21 Dec 2012 14 Comments
Time Lords, Spoilers, Christmas Day: A Review of Chicks Unravel Time
It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas—and Who knows December 25 could mark the return of the best season of the Eleventh Doctor yet!
Yes, I’m referring to Doctor Who, the longest running science fiction television show in the world (It has to be, right?). Fifty years on the air (launching in 1963 -1996 on the BBC and then late-night PBS later) and then the series revival in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor and after him David Tennant – yum – and now the joyous Matt Smith – who gave us one of the best love stories EVER! But careful, Spoilers…I can say no more!…
Oh, okay, not where you thought I was going?
Well, this blog talks a lot of romance, and the fans of Doctor Who have had one of the longest most satisfying relationships with the Doctor and his companions (and Dalek love is real, too) in entertainment history. And as we all know, if it’s really a love story – you have to write about it.
That’s what Chicks Unravel Time: Women Journey Through Every Season of Doctor Who is all about. A collection of essays written by women about their favorite sci-fi show, and edited by Deborah Stanish (a friend of mine!) and L.M. Myles, and published by Mad Norwegian Press (www.madnorwegian.com), the book was released November 13, 2012. And yes, I’ve been reading the collection and decided, yep, I should write a review because with the return of the series on December 25 at 5:15 p.m. BBC time (US viewers wait a few hours for it to show up On Demand or iTunes:)…it seemed like a good idea.
This collection offers a lot of great writing (NY Times Best Selling author Diana Gabaldon is one contributor), but each of the essays share a female fan’s insights into Doctor Who, and not just the reboot years. A number of the essays focused on classic Doctor Who (pre-2005), and were so compelling, I may venture into the good-old days and check out the much-loved Tom Baker who played the fourth doctor and the companion of all companions, from what I’ve read (and seen when the character visited episodes since 2005) Sarah Jane.
I love good TV (even some bad TV – MTV’s Teen Wolf:), and I’ve also been one to dive into the fandom pond without a life jacket (Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal being my latest obsession), but shows like Doctor Who, that can create this much conversation, passion, and love, are fascinating.
I hope you’ll check out the show if you aren’t already a fan (it’s on Netflix has all episodes since 2005, and a lot of class Doctor Who, too), and whether you are a fan or interested in some excellent essays on an icon of pop culture, check out Chicks Unravel Time.
GIVEAWAY, GIVEAWAY, GIVEAWAY! And yes, you know I’ve got to giveaway a gift certificate for a e-book copy of Chicks Unravel Time – so comment below for your chance to win!
And Happy Holidays!!!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 10:11:44
What a cool book! You know I can get into a real fangirl frenzy too, Denny-Mermaid. Buffy anyone??? Don’t even get me started.
Dec 21, 2012 @ 11:03:57
You know Deborah has also written a book called Whedonistashttp://www.amazon.com/Whedonistas-Celebration-Worlds-Whedon-Women/dp/1935234102 you may like:)…
And we should have a Buffy marathon party or something – except I need to follow Pintip’s idea of watching TV only on a treadmill…mmm…new year’s resolution?
Happy Holidays!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 10:30:16
Love Dr. Who. Who can’t fall for a hero who can save our world each and every week — rarely breaking a sweat. And besides, while fun and campy, those terribly made up monsters aren’t all that scary and I can still sleep at night. Although, one of the scariest episodes for me was the one where they were stuck in traffic on the freeway for 30 years or more at a pop. Sometimes in the DC area, I think that’s getting a little close to home. LOL. What’s your favorite episode, Denny?
Dec 21, 2012 @ 11:01:31
I’m all about the reboot…and any episode with River Song and the Doctor flirting? Well, I’m hooked. But if pressed, I’d say my favorite episode is The Impossible Astronaut/Day of the Moon…I’m all about the Eleventh Doctor:)! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. The book is a really good read, too.
Dec 21, 2012 @ 11:00:51
Oh wow. Another must-watch show to add to my list. Do you know I still haven’t seen Buffy? I think it would be a good thing for me to get hooked on a few more shows — I could use the exercise, lol. (Cause I only watch TV on the treadmill, remember?)
Great post, Denny! And happy holidays to you!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 11:11:26
I’ll have to try that…pick a show and watch the entire series (or season) only on the treadmill – it could be life changing (for me:), in a good way! And yes, you’ve got to watch Buffy – the writing, the story telling, and the acting, is what will keep you watching. Happy Holidays!!!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 12:05:23
Denny,
So many of my friends are Dr. Who fans, and I can’t believe I’ve never seen an episode. I think I’ll have to start…
AFTER the New Year.
You make the show and the book sound awesome. I guess I shouldn’t read the book until after I start watching.
Happy Holidays.
Dec 21, 2012 @ 20:23:21
Yes, I think you’re right about waiting to read the book. If you like good television, it’s very good, but also good writing. That makes a show for me:)…Happy, happy holidays!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 14:02:43
Happy Holidays Denny! I don’t know where in the world you found time to write this fantastic post (with all the awesomeness going on in your novel writing world!) but I think it’s the extra nudge I needed to finally break into the world of Dr. Who. And while I’m loving all the holiday romance I’m reading this month, I think a collection of essays sounds like a cool turn to take.
You have the coolest friends too, I might add.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 20:25:01
My new schedule calls for me to be up at 6:00 a.m., and fully functional. Some mornings that can get pretty dicey though. Hopefully, you will check it out, and I hope enjoy. In the meantime, I’ve got to get back to writing, and happy holidays!
Dec 21, 2012 @ 16:49:04
My friend was a Doctor Who fanatic. She wore his official scarf from October to May.
Dec 21, 2012 @ 20:26:07
lol! I love that! I’m not quite all the way going to conventions dressed like a Dalek, but I do enjoy the show, and am looking forward to its return December 25.
Thank you for dropping by and for commenting!
Dec 27, 2012 @ 04:36:18
Your post makes me happy
Not only am I excited to see yet another DW fan, but to find out about this book! I can’t wait to read it. Amazon is usually pretty good about showing me Doctor Who things to buy but it skipped this… Unless it isn’t available on amazon? I’m going to look right now!
Jan 01, 2013 @ 14:51:22
Hello All, I disappeared for the holidays, but am back to announce the winner of the free e-book – Chicks Unravel Time – and the winner is Mary Jo Burke! Please respond to this email, and let me know where I can send the e-book!
Congrats!