The Sci Fi Book Club

Hi everyone,

The Expanse is a sprawling 10 book series that explores the unknowns of the universe and the cost of human ambition. It is well-written and masterfully translated to the TV series (streaming on Amazon). If you haven't watched the series yet, do yourself a favor and read this book first. James S.A. Corey (actually a pen name for a collaboration between Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) writes a deeply personal and engaging story in the first novel of the series.

Book of the Month
Leviathan Wakes - James S.A. Corey (2011)

This is a hard book to put down. I'll bet that, upon finishing it, you'll want to dive headlong into the next novel.

Well, good news! Book Club takes a break every October to focus on the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival (and Meghan and my birthdays ☺️). SO we're giving you space (hehe) to read on if you'd like.

Alternatively, we will be reading Ian M. Banks' The Player of Games in November. It is technically the second book in Banks' Culture series. You may choose to read the first book, Consider Phlebas, in October, instead. Phlebus is a good book in its own right, but we're going to skip it for now. The Player of Games will not spoil too much of the Phlebus, and you do not need to have read it to like Games. But, something to consider when you're planning your reading plans for October.

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.

Hi everyone,

For November, we'll be reading the second novel in Ian M. Banks' Culture series. While it is related to the first book, Consider Phlebus, you don't need to have read it in order to understand The Player of Games. The books in the Culture series are standalone stories that happen in the same universe. The Player of Games is often recommended as a better place to start. While they do happen in the same universe, there is no direct plot continuation between the two (plus, we've heard it's just a better book).

Don't care? Still a purist and want to read Consider Phlebus first?? No problem, read it in October! Book Club takes a break every October to focus on the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival (and Meghan and my birthdays ☺️). SO we're giving you space (hehe) to read it first, if you'd like.

Book of the Month
The Player of Games - Iain M. Banks (1988)

The Player of Games follows a genius game player who gets pulled into a game of wills and control. Of course, things aren't as shiny as they seem at first. As The Guardian puts it, Games is “a love poem to the joy of game play, and a warning against the psychology of the game player.” As an avid game player, I am REALLY curious to see what Banks has in store for us.

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.