New Avatar-related Book Out!

[True Love For Neytiri]

Hi guys! Wow, is this really only my second post? Yikes! I guess I should come around here more often, huh? Anyway, I am sure this is probably old news for you guys, but I thought I'd post this here anyway, and share this with anyone who hasn't seen this yet:

Avatar and Philosophy: Learning to See (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series): George A. Dunn, William Irwin: 9780470940310: Amazon.com: Books

This book was written by a group of philosophers who are also Avatar fans. Read the full description, and make sure to click on the image to have a look inside. From the table of contents, this looks like it might be a good read. I just don't know how this managed to slip by me all this time!

Anyway, I hope you are all well ma tsmuk, and a warm "kaltxì" from AF! Cheers!

[Sight Unseen]

Thanks for mentioning this; I didn't know about it either! I'm definitely going to order one.

[Sarah Noel]

Off topic but I just now attached your avatar to your face sightunseen, I always assumed whoever used that avatar was a girl, since it's a mare, but I guess it's the equivalent of the guys on here that use neytiri as their avatar.

[True Love For Neytiri]

Hey guys! Remeber me? I was the reserved and only "AF/Canadian guy" during the camping portion of last year's meet! lol I feel so bad that I haven't come on here to touch base more often. I feel like a complete jerk for not staying in touch. I still think of all of you fondly, and I still consider you all friends. I just wanted you all to know that. I guess it's just that I am a very simple person, and I find it hard to keep up on multiple forums to stay up with everything. But with that said, the last 7 months has been WAY too long to not have dropped in to at least say "kaltxì!" Anyway, I intend on trying to drop in every once in a while to at least browse and lurk on the forum. However, if you ever want to find me, I am on that "AF place" everyday (yeah, I know! lol ), and I am a compulsive ChatBox user (on the AF homepage). I think I have broken the bandwidth for the site due to my activity there! LOL! Yackity-yack-yack-yack! lol Anyway, good to have posted here, and now, back to the thread at hand..... lol

Originally Posted by Sight Unseen

Thanks for mentioning this; I didn't know about it either! I'm definitely going to order one.

Awesome! I am glad to hear you are going to get a copy! I am going to order mine soon too! It looks like an interesting read. BTW, how are you? We met at the meet last year. I remember you unfortunately got to the campsite late the first night after a harrowing trip through New Mexico to get there. I hope all has been good for you otherwise since then!

Originally Posted by Sarah Noel

Off topic but I just now attached your avatar to your face sightunseen, I always assumed whoever used that avatar was a girl, since it's a mare, but I guess it's the equivalent of the guys on here that use neytiri as their avatar.

And hey, Sarah! How have you been? Oh, yeah! I need to add an avatar to my profile! Try and guess who I am going to select? lol Of course, I am sure it will already be updated before you get here, so the "surprise" will be lost by then I suppose. lolz Anyway, I hope you are well, and I am sorry we didn't get to talk at least a little more during the meet. We introduced ourselves on the bank of the creek near the campsite, but I guess I am kind of shy by nature. I had fun with you playing that board game at the campsite, and at the hotel on the last night. You seem like a nice, caring, and inclusive person.

Anyway, I thought I would ask: has anyone heard of this book before? It came as a bit of a surprise to several of the members on AF. I had never heard of it before, until a couple days ago. It kind of has me scratching my head because the book was released on October 27 of last year, but I was wondering why there wasn't more of an effort for notification across more of the Avatar fanbase platforms? IDK, was there any mention of it here? Does anyone have any further insight into this? Irayo.

[Empty Glass]

Originally Posted by True Love For Neytiri

Anyway, I thought I would ask: has anyone heard of this book before? It came as a bit of a surprise to several of the members on AF. I had never heard of it before, until a couple days ago. It kind of has me scratching my head because the book was released on October 27 of last year, but I was wondering why there wasn't more of an effort for notification across more of the Avatar fanbase platforms? IDK, was there any mention of it here? Does anyone have any further insight into this? Irayo.

This is definitely the first time I've heard of it! If the authors are truly fans of the movie, then why aren't they on AF/ToS/LN/etc.? I've got no further insight, but hey at least we know about it now! Thanks for coming on over here to tell us about it. Be sure to tell us what you think about the book once you've read it too.

As long as we're discussing little-known books on Avatar, I'll mention another one here that I don't think I've seen talked about yet (at least not on ToS). Avatar and Nature Spirituality sounds similar but obviously examines the movie with a more spiritual lens. I haven't read it (only heard about it, and that was a while ago) but if anyone else here or on the other sites has then I'd love to hear their thoughts about it.

[Sight Unseen]

Originally Posted by Sarah Noel

Off topic but I just now attached your avatar to your face sightunseen, I always assumed whoever used that avatar was a girl, since it's a mare, but I guess it's the equivalent of the guys on here that use neytiri as their avatar.

