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This is a project that got lost on my computer (through neglect, not technology) for a long time. Dan Smith from Coffee In Space joins me for a discussion of the allure of Apocalyptic Fiction.
Dan’s podcast is here: https://www.coffeeinspacepodcast.com
Some titles mentioned in the podcast:
- A Canticle For Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller
- Alas, Babylon, Pat Frank
- The Postman, David Brin
- Sea of Rust, C. Robert Cargill
- Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
- The Last Ship, William Brinkley
- “Second Variety,” Philip K. Dick
- Aurora, Kim Stanley Robinson
- Parable of the Sower, Octavia E. Butler
- Dreamsnake, Vonda McIntyre
- Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang, Kate Wilhelm
- Ark, Stephen Baxter
Since you asked, my favorite apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic titles:
– “The Past is Red”, Catherynne Valente: so plausible (climate/econ collapse), and the main character still has love and belief in hope, despite the cruelty and irrationality of those around her.
– “World War Z”, book not movie: loved the reports format and different perspectives; plausible science (for a zombie book), politics, economics.
– Dreamsnake, Vonda McIntyre: Competent, smart, caring main character; nuanced and evolving other characters; alien biology; varying governments and ways of life as she travels.
– The Day of the Triffids, John Wyndham: Great concept, econ background, knowledgeable main character, believable developments in society
I approve all those choices!