The Wind's Twelve Quarters

Stories

By: Ursula K. Le Guin

Narrated by: Amy Landon, Grover Gardner, Will M. Watt

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The recipient of numerous literary prizes, including the National Book Award, the Kafka Award, and the Pushcart Prize, Ursula K. Le Guin is renowned for her lyrical writing, rich characters, and diverse worlds. The Wind's Twelve Quarters collects 17 powerful stories, each with an introduction by the author, ranging from fantasy to intriguing scientific concepts, from medieval settings to the future.

Including an insightful foreword by Le Guin, describing her experience, her inspirations, and her approach to writing, this stunning collection explores human values, relationships, and survival, and showcases the myriad talents of one of the most provocative writers of our time.

©2017 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

So glad I found this! An absolute gem!

I don’t know how I’ve gone so many years w/o reading Le Guin, but I am so glad I found her and so very glad I started here (although I’m sure I’d have enjoyed this book even as a Le Guin vet)! This collection was such a wonderful way to experience not only Le Guins growth as a writer (I rather enjoy the earlier ones, after all), but her breadth! That’s what’s so impressive. That and that not one of these story’s disappoints (some I like far better than others, but I was thoroughly invested in each world by the time the story ended—which made it a relief to know there’s SO MUCH MORE out there!) It is possible that if I’d started w/ one or another novel, depending on which, that I’d have enjoyed it well enough, but not well enough to become to die-hard fan I am now.
Since this book, I’ve gone on to listen to a novella collection, two novels, am currently listening to a third, as well as a collection of her essays in and feminism and writing craft. This book has sent me upon a wonderful adventure, lol!
P.S. I’m not a diehard sci-if fan—or given to fandom either way—I just enjoy good writing! I’m an English major, teacher, and writer, and can be picky about what I expose myself to and spend my time on. Le Guin absolutely belongs alongside all of the 20th century greats, sci-fi and otherwise! Her prose is sparing, and content of it, dazzling and thought-provoking. I wish more of the younger generation were aware of her, and I’m going to work on that to what degree I can!
OH and I LOVED hearing her voice introduce the stories, giving tidbits of a glimpse into the past by sometimes speaking on how these were received, and enjoying very much her quips about and insight into her writing process. She’s funny and, like her writing, to the point and intriguing; this, too, surely added to me becoming so engrossed and such a fan. Get this book and just enjoy it!!!

Good sci-fi selection!

This is a great listen of several sci-fi short stories. 1 or 2 were a little hard to follow but was doing audio vs. reading. Classics worth enjoying.

A varied collection of quality stories

A solid introduction to Ursula K. Le Guin's writing, spanning her early career and showcasing her impressive range and talent for creating immersive worlds and thought-provoking themes. Both SciFi and fantasy, the stories are filled with the what ifs, why nots and how comes I associate with quality speculative fiction.

The book also contains multiple notes by Ursula that give a valuable insight into her thought process while writing. I'd recommend this collection to both her fans or newcomers.

Entirely too much violent action and speech

The overmuch violence and hate didn't make for an enjoyable listen. I tried to get through all of the stories, hoping for a deviation from this theme, but quit listening.

Among ones Born after great SciFi mags held short stories ?

Ever wonder why people bring up mags like Amazing and Fantastic and Asimov as their all time favorite reads? Read this!

Follow the development of U K Leguin through well chosen short stories.

I was surprised. though without good reason, with earliest stories that lack the depth and scale of imagination that are the deep pleasure of the mature writer. As a whole this collection is a great sign of the truth of the concepts of learning by doing and inner growth. If the first tales are less than you expect from Leguin, listen on and be amazed at how quickly her genius, feistiness, and rich background in anthropology become evident.

mostly great stories

Grover Gardner is an exceptional narrator . These are classics, nice bite sized stories

Great Read for fans and newcomers

LeGuin’s writing is luminous. Definitely thoughtful and engaging. Really Enjoyed her perspective and the context for each story.

?????

All intriguing stories but most seemed like excerpts from books with no clear ending, not even "she was suddenly run over by a truck"

so bad, so so bad

love the stories, but the reader is so, so unspeakably bad. 15 word minimum is here