Science Fiction in the Days of American Authoritarianism ft. Annalee Newitz & Charlie Jane Anders

Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel. The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity. The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work. A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear. The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind. The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.

In 'Fourth Wing,' twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail is forced by her mother, a commanding general, to join the elite dragon riders at Basgiath War College. Despite her physical weaknesses due to a chronic illness similar to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Violet must use her intelligence and wit to survive the competitive and deadly environment. She faces numerous challenges, including sparring matches, the Gauntlet climbing challenge, and battles in the War Games. Alongside her struggles, Violet uncovers secrets about the leadership and forms complex relationships with her peers, including the ruthless but charismatic wingleader Xaden Riorson. The book is part of the Empyrean series and combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance.

The book follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman, whose house and planet are about to be demolished. He is rescued by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. Together, they embark on a journey through space, encountering various characters such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed president of the galaxy, Trillian, a human woman, and Marvin, a paranoid android. The story involves their adventures on the spaceship Heart of Gold, which has an Infinite Improbability Drive, and their quest to understand the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, which is revealed to be '42'. The novel is known for its humor, satire, and imaginative storytelling.