Eifelheimβ β β β β
Michael Flynn Detailed and thoughtful exploration of first contact with aliens in the midst of the Black Death.
Fuzzy Nationβ β β β β
John Scalzi Not sure itβs better, but it is more enjoyable than the original, with better characterization and less deus-ex-machina. Same overall story of colonization, corporate greed, enviromnental exploitation and who counts as people, but different enough to enjoy both.
Little Fuzzyβ β β β β
H. Beam Piper An enjoyable tale of first contact, colonialism, environmental stewardship, corporate greed vs. ethics, and most importantly, who counts as βpeopleβ on an alien world that turns out not to be uninhabited after all.
Space Oddityβ β β β β
Catherynne Valente Not quite as fun as the first book, but itβs just as absurd and chaotic, and exactly what I needed in the weeks leading up to the 2024 election.
Space Operaβ β β β β
Catherynne Valente Fun sci-fi social satire from Catherynne Valente: The world is a mess, but we can find the sublime in chaos.
The Lathe of Heavenβ β β β β
Ursula K. Le Guin A surreal tale of dreams changing reality, global stakes anchored by the three people involved. Be careful what you wish for.
The Three-Body Problem (Book)β β β β β
Liu Cixin, Ken Liu (Translator) Not a proper review of the book, but a collection of comments I made while reading it back in 2018.