This week saw the passing of Ursula K Le Guin. I’ve been a fan of her for, dare I admit it, decades (I’m getting old!). She was a masterful writer, and I’m glad she was able to put pen to paper and create such wonderful material.
Three books immediately jump out as must-reads for anyone interested in science-fiction and fantasy.
A Wizard of Earthsea
“It is very hard for evil to take hold of the unconsenting soul.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, A Wizard of Earthsea
Left Hand of Darkness
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, Left Hand of Darkness
The Dispossessed
“It is our suffering that brings us together. It is not love. Love does not obey the mind, and turns to hate when forced. The bond that binds us is beyond choice. We are brothers. We are brothers in what we share. In pain, which each of us must suffer alone, in hunger, in poverty, in hope, we know our brotherhood. We know it, because we have had to learn it. We know that there is no help for us but from one another, that no hand will save us if we do not reach out our hand. And the hand that you reach out is empty, as mine is. You have nothing. You possess nothing. You own nothing. You are free. All you have is what you are, and what you give.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed
These are three fantastic books that present the genres of fiction they are written in with a strong and unique voice. The quotes are presented to give people just a tiny taste of her insight, and memorable points in the texts. The books are political and poetic, and strongly recommend people who are unfamiliar with her work try these texts.
*The link on Le Guin’s name leads to the New York Times Obituary
Pulp Culture Museum 
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