Reading Science Fiction and Speculative Literature Politically – Spring 2026 Edition
Alternate Mondays, next on April 13, 5-6:30 pm ET
MEP’s alternative literature group begins a new series of novels, short fiction and non-fiction. Speculative fiction, reborn from traditional science fiction, and also known by its alter ego “visionary fiction” and other identities, including horror, more than ever offers space for exploration of class, race, gender, freedom struggles and authoritarian repression. Join with us to sample the best of this socially conscious and political literature. We read it to envision the futures we seek and empower our commitments, enliven our reflection, and energize our communities. Our new list, with two short stories first and then three longer selections:
Shikasta, Recolonized Planet 5, Doris Lessing
The Secret Life of Saeed: The Pessoptimist, Emile Habibi
We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope, edited by Malka Older, Annalee Newitz and Karen Lord
Convened by the Science and Speculative Fiction Reading Group.