July Book of the month - The Three-Body Problem

Book Club: The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Join us as we journey through The Three-Body Problem, a mind-bending and award-winning science fiction novel by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The first in a groundbreaking trilogy, the novel begins during China’s Cultural Revolution and spans decades, weaving together theoretical physics, alien contact, political intrigue, and existential philosophy.

Through the eyes of scientists, soldiers, and gamers, we explore a mysterious virtual reality game, a secret military project, and the unsettling consequences of humanity's first contact with an alien civilization. As reality begins to blur with simulation, we’re invited to question the limits of science, the ethics of survival, and the fragility of human civilization.

This is a gripping and cerebral read that will spark rich conversations about science, society, and the future of our species.

Discussion Points:

What ethical dilemmas arise from the decision to invite or reject alien contact?

How do historical traumas (like the Cultural Revolution) shape the characters’ motivations?

What role does science—both real and speculative—play in shaping the narrative?

How does Liu Cixin balance hard science with imaginative storytelling?

What are the implications of the "three-body problem" as a metaphor for chaos and instability?