Traffic Jam

 

    Sometimes at my house, we debate what is and isn’t science fiction. I ran across an intriguing quote that generated good discussion:

“A good science fiction story should be able to predict not the automobile but the traffic jam.” – Frederik Pohl

    Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a prediction of the traffic jam, and it’s a good one. It asks a great question: if humanity were more intelligent could we solve our most pressing problems like the climate crisis? Logan Ramsey is the conflicted, troubled superhero to answer that question. He works for the Genome Protection Agency. In a world where gene modification has run rampant, someone has to reign in the crazies. For Logan, it’s personal because his mother, with his help, caused the most significant, deadliest genetic disaster. He is seeking to atone when he is genetically modified: upgraded. Will being smarter, stronger, and faster equip him to save the world?

    I would call this hardcore sci-fi because it only uses what our world has or might have. There is no external help from aliens, witches, or hobbits. It is fast-paced and provocative. It suffers slightly from a lack of warmth between characters, but Blake makes a tremendous effort to infuse it with emotion. 

 

    I want to be a better writer, and to that end, I try to read books that educate and encourage me. Charlie Jane Anders’ book title snagged me. Never Say You Can’t Survive: How to Get Through Hard Times by Making Up Stories appealed to my sense of tragedy. This book is a mash-up of memoir, instruction, and encouragement. She leans into taking the emotions of anger and helplessness to fuel creativity. I would listen to several chapters and feel fired up to write. 

    I love mysteries. My book club is doing an entire year of mysteries, and I’m so excited! The Widows of Malabar Hill: A Mystery of 1920s Bombay by Sujata Massey is a terrific mystery. It is deeply researched and depicts the smells, clothing, food, culture, and topography of Bombay crisply and immersively. It can be a little dry at first due to world building, but it keeps the action going. Paveen Mistry is the first woman lawyer in Bombay and because of past experiences she fights fiercely for the rights of women. She is an intelligent, creative detective. I liked this book because, even though it is heavy on history, Massey crafts a credible mystery that was a terrific read. And there is more of them!