Science Fiction and Fantasy allow humanity to create a window into its own existence, giving sight into the fortunes and failings of a species that too often finds itself grounded in the mundane. The themes explored in these works run the gamut of human nature; exploring the ethical, moral, and spiritual choices that have faced people since the dawn of creation. The story is important, not because it entertains, but because it touches something deep inside thehuman heart.
This is the first in a series of Read Alongs with the Sci-Fi Christian, meant to bring our readers Science Fiction and Fantasy literature that we all can enjoy and discuss together. Each month or so we can look at a different book and discuss the nature of the story and how it fits within the outlines of our Christian worldview. Some of these works will be light reads, while others will be more intensive, but they will all carry the reader to new worlds, and new fellowship with one another.
The book we will be looking into is A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. Written in 1968, it is a fantasy novel telling the story of Ged, a brash young man who is destined to becomethe greatest wizard in his world. There have been many comments about this novel on thesite, and I thought it would be a good starting point. I have broken it into four weeks’ worth of reading, amounting to approximately 50 pages each week. I know that between school, work, and children time can be a valuable commodity! On Saturdays I will post comments on the last weeks’ chapters for discussion, and we can take it from there.
Keep in mind, our discussions will be spoiler-filled! If you aren’t caught up, you may want to avoid the discussion.
Here is the chapter schedule:
August 13: 1, 2, and 3
August 20: 4 and 5
August 27: 6 and 7
September 3: 8, 9, and 10
I gave us all two weeks for finding the book, be it at the library or your local/virtual bookstore. This is my first time reading A Wizard of Earthsea, and I am looking forward to exploring it withyou all! See you in a couple of weeks!
so glad you are doing this!!! man, this is such a great book. one of my all-time favorites!
It’s been a few years since my last reread. Can’t wait to discuss this one with the SFC community
Really looking forward to this. “Wizard of Earthsea” was a pivotal read for me back in 9th grade — my first introduction to some of the psychological concepts at its heart — so I am glad for this chance to re-read and discuss it.