Reading Science Fiction and Speculative Literature Politically – Spring 2026 Edition

Alternate Mondays, next on June 1, 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.

For May, we will read:
We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope, edited by Malka Older, Annalee Newitz and Karen Lord

Other Spring readings have been:
The Secret Life of Saeed: The Pessoptimist, Emile Habibi
“Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience,” Rebecca Roanhorse
“Delhi,” Vandana Singh
Shikasta, Recolonized Planet 5, Doris Lessing