Books Like...
The Cassini Division by Ken MacLeod is a sci-fi novel set in a future where 30 billion people live in an anarcho-communist society protected by a group called the Cassini Division. The story follows the leader of the division, Ellen May Ngwethu, as she faces a threat from post-humans and navigates political complexities. The book explores themes of socialism, capitalism, post-humanism, and philosophical debates, all set against a backdrop of space adventures and futuristic technology.
The writing style of The Cassini Division is described as fast-paced, engaging, and imaginative. The book features a mix of action, humor, political commentary, and philosophical musings. The plot involves a diverse cast of characters, including a black female protagonist, and delves into complex ideas such as post-human existence, socialist anarchy, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
If you liked The Cassini Division, here are the top 4 books to read next:
- #1
'Ecotopia' by Ernest Callenbach is set in a future where Northern California and the Pacific Northwest secede from the United States to form an environmentally friendly nation called Ecotopia. The narrative is presented through a combination of official articles and private diary entries, offering dual perspectives on the society. delves into the ecological sound future of Ecotopia, focusing on its decentralized, democratic, and communal society where cars are banned, and walking, bicycles, and high-speed trains are the primary modes of transportation. Despite some criticisms of the writing style and character development, the book is commended for its visionary and influential portrayal of a utopian world.
WESTON’S NEXT ASSIGNMENT: ECOTOPIA The Times-Post is at last able to announce that William Weston, our top international affairs reporter, will spend six weeks in Ecotopia, beginning next week. This u... - #2
'Herland' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a feminist utopian novel that follows an expedition of three men who discover a hidden land populated entirely by women. The women in this society have been living together for thousands of years without war, poverty, jealousy, or disease. The men struggle to understand how this society functions without traditional male characteristics and attempt to introduce elements like love, which the women find lacking in them as potential mates. The novel serves as a critique of societal norms, questioning paternalism, religion, equal rights, war, capitalism, and more.
The story is narrated through the eyes of a man who recounts his experience in Herland, highlighting the society's focus on nurturing children and creating a harmonious environment. explores themes of gender roles, feminism, and the contrast between the utopian world of Herland and the shortcomings of the men's own society. Despite being written in 1915, the novel still resonates with contemporary issues related to gender equality and societal norms.
This natural tendency to hope, desire, foresee and then, if possible, obtain, has been largely diverted from human usefulness since our goal was placed after death, in Heaven. With all our hope in “An... - #3
'Island' by Aldous Huxley presents an alternative future society that explores concepts of enlightenment, love, compassion, oneness, and transcendent being. It delves into the distinctions of authenticity, attention, and being in the present, while also touching on topics like education, health, economy, religions, and sexual practices. The plot follows a Westerner's journey to an island paradise where he learns about the Palanese way of life through conversations and observations, showcasing a utopian society that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and ecological sustainability. Huxley's writing style is described as didactic, philosophical, and thought-provoking, with a focus on presenting his vision of an ideal society through a series of essays couched as a novel.
Lying there like a corpse in the dead leaves, his hair matted, his face grotesquely smudged and bruised, his clothes in rags and muddy, Will Farnaby awoke with a start. Molly had called him. Time to g... - #4
'Consider Phlebas' by Iain M. Banks is a space opera set in a universe where different civilizations clash and complex political intrigues unfold. The story follows a shapechanging agent named Horza who embarks on a dangerous mission to find a fugitive machine that could change the course of a galactic conflict. The narrative is filled with immense world-building, multi-civilization history, and philosophical elements, creating a rich backdrop for the action-packed plot. explores themes of war, politics, religion, and the struggle for power, all set against a grandiose sci-fi setting.
The ship didn’t even have a name. It had no human crew because the factory craft which constructed it had been evacuated long ago. It had no life-support or accommodation units for the same reason. It...