June Genre Challenge: Science Fiction and Science Factual
As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, I've been fascinated by science this year even though I have no science background. I've been making handmade jewelry and accessories with science themes and recently wrote a blog post for Beadwork on a scientist-turned-bead-artist. So I was excited to see that June's theme in the 12 genres in 12 months reading challenge is science fiction and science factual.
Recommended Reads
I haven't read a lot in this area, but here are a few favorite science-related books I've read and enjoyed over the years:
- Bellwether by Connie Willis
I have a soft spot in my heart for this science fiction book in part because I won a local writing contest writing my own fiction story about trends (a theme in the book). Plus, there's sheep and a weird workplace office environment that rang very true to my own experiences. - Bimbos of the Death Sun by Sharyn McCrumb
A funny mystery that takes place at a science fiction convention. I have a feeling that I missed some of the in-jokes that a science fiction nerd would have caught, but still found it amusing.
- Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
A memoir that answers the questions, "What's it like to be a scientist? What do scientists do all day? What do they worry about?" - The Martian by Andy Weir
What if you were stranded on Mars? How would you survive? (A good movie, too!) - When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
One of my favorite books from my Newbery Book Award project. A good middle grade book for those who liked A Wrinkle in Time.
What I Might Read
Possibility #1: Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed The World by Rachel Ignotofsky
Why this interests me: I'm certain I can't name even close to 50 female scientists, so I thought that this book would help me broaden my knowledge in this area. The only female scientist I remember reading about outside of school was Maria Mitchell. Almost all the biographies for kids at that time were either books about men or women who gained fame through their relationship to a man (such as marrying a man who became President).
Recommended by: I found this book just by Googling the words "women in science." Not always the way I get my book recommendations, but sometimes it works!
Possibility #2: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Why it interests me: Since I've read so little science fiction, I wanted try a book that's listed as a classic. Ray Bradbury is a writer I admire, always advising writers to write consistently and not wait for inspiration. (A favorite piece of advice: "Write a short story every week. It's not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.") I always picture him writing on those rented typewriters at the library.
Recommended by: The Sci-Fi Classics You Need to Read Before You Die
Possibility #3: The Jane Austen Project by Kathryn A. Flynn
Why it interests me: I came across this title when looking at potential historical fiction books for May. The premise is intriguing: two researchers from the future are sent back in time to recover an unpublished novel by Jane Austen.
Recommended by: 7 Historical Fiction Books Inspired by Real-Life Women
I'll be reading one (or possibly more) of these books this month.
For other book ideas, check out my Book Recommendations board on Pinterest. I'll be adding book lists throughout the year as I come across intriguing ones.
Next Month (July): Mind and Body Fitness. I have no idea what I'll be reading for this theme. Maybe a biography of an athlete?