Why I Read Science Fiction (and a few thoughts about politics and Zika)

Many of my friends/acquaintances wonder why I read science fiction.  From my perspective it is and always has been the literature of imagination.  In this posting I'm going to pull together some  previous posts and connect them to current events:  Zika virus and current politics. In previous posts I have reviewed Mira Grant's Newsflesh series.  Yes, it has zombies--but much more.  As I talk politics with my adult children I am alarmed by the increasing skepticism they have for commercial news outlets (also our political system in general!).  The parralles between the Newsflesh series with the current political theater and Zika virus is eerie. 

I don't want to spoil anything in the books so I'm going to talk around how closely Grant predicts the future in these books.  (I can also make much of the same case with Saci Lloyd's Carbon Diaries books.)  What I can discuss is why I think it's important for people to read these sorts of science fiction.  First of all it helps readers think through possible future scenarios and begin to plan their own actions in similar situations. As a result of my readings I am much more able to react rationally to "crises." Because authors like Grant and Lloyd are exploring possibilities, I have a frame work upon which I can structure my thinking.  I might be a tad bit more paranoid than some, but I remain rational.    I'm not a "prepper" by any means, but I do try to think of the possibilities in the future and prepare in ways that I judge reasonable. In the case of Zika this means staying out of Florida and other areas with the virus.  If I didn't have that luxury I would make sure I had good protection (I hate DEET repellents so I'd probably go for the clothing options as much as possible).  Based on Lloyd's work, and that of many author authors, I also have some "stock piles" of food and supplies that I might need in the case of a natural disaster or system failure.  Not two years worth--but at least some.  [As I compose this I had a horrible thought.  There are lots of "storage units" going up around me.  I have been appalled that Americans have so much stuff that their two car garages and McMansions don't hold it all.  Now it suddenly occurred to me that perhaps they are stockpiling resources instead. Hmmm]

Another area that science fiction writers often explore is that of politics. One of the things bothering me in this political season is the mass acceptance of political "cover-ups" (mostly magical thinking). I'm not certain what I might consider actually doing about the political/media fantasy we have going right now.  I'm in the awkward position that I want to believe we can have a working political system.  But, the realist in me makes me think that I'm being naive.  Unfortunately in all the "futures" science fiction I have been reading, there is no great answer for this problem.  It may be that the system is going to have to get much worse before the wider public can see through the smoke and mirrors that I am perceiving.  I have been persuaded that I need to dig deeper and read more widely.  Being informed as well as I can will at least help me feel confident that I can bring some real substance to the discussions of politics when they do occur.  I find myself increasingly using references to novels to help broaden out the thinking of those around me.  One of the skills I learned during a training about how to handle conflict was to avoid "theory" and simply report my own experiences.  Hopefully referencing some fiction that others might read will serve a similar purpose.

Now, just in case I haven't persuaded you that science fiction is a good reading option let me provide some evidence that you're not going to find it poorly written and simplistic.  Here's some evidence of the quality of the writing.  From Mira Grant's website:

 "Feed is a distopian political zombie thriller set in against the backdrop of a national political campaign. It was named #76 on NPR’s Top 100 Killer Thrillers List, and was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010."  

In this year of another election, I think it's worth reading the series to have some grist for processing current events.

The Fifth Wave, by Rick Yancey (2013)

There have been so many dystopian books that it is hard to imagine a "fresh take."  Yancey has managed to create something that feels fresh within the sub-genre and is compelling.  As soon as I finished this book I put a reserve on the next title in the series. 

This particular dystopia is created when an interstellar spaceship arrives above earth and circles for a bit and then begins a wave of invasions.  Their goal is simply to get rid of humanity.  And they are doing it in extremely clever ways.  Yancy's book pulls you into and through the story with a narrative and a voice that help you forget that this is the latest is a long series of "end of the world as we know it" books, movies, and tv series. 

