Episode 185: A Science Fiction Primer
This week, Josh and Dietrich tackle their second primer episode, this time turning their attention to science fiction. They discuss why science fiction seems to be such a niche genre, the role that 1970s authors like Arthur C Clarke and Issac Asimov had on the genre as a whole, and what books are best to hand to someone who isn't too sure about spacemen and aliens. They debate the merits of James Halperin versus Robert Charles Wilson, look at a young adult book that slips science fiction into the hands of those who loved The Fault in Our Stars, and argue about whether Ender's Game still deserves its reputation as the intro book for everyone. In addition, Dietrich comes to the end of Infinite Jest, Josh raves about a noir novel featuring a homicidal robot, and Dietrich talks about pirates. Finally, they wrap up with a discussion about one movie about financial crime, another movie about a truly historic witch, and conclude by raving about a board game convention in their hometown. If you have questions or comments, you can reach us at librarypolicequestions@gmail.com.
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What We've Been Reading
- David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest
- David Cordingly, Under the Black Flag - Gene Wolfe, The Book of the New Sun series - Adam Christopher, Made to Kill |
A Sci-Fi Primer- Arthur C. Clarke, Childhood's End or Rendezvous with Rama
- Isaac Asimov, I, Robot - Joe Haldeman, The Forever War - James Halperin, The Truth Machine or The First Immortal - William Gibson, Neuromancer - Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game - Karen Thompson Walker, The Age of Miracles - Andy Weir, The Martian - Robert Charles Wilson, Spin - Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - George Saunders, Tenth of December - Frank Herbert, Dune - Robert Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land |
Off The Bookshelves
- The Big Short
- Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - The Witch - TN Game Days |