She's my OC for roleplay and stuff. I realized that Sight Unseen mostly fits pony naming convention, so that's her name. (Sooo creative, right? )

Originally Posted by True Love For Neytiri

Awesome! I am glad to hear you are going to get a copy! I am going to order mine soon too! It looks like an interesting read. BTW, how are you? We met at the meet last year. I remember you unfortunately got to the campsite late the first night after a harrowing trip through New Mexico to get there. I hope all has been good for you otherwise since then!

Hey! Long time no chat! I've been doing okay since the meetup; I've been very busy with work and whatnot. Yourself?

[True Love For Neytiri]

^Kaltxì Empty Glass,

Hey, you're welcome. This book looked too interesting to not share with more of the fan base. We should go around to all the Avatar sites I know, and post about this book so more people know about it and buy it to support the authors. And TBH, yeah, that has me really scratching my head as to why there wasn't more of a push to advertise their book on more of the Avatar sites? You'd think that they'd want to share it with the very people who are fans like them, and who are so passionate about Avatar and its message. After all, we are some of the best advertisers to help get the book "seen". Anyway, the book is out, and I am just glad I am aware of it now.

Yes, I have a copy of "Avatar and Nature Spirituality" too. It is similar in some respects, but essentially it is actually a set of dissertations and commentaries compiled by a group of philosophy scholars and university professors. It is centered on the philosophy of spirituality, the environment, indigenous peoples, politics, economies, and Avatar in general in how it applies to humanity, and (in some cases) whether they felt Avatar held merit at all. I am a little ashamed to say that I have had this book for about a year now, but I haven't read it yet. I know of another member on AF who has read it, and he said that he thought it was interesting, but was a little biased against Avatar, and that he didn't care for some of the author's viewpoints, as he felt he was a little too subjective. I suppose that is the only reason I have not been in such a rush to read it. I will eventually, but I will probably read the "Avatar and Philosophy" book above before I read that one. lol Anyway, I hope that helps to give you a little more insight.

[Empty Glass]

Originally Posted by True Love For Neytiri

This book looked too interesting to not share with more of the fan base. We should go around to all the Avatar sites I know, and post about this book so more people know about it and buy it to support the authors.

Sure thing! I guess this means making my second-ever post on Learn Na'vi...!

Yes, I have a copy of "Avatar and Nature Spirituality" too. It is similar in some respects, but essentially it is actually a set of dissertations and commentaries compiled by a group of philosophy scholars and university professors. It is centered on the philosophy of spirituality, the environment, indigenous peoples, politics, economies, and Avatar in general in how it applies to humanity, and (in some cases) whether they felt Avatar held merit at all. I am a little ashamed to say that I have had this book for about a year now, but I haven't read it yet. I know of another member on AF who has read it, and he said that he thought it was interesting, but was a little biased against Avatar, and that he didn't care for some of the author's viewpoints, as he felt he was a little too subjective. I suppose that is the only reason I have not been in such a rush to read it. I will eventually, but I will probably read the "Avatar and Philosophy" book above before I read that one. lol Anyway, I hope that helps to give you a little more insight.

Yeah, that does give me a little more insight. Well, whenever you do read that book I'll still be curious to hear your opinions on it. Goodness knows there are a lot of viewpoints that are biased against the movie; I quickly get tired of hearing them. Perhaps I'll be able to get my hands on a copy of either of those books and see for myself what they say.

Originally Posted by True Love For Neytiri

And off topic, I just noticed: why do I have a "Ketuwong" status? Am I really that alien? lol Maybe because I don't have many posts here yet? IDK.

Originally Posted by True Love For Neytiri

And now I am a "Sky Person"! LOL! Yuck! *pukes a little* I am SO Na'vi I assure you! IDK, I guess I have to earn my place amongst my newfound ToS tsmuk? lol

Yep, it does take a while here. I remember being so glad when I finally became "One of The People," although that was before the current rank system was implemented. Don't worry, I'm sure anyone who lurks on AF (erm...*ahem* ) knows you are assuredly Na'vi.

[True Love For Neytiri]

And off topic, I just noticed: why do I have a "Ketuwong" status? Am I really that alien? lol Maybe because I don't have many posts here yet? IDK.

[True Love For Neytiri]

And now I am a "Sky Person"! LOL! Yuck! *pukes a little* I am SO Na'vi I assure you! IDK, I guess I have to earn my place amongst my newfound ToS tsmuk? lol

[Unknown]

Hey True Love For Neytiri, I remember you from the camping trip. Good to see you on ToS.

