Thursday: “I don’t think we’re in West Virginia any more, Toto.” Eric Flint. Context?
From 1632, the novel that started the Ring of Fire series. A small Appalachian town of our own day has been transported to the middle of the 30-years war in Germany, and the West Virginians are just beginning to realize that wherever they are, it isn’t where they were. The statement is an obvious takeoff on The Wizard of Oz.
Friday: “Spurs and riding crop to fly a mule were about as sensible as four wheels and a clutch to sail a ship.” Suzette Haden Elgin. Context?
The passage is from Twelve Fair Kingdoms, first volume of the Ozark Fantasy Trilogy. Yes, that’s flying mules, held to a speed of 60 mph because 60 is five times twelve. (They’re into numerology, too.)
Saturday: “So I have seen the moons of Jupiter, and mountains on our own.” Poul Anderson. Context?
From A Midsummer Tempest, 1974. Shakesperean characters, dialog in iambic pentameter—take a good look at the quote! The chief character has just had his first look through a telescope.
Sunday: “We need three laws of our own, but I’m glad we don’t have them.” Asimov. Context?
The “three laws” are of course Asimov’s three laws of Robotics: “1. A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3. A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.” The book is The Naked Sun, second book with the human detective, Elijah Bailey, and his robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw.
Monday: “There was more to the business of carrying fire than she realized, however.” Auel. Context?
From The Valley of Horses. Ayla, cast out by the Clan, is learning to survive on her own.
Tuesday: “And he knew now the ultimate corruption of power: to make another person a toy to do your will.” M.Z.Bradley. Context?
From The Heritage of Hastur. Regis is considering what Dyan has done to Dani.
Wednesday: “His mother had told him about the sky, but he had never expected it to be this far away.” Bowling. Context?
From Homecoming. Roi is remembering the first time Derik ever took his slaves outdoors, and his first sight of the sky.
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