The Wave in the Mind: Talks and Essays on the Writer, the Reader, and the Imagination is precisely what its title implies - and even more. Reading this collection makes one acutely aware of Ursula K. Le Guin's intelligence and mind, at times in an intimate way, and the machinations and ponderings that have informed or otherwise inspired much of her fiction. If you have adored Le Guin's fiction as I have, I think there could be no greater pleasure than reading this book.

Rather than a more comprehensive review, here are some selected quotes from some of my favorite inclusions (not included, however, is Dogs, Cats, and Dancers, which was brilliant but should, I think, be read in its entirety, though that could be said for all these writings):

From Being Taken for Granite: "But when people walk on me you can see exactly where they put their feet, and when huge heavy things come and stand on me I yield and react [...] I have my own nature and am true to it just as much as granite or even diamond is, but it is not a hard nature [...] It's deeply impressionable. It's squashy […] I have been changed. You change me. Do not take me for granite."

From Indian Uncles: "Robert had introduced me to a very Yurok moral sentiment, shame [...] I have Robert to thank in part for my deep respect for shame as a social instrument. Guilt I believe to be counterproductive, but shame can be immensely useful; if, for example, any member of Congress was acquainted in any form with shame - well, never mind."

From My Libraries: "That joy must not be sold. It must not be ‘privatised,’ made into another privilege for the privileged. A public library is a public trust. And that freedom must not be compromised. It must be available to all who need it, and that's everyone, when they need it, and that's always."

From The Wilderness Within: "I believe that the tale is as impregnable and unassailable as its hedge of thorns […] We can define it; we can defile it. We can retell it to improve its morality, or try to use it to deliver a'message.' When we're done, it will still be there: the place within the thorn-hedge […] The place where nothing changes […] The story is, itself, a spell. Why would we want to break it?"

From Off the Page: "By the time I got born the silence of literature was considered an essential virtue and a sign of civilisation. Nannies […] told stories aloud to babies, and 'primitive' peoples spoke their poems, poor illiterate jerks, but the real stuff, literature, was literally letters, letter-press, little black noiseless marks on paper […] libraries were temples […] attended by vigilant priestesses going Shhhh."

From A War Without End: "To me the important thing is not to offer any specific hope of betterment but, by offering an imagined but persuasive alternative reality, to dislodge my mind, and so the reader's mind, from the lazy, timorous habit of thinking that the way we live now is the only way people can live. It is that inertia that allows the institutions of injustice to continue unquestioned."

From Unquestioned Assumptions: "If a novel is centered on the doings of men, or its major characters are male, white, straight, and/or young, nothing is said about them as members of a group, and the story is assumed to be 'of general interest.' If the major characters are women, or black, or gay, or old, reviewers are likely to say that the book is 'about' that group."

And finally, from the introduction to On Genetic Determinism: "I did it in writing because I think best in writing."

This eclectic collection of essays provides an intriguing look into Le Guin's mind.

As I listened to this book, I was not only impressed by the well-thought-out nature of Le Guin's view of the world but also the vast amount of thought she dedicated to her fictional work. I had always suspected there was more beneath the surface of her stories, and this collection confirmed it, showing me (at least to some extent) just how deep those layers are and how multifaceted her fiction truly is.

Le Guin's characteristic wit and humor are present throughout the collection, even in the more serious pieces. Two writings that really stood out for me in this regard were “Introducing Myself” and “Being Taken for Granite”. “Introducing Myself” had a brilliant opening paragraph that immediately captured my attention:

I am a man. Now you may think I’ve made some kind of silly mistake about gender, or maybe that I’m trying to fool you, because my first name ends in a, and I own three bras, and I’ve been pregnant five times, and other things like that that you might have noticed, little details. But details don’t matter. If we have anything to learn from politicians, it’s that details don’t matter. I am a man, and I want you to believe and accept this fact, just as I did for many years.

“Being Taken for Granite” was a funny and clever little piece that I listened to several times and had some amazing opening lines:

Sometimes I am taken for granite. Everybody is taken for granite sometimes but I am not in a mood for being fair to everybody. I am in a mood for being fair to me. I am taken for granite quite often, and this troubles and distresses me, because I am not granite. I am not sure what I am but I know it isn’t granite.

One essay that truly moved me was “Indian Uncles”, in which Le Guin recounts her personal relationship with two Native Americans who were close friends of her family. This piece also delves into the tragic story of Ishi, the last 'wild' Native American. Interestingly, Le Guin's mother later wrote a biography on Ishi's life.

In such a diverse collection, it's inevitable that not all essays will be equally interesting. Some of the more 'academic' pieces were a bit of a challenge for me, and I even gave up on one or two. However, on the whole, this was an interesting and enjoyable collection that I would recommend to any Le Guin fan. Le Guin had a lot to say about the world we live in, covering various topics and social issues that are still relevant today.