I've read many of Yancey's other books (The Monstrumologist series and
The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp).  I look forward to the next book in the series and his future novels.  He's definitely on my "alert" list as new titles come out.

The "readability" on this title is late 4th grade with an interest level of 7th-12th grades. It is a perfect choice for an older teen who has relatively undeveloped reading skills. I do worry a bit about what our young teens are reading.  I'd have a little trouble recommending it for 7th and 8th graders.  But then perhaps I am naive.  I know they watch Walking Dead.  This dystopian novel is not quite as obviously bloody and has more positive messages for young adults.  At times as I was reading it felt like an adult book.  Not because of any particular content but because of the literary merit.  At one point I actually double checked the age designation.

The book has been given many awards including:   
            Winner of the 2014 Red House Children's Book Award
            2014 Children’s Choice Book Awards Finalist for Teen Book of the Year
            A YALSA 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults
            A YALSA 2014 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
            A Booklist 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults
            A VOYA 2013 Perfect Ten 

The Fifth Wave is being translated into film to be released in May. 

Newsflesh Series by Mira Grant

Sorry for being so quiet this spring.  I've had my ear buds on, nose in my e-reader/books, and fingers on the keyboard!

One of the reading projects that distracted me from posting was the Newsflesh Series by Mira Grant.  The books in order are:

• Feed (2010) 
• Deadline (2011)
• Blackout  (2012)

Mira Grant is a pseudonym that Seanan McGuire uses for this series.   http://www.seananmcguire.com/

Zombies!!! (Again!) But, much much more!

Really, I think this series is more about the communication of news and opinion in the 21st century than it is about zombies.  Grant (McGuire) combines issues related to biomedical research, politics, and the media coverage of these two issues in this series.  If I wanted a book that helped secondary-aged students see the importance of learning to write well, this would be it.

The protagonists of the series, George (Georgia) and Shaun, are bloggers.  In the post-apocalyptic world of @2039) they are journalists (bloggers).  In this future traditional news sources (television network news, newspapers, magazines) no longer have the dominant presence as ways that citizens obtain information.  Instead bloggers are the primary sources for news.  Georgia and Shaun, with their friend Buffy are the CEOs of a blogging "company" that is trying to maintain high ratings in the extremely competitive blogosphere. In this world there are "newsies," "fictionals," and "Irwins."  These are obvious names for the types of blogs each writes, except for Irwins.  These are vloggers (video blogs) who capture video of zombies and zombie killing.  Yes, there is some violence, but no more than other popular zombie-based books/video.  

 WARNING!  There is a scene in Deadline that is sexually explicit, but not terribly salacious.  (Mira/Seanan--wish you'd left this out!)   I would use the first book of this series as a book-club choice for high schoolers.  I'd recommend the entire series to individual readers (just try and get them to stop after the first book!).  There is such great content in the series about politics, national health organizations, business, news, media, writing, and the market place (and self-protection) that it would actually be a good inter-disciplinary study book.

A third book under this pseudonym that I really enjoyed is Parasite (2013).  This is another biomedical "issues" book.  During the time that I was reading this series I also hear an NPR Science Friday program on stem-cell research.  The resonance of the surety of the scientists about how carefully they were safe-guarding the work they were doing made me immediately turn to a skeptical stance.  I wish that a someone more conservative yet authoritative voice had been available to offer a little more counterbalanced discussion of the risk factors.  http://sciencefriday.com/segment/02/14/2014/stem-cell-research-update.html

Of course some of the content of all three books in this series is alarming.  It could lead readers to a reactionary position about biomedical research.  My daughter has been a biology major and I am a strong supporter of science in all forms.  I do worry however that the majority of America does not pay much attention to the research underway.  Generally, I believe that our research has out-paced our ethics.  The current political debates about the "flash point" medical and genetic research is far behind the issues we should actually be exploring.  I believe these books are a great opening to get students more interested/involved.

