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 (3)
See all- 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.
- The Cyberiad - Stanisław LemLink visible for attendees
Hi everyone,
For August, we'll be reading another collection of short stories. This time from the famed Polish author Stanisław Lem. Lem's style shifts from story to story, and his tone can go from very serious (Solaris) to playful and jaunty (Pirx the Pilot). But there are some elements that seem to remain consistent in his storytelling. Lem writes about compassion and the human experience. He shows it through myriad lenses but usually inspires readers to consider their perception as it relates to the world around them.
Book of the Month
The Cyberiad - Stanisław Lem (1965)I'm excited to see what this collection of connected shorts has in store for us. Written in the years after Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, I wonder if we'll see any nods or a similar approach to the book. This collection leans more into the humorous sci-fi realm, so it should be a fun beach read for August.
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.
- Leviathan Wakes - James S.A. CoreyLink visible for attendees
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.
Not able to join us in person for events? The Sci Fi Book Club is on Discord. Join us and keep the conversation going.
