There's nothing like a good sci-fi story. The best ones challenge societal norms. They ask us to consider whether we are on the right path and, if not, what might happen if we fail to consider the consequences of our actions both personally and, well, globally.
Margaret Atwood's post-apocalyptic story of Oryx and Crank comes to mind because I read it recently. The story starts after the world has fallen apart and we find the protagonist struggling to make sense of what has happened. He first describes his current state of affairs but eventually goes back to the beginning and unfolds the tale of his undoing. As with any Margaret Atwood book, it is well-written, disturbing and nicely paced. The sequel is sitting on my bedside but first I'm taking a break to read the newest Connie Willis book, Blackout, another favorite author. Her novels are often set in Britain and are appropriately madcap. That element makes Willis a nice counterpoint to Atwood. Of course, time travel can also be fraught with consequences but it's good to have fun along the way.
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