introductions

[twistedchick]

Hi, I'm twistedchick, and I'm just reading the Vorkosigan books for the first time, in omnibus format. I'm about 4/5 through Miles Errant, which puts me into the latter part of Mirror Dance. And I'm glad this com is here, because I'm falling for so many characters I can't count them.

Comments

[reginagiraffe]

Heh. I'm in the middle of that same book (Mirror Dance) for the 2545473723 time. *g*

I'm jealous that you still have unread Bujold books to read!

[twistedchick]

About 10 years ago LMB was coming to town, and I had not read the books. Some kind but unthinking person said, "Oh, you'll have to read at least one, try this one," and dropped 'The Warrior's Apprentice' on me with no warning and no context. I got as far as Bothari's demise and pitched it across the room because none of it made sense. This time, I'm reading them in the story chronology and it all works. (Thank you, ellen_fremedon!)

[reginagiraffe]

Huh. That was the first one I read, too, and I loved it. *shrug*

[twistedchick]

It hit a few sore spots and triggers, early on, at a time when I just could not deal. Now when I read it, I can see where they were, but it doesn't bother me any more. One of my friends in undergrad had the bone disease that Miles had; he taught me to play killer air hockey from his wheelchair because if he stood up for too long he risked another broken bone.

[flourish]

Me too. I'm thinking of doing a reread. I wonder if people would be up for a whole-community Vorkosigan reread together? As a sort of initial getting to know each other exercise?

[branchandroot]

I'd like that. *laughing* Though we should probably make allowances for those of us who are in the middle of doing it already or just finished a round. You pick up one, you know, and the next thing you're re-reading all of them.

[flourish]

Well, it could just be a "we're going to discuss one book each 2 weeks - if you want to reread, do; if not, just join in," perhaps... maybe with fic prompts?

[branchandroot]

*nods* That sounds good.

[twistedchick]

Also, I'm borrowing the omnibus editions, and returning each as I finish it, so I'll be glad to read what's discussed in other books but may not have much to add at times.

[branchandroot]

*grins* Bujold fans are usually pretty good about describing whatever section they're talking about for those who don't have the books right handy. I bet you'll recognize scenes when people mention them.

[holyschist]

I'm game!

[flourish]

Awesome! I think I'm going to post a tentative schedule later today, then.

[cofax7]

Over at Tor.com, Jo Walton (aka bluejo aka papersky on LJ) is writing up some lovely essays about each of the Vorkosigan novels. She's just gotten to Mirror Dance.

[twistedchick]

Oooooooo!
::opening tab on tor.com and jo walton and drinking it in::

[dira]

I read Mirror Dance for the first time at the somewhat tender age of thirteen, and for ten years thereafter whenever I reread it (which was fairly often, as Bujold was and is probably my very favorite author) I started around Chapter Ten. :)

[twistedchick]

I have just finished reading Mirror Dance for the first time, and my view of Mark has improved *immensely* from what I thought of him in A Civil Campaign (which I read out of order because I was bored and it was right there on the shelf in the library looking at me...)

[dira]

Oh Mark. I love the fat little creep, and it is just so hard being him.

[reginagiraffe]

I'm rereading it now and I had to skip the "Mark fucks up the mission" chapter in the beginning. It hit my embarrassment squick too hard this time.

[azurelunatic]

Ohhhh, you're going to LOVE them. (Also, is it bad of me to wonder what would happen in a Howling/Vorkosoverse crossover?)

[twistedchick]

I'm afraid that whenever I see 'Howl' I'm thinking of 'Howl's Moving Castle' -- and I'd love to see what the Vor would make of that. Especially Ivan and Mark. Miles, of course, would just want to climb in and go somewhere (if Sophie would let him in.)

[azurelunatic]

That would be awesome.

But I'd love to see what Kevin Balim and Illyan would make of each other. :D

[twistedchick]

I'd like to see what Cordelia and Alys would do to deal with Kevin Balim. Because they could, you know. Illyan wouldn't even be in the park; he's Vor, he's too predictable to Balim.

[azurelunatic]

...Cordelia. Oh god. O_o

[holyschist]

I am also reading for the first time, chronologically, and I seem to have become accidentally hooked. Eep. At least there are a lot of them!

[flourish]

I know, right!? And more to come! I love living authors/continuing series. I'll be so sad if and when LMB says "no more."