of many.

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  10. Ursula's books were the first I read that were written by a woman. What an eye-opener she was, and is!

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    1. Indeed! She's a very thought-provoking writer.

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  11. Very cool, Jeff. Those books, the ones that inspire us to write, are always praiseworthy!

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  12. I only ever read one of her books, I really don't know why, I should look out for them and read more.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. She has a decent variety to choose from. Her website (which lists and provides excerpts) is http://www.ursulakleguin.com/

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  13. I don't know her...but I will check her out. Sounds like great reads from an amazing author! :)

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