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Book Talk > What is Speculative Fiction?

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message 1: by Jeni (new)

Jeni | 888 comments Mod
Is speculative fiction a new genre? Or have I been under a rock too long? I just started reading The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler. To be honest, I only picked it up because I have a thing for octopuses. It's a bit sci-fi or dystopian and it's a little hard for me to wrap my brain around a world unlike my reality. Despite that, I am enjoying reading this. I picked it up at Barnes and Noble as the "Monthly Pick".

Oh my gosh, I wanted to go crazy in the bookstore and it took a gigantic amount of self control to walk out with only 1 book.


message 2: by Janice (new)

Janice | 282 comments Jennifer wrote: "Is speculative fiction a new genre? Or have I been under a rock too long? I just started reading The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler. To be honest, I only picked ..."

We must be under the same rock because I have never heard of speculative fiction. Does it mean that it could happen in the future? I am lucky not to live to a bookstore, well only 20 minutes away, because it can be so hard to either just buy 1 book or none. So far though I have been able to do that except when some books are on for $20 or less! :)


message 3: by Jeni (new)

Jeni | 888 comments Mod
The back of the book describes it as a near-future thriller. It took a little bit to get past the oddities of futuristic Artificial Intelligence written like it's common-place but the premise of the story is incredible. It definitely gets you thinking about language and communication and the root of how it works. For my first speculative fiction, this is definitely a great read.


message 4: by Janice (last edited Jun 06, 2023 09:19PM) (new)

Janice | 282 comments Jennifer wrote: "The back of the book describes it as a near-future thriller. It took a little bit to get past the oddities of futuristic Artificial Intelligence written like it's common-place but the premise of th..."

I wonder if this book A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers would count as speculative fiction? My youngest son and I read it, and both liked it. I plan to read the second book A Prayer for the Crown-Shy this summer.


message 5: by Jeni (new)

Jeni | 888 comments Mod
Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "The back of the book describes it as a near-future thriller. It took a little bit to get past the oddities of futuristic Artificial Intelligence written like it's common-place but ..."

I've never heard of this book before. I looked it up and it sounds amazing! Another to add to my list.


message 6: by Jeni (new)

Jeni | 888 comments Mod
I am almost finished with The Mountain in the Sea. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. There is mystery, twists and turns, who do you trust??, deep thinking in real life human behaviors, and the creepiness that this really could become our future. And it's Ray Nayler debut novel!! I am a life long fan!


message 7: by Janice (new)

Janice | 282 comments Jennifer wrote: "I am almost finished with The Mountain in the Sea. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. There is mystery, twists and turns, who do you trust??, deep thinking in real life human..."

I think my younger son would like to read this book. :) I may give it a try. Sometimes I am surprised by books that I thought I wouldn't like! Did you see this book is having a giveaway for the U.S.?


message 8: by Jeni (new)

Jeni | 888 comments Mod
Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I am almost finished with The Mountain in the Sea. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. There is mystery, twists and turns, who do you trust??, deep thinking i..."

I didn't see that.

My youngest got me to read The Silent Patient and I just finished it. She got her book out so we can discuss it. She tabs her book. I never got into that. I always thought it was more of a distraction but she explained her process. I think I'll go back to The Mountain in the Sea and start tabbing that. There was so much in there that I thought was either a great message or a great passage to ponder.


message 9: by Janice (new)

Janice | 282 comments Jennifer wrote: "Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I am almost finished with The Mountain in the Sea. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. There is mystery, twists and turns, who do you trust??, ..."

That's a great idea! I have also heard of having a Commonplace book where you can write quotes, passages, etc., from books you have read and want to remember. :) If it's my own books, I sometimes make a tiny ear dog at the bottom of the page and also may underline the passage, etc., in pencil. :) If I think of it and/or have a pencil nearby. :)


message 10: by Jeni (new)

Jeni | 888 comments Mod
Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I am almost finished with The Mountain in the Sea. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. There is mystery, twists and turns, who..."

ohhhh! I like the sounds of a commonplace book.


message 11: by Janice (new)

Janice | 282 comments Jennifer wrote: "Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Janice wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I am almost finished with The Mountain in the Sea. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. There is mystery, twists..."

I haven't done a commonplace book in so long! I really should get back to that habit!


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