Eighth Day Books Discussions

Admiral Diana by Anthony Anchor

2007-08-14T03:03:56-06:00

On their website, they claim that this is the most unique science fiction novel ever written.

Maybe. I don’t know.

It is certainly captivating.

The plot revolves around a three-way conflict between Originals (that would be us), Clones, and God. God is not shown, nor heard, but His presence is definitely felt throughout.

The story goes like this (I don’t think I’ll spoil much for other readers by revealing a few points, the book is really full of interesting turns and twists and people) - Sometime in the future, human cloning reached a certain well-developed stage, after which a global ban was instituted and enforced everywhere except Australia. When it was finally ratified in Australia as well, a colony of human Clones was already in place there. They were intelligent, logical, calculating, and looked like Greek gods, all of them. Some time passed. It was established that Clones and Originals were psychologically incompatible. The Clones took the initiative. With the help of the Originals, they built spaceships capable of quantum leaps (banned on Earth), using Unified Field technology (also banned). They discovered a planet suitable for colonization and took off - all of them.

They colonized the planet. They built cities. They altered the atmosphere and the climate to make living confortable.

Their own genetic research went on. Eventually, they discovered the code responsible for the psychological differences between men and women. The next generation of Clones were TRULY equal - in everything. Then catastrophe struck.

The new generation Clone men turned out to be incomplete. They could only conceive one child, very early in life, after which their semen would mutate. By the time they were forty, they were old and impotent, and died shortly after. The Clone civilization was on the brink of extinction.

Attempts were made to reverse the process, and to restore the initial code - to no avail. Clone women were healthy and lived long. Clone men weren’t and didn’t.

The Clone council came up with the idea that the one thing they lacked in their scientific research was human genius. In theory, geniuses only existed among the Originals. The plan was to get a few brilliant Original scientists to help the Clones with the problem.

The problem with THAT was that the two civilizations had not been in touch for three hundred years.

And that’s where the story begins.

An enormous space liner (carrying two full-sized spaceships in its hangars) travels over to planet Earth - to seek help. The one in charge is Admiral Diana - a stunning-looking woman of thirty-seven (but then, all Clone women are stunning-looking, and Clone men, too). On board, they have scientists, psychologists, historians, military people, astronomers, etc. They are determined to get help at any cost. They have weapons capable of annihilating entire planets (Unified Field technology).

Just outside Pluto’s orbit, they meet with an Earth centinel ship, captained by Elizabeth Kern, a feisty, intelligent woman married to a younger man named Fred. Negotiations begin. With the approval of the Earth Council, the two space vessels exchange embassarods - and Fred is appointed to be the Earth’s embassador.

The Clones are surprised to learn about the changes that have taken place on Earth in their absence. One of the changes is, the entire population of the planet is now thoroughly religious. There is a VERY good reason for it, though (it is explained in the book).

At one point, the destiny of the Clone’s planet becomes dependent on the affair Admiral Diana is having with Fred. However, the moral dimention is always present. The Originals might WANT to help the Clones (the Clones think of them as illogical, silly, irresponsible, etc, and are annoyed) - and yet they have doubts or the moral/religious order. At one point one of the Clones shouts, “I’ve had it with those hyporcites! They might BELIEVE in the existence of their Creator; but we KNOW who created US!”

And it shows. When Diana finds she is inclined to actually WORSHIP her creators, especially one of them, in a way that has NOTHING to do with ordinary human love, she becomes frightened - and very, very determined. She has to save her planet and her kind.

I purchased the book two weeks ago. I’ve already read it twice. I’m going to read it again. It’s unbelievable!

You can find it here -

Admiral Diana by Anthony Anchor

There’s a VERY GENEROUS excerpt attached to the page. You’ll see what I mean.

Buddhism and nothingness…

2006-03-31T08:18:07-06:00

This question has plagued me for a long time so I’d love to hear some input. Often times when someone experiences something they struggle for a digitallanguage with which to express the analog nature of the occurrence. Bearing this in mind, is it possible that the “nothingness” state pursued by Buddhists was the first “stage” of theosis, becoming passionless, and has merely become distorted through language and zealots?

Thoughts?

The balm of Gilead

2006-07-12T14:40:51-06:00

In Hebrew, Gilead means “hill of testimony” or “mound of witness.” It’s where King David fled from Absolom and the homeplace of the prophet Elijah, located near the Jordan river.

The “Balm of Gilead” refers to a healing compound made from the resin of a bush that grows in the region. Old Testament references include (Jeremiah 46:11) “Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt...” and (also from the weeping prophet) “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” The well-known spiritual infers both the Holy Spirit and Jesus as the Balm of Gilead, and Edgar Allan Poe makes reference to the phrase in “The Raven,” in which the character believes the balm of Gilead can heal his broken heart.

What is the balm of Robinson’s Gilead? Do you think the title is ironic or symbolic or something else entirely? How does Robinson flesh this out?

Taming Passions When You Are A House Wife

2006-09-22T15:12:19-06:00

So here is the deal, I have read several books on the struggle to overcome the"passions", and by all means they are quite interesting. But has anyone noticed that most are written by men? and mostly monks?

How am I, a simple wife and mother of 2, suppose to apply wisdom from someone who spends alot of time alone? Alone being what I consider a unachievable dream.

A novel’s ultimate fulfillment in film?

2006-02-26T22:36:59-06:00

I should be more prepared before posting, but I wanted to ask a question anyway while I was thinking it over. I subscribe to Mars Hill Audio and on one of the last two CDs I heard a guest say something to the effect of “a novel finds its ultimate fulfillment in a movie,” while discussing books that are made into movies. I found that idea fascinating; the guest also likened this idea to the Incarnation, I believe. Give me a day or two and I will figure out which CD this guest was on and if I even have the quote correct, but what do y’all think about this idea?

Monk e-business

2006-07-13T08:38:43-06:00

If like everyone else you’re paying exhorbitant amounts for ink and toner cartridges, check out Lasermonks.com, a Cistercian monastery business that sells new and remanufactured printer supplies. Steward of Temporal Affairs Fr. Bernard McCoy at the Abbey of Our Lady of Spring Bank in Sparta, Wisconsin tells the story of how the financially-strapped monastery started in this business here. They’ve had great success the last few years, and profits have gone not only to the monastery but also to many charities. Not to mention you can submit prayer requests and order monastery-made caramels while ordering discount ink cartridges. Don’t fail to check out the cartoon strip the Abbot Superior draws, Luxor and Ludwig, chronicling the adventures of their cloistered canines.

Recommended books?

2007-07-04T03:12:04-06:00

What are some books that you have read that you would recommend to a person? Why would you recommend it? Was it really good or was it bearable?

Eighth Day Books on the Road 2007

2006-12-29T02:53:27-06:00

Our travel plans for the Winter and Spring are shaping up, and we hope if you’re in one of these areas and/or find these conferences of interest you’ll consider joining us at any one of these fine events.

--Faith of Our Fathers: A Colloquium on Orthodoxy for Anglicans: Detroit, January 29-30.

--Redemptive Culture: Creating The World that Ought to Be: New York City, February 22-24.

--The Inklings and The Spiritual Journey: Abilene, March 22-24.

Puritan history?

2006-03-06T12:11:53-06:00

I am looking for an excellent book on the history of the Puritans. If y’all know of one, please let me know - thank you.

Logos

2006-09-08T08:45:25-06:00

Does anyone know where I can find any info on Heracletus? He’s a bit obscure.