July Book Pick: Because you are so awesome

Wow. That was a more exciting election since Iran's last week. We even got insinuations of voter fraud! We've made it!

So right down to the wire Larry Niven's Ringworld just barely edged out John Scalzi's Redshirts.

Neither is a perfect choice for everyone. We've done Mr. Scalzi's books as a main pick recently and as an alternate book previously so he's had lots of coverage. on the other hand there does not seem to be a legit ebook of Ringwolrd (there are print copies and audio copies) which is a deal killer for some.

So here's what the electoral commission has decided. Ringworld got the most votes. It's our pick for July. But for the first time since before we went to a strict monthly schedule, we will have an OFFICIAL alternate pick. The votes were just too damn close.

So get out there and read whichever one you like. I'll be diving into both and I know Veronica already has read Redshirts.

And remember no book pick is ever going to please everyone in this club. It's not meant to. It's meant to expose you to books you might not pick up otherwise. And if you're grumbling about not having an ebook, remember the people who often grumble that the book is not in the library and they don't have ereaders. We're all in this together.

Now go enjoy some reading!

*In absence of Veronica who is on vacation electroal commission consisted of Tom and his two dogs. 

  

S&L Podcast - #134 - Interview with Gene Wolfe

Sketch of Gene Wolfe by Murray Ewing

Sketch of Gene Wolfe by Murray Ewing

Were you expecting a wrap-up episode for Among Others? Sorry kids, Veronica decided to go on vacation, and all you get is this lousy interview with legendary author Gene Wolfe. Just kidding, the interview is awesome. 

We'll be back next week with our wrap-up and kick-off for the July pick!  Hope you voted!

Download the direct link for this episode! 

S&L Podcast - #134 - Interview with Gene Wolfe
Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

S&L Podcast - #133 - Interview with Joe Haldeman

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It's part two of three of Veronica and Goodreads moderator Josh Lawrence's adventures from the Nebula Awards! Our intrepid heroes chat with the author of The Forever War, Joe Haldeman. We're posting these interviews in our off weeks from the regular episodes.  Please enjoy.

Direct link to download! 

S&L Podcast - #133 - Interview with Joe Haldeman
Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

S&L Podcast - #132 - Get out the vote!

It's a record pronunciation day for Veronica but then Tom gets picky about the space-time continuum. Also, new sponsor! And July book vote!  Yay!

S&L Podcast - #132 - Get out the vote!
Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont

Among Others by Jo Walton
Aaron whiteboard video about 'Among Others'
A 1982 Video Interview with Isaac Asimov, Harlan Ellison and Gene Wolfe Wherein They Discuss the Label “Science Fiction” 

BARE YOUR SWORD

Book Vote for Jul ends June 23

EMAIL

Hi, Veronica! Hi, Tom!

This article is not conclusive or very scientific but it makes us think about why we do lem some books and the guilt that comes with it:

Why Leaving a Book Half-Read Is So Hard (by Heidi Mitchell).

Maybe you can share the link with your listeners or use it as a starting point for a discussion on the topic. These are just suggestions, of course.

I hope everything is well with you guys and that you'll have news about the return of the video show soon.

Bye!

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.  

And by Squarespace, the all-in-one platform that makes it fast and easy to create a professional  website, blog, portfolio, or online store.  For a free trial and 10% off your first purchase on new accounts, go to Squarespace.com, and use offer code SWORD6.

Direct download link! 

S&L Podcast - #131 - Baycon Interview with Lois McMaster Bujold

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Memorial Day weekend, the Sword and Laser crew journeyed to storied Santa Clara, California for BayCon deep in the shadow of the new football stadium. Lois McMaster Bujold was the guest of honor, Veronica was the Toastmaster and they graciously allowed Tom along for the ride. Ms. Bujold was a joy to talk with and the perfect Sword & Laser interviewee, having written on both sides of the ampersand. In this supersize episode you'll hear the entire interview including some excellent questions from the audience. 

Download the direct link here!

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