The story begins in “The Calculating Stars,” the 2018 novel by Mary Robinette Kowal, when a huge meteor hits earth in 1952. It’s a massive strike, big enough, in fact, in this work of fiction, to threaten the very possibility of human life on this planet.
I just finished reading Crosstalk, the 2016 novel by Connie Willis, and I’m humming with pleasure, my thoughts whirring with this book’s humor and intelligence. Here are some (of the many) reasons you might want to read the latest work by this acclaimed science fiction writer.
Time travel. Extraterrestrial civilizations. Artificial wormholes crisscrossing the galaxy like a celestial highway system. These are the types of ideas science fiction has made famous. However, most of the science in science fiction isn’t very...scientific. And that’s okay. Science fiction is, after all, fiction; it has no obligation to accurately depict scientific concepts.
Connie Willis is one of my favorite authors: witty, poignant, compelling. If you like reading science fiction, then her name probably is well-known to you already. Willis has won numerous writing awards, and she was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2009. If you haven’t yet discovered or delved into her writing, this list is designed for you – and identifying as a sci-fi fan isn’t necessary. Any reader who likes a well-crafted story with intriguing characters can find a good read here. I tend to favor the stories in which the past is central.
Best Television-Inspired Movies:
Television shows often end too early or not early enough. Movies based on television shows can be retreads of old materials or new spins on old classic themes. When thinking about movies based on television shows, there are many more groan-inducing experiences and a lesser amount of engrossing experiments. There are a few movies that extend or breathe new air in their universe and here is a list of some of my favorites.
Science fiction is often portrayed as giant explosions and weird aliens. Both of these things are awesome, but a sci-flick with a strong message or interesting performance can transcend clichés. The following films are all examples of science fiction that go beyond the stereotypes to make a point:
