I sometimes find myself depressed when I consider the future, particularly concerning climate change and political tensions. I feel like a lot of media right now is devoted to tackling serious, depressing issues (which has its place! I’m just so burnt out), and I miss things like the older Star Trek series where humanity had already solved most of their own issues and the underlying current was one of hope, exploration, and a willingness to band together to solve any problem.
I’m open to any genre of book. It could be sci-fi, or speculative fiction, or nonfiction that’s *genuinely* optimistic (not like a warning to shape up before the world dies, but a legitimate ‘here’s how things might be all right’). I really enjoyed Becky Chambers’ work, and Emily St. John Mandel’s Sea of Tranquility, and I like when things have generally low stakes. I like snapshots of the future that suggest things are wonderful but mundane, if that makes sense.
Anything y’all can recommend would be much appreciated!
by Wickersnap
4 Comments
I enjoyed Bill Bryson’s At Home. Not forward looking but a fun look at humanity.
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
A Half Built Garden by Ruthanna Emerys
Factfulness by Hans Rosling. Humankind by Rutger Bregman.
I liked the great transition. They actually tackle climate change in it and turn things around. It still has some struggle and is very preachy about climate change – if that’s not your thing you will hate it.