Finally, I highly recommend the audio version of this book, which was expertly read by the narrator.

The dates will clearly indicate that it took me nearly a year to complete this collection. However, in reality, I only read it during the summers.

Nonetheless, these were truly powerful essays that provided me with my very first encounter with Ursula K. Le Guin's unique personality and writing style.

Her works were filled with depth, imagination, and a profound understanding of the human condition. Reading her essays was like embarking on a journey through her mind, experiencing her thoughts and emotions.

Ursula K. Le Guin was an incredibly awesome woman. Her writing had the ability to transport readers to different worlds and make them see things from a new perspective.

She was a master storyteller and a visionary, and her influence on the literary world cannot be overstated. I feel truly privileged to have discovered her works and to have been able to experience the magic of her writing.

I look forward to reading more of her books and continuing to explore the wonderful world she has created.

As he was reading, he couldn't help but think about the luck he had in discovering this author.

And how wonderful it would have been to have been able to listen to her deliver some of the amazing speeches that are found in this book.

He was completely engrossed in the words on the page, imagining the author's voice and the impact her words must have had when spoken aloud.

The book seemed to come alive in his mind, and he felt a sense of connection to the author and her ideas.

He wondered if he would ever have the opportunity to hear her speak in person, or if this book would be the closest he would get to experiencing her wisdom and inspiration.

Regardless, he was grateful for the discovery and looked forward to exploring more of her work in the future.

If you have ever pondered, dreamt, or simply whiled away the time with idle musings of writing, then it's time to take action. Just begin reading, listening, speaking the words you read aloud, and of course, writing.

Ursula Le Guin doesn't promise any miracles, secret tricks, or shortcuts to writing. This book is a compilation of her talks, essays, and thoughts over the years, intertwined to form some of the ideas she deems essential for writing well and connecting with the reader. She commences with Virginia Woolf and the significance of rhythm in writing.

As I delved deeper into this book, exploring various aspects of writing and her specific approach, I realized that the author had indeed accomplished what she claimed she does when writing: she is engaging in a conversation - a book relationship - with me, the reader. I remained fully engaged throughout the entire reading experience. At the conclusion, I carried away one of her main principles of writing: it is a craft that requires effort and improvement, just as a musician hones her viola playing or an artist refines their brushwork.

If I aspire to write and adhere to what she shared, I would revisit this review, read it aloud, and critically examine it to ensure my voice shines through without self-consciousness or the awkwardness of not writing authentically. This is a challenging balance for an old engineer like me. Did I succeed? Only time will tell.

Five essays truly stand out and demand our attention.

First, there is "Being Taken for Granite", which likely delves into the concept of being misinterpreted or overlooked.

"Things Not Actually Present" might explore the realm of imagination and the power of what is not physically there.

The "Rhythmic Pattern in Lord of the Rings" could offer fascinating insights into the literary techniques used in this epic work.

"Fact and/or/plus Fiction" prompts us to consider the blurry line between what is real and what is fabricated.

Finally, "Unquestioned Assumptions" challenges us to examine the beliefs and ideas that we take for granted.

This book is indeed a REALLY important one to read. It has the potential to expand our minds, make us think deeply, and open our eyes to new perspectives. So, don't miss out on the opportunity to explore these thought-provoking essays. :)

One of the best books I've ever read - well, in general, but particularly related to books, reading, writing, etc. I spent an inordinate amount of time with this book, just lost in thought, thinking, thinking.

Note:

I LOVE URSULA K LE GUIN WITH THE FIRE OF A THOUSAND SUNS.

Ahem. So. Let me now elaborate on my favorite things about this book. First and foremost, UKLG's quietly sure-footed feminism is present throughout the text. It's not an in-your-face kind of feminism but rather a subtle yet powerful undercurrent that challenges the status quo.

Her intolerance of ego, especially the ego of the white male ivy league variety, is another aspect that I find deeply appealing. She doesn't shy away from criticizing the arrogance and entitlement that often comes with such privilege.

UKLG's refusal to accept that there is a single right way to read, think, or express oneself is truly refreshing. As long as it's done thoughtfully and independently, she believes in the value of diverse perspectives.

Her abhorrence of unquestioned, unexamined assumptions is also a key feature of her work. She encourages readers to question everything and not simply accept what is presented to them.

Her irreverent sense of humor adds an extra layer of charm to the book. Phrases like "I shall now go out on a limb, hunch my shoulders, clack my beak, stare fiercely, and announce that I think..." bring a smile to my face.

