What Should I Read Next? Ep 487: Sci-fi, fantasy, and a sense of possibility
Holly Wielkoszewski, a media production specialist, shares her journey as she transitions from fantasy to science fiction. Living between New Mexico and various international locales, she reveals her evolving reading tastes and the exciting trends she's noticed in contemporary sci-fi. Holly discusses how various narratives connect with themes of love and discovery, the importance of immersive storytelling, and her favorite book recommendations that highlight diverse voices. Listeners are encouraged to explore new literary horizons and rethink their genre preferences.
53:50
Holly's Unique Lifestyle
- Holly Wielkoszewski splits her time between building an earthship off-grid in New Mexico and traveling internationally.
- Her unique lifestyle aligns with her love for futuristic yet grounded storytelling themes.
Defining Sci-Fi and Fantasy
- Science fiction explores possibilities through technology and science, often set in space or speculative contexts.
- Fantasy centers on magic, mythology, and worlds beyond our reality, with many subgenres like magical realism and fairy tales.
Shift from Fantasy Romance to Sci-Fi
- Romantic fantasy has become formulaic, tiring Holly and causing her to shift her focus.
- She is excited to return to rich, imaginative sci-fi stories that feel fresh and immersive.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Community Support and Literary Genres
01:44 • 5min
Journey Through Sci-Fi and Fantasy
06:14 • 13min
Exploring the Shift from Fantasy to Sci-Fi in Reading
19:19 • 3min
Exploring Fantasy and Sci-Fi Realms
22:21 • 12min
Exploring New Literary Horizons: Book Recommendations for Every Reader
34:18 • 2min
Exploring Accessible Entry Points in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Literature
36:08 • 2min
Exploring Sci-Fi and Fantasy Landscapes
38:11 • 17min
#40442
The Place of Tides by James Rebanks
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James Rebanks
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#25656
THE GIRL WITH THE SILVER EYES
Willo Davis Roberts
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#24593
Chyna Meville's The City in the City
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China Miéville
"The City & the City," by China Miéville, is a weird fiction novel set in the cities of Besźel and Ul Qoma, which coexist in the same physical space but are perceived as separate by their citizens.
The story follows Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Besźel police as he investigates the murder of an apparent foreign national.
Miéville's writing explores themes of perception, politics, and the power of the human mind.
The novel challenges readers to consider how we construct our realities and the consequences of choosing to ignore what lies beyond our immediate understanding.
With its unique blend of detective fiction and speculative world-building, "The City & the City" is a thought-provoking exploration of urban life and the boundaries we create.
#61382
Lois McMaster-Bujold's Vorkosigan saga
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Lois McMaster Bujold
The Vorkosigan Saga, by Lois McMaster Bujold, is a series of science fiction novels that follows the life and adventures of Miles Vorkosigan in a futuristic interstellar society.
Miles, born with physical disabilities due to a failed assassination attempt on his parents, overcomes numerous challenges to become a key figure in galactic politics and military operations.
The series blends elements of military science fiction, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling.
Bujold's writing is known for its humor, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as disability, identity, and the nature of heroism.
The Vorkosigan Saga has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative world-building and engaging narrative.
#53481
Martha Wells and her Murderbot series
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Martha Wells
The Murderbot Diaries, by Martha Wells, follows a security android that has hacked its governor module to gain independence and prefers watching media to interacting with humans.
Despite its desire to be left alone, Murderbot finds itself constantly intervening to protect the humans it is assigned to safeguard.
The series explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
Murderbot's sarcastic humor and introverted nature resonate with readers as it navigates complex social situations and uncovers corporate conspiracies.
Through action-packed adventures and introspective moments, the series delves into what it means to be human, even for a machine.
#54084
Anne Luckey's Imperial Ratch Trilogy
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Ann Leckie
Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch trilogy begins with "Ancillary Justice", introducing Breq, who is both the sole surviving soldier of a destroyed starship and the ship's artificial intelligence.
The trilogy explores themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness.
Breq's journey is driven by a quest for justice and revenge against those who destroyed her ship and fragmented her existence.
Leckie's innovative use of language and exploration of gender roles have garnered critical acclaim.
The series examines the power dynamics within the Radchaai Empire and challenges traditional notions of humanity and identity.
The Imperial Radch trilogy is a thought-provoking exploration of power, identity, and the potential of artificial intelligence.
