Every Monday, I unveil a new story for the week. These stories often align with the monthly theme. You can use this page to search for new theme ideas and books to include in your own reading challenge.
APRIL ► CHILDREN’S LITERATURE MONTH ► Bears
Previous Months
MARCH ► SCIENCE FICTION MONTH ► Robots and Androids
Science fiction and fantasy are subcategories of speculative fiction (fiction that is imaginary, not grounded in reality). But unlike fantasy, science fiction may be possible one day, thanks to technological or scientific progress, or possible on a different world, like another planet. Science fiction authors may anticipate future developments, and many stories from the past did just that. For example, space travel, communication at a distance and robots.
I chose the topic “Robots and Androids” because of the permanence of conversations, contents and concerns about AI. It’s been three years since it was released to the public. And three years later, the narrative is shifting. We know better now what AI performs well, or not so well, and what kind of dangers we expose ourselves to when we use it unreasonably or too confidently. Yes, it may be wrong, it may give you impractical answers, and some people may forget to draw the line between humans and machines. AI is not a person, though it may give that illusion if you don’t use it properly. How did sci-fi authors of the past foresee what is happening now? What were their cautious tales, or enthusiastic visions, maybe?
R.U.R. by Karel Čapek
1st week = The word “robot” was coined by this author and appeared for the first time in 1920. Later, it became a real word in the English language and other European languages.
Setting: A factory in the near future (for a 1920s audience).
It’s in the public domain. You can read its translation in English on Standard EBooks or Gutenberg Project.
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
2nd week = This is a collection of 9 short stories written between 1940 and 1950. In this book, Isaac Asimov states his famous “three laws of robotics”. These rules forbid robots from causing harm to human beings, require them to obey human orders, and ensure that robots preserve their own integrity.
Setting: Various settings in the future (for a 1940s audience).
It is not in the public domain.
With Folded Hands by Jack Williamson
3rd week = This is a novelette published in the Sci-Fi magazine Amazing Stories in 1947. It explores what would happen if robots took on the burden of chores so that humans can live their best lives. But robots take their protective mission (the 1st law of robotics) to extremes.
It’s not in the public domain.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
4th week = This dystopia was published in 1968 and inspired the movie Blade Runner. It is set in an apocalyptic world in which most species are endangered. Robots are made to replace them, even humans. Dick Deckard’s mission is to hunt rogue androids. But they organise their defence.
It is not in the public domain.
FEBRUARY ► ROMANCE FICTION MONTH ► Forbidden Love
In classic literature, we find more examples of forbidden love than in contemporary publications. The structures of society were more rigid, and social classes rarely mixed. Morality and the respect of convenience were expected, as well as conformity. It may still be the case in some circumstances nowadays, but people have more freedom to choose a way of life that appeals to them. Forbidden love stories show how desire and love may become a rebellion against family wishes and traditions, laws, racial segregation, social classes’ rigidity, established morality and religious dogmas. Rules are broken, the thrills of desire and love lead to guilt, and decisions have to be made to pursue the relationship or conform. The cross-star lovers must often endure the consequences of this rebellion or the consequences of a new obedience to the rules. In the end, what do they really deal with? Are they love stories, or are they social critiques disguised in romantic clothes?
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
1st week = It’s forbidden because she is already married
Setting: Louisiana (New Orleans and Grand Isle) in the summer, at the end of the 19th century.
It’s in the public domain, and you can read it online on Standard EBooks or Gutenberg Project.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
2nd week = It’s forbidden because their families are in a feud with each other
Setting: Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance
It’s in the public domain. I advise you to read an annotated version. The website MyShakespeare helps people understand old words and expressions seamlessly within the text itself (no footnotes or other pages to read alongside it). Read Romeo and Juliet there.
Maurice by E.M. Forster
3rd week = It’s forbidden because it is same-sex love at a moment in time when it was illegal
Setting: Cambridge University, London and Southampton during the 1910s
It is not in the public domain, though it was written in the 1910s for the most part. It was published posthumously in 1971, at the author’s request.
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
4th week = It’s forbidden because of religious vows
Setting: New Zealand and Australia from 1915 to 1969
It is not in the public domain.