Finally, her ability to make me think about things in a totally new way is perhaps the most valuable aspect of this book. It has opened my eyes to new ideas and perspectives that I would never have considered otherwise. In short, I love everything about this book.

I embarked on a read-all-the-Le Guin-I've-never-read spree a couple of months ago. The main reason was to feel more confident about my participation in a The Works of Le Guin panel at Worldcon.

Well, the panel has already concluded, but I find myself still engrossed in her works.

This particular book is not as tightly focused as the magnificent Steering the Craft. It contains a diverse collection of pieces. There are sections dedicated to writing, but also includes speeches, notes, and random essays that were contributed to various projects.

Surprisingly, all of these are well worth reading. Le Guin's thoughts on aging, being a woman, being a human, and being an island are just as prescient, humorous, and insightful as her thoughts on being a writer.

It's truly remarkable how she can offer such profound perspectives on different aspects of life. This woman is indeed a national treasure, and her works continue to inspire and enlighten readers.

I'm looking forward to delving deeper into her literary universe and uncovering more of her wisdom and creativity.

Ursula K. Le Guin is truly a remarkable literary figure. Her works have had a profound impact on readers around the world. The quotes and insights shared in this article offer a fascinating glimpse into her brilliant mind and unique perspective. Her thoughts on writing, literature, and imagination are not only thought-provoking but also inspiring. The way she challenges traditional norms and defies expectations is truly admirable. Her sense of humor and self-deprecation add an extra layer of charm to her writing. It is clear that she is a master of her craft, and her legacy will continue to influence generations of writers and readers to come.

Le Guin's exploration of various themes such as feminism, freedom, and the power of the imagination is both timely and relevant. Her ability to look at things from a new and different viewpoint allows us to see the world in a whole new light. Her works serve as a reminder that literature has the power to change lives and make a difference in the world. Whether it is through her science fiction novels or her essays and talks, Le Guin's words have the ability to touch our hearts and souls.

  “We find out who the good writers are, and then we look or wait for their next book. Such writers—living or dead, whatever genre they write in, critically fashionable or not, academically approved or not—are those who not only meet our expectations but surpass them. That is the gift the great storytellers have. They tell the same stories over and over (how many stories are there?), but when they tell them they are new, they are news, they renew us, they show us the world made new.”

As we continue to read and discover the works of Ursula K. Le Guin, we are reminded of the importance of imagination and the power of words. She has left behind a rich and wonderful body of work that will continue to be cherished and studied for years to come. We are truly fortunate to have had such a talented and visionary writer in our midst.

Certa debilitat tinc amb aquests llibres d’autors que t’expliquen les seves lectures i divagacions d'aquestes. Per mi, aquest format diari millorat és una mica especial. També m’agrada molt veure com els autors compartixen les seves impressions i pensaments sobre les coses que han llegit. És com tenir una conversa privada amb ells. I Le Guin és una autora que sempre m’ha encantat. És com la tieta literata que m’hagués encantat tenir. Té una manera única d’escriure i de veure el món. Les seves obres són un passeig per diferents móns i cultures, i sempre m’ensenyen coses noves i interessants. ❤️

As someone who has only read Ursula K. Le Guin's The Dispossessed and doesn't know much about her except for a few things heard by word of mouth, I started reading The Wave in the Mind. Now that I have finished the book, I am filled with admiration and respect for it.

It is a book that creates waves in my mind, widens my horizon, adds new thoughts, and guides me to new readings. I recommend this book to you dear friends who are readers, writers, or at the center of literacy.

The Wave in the Mind offers a profound exploration of Le Guin's thoughts and ideas. Her writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a joy to read. Through her essays and reflections, she delves into various aspects of literature, society, and the human condition. The book not only provides insights into her own works but also offers a broader perspective on the world of letters.

Whether you are a fan of Le Guin's fiction or simply interested in exploring the creative process and the power of words, this book is definitely worth a read. It will inspire you, challenge you, and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of writing and the importance of literature in our lives.

What a wonderful book!! What an interesting woman!!! How I long to write, and to read serious fantasy, and how much fun it is to learn with each writing what little things the author catches, what references she always repeats, her constant allusion to rhythm and Virginia Woolf, that which clicks in our brain for each of us and that we are able to put into every conversation... A bomb of a book.

This book is truly a gem. It not only offers captivating stories but also provides a unique insight into the mind of the author. The way she weaves in her references and allusions adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Reading this book is like embarking on a journey of discovery. With each page turn, we uncover new layers of meaning and are drawn further into the author's world. It makes us think, it makes us dream, and it makes us want to explore the realm of fantasy even more.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves literature and wants to experience something truly special. It is a testament to the power of the written word and the creativity of the human mind.