July 2007

Here's to Readers
by Lettie Prell

I studied myth and symbolism in college, so I'm a firm believer in storytelling as a pathway to self-understanding, in addition to its function in handing down cultural wisdom. When I shed a tear (or several) at a novel's climax, I'm likely to think there must have been something in my experience of the tale that led to actual healing in my psyche—a step toward further self-integration—even if I don't understand what my particular issue was that needed to be healed. Literature can touch the soul.

Whether or not you agree with my sentiments regarding the "holy path" of reading secular fiction, I hope you enjoy this issue of The Broadsheet, which celebrates reading. It's timed for Readercon, a Boston area literary event that, over the years, has included recognition of the work of Karen Joy Fowler, Kate Wilhelm, Octavia Butler, Gwyneth Jones, Suzy McKee Charnas, and other women writing in the sf/f/h genres.

Broad Universe is devoted to raising awareness of women writing in the genres, and providing information on what these women are writing is one of our educational services. So we've over-stuffed this issue with book reviews. If you discover a writer you had never heard about before, then our organization is fulfilling its mission.

Not just writers join Broad Universe. Readers join as well (and let's hope all our writer members are readers as well!), including some that help run the organization (and who we couldn't possibly do without). Anyone interested in our mission is welcome, and if it strikes you to donate more than your membership fee, check out Sue Lange's article on volunteering.

Here's to readers everywhere. May this issue transport you.