Crater, by Homer Hickam (2012)

My son is considering astro-physics as a career path.  When I came across this title I knew immediately that I needed to read it.  Hickam is most known for his book Rocket Boys  that was used as the base for the film October Skies.  Rockets, spaceships, and outerspace are not my first choice of settings in fiction.  However, Hickam has captured my imagination.  His possible world, mining for inexpensive energy on the Earth's moon, is believable and in the opinion of many scientists, likely.  His background as the son of a miner and as a NASA engineer makes the underlying science trustworthy.  I'll admit--the science is way beyond my knowledge level, but I'll trust Hickam to know what he's talking about.

This appears to be a promising series that will appeal to both boys and girls.  There is a love interest, strong family/community themes, and the adventures that the main character, Crater Trueblood survives.  I am actually looking forward to the next book.  As someone with more interest in biology and ecology Hickam conveyed the geology and energy science topics in an interesting and understandable fashion.  He even discussed the main object of the mining on the moon, helium-3, in a way that got me interested in this isotope. 

I recommend this book strongly to teachers as a good choice for a book club selection or even a whole-class reading.  If English language arts and science teachers are collaborating this is a great choice for physics and energy related units.

Amped, by Daniel H. Wilson (2012)

I've just become a Daniel Wilson fan!  This is a great read and addresses several important technology/bioethics issues.  Wilson has  Ph.D. in robotics from Carnegie Mellon.  I assume that the science is pretty sound.  The story, of humans with neuro-implants that amplify their abilities (the Amps) has many interesting routes that readers can follow.  There is of course, the bioethics that are the focus of the story.  This is done well and will help us see a bit into the future.  I don't think we can quite "amp" humans the way Wilson portrays, but I expect it will be possible in the future.

A second theme relates to genocide/discrimination.  I can easily see this as a companion piece to any holocaust unit or study of other genocides.  (Those of you who know me are aware that I'm weary of the Anne Frank units that I read each semester.  I think it's time to expand our explorations of genocides and discrimination.

The secondary character, Lyle, is also a good study in the effects of power on a human.  Between Lyle and Senator Joseph Vaughn the exploration of what power does to our politicians and CEOs could lead to some fascinating discussions.  This theme in the book can also easily fit into studies of extremist groups and terrorism.  The government reactions to amps is well done and makes for a nice platform for exploring our current concerns about the Patriot Act and digital surveillance. 

Of course the science elements of this book could fit nicely in any study of scientific trends and issues.

Also, there may soon be a film connection to his other book Robopocalypse.  Robopocalypse was purchased by DreamWorks and is currently being adapted for film by Steven Spielberg.

The Reluctant Assassin, by Eoin Colfer

I am generally an Eoin Colfer fan.  However, this book did not really grab me.  Typically I really like books set in the Victorian Era.  But this one didn't really seem to settle down.

The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other.  Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough.  I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line.  Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast. 

The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine.  I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page.  I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader.  The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership.  There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.

Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:

rating	frequency	%	#
5		19%	21
4		38%	41
3		32%	35
2		6%	7
1		2%	3

91% of people liked it

All editions:	3.69 average rating, 1017 ratings, 189 reviews, added by 5286 people, 870 to-reads
This edition:	3.70 average rating, 847 ratings, 141 reviews, added by 4241 people

Seizure, by Kathy Reichs

This is Reichs' second YA book in the "Virals" series (and her overall second YA book).  I'm enjoying her efforts.  Reichs' has established herself as an adult author.  Her books have also be the foundation of the TV series Bones.  Both have some rough connections to her own work as a pioneering forensic pathologist.  I would be certain to guide any adolescent reader to her website:  http://kathyreichs.com for career connections. 

The Virals series is a new effort.  There is little of "forensics" in either novel, however the main character is the great niece of Temperance Brennan, the main character in most of her adult novels and the television show.  The series has more of a "crazy science gone wrong" premise.  In the first book the main characters and her "pack" are infected with a virus being researched by a scientist working on the university owned, island research facility where all of their families live and work.