#21290
Anne Leckie's Imperial Ratch trilogy
string
Ann Leckie
Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch trilogy begins with "Ancillary Justice", introducing Breq, who is both the sole surviving soldier of a destroyed starship and the ship's artificial intelligence.
The trilogy explores themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness.
Breq's journey is driven by a quest for justice and revenge against those who destroyed her ship and fragmented her existence.
Leckie's innovative use of language and exploration of gender roles have garnered critical acclaim.
The series examines the power dynamics within the Radchaai Empire and challenges traditional notions of humanity and identity.
The Imperial Radch trilogy is a thought-provoking exploration of power, identity, and the potential of artificial intelligence.
#44170
the Murderbot series
string
Martha Wells
The Murderbot Diaries, by Martha Wells, follows a security android that has hacked its governor module to gain independence and prefers watching media to interacting with humans.
Despite its desire to be left alone, Murderbot finds itself constantly intervening to protect the humans it is assigned to safeguard.
The series explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
Murderbot's sarcastic humor and introverted nature resonate with readers as it navigates complex social situations and uncovers corporate conspiracies.
Through action-packed adventures and introspective moments, the series delves into what it means to be human, even for a machine.
#52713
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
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Dan Simmons
"Hyperion," by Dan Simmons, is a science fiction novel set in a far future where humanity has colonized numerous planets.
The story follows a group of pilgrims traveling to the Time Tombs on the planet Hyperion to confront the Shrike, a mysterious and terrifying creature.
Each pilgrim carries a dark secret and a desperate hope for salvation.
Simmons' writing blends elements of science fiction, horror, and literary allusion, drawing inspiration from Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales.
" The novel explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the consequences of technological advancement.
"Hyperion" is celebrated for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and exploration of profound philosophical questions.
#23230
Sophia Samatar's A Stranger in Olondria
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Sofia Samatar
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#61510
R. Katie Martins' Memory Called Empire
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Arkady Martine
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#34678
Shards of Honor
Lois McMaster Bujold
Grover Gardner narrator
#14
• Mentioned in 262 episodes
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
#340
• Mentioned in 48 episodes
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
#3006
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
The Man in the High Castle
Michelle Charrier
Philip K. Dick
Published in 1962, 'The Man in the High Castle' is set in a world where Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany emerged victorious from World War II. The novel follows multiple characters, including Robert Childan, who runs an antique shop in San Francisco specializing in pre-war American artifacts, and Juliana Frink, who becomes involved with a mysterious novel called 'The Grasshopper Lies Heavy', which presents an alternate history where the Allies won the war.
The story delves into themes of resistance, cultural identity, and the exploration of different historical outcomes.
#344
• Mentioned in 47 episodes
Ender's Game
None
Orson Scott Card
Set in a future where humanity is threatened by the Formics, an insect-like alien species, the novel follows Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy who is drafted into Battle School at the age of six.
Ender undergoes intense military training, including zero-gravity battles and psychological manipulation, to prepare him to lead the human fleet against the Formics.
The book explores themes of war, leadership, and the moral complexities of using children as soldiers.
It is known for its deep and complex sensibilities, and its ability to pose profound questions about the nature of war and humanity.
Today's guest has joined Anne in conversation on the podcast before, but now our media production specialist Holly Wielkoszewski is in the spotlight as they explore her evolving reading tastes and her favorite genres of science fiction and fantasy.
Holly splits her time between New Mexico, where she and her husband are building an Earthship, and traveling internationally for several months each year. When Holly mentioned at a recent team meeting that she's shifting away from fantasy and more towards sci-fi in her reading life lately, Anne couldn't wait to explore that on the air.
Today's conversation delves into Holly's evolving journey as a sci-fi fantasy devotee, the trends she's seeing in recent books, and some of her very favorites in these genres. They also explore what appeals to Holly most about these types of books and how she sees the crossover from these genres to other stories she seeks out. This episode highlights a whole bunch of titles that readers who resonate with Holly might also enjoy reading, too.
Please let us know if you have ideas for Holly's next sci-fi read or other suggestions by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where we've also listed all of the titles mentioned today. That's at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/487.
If you love hearing from team members like today's conversation with Holly, you will love our Patreon community, where our team members regularly pop up for bonus episodes. Thank you to everyone who's already signed up, and if you're curious, find all the details at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext.
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