Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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28(28%)
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31(31%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I really liked the beginning a lot, but it's true that as it progressed, it became slower or less interesting.

She is an extremely interesting woman and her brain is extremely big, always in favor.

This statement about the woman's interesting nature and large brain implies that she has unique qualities and a great deal of intelligence. Perhaps her actions or ideas are constantly in support of something positive or progressive.

The description of the story's pacing changing from an exciting start to a slower or less engaging middle might make the reader curious about what could have caused this shift. It could be due to a change in the plot, the introduction of new characters or elements that didn't quite capture the reader's attention as well as the beginning did.

Overall, this short text provides a bit of a teaser about an interesting woman and a story that had an initially strong start but then seemed to lose some of its momentum.
July 15,2025
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Para mí, "Contar es escuchar" ha sido una experiencia maravillosa. Es como si una voz familiar y a la vez lejana me contara cosas que ya sentía en mi interior, pero que no sabía cómo explicar ni expresar en palabras. Esta voz, a la vez, me pone la mano en el hombro, como diciendo: "¡No estás sola!". Y es cierto, a mí también se me da mejor pensar y expresarme escribiendo que hablando. Además, me he surgido muchas preguntas sobre lo que hago en la vida, y este libro me ha ayudado a reflexionar sobre ellas. Es un libro que seguramente me acompañará durante toda mi vida. Gracias por toda la sabiduría que has compartido conmigo, Maestra. <3

July 15,2025
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A wonderful compilation of essays, conferences, and talks related to all the main themes of Le Guin's work: anthropology, libraries, what it means to write, literary workshops, her favorite authors, the writer's voice, the main vices in fantasy and science fiction works, and many others.

It is essential if one wants to deeply understand all of Le Guin's literary work. The chapter where she refers to the anthropological work of her father is simply precious.

This is truly the best book I read in 2018. It offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of Le Guin's literary universe, covering a wide range of topics that are both thought-provoking and engaging.

The author's insights and perspectives provide valuable food for thought for anyone interested in literature, anthropology, or the creative process.

Whether you are a fan of Le Guin's work or simply curious about the world of literature, this book is a must-read. It will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of writing and the rich tapestry of ideas that Le Guin has woven throughout her career.
July 15,2025
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Let's imagine a garden full of roses. This rose garden is these texts of Ursula Le Guin. You enter - the gate is wide open - and you pick as many as you want from her budding thoughts. There is no need to be stingy; the soil is so fertile that surely whatever you picked will grow back, and in the next reading, it will be there again, to re-stimulate your nerves, to touch another chord.

So this book is a blessing. It is sincere, passionate, and full of warmth. Reading the writings of a smart, active woman, with the antennae of her perceptiveness and critical thinking sharpened, the one who recognizes and elevates imagination and ingenuity as the greatest human virtues, is a gift.

Ursula Le Guin is a wonderful woman, made of clay - not of granite - and she allows us to leave our marks and footprints on her body, in a two-way relationship between the creator and the reader. A worthy defender of her kind, she convinces us that the fictional material, the fantasy story, is in no way inferior to the realistic story. Ingenuity has the advantage of unleashing the imagination that perhaps would not reach as far in every imitation. And imagination is a multi-tool for the human mind; it must be used.

I felt that there is a very strong psychological connection between Le Guin and Virginia Woolf. After all, the title of this collection is inspired by her. And I also felt myself strongly connected to these two wonderful, pioneering women.

Some of the many things I noted about the taste:

"Under memory and experience, under imagination and ingenuity - under words, as [Woolf] says - there are rhythms in which memory and imagination and words move. The writer's job is to go deep enough to feel this rhythm, to find it, to move in it, to be moved by it, and to let memory and imagination move to find the words."

