"Science Fiction is a kind of archaeology of the future."~Clifton Fadiman
"I have been a soreheaded occupant of a file drawer labelled 'Science Fiction'....and I would like out, particularly since so many critics regularly mistake the drawer for a urinal."~Kurt Vonnegutt
James Harold presides Tuesday night with a book that is clearly up to some inspired mischief. How To Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, by Charles Yu, from its title and first page announces itself as perhaps one of the most bizarre literary journeys this or any book club will be making for the foreseeable future (so to speak).
Through mind bending flights of fancy that manage to sound convincingly like some pretty serious science, the author gives a bravura performance certain to delight as well as confound. In the telling a story of familial disintegration and oddly enough redemption, emerges. A literary feat if ever there was one.
James provided the questions below. I think we can look forward to a rousing conversation about time, loyalty, relationships, physics and love on Tuesday. We look forward to the discussion and to your good company.
Discussion Questions
- How does this work compare to other science fiction stories and novels that you have read, or seen as movies?
- What exactly is a science fictional universe, and how does this setting contribute to the story?
- Yu presents a theory of time and time travel not solely based on scientific theory, but also language. How do you understand this, and do you agree? Discuss examples of incidents in the story that illustrate this.
- The story of the protagonist and his family is the story of an immigrant family. Discuss this along with other dynamics of the family and its’ members.
- Charles Yu is not only known for his unique observations, but also for his humor. Present some of your favorite examples of humor in the book.
- Did you like the ending? Are there any other themes or issues or points you would like to discuss?
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