This looks like it could be an interesting read, what makes me a little less inspired to read it is the fact that both the authors seem to have a past in very similar books. From Amazon: "Dunn is the editor of Veronica Mars and Philosophy (Wiley, 2014) andco-editor of Sons of Anarchy and Philosophy (Wiley, 2013),The Hunger Games and Philosophy (Wiley, 2012), and TrueBlood and Philosophy (Wiley, 2010). [...] (William Irwin) originated the philosophy and popularculture genre of books as co-editor of the bestselling TheSimpsons and Philosophy and has overseen titles includingHouse and Philosophy, Batman and Philosophy, and SouthPark and Philosophy."

So I guess Avatar was just the next in the series, making it feel a little less genuine to me. But that doesn't mean it's not a good read, of course. Always good to see more Avatar books!

[Moco Loco]

That icon/user gender relationship seems pretty typical for MLP fans

Wow, that book is pretty recent. The subject matter looks deep but fitting, maybe I'll end up reading it sometime in the near future.

[True Love For Neytiri]

Originally Posted by Empty Glass

Sure thing! I guess this means making my second-ever post on Learn Na'vi...!

Awesome!

Originally Posted by Empty Glass

...Yeah, that does give me a little more insight. Well, whenever you do read that book I'll still be curious to hear your opinions on it. Goodness knows there are a lot of viewpoints that are biased against the movie; I quickly get tired of hearing them. Perhaps I'll be able to get my hands on a copy of either of those books and see for myself what they say...

Yeah, I hear you on that one. I get tired of hearing all of it too. But in reality, it's all just white noise, and should be relegated to the ranks of being irrelevant because all that matters is our love of this great experience! And yeah, whenever I finish the book, I'll make sure to share my thoughts about it.

Originally Posted by Empty Glass

...Yep, it does take a while here. I remember being so glad when I finally became "One of The People," although that was before the current rank system was implemented. Don't worry, I'm sure anyone who lurks on AF (erm...*ahem*) knows you are assuredly Na'vi.

Irayo! Yeah, over on AF, I am within 100 posts of the "Toruk Makto" rank. lol I have to admit it's kind of weird to be called a "Sky Person". It's almost like the dirt won't wash off! lolz

Originally Posted by Unknown

Hey True Love For Neytiri, I remember you from the camping trip. Good to see you on ToS...

Kaltxì ma Unknown! Oh my! I am not sure if I can remember who you are now! However, don't fret! I am notoriously HORRIBLE with names, so please don't take that personally! TBH, that's just my own fault for not stopping in to say "kaltxì!" more often. If you like, you can PM me, and hopefully we can get my forgetful brain all sorted out!

Originally Posted by Unknown

...This looks like it could be an interesting read, what makes me a little less inspired to read it is the fact that both the authors seem to have a past in very similar books. From Amazon: "Dunn is the editor of Veronica Mars and Philosophy (Wiley, 2014) andco-editor of Sons of Anarchy and Philosophy (Wiley, 2013),The Hunger Games and Philosophy (Wiley, 2012), and TrueBlood and Philosophy (Wiley, 2010). [...] (William Irwin) originated the philosophy and popularculture genre of books as co-editor of the bestselling TheSimpsons and Philosophy and has overseen titles includingHouse and Philosophy, Batman and Philosophy, and SouthPark and Philosophy."

So I guess Avatar was just the next in the series, making it feel a little less genuine to me. But that doesn't mean it's not a good read, of course. Always good to see more Avatar books!

Good work! I hadn't looked into that. It's funny you mentioned that though, because during my thoughts about why they hadn't advertised the book more towards the Avatar fan base, that had crossed my mind too; the fact that this might be just an "Avatar for Dummies" or a "Chicken Soup for the Avatar Soul" kind of series book. However, one thing to consider is the fact that this book was only release in October of last year. Considering that the Avatar movies are in a long stint between installments, the fact that this book was released nearly 5 years after Avatar was released (instead of in 2010) just might support the statement that they could be fans of Avatar. I know that might be a stretch, but it is something I thought of. Anyway, all this will be judged on the content of the book, and I'm willing to take a chance. It should be entertaining one way or another. lolz

Originally Posted by Sight Unseen

...Hey! Long time no chat! I've been doing okay since the meetup; I've been very busy with work and whatnot. Yourself?

I have been relatively good. I was busy as heck at work after the AvatarMeet too, and after Christmas I decided to take off time from working to concentrate on, and hopefully figure out what I really want to do in life. It's a big step and the process has been slow, but I am forging on. Otherwise, I am just being chill and just trying to be in the moment.

Originally Posted by Moco Loco

...Wow, that book is pretty recent. The subject matter looks deep but fitting, maybe I'll end up reading it sometime in the near future.

Cool!

[CyanRachel]

Irayo, True and Empty Glass, for bringing these "new" Avatar-related books to our attention here! I went ahead and purchased them from Amazon, and I look forward to reading them.

[Empty Glass]

You're welcome CyanRachel, let us know what you think of them once you're done!