

Science Fiction Book Club: Ted Chiang
Lore Party Media
Science Fiction Book Club is a podcast for bookworms and stargazers. In every episode, hosts Abu and Obssa dive into the pages of their favorite science fiction novels to break down the big ideas and ask the nerdy questions. This isn't just a generic book review podcast – it's a show made for and with a community of passionate sci-fi fans. So join the club, and get reading! New episodes every other Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 23, 2025 • 16min
Murderbot (Episode 3)
In this bonus episode, Abu and Obssa share their thoughts on the third episode of the Apple TV+ show Murderbot!
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2
(00:00) Intro
(00:42) First Impressions
(04:31) Slow Pacing
(06:20) Gurathin
(11:09) Will The Show Cover Book 2?
(14:13) Up Next and Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2025 • 28min
Murderbot (Episodes 1 and 2)
The hosts dive into their first impressions of the new adaptation of Murderbot, praising its unique blend of humor and sci-fi. They explore the show's visual style while debating its balance between comedy and serious themes. The complexity of Murderbot's character is analyzed, showcasing both humor and depth. However, concerns arise regarding the introduction of a throuple, which feels forced compared to the original. Overall, they maintain a hopeful outlook for the show's future character development.

May 8, 2025 • 51min
Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells I Ch. 5-9
Abu and Obssa complete their read-through of Artificial Condition by Martha Wells. They discuss Murderbot's trauma on Ganaka Pit and how the bot's fears could be interpreted through Adlerian psychology.
Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod
Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4
Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty
Keep up with this season’s reading schedule: https://tinyurl.com/sfbc-season2
(00:00) Intro
(03:11) Chapter Summaries
(10:55) Our Impressions
(21:43) Adlerian Psychology
(33:53) The Nature of Fear
(39:17) Is Fear Necessary?
(43:55) Final Ratings
(46:26) Up Next & Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
Severance Season 2 (Episodes 6-10)
In this bonus discussion, the hosts dissect the riveting conclusion of a hit series. They delve into the character dynamics that reveal deep conflicts of identity and emotional connections in a dystopian world. Ethical dilemmas surrounding pain eradication and corporate influence spark intriguing reflections. The allure of quick fixes through AI and pharmaceuticals is explored, raising questions about societal values. Finally, they analyze the thrilling finale, marked by unexpected twists and profound character growth.

Apr 24, 2025 • 52min
Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells I Ch. 1-4
Abu and Obssa begin their read-through of Artificial Condition by Martha Wells. They discuss Murderbot beginning to embrace its personhood, and the affect of social interaction on creating self identity.Join our Patreon for bonus content and helpful reading materialsJoin our Discord to keep the conversation goingSubscribe on YouTube to watch the video version of this episodeCheck our Season 2 Schedule to keep up with the reading assignmentsEmail us your thoughts and questions: scifibookclubpod@loreparty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2025 • 56min
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton I Ch. 18-27
Abu and Obssa complete their read-through of Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. They discuss the book's lack of depth despite its interesting premise, and explore the transporter paradox.Join our Patreon for bonus content and helpful reading materialsJoin our Discord to keep the conversation goingSubscribe on YouTube to watch the video version of this episodeCheck our Season 2 Schedule to keep up with the reading assignmentsEmail us your thoughts and questions: scifibookclubpod@loreparty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 12min
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton I Ch. 7-17
Abu and Obssa continue their read-through of Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. They explore the current status of cloning technology and the long history of human space colonization.Join our Patreon for bonus content and helpful reading materialsJoin our Discord to keep the conversation goingSubscribe on YouTube to watch the video version of this episodeCheck our Season 2 Schedule to keep up with the reading assignmentsEmail us your thoughts and questions: scifibookclubpod@loreparty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2025 • 35min
Mickey 17 Review
Abu and Obssa share their thoughts on Bong Joon-ho's latest film Mickey 17.Join our Patreon for bonus content and helpful reading materialsJoin our Discord to keep the conversation goingSubscribe on YouTube to watch the video version of this episodeCheck our Season 2 Schedule to keep up with the reading assignmentsEmail us your thoughts and questions: scifibookclubpod@loreparty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2025 • 50min
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton I Ch. 1-6
Abu and Obssa begin their read-through of Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. They explore the origins of the book's publication (and the movie deal) and break down the central philosophical questions at the heart of the story.Join our Patreon for bonus content and helpful reading materialsJoin our Discord to keep the conversation goingSubscribe on YouTube to watch the video version of this episodeCheck our Season 2 Schedule to keep up with the reading assignmentsEmail us your thoughts and questions: scifibookclubpod@loreparty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 39min
Severance Season 2 (Episodes 1-5)
Join the deep dive into the first five episodes of a highly anticipated series! The hosts share excitement over enhanced storytelling and striking visuals, while dissecting complex character dynamics, especially around loyalty and identity. They ponder the ethical implications of corporate culture and delve into emotional themes surrounding autonomy and dual identities. With intellectual discussions on philosophical questions raised by the narrative, listeners are invited to engage with the unfolding mystery and contribute their thoughts.