This awesome collection of 11 short stories answers the question that has always bothered me in science fiction “Why aren’t there any bicycles?”
This is the 5th book in the series published by Microcosm Publishing edited by Elly Blue.
When the opportunity came up to review this book for our blog Sam knew I was the feminist sci-fi reading and writing cyclist who is always on the lookout for a great read.
In the introduction Elly Blue outlines why when we build worlds and tell tales that we must actively engage in intersectionality. If we don’t think about all the axis of identity and oppression then we risk perpetuating the “isms” of the world we live in into our imagined worlds.
I have had the opportunity to go to WisCon, a feminist science fiction convention, the past two years.
WisCon41 all the feels about disability
It was a wonderful experience but I also learned how some of my favourite genre stories are filled with unexamined ableism, sexism and racism. If we can build any world we want when writing why not create ones that challenge these inequalities?
As a fledgling writer I’ve set aside my apocalypse novel after realizing it was a story about privileged white people patting themselves on the back for figuring out how to live in the apocalypse the way many people around the world live today. Ya. That was an icky realization. I can do better. We can do better!
Elly Blue clearly knows how to get there and has sought out writers who are witty, funny and craft tender, engaging stories with characters I can relate to who take up the challenges in their lives while riding bicycles.
Would you like a chance to win a copy of this fantastic book?
Like or comment before my Saturday post goes up at 6am EST and I’ll put your name into the draw.
The book was funded on kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ellyblue/bikes-not-rockets-feminist-bicycle-science-fiction
And if you are looking for more great stories the buck the norms in engaging ways check out the full catalogue at microcosmpublishing.com
Hi Natalie, will you give us an a few examples of the story titles from the book?
Absolutely!
Leaving by Monique Cuillerier
This Ain’t the Apoca-rich You Hoped For by Tuere T.S. Ganges
This Dusty Way to Galaxies Beyond by Julia K. Patt
Accident by Gretchen Lair
This book sounds pretty cool! I’ll be on the lookout for your review on Saturday.
Oops, I realize now that I misunderstood and thought you were going to post about the book AGAIN on Saturday! Sometimes my reading comprehension is a little bit lacking… Anyway, glad that you liked the book!
Emily! You are the lucky winner of our draw! We’d love to ship the book to you. Please email samanthajbrennan@gmail.com
If you reside outside of Canada please provide the shipping address in international format.
Congratulations and happy reading!
Oh, this looks so good! I’m also a writer who’s trying to write a novel with not your typical kind of main characters. Will need to give this a read!
I love this blog and this book looks awesome, I can’t wait to read it. This article reminded me that I need to read some intersectional feminist sci-fi…namely Octavia Butler, like now!!
Please send me your address so I mail you a copy! I’m samanthajbrennan@gmail.com