In Seizure, the main character Tory, and her friends/pack are once again navigating a complex teen social scene, their supernatural powers, and a specific mystery (with some additional side-plots such as Tory's father's love life).  My readers know that I value YA books that allow for investigations of a variety of themes/topics.  The center piece of this story is a female pirate, Calico Jack, and her buried treasure. There are opportunities in this book to explore wolf pack behavior, realistic teen life (well--except for the super powers of the Virals), adult-teen relationship complexities (appropriate--not perverse or sexually inappropriate), pirates and privateers, biology of the flora/fauna of the South Carolina coastal region, and the history of Charleston, SC. 

Reichs is a proficient writer and as always tells a good story.  I think her first attempt, Virals, was just a little awkward.  Learning to write for the YA market is not necessarily easy, even for the most proficient adult fiction writers.  This book feels much more like a strong addition to the YA field.  It would not be necessary to read the first book in the series to appreciate this book, but would fill out the background of how these adolescents acquired these mysterious powers.  (And I believe the mysterious powers are a metaphor for the biological changes that adolescents experience and to which they need to come to grips.)

This book would be a nice companion to the Maximum Ride, series by James Patterson.  It offers opportunities to discuss the ethics of science as well as some specific scientific concepts.  (And I trust, better founded in actual science than are the Maximum Ride books.)

Micro, by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston (2011)

Preston was chosen to finish this manuscript after Crichton died in 2008.  I'm a fan of both writers, so I was most satisfied with the collaboration.  I'm going to give this book to my daughter, a biology major.  One of the elements of the writings of both of these authors that I appreciate is their ability to take science/anthropology and use it to write compelling stories that help us understand the world(s) around us.

Earlier this year I heard a segment on NPR about micro-drones being developed for military espionage.  Micro was a bit ahead in fully elaborating the possibilities of micro machines.  To this concept Crichton adds the micro world of biology.  It's not the microscopic world that has been used in some science fiction--instead a sort of Honey I Shrunk the Kids, sort of world.  Set in Hawaii we are allowed to see the ecology of the island in detail. Crichton/Preston do a great job (from my non-biologist eyes) of portraying the forces of nature at play in the natural world.

This book will be a great way to engage those with scientific interests with fiction.  It's a good story and will also keep devoted fiction readers entertained.

Mean Streets, by Jim Butcher, Simon Green, Kat Richardson & Thomas Sniegoski (2010)

I purchased this collection through my Audible service.  There are times when I think I don't get as much out of audio books as I do paper--but this was an exception (if the rule is real).  I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story. These collections are invaluable--they help me find new authors I will enjoy. 

Butcher's story, The Warrior, brings us back to Harry's friend and colleague Michael, Knight of the Cross, wielder of Amoracchius after his retirement due to injuries sustained in assisting Harry.  I've missed Michael since he was nearly killed.  I was glad to get this postscript. 

Richardson's story, The Third Death of the Little Clay Dog, pulls from traditions surrounding  Dia de Muertes.  I have particular fondness for this celebration and love the arts surrounding it, as well as the spiritual concept.  I was able to enjoy an exhibition of the works of José Guadalupe Posada that helped me fully understand the importance of this holiday in Mexico.  Richardson's story does a good job of being faithful to the intent of the spiritual tradition while weaving a compelling tale.  I'm putting in the order for Richardson's books at the library.  I think I've found a new author for my collection.

Simon Green tells a story in What A Difference A Day Makes, that got a little too "Matrix" for my tastes, but others will enjoy it.

Thomas Sniegoski's story, Noah's Orphans, was one that I didn't enjoy as much.  Perhaps if I had been raised in more of a Catholic tradition and understood the grand order of angels I would have followed the plot and character twists more clearly.

