Speculative fiction for every reader
feminist space adventures, climate change fiction, and wild dystopias
Hey, listeners!
You know from our Tolkien episode that we’re both more comfortable in the realm of realistic fiction than anything that lives under the speculative fiction umbrella. But we do both have a few speculative fiction and sci-fi favorites that are great crossover reads for those new to the genre. In today’s episode, we discuss our understanding of speculative fiction and sci-fi and share some of our favorites in the genre. We also talk about some of the sci-fi books topping our own TBRs and what makes a sci-fi novel appealing to us. We think you’ll love this episode whether you’re completely at home in the realm of speculative fiction, or if you’re just now considering exploring it.
Listen to the episode here or download it in your favorite podcast app (don’t forget to subscribe!).
If you’re on the lookout for even more speculative fiction, here are some great lists:
Eight riveting sci-fi books for people who don’t read sci-fi.
Twelve books that prove speculative fiction is the best genre.
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Coming up:
Next week we’re discussing In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. It was both of our first times reading this book, and we think it’s one Novel Pairings fans will love! The following week we’ll be sharing another TBR toppler (we want to get you ready for summer reading season!) filled with some of our favorite coming-of-age stories. For our last book discussion episode of the spring season, we’ll be dropping an episode about L.M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle on May 18th.
For a reminder of our spring lineup, check out this Instagram post for a full list and dates.
Currently reading:
Chelsey is listening to The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton on Libro.fm*. The audiobook is a full cast performance and it’s one of those rare books that’s completely worth the bookstagram hype! Sara is leaning into her love of fairy tales and listening to Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space by Amanda Leduc. It includes great analysis of fairy tales from a wholly original—and much needed—perspective.
*You can support your favorite independent bookstores and get two Libro.fm audiobooks for the price of one by signing up with our link, or entering code NOVELPAIRINGS at checkout!
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Check out our blog for bonus pairings, reading tips, and book recommendations. Find Chelsey at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and her newsletter. We love hearing what you’re reading, so tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
-Sara and Chelsey