Read it or Weep

Yep. We had our science fiction book discussion the other day and again, I was surprised at what a wide range of books and ideas were discussed. I love to see what people picked, hear how they picked it, and learn what they liked or disliked about the book and/or genre. Scifi is one of those categories people might hesitate to read (or say they read) but I hope that won’t be true anymore for our group or for the people who read this blog. Maybe there are two thing that I can share here to help get people embrace these stories; 1) science fiction is allllll about the big drama: if the world as we know it ended and some of us survived, what would happen to us a common storyline, and 2) there’s plenty of action and adventure to be had: piloting a space craft in war or for survival would be pretty exciting, don’t you think? So now that you’re looking for a scifi book to try, you could start with one of ours… 

Emma: The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells is a timeless classic. Published in 1897, it’s the story of Griffin, a young scientist who has discovered the secret to becoming invisible and searches for the secret to become visible again. Unable to do so Griffin begins a reign of terror, stealing and killing. There are a few humorous episodes in the book when being invisible isn’t easy for the mad scientist. He cannot wear shoes, eat or deal with snow and still remain invisible. Eventually the authorities catch up with Griffin and he is killed.

Evelyn: Storm Front by Jim Butcher is the first book in the Dresden File series featuring professional wizard Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. When a couple is murdered by someone who exploded their hearts, Harry is called upon by the Chicago police to find answers to this especially gruesome murder because it involved the use of black magic. He needs the money to pay his rent and agrees to help. Soon he is not only looking for the killer, but is also the prime suspect. And, as Harry knows better than anyone, any time the supernatural is explored, things can turn deadly in a hurry. Harry is a witty, smart-alecky character, who spices up his hard-boiled crime solving with vampires, faeries, gnomes, and even his own tutor Bob, the ghost of a wizard condemned to live in his own skull for eternity.

Megan: Turnabout by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a thought provoking teen science fiction novel that deals with issues of death and mortality. In the year 2000 Anny Beth and Melly are both near 100 years old and on the verge of death until they are recruited to participate in an experimental medical program. They are given an “unaging” drug with the promise that the antidote would halt the unaging at whatever age they desired. When they learn the antidote is fatal, the two women leave the Institute and set out on their own with no trouble until 2085. Now both women are teenagers in need of parents, but that is not their biggest problem. The real problem is that someone, a reporter, is searching for them and their secret is being threatened. I liked this book because it made me ask the question-Just because we can do something, should we?

Carol: Old Man’s War by John Scalzi tells the story of John Perry, a retired writer, who joins the Colonial Defense Forces. John and his co-recruits (all the age of 75) chose to join this war to extend their lives and because, for John at least, with his wife Kathy dead, there’s no reason to stay on Earth. The recruits go to a space station where their minds are transferred to new bodies, based on their own DNA. These (green!) new bodies are enhanced in many ways, providing much excitement and pleasure. After basic training, they head out to battle intelligent alien species. On one mission, John is rescued by a mysterious team of Special Forces. Their leader looks exactly like John’s dead wife. But how is that possible? I really enjoyed this imaginative read, filled with speculation about technology, the destiny of humanity and the moral implications of war. Combine that with a fast-moving storyline and solid plot and you get a winning Sci-Fi book perfect for someone looking for a great book.

Janet: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Post-apocalyptic America, now known as Panem, is divided into twelve districts. Each year the government holds a lottery that selects one girl and one boy from each district to fight in The Hunger Games, a live, televised fight-to-the-death competition with only one winner.

Rosemary: Idlewild by Nick Sagan: The author has imagined a deadly virtual reality world in his debut novel. When Gabriel awakes he is filled with a sense of dread and knows that someone is trying to kill him. But who is it? And is there anyone he can trust? This is a great start to a new series by a promising young author.

Julie: Marionettes, Inc. by Ray Bradbury is a collection of short stories where the science of robotics is used to create “humans.” These stories offer different perspectives on the good and harm this could bring to life. The book includes one new story as well as some earlier published works, including the classic “I Sing the Body Electric.” It’s a good, quick introduction to the work of an author considered to have elevated the science fiction genre and offers plenty to ponder.

Dori: The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is the first book of a two part series about the United States in the near future, where society has run amok with crime, drug addiction, poverty and environmental degradation. The narrator, 15-year-old African American Lauren Olamina, is partially protected from the chaos by living within a walled community whose members work together to protect the whole. Lauren, who suffers from hyperempathy, which is feeling others’ pain and pleasure, is disenchanted with her father’s Christianity and is inventing a new religion she calls Earthseed. When her enclave is overrun, Lauren, who has expected this all along, decides to go north to begin a new community based on Earthseed. The author’s themes of dystopian adventure and coming of age mixed with explorations of political and social issues create a moving and fascinating novel.

Ann: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow is set in the near future in San Francisco. Marcus, a 17-year-old student, and his friends are caught up in the frenzy that ensues after terrorists attack and blow up the Bay Bridge. The teens are hauled in for questioning and treated like criminals. In fact the entire city has turned into a police state, where individual liberties are diminishing every day, and the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) has the upper hand. Marcus and his friends are smart though, and already have known for years how to use computers and technology to get around authority. Now they use it to fight back, fight for personal freedoms, and for the future. This teen science fiction novel has appeal for all readers and won the Prometheus Award for Best Novel, 2009.

and my book: Dragonflight by Anne McCaffery is the first book in the Pern series. These books are all set in the fictional world of Pern where people live in Holds, belong in a Weyr, or are selected for a Crafthall. Everyone has something to contribute to the survival of the planet, but in this book many of the Holders have chosen to forget the importance of the dragonriders, leaving the Weyrs to suffering because of that. Can new Benden Weyr save Pern if their fellow countrymen aren’t willing to help save themselves?

Curious yet? You should be! Go ahead, try a science fiction book. They’re fun! (And if you’re thinking none of the above books are quite right, you can always ask us for a suggestion. We’re ready for it…now!)

—Stacey