Dragon Soldier, by Timothy Zahn

This is the second in the Dragonback adventure series. It looks as if there are six books in the series. I was captivated by the first, less so with this. But, I'm certain that it's the context of this one that threw me off. In this second book Jack Morgan attempts to help his symbiont dragon, Draycos, prevent the destruction of his species. To do so he enlists and a mercenary soldier (child soldier) to gather intelligence about the possible strategic knowledge on identity of the "bad guys." There is some "shoot-em-up" which will probably appeal to boys more than it does to me. There is a strong female character.

The series gets good reviews and appears to be relatively popular. I enjoyed the first book a lot, but am not inspired to pick up the next one unless someone tells me that there is a switch in the plot line. The reviewers on the Barnes & noble site seem to agree with me.

It's recommended for ages 12 and older, but I think I might stay with younger adolescents.

Genesis Alpha: A Thriller, by Rune Michaels (2007)

Gaming, genetics, stem cells, designer babies, psychology, families, love--this book packs it all in with just 193 pages of text. it is a well told, terrifying story that suspect I am going to hesitate recommending to teens. It got under my skin and as a result I worry about the effects it might have on the thinking of adolescents.

I've read other books that make me hesitate about recommending them to teens--Looking for Alaska, by John Green for example. But this is much more. This well-crafted story exploring the psychology of a psychopathic killer involved with gaming is just outright chilling. Some of the kids I know who are gamers are already tottering on the edge. Thirty years ago I worked with other kids who remind me of the edgy gamers, often they were kids who were fascinated with science fiction.

I'm probably too sensitive--the plot line is no more frightening than that of The Matrix or even in some ways that of Harry Potter. But, some how set in what seems like a normal middle class setting, it becomes all that much more frightening. Well--perhaps not entirely middle class--both Josh's parents are university professors. But, that seems pretty normal to me.

I picked this up because I am collecting books that will appeal to gamers. It is much more than a story about gaming, the risks of online gaming, and internet security. I am going to share this with a couple of others to get their reaction. I'll report back.

The reviewer from The School Library Journal was relatively critical about this book. He suggested that some of the characterizations and plot elements were unrealistic. That may be the case, but I think no more so than many other books.

Monstrumologist, by Rick Yancey

I picked this up to read because it was a Prinz honor book for 2010. Part way through I began to wonder why the Prinz committee was recommending it. Now I wonder if I need to do something to change my world view. (It's a very good book and worth an award, but you need to be aware of some of its "issues.")

I began doubting the suitability of this book when it grossed me out. About the same time I realized that the prose itself would present a difficulty for many YA readers. So, I began to search--is this a book that will really be recommended for YA reading? I double checked the members of the Prinz committee and found that they were primarily high school librarians. I trust librarians and if they recommend a book then I listen. I also discussed this with one of my most trusted middle school teacher friends. She was most interested it and said that many of her students would love such a book. At her school kids would be allowed to read such a book with parent permission. Many parents are happy to extend such.

The book is well written, in a Gothic tradition. There are mad scientists, insane asylums, and questionable characters galore! Mixed with the gore and dark, dangerous adventure is an underlying plot that compels the reader through the book.

I'm still having trouble with the gross factor, but then I took a few minutes to sit with my son as he played Special Forces: Dark Opps. I'm convinced--today's kids are accustomed to the violence and mayhem. I just need to get over it.

But, if you are going to recommend this to others be aware that a student would need to be a pretty strong reader (Lexile 990) and willing to read pretty graphic "yuck."

The Supernaturalist, by Eoin Colfer

Colfer is know for his series, Artemis Fowl. He has a number of other YA books using a variety of settings and themes. This is a science fiction/future distopia book. It's peopled with Mad Max automobile undergrounds, mad scientists, pollution, genetic experiments, and evil corporations.I had some difficulty getting into the book and may have put it down if I hadn't been listening to it in the car. The supernaturalists are a small group of young adults and children working together to protect the world from some sort of supernatural beings that seem to "steal" the life from wounded or ill people. These beings are invisible to almost all, except some who have had near death experiences or some of the genetically modified citizens.

