What we’re about
The Sci Fi Book Club was founded in 2014 as a way to formally explore the genre of Science Fiction. With books ranging from classics to new releases and from novels to short stories, we aim for diversity in our selections.
Club members have one month to read the book the group has agreed on. We meet via Zoom on the third Sunday of each month to talk about our reading and all things Sci Fi. Our hope is that members will come ready to contribute to the conversation both in their thoughts on the given book and with any insight into related media that might inform our discussion.
Occassionally we will all decide to take some extra time on a book, but members should plan on four weeks to complete the reading. You do not have to have finished the book to come to the meeting. We hope to see you either way, there's always plenty to talk about. Find out more at thescifibookclub.com.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Childhood's End - Arthur C. ClarkeLink visible for attendees
Hi all,
This month's selection continues our look into humanity, aliens, and possible futures for the Earth. It's one of my favorite Arthur C. Clarke stories and it is going to make for another great meeting! I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for those who have not read it yet. What I can say is that it is a story about oppression and creativity. It is about overcoming obstacles and imagining what life could be like if humans are not alone in the universe.
Book of the Month
"Childhood's End" - Arthur C. Clarke (1953)I found this 1953 New York Times book review a little dry and spoilery but it's a fun read. William Du Bois serves a backhanded compliment at the beginning that made me chuckle: "It must be said at the outset that Mr. Clarke's publishers have offered his novel as science-fiction, a label that too many readers still associate with Captain Video, rocket-ship sagas and invasions of super-gremlins from universes other than our own. It is quite true that "Childhood's End" contains some of these standard ingredients, but Mr. Clarke has mixed them with a master's hand."
To join a Book Club meeting, all you will need is YOURSELF. If you haven’t had a chance to finish the book, we still would love for you to join us in the discussion.
Not able to join us in person for events? The Sci Fi Book Club is on Discord. Join us and keep the conversation going.
- Some Desperate Glory - Emily TeshLink visible for attendees
Hi all,
I'm really excited to read one of 2023's biggest sci fi titles. Some Desperate Glory is a thought-provoking and immersive read. Maya Gittelman says in her glowing article for Reactor that it is one of the "...definitive sci-fi novels of the year. Tesh is undeniably a versatile talent, and she translates her trademark ache and heart to an interstellar epic with effortless elegance."
From the beginning of the novel, we learn that humanity waged—and lost—an interstellar war against an alien species. What comes after is a nuanced exploration of survival, revenge, and what lies beyond both. It is supposed to be an action-driven story that keeps sight of a deeply human narrative.
Book of the Month
Some Desperate Glory - Emily Tesh (2023)Gittelman also touts Tesh's writing skills in her review. She talks about how interesting it is to read an author riffing on previous authors in the genre: "I’m not going to spoil plot points aside from what can be gleaned by the summary, but I’ll share that it feels like this book is in conversation with conventions of the genre such as Ender’s Game. How fucking delightful and satisfying, as someone who grew up being taught those books as an unassailable part of the canon, to read something that does everything Card does, but with an intentionally conscious eye toward white supremacy, misogyny, homophobia, ableism, and transphobia. What a relief, honestly. I laughed aloud with joy at how well some of this was executed."
It's been a while since we've read a space opera in Book Club. So strap in and hold on, looking forward to discussing this epic story!
To join a Book Club meeting, all you will need is YOURSELF. If you haven’t had a chance to finish the book, we still would love for you to join us in the discussion.
Not able to join us in person for events? The Sci Fi Book Club is on Discord. Join us and keep the conversation going.
