Feeding the birds and thinking of Riverworld a sci-fi book series

[Marthe48]

About the only thing from the book series that stuck with me was that every day, a box of food dropped down for each person in Riverworld. The contents were totally random. I ordered the wrong kind of seed mix from Tractor Supply today, but that's okay, something will eat it. But as I filled the feeders, thought of the randomness the birds aren't aware of

Then I thought more about Riverworld. Can you imagine writing it today, when there are so many food plans to choose from? Such as animal or plant bases, all of the variations of vegetarian plans, gluten-free or keto? I don't remember that you were actually able to trade your food to someone else, and didn't fill in a menu. I bet the food providers that supplied Riverworld would just tear their hair out and let everyone go. lol

[comradebillyboy]

1. Is this Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld?

That was a great series from one of my very favorite Sci Fi authors.

[Nictuku]

2. Me too

[Marthe48]

3. Yes, it is

For some reason, I was impatient with it, probably the inherent lack of freedom. That is the only thing I can think of.

Did you every read Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester? That was my absolute favorite sci-fi. If there isn't a movie, there should be. With all of the advances in special effects, it would be amazing

[byronius]

5. Alfred Bester is such a cool weirdo.

I'm a Harry Harrison guy deep down, though. Philip K. Dick for the talent, Harlan Ellison for the humor, Harrison for the philosophy.

Harry wrote down what is essentially my 'religion': given that there's no way to truly know anything because you're inside the system -- if you imagine that you'll eventually have to live every life that's ever been lived -- plant or animal or insect or protozoan -- even if that's not the case, it's a good way to tune your moral compass.

I try to live by that.

Science fiction! So important to the future it depicts.

[intrepidity]

6. Mine too

That's basically the "golden rule" on steroids. I don't know when or where I acquired it, but it was the main philosophy I have settled on.

I've never read Harrison; can you suggest some titles that incorporate that philosophy? Or that are just good reads?

[byronius]

7. The Stainless Steel Rat series is a good place to start.

But I think the idea that so captured me is in one of his more ridiulous series, 'Bill the Galactic Hero'.

Harry had a way of inserting serious philosophical themes into the middle of apparently low comedy. That's his major skill.

Here's the wikipedia on his life -- amazing fellow.

Stainless Steel Rat is excellent adventure full of great ideas and complex moral sifting. Someday it'll be a hugely popular series of films. All of my old friends and I will be there opening night.

He got into historical deconstructivism later on -- the Eden trilogy, and the Stars and Stripes trilogy -- both are jewels of the craft. Shockingly imaginative.

By the way -- as an aside -- if you haven't consumed Ellison's Dangerous Visions series -- it's a life changer. For a writer, it's essential.

[First Speaker]

8. I always wished that they had made a film of it starring a young Sean Connery...

...who more perfect for Gully Foyle? Yes--this is probably the greatest SF novel. I can't think of a single youngish actor today who could play Gully and do justice to the part...

[comradebillyboy]

13. "Gully Foyle is my name and Terra is my nation

Deep space is my hiding place

The stars my destination"....

Great stuff.

[hay rick]

12. Great series.

Read those books a long time ago. Maybe I'll get them on my Kindle and read them again. I've probably forgotten most of it. Based on the same theory, I recently ordered a couple John McDonald Travis Mcgee books that I had read a long time ago. I had forgotten most of the plot. Unfortunately, McDonald wasn't nearly as enjoyable the second time around. My thought is that he has had a lot of imitators who improved on the original.

[byronius]

4. Very powerful narrative.

Difficult concept to flesh out. He pulled it off.

Riveting until the end.

[Archae]

9. I get Meals On Wheels, it's about the same thing!

Seriously, I get four frozen dinners per week, and it's kind of random.

I love their meat loaf, hate the chili.

[Marthe48]

11. Good analogy

You made me laugh

[captain queeg]

10. Read Riverworld back in college in the 80s

I always remember he portrayed Herman Goering as a reformed addict. A nice twist.