The Birthday of the World

And Other Stories

By: Ursula K. Le Guin

Narrated by: Christina Moore

For more than four decades, Ursula K. Le Guin has enthralled fans with her imagination, clarity, and moral vision. The recipient of numerous literary prizes, including the National Book Award, the Kafka Award, and five Hugo and five Nebula Awards, this renowned writer has, in each story and novel, created a provocative, ever-evolving universe filled with diverse worlds and rich characters reminiscent of our earthly selves. Now, in The Birthday of the World, this gifted artist returns to these worlds in eight brilliant short works, including a never-before-published novella, each of which probes the essence of humanity.

©2002 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2018 Recorded Books

90% bangers, great marathon

This narrator is extremely fun to listen to. Paradises Lost, Matter of Seggri, Old Music & Solitude are my favorites

A poet writes

LeGuin is best in short form stories. So imaginative about human variety! Her use of language is founded in poetry, in my opinion. Every word is necessary. Unnecessary words are trimmed away.

Excellent. A must.

Classic Le Guin. Some works I love more, some less, but none are a waste of time; all have their own little graces and blessings, revelations, delicious prose and stunning feats of closlSome of her work

A wonderful collection of Le Guin’s worlds

I’ve always enjoyed Le Guin’s work. It is very unique for the science fiction/fantasy genre.
Although I read a great deal of sci-fi, I mostly enjoy writers that create new worlds of exploration and experience; stories that don’t necessarily have a place of recognisable time or place.

Wonderful!

I'm late coming to know Ursula K. Le Guin's work, but I've fast become a fan. Although her work is sometimes classified as for young adults, I can say that her work is absolutely for adults of all ages.

The Birthday of the World

Ms. La Guin's writing is spellbinding. Her world concepts are unique and magical. I would willing spend significantly more time immersed in her well crafted universe if al!owed. Thank you Ms. La Guin for sharing your dreams with us mere mortals.

An Important Book

I listened twice. Some parts three times. The first time I finished, I wanted to write, "this is a good book," or some similar mundanity. Now I think this is an important book-- prescient and reflective.

too much gender issues

Interesting ideas with sometimes tiresome background stories.
the narrator has done good job but not exceptional.

Only worth it for Paradises Lost

Not Le Guin’s best. Paradises Lost is the only story in this collection that really highlights her ability to bring together truly engaging characters, a unique plot, and ideas to ponder.

* Coming of age in Karhide - 3 stars
* The matter of Seggri - 3 stars
* Unchosen love - 3 stars
* Mountain ways - 3 stars
* Solitude - 3 stars
* Old music and the slave women - 2.5 stars
* The birthday of the world - 3 stars
* Paradises lost 4 stars

Different but I’ll pass

Not sure about this one. If you are a fan of short stories, you might enjoy it. I most certainly didn’t. However, I did get the gist of the story and it is relatable with everyone across the world. I will sum it by saying… I stumbled across this one, the title intrigued me but I am good. The author hits deep but I did not like that she was not candid and or non transparent with the meaning behind each story but was candid with her overall purpose, I was lost and confused. I felt like I wanted her to give me a back story of these cultural experiences. Not for me.