"The Writer, this noble and heroic figure who stares at a white page and who is so dreadfully boring in books and movies really doesn't drill holes in marble or lay tiles on mosaic or conduct huge orchestras or die playing Hamlet - just sits and stares, and drinks, and smokes, and flips through pages and throws them in the trash can, which is as boring as what he does in real life, which is to sit there, and if you say something to him, he jumps up and shouts WHAT? - The Writer, I say, is not only boring but also lonely, even when, perhaps especially when his family (just changed gender, like Orlando), is with him, asking where is the blue shirt? When will we eat? The Writer is likely to feel like a tiny, microscopic person, alone on a desert that has words for sand. Gigantic figures of Best-Sellers and Great Writers rise above him like monumental statues - Look at my works, ye mighty, and despair! - This lonely person who just sits can discover that in a workshop focused on the work, he can draw that kind of group support and collaborative competition, the shared energy, that ethicists, dancers, and musicians, all performing artists, have at their disposal constantly."

"What is it that prevents ideas and images from finding their necessary rhythm, why couldn't Virginia [Woolf] "get them out" that morning? It could be a thousand and two things, distractions, worries, but very often, I think, what doesn't allow a writer to find the words is that she is going to snatch them too quickly, she is in a hurry, she writes, instead of waiting for the wave to come and break. She wants to write because she is a writer, she wants to say this, and to talk to people about that, and to show people something else, things she knows, her ideas, her opinions, her beliefs, important ideas... but she doesn't wait for the wave to come and carry her beyond all the ideas and opinions, to where you can't use the wrong word."

Exceptional lessons on writing, fragments of thoughts on literature, imagination, and feminist issues; it's all here. Grab them.

THEATER URSULA LE GUIN HOW FANTASTIC YOU ARE. THERE, I SAID IT.
July 15,2025
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Thoughtful, profound and inspiring.

I found Le Guin's voice to be refreshing, present and ever so relevant in today's society for both authors and readers alike.

The topics she explores are vast and diverse, including (but not limited to): imagination, which is the wellspring of all creativity; life, with its joys and sorrows; society, with its complex structures and inequalities; oppression, in all its forms; feminism, advocating for gender equality; and the power of reading and writing to transform lives.

Le Guin's progressive and well thought-out perspectives and critiques are not only insightful and honest but also delightful and empowering to read.

Her works have the ability to make us think deeply about the world around us and our place in it.

Highly recommended for those who are after an interesting, inspiring and provocative read that will expand their minds and touch their hearts.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or just starting out, Le Guin's works are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So pick up one of her books today and embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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«Quienes niegan la existencia de los dragones a menudo acaban devorados por ellos.» This profound statement sets the tone for an exciting and mysterious journey.

Este libro es un tesoro. It holds within its pages a wealth of secrets and adventures waiting to be discovered.

The story unfolds in a world where dragons are not just mythical creatures but real and powerful beings. Those who dare to deny their existence do so at their own peril.

As the reader delves deeper into the book, they are transported to a realm filled with magic, danger, and wonder. The vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, making it easy to imagine oneself in the midst of the action.

Whether you are a fan of fantasy or simply looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to satisfy. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, leaving you longing for more.

July 15,2025
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Ursula LeGuin strikes me as the kind of woman it would be fascinating to have a chance to chat with.

Her writing here is personal, as if she is sharing her innermost thoughts and feelings with the reader. It is personable, making the reader feel as if they are having a conversation with a friend. At times, her writing is witty, using humor to make her points and engage the reader. And always, her writing is wise, offering insights and perspectives that are both profound and thought-provoking.

I can imagine sitting down with Ursula LeGuin and having a long, deep conversation about life, literature, and everything in between. I would love to hear her thoughts on the writing process, on the role of the writer in society, and on the future of the world. I have a feeling that such a conversation would be both enlightening and entertaining, and that I would come away from it with a greater appreciation for her work and for the power of words.