However, as I listened further I became more interested. I don't think I would use it as a whole class novel, but I would recommend it to sci-fi readers.

Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer

I began this because one of my interns will be working with it this spring. It was a great read--a book that captured an afternoon and kept me from other work I should be doing. It's an apocalypse book (distopia--end of days). The basic plot line is that an asteroid hits the moon and changes earth's climate. Miranda, our protagonist, is a junior in high school with an older (college aged) and younger brother. Her parents are divorced. She is having a fairly typical adolescence until the asteroid hits.

What follows is a story of a mother's love and courage. Also a story of an adolescent (and her brothers) having to meet, accept, and overcome disaster. It is well crafted, believable, and explores a quite believable series of disastrous events. I some ways it reminded me of Laura Ingles Wilder's The Long Winter.

At first I was a little uneasy that this was going to be a "Rapture" book. It's not. However it does have a fundamentalist preacher/church as one of the secondary characters. Teachers will need to be prepared to deal with some religious questions. I wonder if it will become a challenged book.

Lexile 770. Recommended 6-12 grades. Multiple awards:

• Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): High School
• Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2006
• Garden State Teen Book Awards (New Jersey): Fiction (Grades 6-8)
• Nutmeg Children's Book Award (Connecticut): Teen category
• Texas Tayshas Reading Lists: 2007
• Truman Readers Award (Missouri)
• YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2007

Snow Crash by Neil Stephenson

My first Stephenson book was, what I have come to call, a reading accident. [I have reading accidents in which I pick up a book on a whim and find myself trapped into reading an author's collected works.] I picked up his book Cryptonomicon because I had seen a newer title, Anathem for sale at Costco. For a change I decided to read it order and bought Cryptonomicon in paperback.

So far it seems as if Stephenson is a somewhat challenging author. I would recommend his books to strong readers in high school or to adults. But, I definitely recommend him!

Snow Crash is science fiction including high-tech skateboarders, virtual worlds as a social phenomenon, and ethnic conflicts. As with Cryptonomicon it also makes connections to history and current events. It's a book that I will be happy to recommend to a relatively wide range of readers, including my college-aged son.

Still Life With Crows by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Agent Pendergast is at it again. This time he leaves the New York city area and Museum of Natural History for the corn fields of Kansas. This is quite a scary book and gripped me as a reader. It doesn't have the atmosphere of the Pendergast books set in New York, but it does explore the Plains Indians, caves, and Kansas a bit. (Also genetically engineered corn.)

I would definitely recommend this to young adults who like the horror genre. It has redeeming values for the study of history, politics, university funding, and sciences. It is appropriate reading for high school students and some junior high/middle schoolers. There is a minimum of sex, but quite a bit of violence that may be disturbing to some readers. (But that's what attracts the others.)


2.5 stars

Pendragon Book Two: The Lost City of Farr, by D.J. McHale

Another Pendragon series book. In this volume Bobby travels with his uncle Press to a water-world, Cloral. There they meet Spader and contend with Saint Dane (the force of darkness/evil). I think I'm going to give up on this series. Some young readers craving action, science fiction and fantasy will find this series of interest. It is rather predictable series book. These are good for developing reading muscle, but not really great works of literature.

My strongest criticsm of the series is the flatness of the characters and the lack of gray tones. Although evil disguises itself things are pretty much either evil or good.

God Emperor of Dune, Frank Herbert

This is the "paper" reading I'm doing this week. I've read the other Dune books and somehow missed this one. It's not new--1981 . You really would need to have read the others. Dune has a fanatic following. Many consider it philosophy instead of just fiction. I am interested in the philosophy part, but sometimes think either Herbert was much smarter than me, or he is a bubble-off-plumb. I really get confused when Lord Leto is talking with the Bene Gesserit witches/reverend mothers. Maybe I need a Sparks Notes for the "code" on this one. I keep thinking I'll give up on this book. I have 3 historical fiction books in the wings. But for some reason I keep picking this one up instead. I guess that says something for it.