Books Like...
A People's Future of the United States: Speculative Fiction from 25 Extraordinary Writers is a collection of dystopian and speculative fiction short stories by 25 authors from marginalized groups, including people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, and nonbinary individuals. The stories in the anthology imagine the future of the United States, exploring themes of authoritarianism, queer identities, and diverse perspectives. The book offers a glimpse into possible futures of the country, with a focus on unheard voices and unique storytelling.
The anthology presents a variety of intriguing dystopias and speculative scenarios, written within the last 10 years, that challenge readers to think about the direction of society in the next 50 to 100 years. The stories feature themes of disruption, continuity, and the power of dreaming of a just world, making it a thought-provoking and inspiring read for those interested in speculative science fiction and diverse narratives.
If you liked A People's Future of the United States: Speculative Fiction from 25 Extraordinary Writers, here are the top 24 books to read next:
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Save:The Compass Rose by Ursula K. Le Guin is a collection of short stories that delves into a variety of genres, including science fiction, modern fiction, and speculative fiction. The stories range from exploring the nature of reality and perception to questioning the boundaries of language and time. Le Guin's writing style is characterized by its ability to surprise and challenge readers with unexpected twists and thought-provoking themes, making each story a unique and engaging experience.
'Changing Planes: Armchair Travel for the Mind' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore the concept of changing between different worlds or planes of existence while waiting in airports. The stories serve as travel reports from these alternate planes, offering insights into unique cultures, societies, and customs. Le Guin's writing style blends elements of satire, fantasy, and sociological commentary, creating a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to explore the diverse and imaginative worlds she has crafted.
The book features a framing story that follows a narrator's adventures in discovering and exploring various planes of existence while stuck in airport terminals. Each story within the collection presents a different world with its own set of inhabitants, traditions, and challenges, offering readers a rich tapestry of alternate realities to immerse themselves in. Le Guin's ability to pack entertainment, deep critiques, and witty observations into these short stories makes 'Changing Planes' a captivating and engaging read that encourages readers to ponder the complexities of human society and existence.
THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN when the miseries of air travel seemed to be entirely the doing of the corporations that ran the airports and the airlines, without any help from bigots with beards in caves. Spo...- #3
Save:'In the Penal Colony' by Franz Kafka is a short story that delves into themes of horror, darkness, and the human psyche. The story revolves around an elaborate torture machine and a commander who is obsessed with it to honor the commander before him who created it. The central image is described as brilliantly grotesque and darkly funny, creating an unsettling and absorbing atmosphere for the readers. The writing style is noted to be jarring, graphic, and memorable, with themes of guilt, fear, punishment, retribution, and the desperation of the common man in the face of power.
This translation, which has been prepared by Ian Johnston of Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, is in the public domain and may be used by anyone, in whole or in part, without permissi... - #4
Save:'Birds of America' by Lorrie Moore is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of various characters dealing with themes of love, fear, loneliness, and relationships. The stories are character studies, showcasing individuals who are facing sadness, illness, disability, and personal traumas. Moore's writing style is described as witty, humorous, and real, with strong character development and a keen eye for the mundane aspects of life.
The book offers a range of stories that explore the uneasiness of life, relationships, and loneliness with a blend of wit and tender humor. Moore's stories cover a broad variety of characters with a unified perspective, creating a readable collection that resonates with readers through its subtle, finely drawn characters and poignant storytelling.
“Nothing,” she said. They smiled at her and dropped names. Scorsese, Brando. Work was all playtime to them, playtime with gel in their hair. At times, she felt bad that it wasn’t her hip. It should ha... - #5
Save:'Orange World and Other Stories' by Karen Russell is a collection of eight surreal and imaginative short stories that blend elements of magical realism, horror, and humor. The plots range from a woman hosting the spirit of a Joshua Tree to a new mother making a pact with the devil to ensure her baby's safety. Russell's writing style is described as elegant, lyrical, and accessible, with memorable turns of phrase that capture basic human truths in curious and offbeat tales.
To be honest, I hadn’t expected to find the chairlift. Not through the maze of old-growth firs and not in the dwindling light. Not without our escort. A minute earlier, I’d been on the brink of sugges... 'Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives' by David Eagleman is a collection of short stories exploring various hypothetical scenarios of the afterlife. Each story presents a unique version of what happens after death, sparking the reader's imagination and contemplation. The writing style is concise, imaginative, and thought-provoking, with each tale offering a different perspective on life after death.
You spend two months driving the street in front of your house, seven months having sex. You sleep for thirty years without opening your eyes. For five months straight you flip through magazines while...'Vampires in the Lemon Grove: Stories' by Karen Russell is a collection of bizarre and fantastical short stories that explore themes of transformation, supernatural occurrences, and the blending of reality with the surreal. The stories feature vampires sucking lemons instead of blood, women turned into silkworms, former US presidents reincarnated as horses, and a variety of other strange and imaginative scenarios. Russell's writing style is described as quirky, unconventional, and tinged with elements of fantasy and magical realism, creating a unique reading experience that is both humorous and chilling.
In October, the men and women of Sorrento harvest the primofiore, or “first flowering fruit,” the most succulent lemons; in March, the yellow bianchetti ripen, followed in June by the green verdelli. ...- #8
Save:'Friday Black' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of race, consumerism, dystopia, and the human experience. The stories range from speculative fiction to magical realism, offering a dark and surreal look at society through the lens of Black America. Adjei-Brenyah's writing style is described as sharp, provocative, and evocative, with a focus on tackling important issues such as white supremacy, capitalism, racism, and the impact of violence on communities.
He took a deep breath and set the Blackness in his voice down to a 1.5 on a 10-point scale. “Hi there, how are you doing today? Yes, yes, I did recently inquire about the status of my application. Wel... - #9
Save:CivilWarLand in Bad Decline by George Saunders is a collection of darkly humorous and satirical short stories and a novella set in quasi-dystopian American settings. The stories explore themes of critique of American society, hedonistic consumerism, guilt, redemption, and love, all while being laced with absurdity and humor. The writing style is described as inventive, absurdly funny, irreverent, and humane, with a touch of dark humor and macabre sense.
Whenever a potential big investor comes for the tour the first thing I do is take him out to the transplanted Erie Canal Lock. We’ve got a good ninety feet of actual Canal out there and a well-researc... - #10
Save:Infomocracy by Malka Ann Older is a political science fiction thriller set in a future world where countries are replaced by units of 100,000 people called centenals, practicing micro democracy. The story explores the implications of this new political system, intertwining espionage and political maneuvering within a world driven by pervasive technology and connectedness. The plot is complex, with conflicting perspectives and motivations, and the author's writing style combines elements of futuristic world-building with a focus on political intrigue and societal structures.
The sign on the defunct pachinko parlor proclaims 21STCENTURY, but the style—kanji in neon outlined in individual light bulbs? Who does that?—suggests it was named at a time when that was a bold look ...