July 15,2025
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Uno de los mejores libros de este año es sin duda alguna una obra que cautiva y enriquece.
Definitivamente el 2021 será el momento ideal para sumergirse y devorar la obra maestra de Úrsula K Le Guin.
Su estilo literario único, lleno de fantasía y profundidad, nos transporta a mundos maravillosos y nos hace reflexionar sobre la naturaleza humana y la sociedad.
Sus historias están repletas de personajes complejos y fascinantes, cuyas vidas y experiencias nos emocionan y nos enseñan.
Úrsula K Le Guin es una autora icónica cuya obra merece ser conocida y disfrutada por todos aquellos que aman la literatura.

July 15,2025
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La reseña completa en https://inthenevernever.blogspot.com/...


"Las grandes novelas ofrecen no solo una serie de sucesos, sino un lugar, un paisaje imaginario que habitamos y al que podemos regresar". Esta frase resalta la importancia de la imaginación en la literatura. Para Ursula K. Le Guin, la imaginación es la arma más útil y poderosa que poseemos los humanos.


Contar es escuchar es una manera fabulosa de descubrir una mente que dedicó toda su vida a imaginar otros mundos posibles y hacer de la escritura una forma de activismo social. Este libro ofrece una colección de textos que abarcan desde cuentos cortos hasta ensayos. Cada texto es una joya que contiene ideas y sabiduría difíciles de igualar.


Si queremos respetar el legado de una escritora como Le Guin, no podemos hacer otra cosa que leerla. Aunque yo he llegado tarde a sus mundos fantásticos, estoy deseando ahora explorarlos en profundidad. Recomiendo a todos que lean su ficción y también sus ensayos. Leedla, sin más.

July 15,2025
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A gem from start to finish, there is simply nothing more to say. Few books have made me think so deeply while at the same time exciting me and keeping me entertained. It is a book for reading, re-reading, and enjoying.


From the very first page, it hooks you in with its engaging narrative and well-developed characters. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what happens next. As you progress through the book, you are presented with thought-provoking ideas and themes that make you reflect on your own life and beliefs.


Not only is the content of the book outstanding, but the writing style is also a pleasure to read. The author has a way with words that makes the story come alive and draws you into the world of the characters. Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book is sure to delight and inspire you. It is truly a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

July 15,2025
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A very interesting acquaintance, it is the first time I have read the author, and where interesting acquaintances are now few, I have to say.

A pure, deep and airy look at things, the eternal naivety of a pure mind. The only clouds that dared to appear were in moments (for me) of feminist excitement. Especially there with the statistical data on the awards, I got bored and also did not identify with her views. That it contains a hint of fanaticism in the thought she finds extremely opposed, so I think that the essence of any claims is also lost.

It seems that this author has some unique perspectives, but there are also aspects that I don't quite agree with. Maybe through more in-depth reading and understanding, I can have a more comprehensive evaluation of her work. However, this first encounter has already left a certain impression on me, making me look forward to further exploration of her literary world.

July 15,2025
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I think the thought that I liked the most, which Le Guin mentions in some of these essays, is the idea that a writer needs to discover the rhythm within their prose. This rhythm, she believes, has the power to open up everything. The inspiration for this idea came from something she read by Virginia Woolf. It's an idea that I had never considered before, at least not consciously. Because I have always been of the opinion that once you immerse yourself in the flow of a book and a particular writing style, then you are in and you simply enjoy the writer's style and story. And I truly think that this rhythm is something that varies from writer to writer. They may not be consciously aware of it as it is inherent in their style. You either connect with it or you don't.

Another idea that I adored was the concept that the reader is an active participant in the reading of a book. It's not like watching a film where you are a passive observer. Instead, in reading, you interpret, judge, or go back and forth, which brings the book to life.

Le Guin has some remarkable thoughts on writing, as well as on gender issues, fantasy, writing workshops, and more. Even though I had never read her works before, I found this collection of essays to be truly enjoyable. It has opened my eyes to new perspectives and ideas about the art of writing and the role of the reader. I look forward to exploring more of her writings in the future.
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