Book Chat Issue #102
Brave new world
Hello reading friends
I’m on my way home from Japan, so this will be a short newsletter, but I wanted to continue with my reading life series, just in case anyone was waiting with bated breath to find out what happened next. If you missed part one and two, you can read them here and here.
I had a wonderful time in Japan eating great food and having fun in the snow.
My reading life - part 3
It’s 1972 and I’ve just turned 16. Things aren’t going too well at home so I leave school, get a job, and move out.
I take my guitar, a stack of books, and some clothes.
During the day I work as a photographic printer, but I take on a second job working nights and weekends at hamburger joint, because I’m saving hard for a trip to England. I live frugally on brown rice and lentils. I miss my mother’s cooking and she sometimes drops food at my workplace which is both embarrassing and welcome.
After a few months there’s enough money in the kitty for a one way passage to London and my friend Heléna and I set off on the Galileo Galilei, an Italian ship. It takes three weeks to reach Genoa and from there we travel by train through Europe stopping in Florence, Innsbruck, Munich, and Amsterdam. I arrive in London with one ten pound travellers cheque and heart full of hope for a brand new life.
It’s around this time that I discover science fiction.
Some favourites from those days include Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and John Wyndam’s Day of the Triffids. I also loved Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, and Stranger in a Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein.
Published in 1961, and still in print, Stranger in a Strange Land tells the story of Michael Valentine Smith, a human who comes to earth as a young man after being born on Mars and raised by Martians. Once on earth, he needs to figure out what it is to be a man.
Now considered a masterpiece, it was very controversial when it was originally published because of its cutting indictment of organised religion and its portrayal of unapologetic group sex and communal families. Pretty normal fare these days but Heinlein started writing his book in 1948, a long time before the sexual revolution was a thing.
Sixty thousand words were cut from the text when it was first published, but these have been replaced in the newer editions. It’s frequently hailed as a book that shaped the sensibilities of a nation, but I think his later book, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, published in 1966, was much better.
Set in 2075, it deals with themes around geopolitics and artificial intelligence.
Publishers description…
In 2075, the Moon is no longer a penal colony, but it’s still a prison…
Life isn’t easy for the dissidents and convicts who live in the scattered colonies that make up lunar civilization. Everything is regulated by a central computer, HOLMES IV.
When humble technician Mannie O’Kelly Davis discovers that HOLMES IV has quietly achieved consciousness (and developed a sense of humour), the choice is clear: either report the problem to the authorities… or become friends.
And perhaps overthrow the government while they’re at it.
Did you have a science fiction phase? Are you still a fan?
What I’ve been eating
What a wonderful place Japan is! My daughter and I have spent hours marvelling at the beautifully presented food and the huge variety of products at the supermarket and in the food halls. These are located in the basements of the big department stores and are endlessly fascinating for a foodie like me.
We also eaten at some lovely little family restaurants (good value and delicious) and enjoyed several bowls of ramen and udon noodles. My favourite so far was a simple bowl of udon noodles with chicken.
Well that’s it for this issue. A bit shorter than usual, but the best I can do while I’m in transit.
Take care,
Marg xxx
My husband and I went to Tokyo last year! It was such a cool experience. I didn’t realize that Japan was the worlds capital for fake foods. My favorite thing was walking past all of the restaurants with the menus on display in the windows. Using the fake foods to depict the meals they offered. I hope that your trip was amazing. 🤍
Love this issue and the photo of you in front of the ship - priceless. I would read a book based on your ship experience!