Austin’s Half Price Books will be my downfall. I’ve broken my promise not to buy any more science fiction books this summer…
1. The Big Jump (1955), Leigh Brackett (MY REVIEW)
I’ve yet to read a work by the famous female sci-fi writer and screenwriter (The Big Sleep, The Empire Strikes Back, Rio Bravo, El Dorado) Leigh Brackett. I look forward to this “pulp” work with great expectation!
2. We Who Are About To… (1977), Joanna Russ
I was extremely impressed with Joanna Russ’ And Chaos Died (1970) so I quickly grabbed this volume despite the egregious cover art. Russ is considered one of the pioneers of feminist sci-fi and We Who are About To… continues her exploration of feminist themes.
3. Assignment Nor’ Dyren (1973), Sydney Van Scyoc (MY REVIEW)
Assignment Nor’ Dyren (1973) has been on my to acquire list for quite a while. I’ve not read any of Sydney Van Scyoc’s works. This one is widely considered her best and explores relevant social themes (homosexuality etc)…
4. The Star Fox (1965), Poul Anderson
Poul Anderson is a consumate no-frills story teller. His works are always well-plotted and engaging. The Star Fox picked up a Nebula Nomination…
5. Beyond the Barrier (1964), Damon Knight (MY REVIEW HERE)
Since I’ve only read Damon Knight’s various scathing reviews (namely of A. E. Von Vogt’s The World of Null-A — my review) I was curious about his multiple novels and short stories. I have a nagging feeling that his novels are quite poor.
6. The Light That Never Was (1972), Lloyd Biggle, Jr. (MY REVIEW HERE)
Lloyd Biddle, Jr. is a relatively unknown sci-fi author who has published multiple works over the years. And the cover — I couldn’t resist.
Science Fiction and Other Suspect Ruminations 
Looking forward to seeing how you get on with the Sydney Van Scyoc. There was another (I forget the title now) which is also supposed to be of interest.
I’m reading it now — I’m 30 pages in and good so far, but obviously not enough to form an opinion. I have a backlog of reviews to write….
Her first novel, Saltflower?
Hah! Also, I see that you are still completely failing not to score new stuff. 🙂
Haha, yes. The Half Price Books in Austin, TX is downright amazing — I find at least 8 (or more) novels I want every time and have to make excruciatingly hard decisions choosing…..
Ah, I read The Big Jump just a few months ago and Starfox… umm, a few years ago. I picked up Ground Zero Man (Corgi cover not so impressive) while up in Chiang Mai and a smattering of other random picks. Two of the more interesting picks: Voyage To Faremido/Capillaria, a 1978 English translation of a 1965 Hungarian work and John Jakes’ On Wheels (“You are sentenced to life to do no less than 40 mph at all times. To drop below that speed means death.”)
I haven’t read anything by Jakes…. You’ll probably be disappointed with Ground Zero Man — I think I was accidentally too enthusiastic in my review — probably a 3 out of 5 sort of novel.