The Wave in the Mind: Talks and Essays on the Writer, the Reader, and the Imagination

Ursula, I'm of your generation. I've been a fan of yours for many years, though I admit I haven't read all of your science fiction books. My favorite was "The Word For The World Is Forest." I also loved your version of the Tao teh Ching, with commentary. And I really enjoyed "The Wave in the Mind," and I thoroughly agree that roaming around in your mind is a true delight. But may I pick a little bone with you? Just a TEENY one.You see, I'm a man. I had nothing to do with that, it was decided for me. What gets a little tiresome to me is the feminist chip you have on your shoulder. Maybe it's not a big one, but I think it's kinda outdated. You see, according to my information and observation, women write most of the books nowadays. What's more, they seem to be reading most of the books that are being read. And it's an established fact that more women are getting undergraduate degrees today than men. So why do you still gripe about male authors and such? I'd like to write a novel for a young male audience, but I don't think it's there anymore, and I'm not sure I can write a book that would please women; and I'm no retrograde patriarchal women-hater.You griped about women's shoes and imply that men are to blame because women torture their feet so. I've had two wives (not at the same time, and after all, I HAVE been around the block a few times)and I always scolded them for buying high heels or shoes that weren't comfy. I always stressed that comfort was the prime consideration in buying shoes, and I do mean that. But no, they bought shoes that tortured their feet and gave them corns and calluses and what-all. How am I, as a man, responsible for that? As for what happened to upper-class Chinese women in the imperial days, well, I wasn't even born yet, believe it or not, and I think it was really sicko.I had to get these things off my chest, Ursula, because I'm sincere when I say I'm really a fan of yours, and the only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is because of the occasional whines I hear from you about the horrid men. I hate the Taliban and what Moslem extremists do to women. And hey, let me tell you a little secret: I got my "feminism" in the school of hard knocks, not in a college consciousness-raising session. I was reared by a passive mother and an abusive alcoholic stepfather, and rather early in life I wondered why children had no rights. Thinking beyond that, I realized that children would never have rights until women did. So I AM in favor of women's rights and the rights of children. So please, can you take that little chip off your shoulder? I think male authors are an endangered species. I go to bookstores and libraries and most of the offerings are by women writers. And in my local library branch, "women's issues" take up two standing bookcases. "Men's issues"? A third of one shelf. And women write most of the children's books and "romances," and both genres are doing well, I hear. And the richest author in the world (that Rowling lady) is a woman, of course. Male authors just die and fade away, or drink themselves into oblivion, or blow their brains out. So, please, Ursula,"be not too hard, for life is short, and nothing is given to man," as Joan Baez once sang.But seriously, you're one of my favorite authors, along with Margaret Atwood and Joyce Carol Oates. Keep up the good work, and I greatly appreciate the valued information you share with writer wannabes, and may that delightfully witty mind of yours never get constipated or congested!To everyone else: buy this book. You'll love it, regardless of your gender. She shares so much with us!

I believe this is an important work by a 'seminal author and fascinating woman. Ms. Leguin puts forward her thoughts on her career and journey in life in the best tradition of great thinkers. While reading this book, I often thought of Gertrude Stein, and ever Ms. Leguin concurs that, yes indeed: Gertrude Stein 'got a cow'. She relays her life's experience and gives writers advice from a life time of her experience. She is quite philosophical on many accounts and one' gets the impression that yes: This is a book that is not merely "contemporaneous". She talks on writing and explains prosity in slightly beatific poetry, and espouses on language as well as science! I'm glad I was able to add Ursula K.Leguins' "The wave in the mind" to my eclectic library and I'll continue to read it for many more years to come, because it is not a book that is handicapped by the fog of contemporary literature. If you don't like women, don't read this book.

An inspiring collection of essays on reading, writing, and social justice -- Le Guin's geeky, syllable-counting fascination with the rhythm of writing, thoughtful point of view, love of storytelling, and audible passion for her craft becomes infectious. Under her tutelage, the decision to sit at the keyboard and write, even on a beckoning sunny day, seems perfectly rational, fun and undeniable.Le Guin discusses and admires the works of authors including: Virginia Woolf (To the Lighthouse), Jane Austin, Mark Twain (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Diaries of Adam and Eve), J.L. Borges (The Book of Fantasy), Cordwainer Smith, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Salman Rushdie, Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), Tolstoy (War and Peace, Anna Karenina) Italo Calvino (Invisible Cities), Philip K. Dick (The Man in the High Castle), and Carol Emshwiller.

She’s a lovely, fluid writer with a no-nonsense approach and some thoughtful words about the art of writing.

So much insight into the writing process. I was a bit bogged down by the chapters on rhythm--I have to sit with them again--but I would not miss the rest of this book for anything! There is a delightful tale about LeGuin and a friend inadvertently scuttling a boat in the San Francisco Bay. And who knew LeGuin's exhalted family background in the world of anthropology. A terrific read for writers and those who love writers.

For the reader, the writer, the artist, the creator. Possibly for the musician, but I don't know anything about creating music. A collection of thoughtful essays from the personal view of the writer

I like Le Guin but I didn't find these essays to be interesting.

I’m hesitating to write even the twenty words required by Amazon because I’m intimidated by the depth and quality of Ms Le Guin’s writing and the thinking revealed in her book - in fact she goes beyond mere thinking and communicates something of her psyche and soul. Whether you are a writer or only a reader, I highly recommend reading this book.

Inspirational, thought provoking and witty essays covering including the autobiographical, political and creative, filled with witty reflections on performance art and a range of literatures. Reading this is truly delightful and a joy for anyone who at any point has enjoyed reading or attempted writing.

Ursula Le Guin is widely known for her fantasy books describing the adventures of Ged the wizard (Earth Sea series) as well as science fiction books such as the Telling and the Left Hand of Darkness. What the casual reader of her fiction work may not know is that Ms Le Guin has published several books of literary criticism and critical thinking. This book is a collection of short pieces either already published or appearing for the first time. The pieces are divided in groups by theme. One of my favourite pieces is called Feet and is about, well Feet. The pieces can be whimsical, funny, insightful and in the case of those that talk about writing really inspiring. She not only knows her craft but is also willing to share this knowledge with us the readers as unpretentiously as possible. Finally I believe this is a must read for all women aspiring authors whether they delve in fantasy - science fiction or not.

Brilliantly written, though provoking, personal and yet relevant and creates waves in your mind.

Anything from Ursula le Guin is quite wonderful.

Excelent