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Original Essays | September 9, 2013

Chris Bolton: IMG A Smash Is Born

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Editor's note: Chris Bolton is not only a former Powell's employee, he was also once the primary writer for this blog. So we are particularly proud... Continue »
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    Smash: Trial by Fire

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Doomsday Book

by

Doomsday Book Cover

ISBN13: 9780553562736
ISBN10: 0553562738
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

For Kivrin, preparing an on-site study of one of the deadliest eras in humanity's history was as simple as receiving inoculations against the diseases of the fourteenth century and inventing an alibi for a woman traveling alone. For her instructors in the twenty-first century, it meant painstaking calculations and careful monitoring of the rendezvous location where Kivrin would be received.

But a crisis strangely linking past and future strands Kivrin in a bygone age as her fellows try desperately to rescue her. In a time of superstition and fear, Kivrin — barely of age herself — finds she has become an unlikely angel of hope during one of history's darkest hours.

Five years in the writing by one of science fiction's most honored authors, Doomsday Book is a storytelling triumph. Connie Willis draws upon her understanding of the universalities of human nature to explore the ageless issues of evil, suffering and the indomitable will of the human spirit.

Review:

"A stunning novel that encompasses both suffering and hope....The best work yet from one of science fiction's best writers." The Denver Post

Review:

"Splendid work...brutal, gripping and genuinely harrowing, the product of diligent research, fine writing and well-honed instincts, that should appeal far beyond the normal science-fiction constituency." Kirkus Reviews

Review:

"The world of 1348 burns in the mind's eye, and every character alive that year is a fully recognized being....It becomes possible to feel...that Connie Willis did, in fact, over the five years Doomsday Book took her to write, open a window to another world, and that she saw something there." The Washington Post Book World
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About the Author

Connie Willis has won six Nebula Awards, more than any other writer, and was the first author to win the Nebula in all four categories.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 9 comments:
Margaret McNally, August 4, 2012 (view all comments by Margaret McNally)
I love this book! If you can overlook the technical difficulties (ie, no cell phones/voicemail in the 25th century), you can get your sci fi and history in one dose.
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Newly converted, January 1, 2011 (view all comments by Newly converted)
This premise of this book is outstanding, the writing outstanding, and the heart and pathos top notch. I'm grateful to have experienced her skill as a storyteller, and look forward to reading the rest of her books. While unfortunately classified as sci-fi, this book is for anyone interested in historical fiction as well. Please look past the narrow ideas you may have for sci-fi or fantasy and give this book a read!
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MSRenfrow, August 7, 2010 (view all comments by MSRenfrow)
I read this book years ago. I had gotten to the point where I remembered that I had hated the book, but a lot of my friends had just read it for a book club and were raving, so I decided to purchase a copy and remind myself why I hated it.

Well, I remember now. The book drove me mad because everyone involved in the time travel aspect were absolutely dumber than a bag of rocks. The only logical explanation I can come up with for this lack of brains amongst people who are supposed to be well-educated is that the virus made them stupid.

The only character I have any sympathy for at all is Colin. Not because he isn't stupid, because he is, but he's a teenager with that invincibility complex that grown adults are supposed to have gotten over.

The plot is well written and only drags in a few places. The pace is quick, which means you sometimes are subjected to point of view whiplash. It's a solid novel, if you like reading about complete idiots suffering because of the completely idiotic things they brought upon themselves through their moronic actions.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780553562736
Author:
Willis, Connie
Publisher:
Spectra Books
Author:
Willis, Connie, (Ed)
Location:
New York :
Subject:
General
Subject:
Fiction
Subject:
Science Fiction - General
Subject:
Science fiction
Subject:
Europe
Subject:
Middle ages
Subject:
Time travel
Subject:
Black death
Subject:
Europe History 476-1492 Fiction.
Subject:
History
Subject:
Science / General
Subject:
Science Fiction and Fantasy-A to Z
Copyright:
1993
Edition Description:
Mass market paperback
Series Volume:
68-254
Publication Date:
19930831
Binding:
MASS MARKET
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
592
Dimensions:
7.00x4.32x1.28 in. .60 lbs.
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Related Subjects

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Fiction and Poetry » Science Fiction and Fantasy » A to Z
Fiction and Poetry » Science Fiction and Fantasy » Award Winners

Doomsday Book New Mass Market
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Product details 592 pages Spectra Books - English 9780553562736 Reviews:
"Review" by , "A stunning novel that encompasses both suffering and hope....The best work yet from one of science fiction's best writers."
"Review" by , "Splendid work...brutal, gripping and genuinely harrowing, the product of diligent research, fine writing and well-honed instincts, that should appeal far beyond the normal science-fiction constituency."
"Review" by , "The world of 1348 burns in the mind's eye, and every character alive that year is a fully recognized being....It becomes possible to feel...that Connie Willis did, in fact, over the five years Doomsday Book took her to write, open a window to another world, and that she saw something there."
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