Blog Archives
Book-Space! #23. Uprooted
After a bit of a pause, the Space-Biff! Book-Space! returns to discuss natural magic vs. orderly magic, crusty old wizards vs. vigorous young witches, and Naomi Novik’s Uprooted vs. Brock, Summer, and Dan. Listen here or download here.
Next time, it’s all about translation. That’s right, we’re reading R. F. Kuang’s Babel.
Book-Space! #22. Mind MGMT
Everybody knows psychics aren’t real. What Mind MGMT presupposes is… what if they are? Join Brock, Summer, and Dan as we discuss Matt Kindt‘s graphic novel, including professional conspiracy theories, non-professional relationship advice, and our mutual bewilderment when people say they don’t like the art. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be reading about dragons via Uprooted by Naomi Novik.
Book-Space! #21. Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir got famous writing about a man stranded in an isolated environment who uses science and pluck to solve his way out of danger; in Project Hail Mary, he flexes his authorial talents to their limit with a novel about a man stranded in an isolated environment who uses science and pluck to solve his way out of danger. Join Brock, Summer, and Dan as we discuss Ryland Grace’s portentous name, watching aliens poop, and how Weir blends hard and soft science fiction to tremendous effect. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be activating our latent psychic abilities by reading Mind MGMT by Matt Kindt.
Book-Space! #20. Autonomous
Ever developed a robust opinion about the possibility of intercourse with a robot? And we’re not talking about conversation here. Neither had Summer, Brock, or Dan. Good thing we read Autonomous by Annalee Newitz! Now we’re bubbling over with perspectives on robo-love, pharmaceutical monopolies, and how to make pharma pirates seem boring. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’re voyaging beyond the solar system in Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.
Book-Space! #19. Seven Surrenders
If our last episode left you confused, today we’re doubling down! Twice the confusion! Double! Times two! Continuing the futuristic saga of a golden age on the brink of disaster, we discuss unreliable narrators, miracles real and invented, and what happens when you name your sniper character Sniper. Come along as we dive into Seven Surrenders by Ada Palmer. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be dipping into something friendly and light with Autonomous by Annalee Newitz.
Book-Space! #18. Too Like the Lightning
At last! A book written for Dan and nobody else. Join Brock, Summer, and Dan as we discuss utopias, renaissances, and golden ages, along with theology, miracles, and messiahs both unapproachable and childlike. It’s Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be reading Seven Surrenders, also by Ada Palmer.
Book-Space! #17. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
The problem with time loops is the time. Also the loops. Join Brock, Summer, and Dan as we discuss Groundhog Days, philosophy of mind, and how many male voices can fit into a single synopsis. It’s The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton! Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be reading Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer.
Book-Space! #16. A Memory Called Empire
This month on the Space-Biff! Book-Space!, Brock, Summer, and Dan are joined by Cole Wehrle to discuss civilization, colonization, and memory transfer from A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine! Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be reading The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.
Book-Space! #15. Ancillary Justice
What does a hive mind do when it’s no longer a hive mind? Rent a helicopter, of course. Join Brock, Summer, and Dan as we discuss Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie, and chat about colonial empires, undying rulers, and pronouns. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be talking about A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine.
Book-Space! #14: All the Birds in the Sky
Magic and technology. Technology and magic. Forces as old as… well, one of them is older than the other, but they’ve both got a few winters under their belt. Join Brock, Summer, and Dan as we discuss All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders. Featuring Bay Area relationship problems, a benevolent social media network (suspension of disbelief broken) and a special guest appearance by Elon Musk. Listen here or download here.
Next time, we’ll be talking about Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie.