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Off the Stacks: ‘In Other Worlds’ by Margaret Atwood

Off the Stacks: ‘In Other Worlds’ by Margaret Atwood post image

Off the Stacks is a weekly-ish feature where I highlight a nonfiction book I’m curious about but will probably run out of hours in the day to actually read. I’m hoping that by highlighting titles this way, I can encourage other people to give the book a try, and, if it’s great, consider nominating it later this year for the Indie Lit Awards. Consider these books stamped with the “Sophisticated Dorkiness Seal of Curious Approval.”

In Other WorldsTitle: In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination
Author: Margaret Atwood
Publisher: Random House
Nonfiction Type: Literary Discussions
Topics Covered: Science fiction, literary forms, speculative fiction, literary theory

What It’s About: In Other Worlds is an exploration of Margaret Atwood’s relationship with science fiction – from her first reading and writing attempts as a child through her studies at Harvard and culminating in her work as a writer and reviewer. The book collects Atwood’s lectures, reviews, and other writing on the topic together in one book.

Why I Want to Read It: MARGARET ATWOOD! SQUEE!

Ok, besides that… I love literary theory and discussions about how genres grow and develop. The book includes an exploration of the differences between “science fiction” and “speculative fiction,” which looks especially awesome.

Who Else Might Like It: Anyone who loves Margaret Atwood, science geeks, literature nerds, people who are awesome.

Reviews: Publishers Weekly | The Book Case |

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Trisha October 28, 2011, 9:17 am

    This is one I will more than likely read being a fan of Atwood and SFF. 🙂 Now I just have to find time…

    • Kim October 30, 2011, 12:41 pm

      I know, right? I guess it I didn’t spend Sunday watching football I’d have more time to read. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

  • Vasilly October 28, 2011, 12:17 pm

    I just cracked open this book yesterday! So far I’m loving it. I hope you get to read it soon.

    • Kim October 30, 2011, 12:42 pm

      Jealous! I’m glad it’s great so far. I’ll look for your review soon.

  • Kailana October 29, 2011, 8:19 am

    I actually have this. I hope to read it at some point soon!

    • Kim October 30, 2011, 12:42 pm

      Lucky you – I hope you like it.

  • Cass October 29, 2011, 5:16 pm

    The end papers of this book are amaaaazing. I want a dress with that pattern.

    • Kim October 30, 2011, 12:42 pm

      Sooooo jealous. I want my library to get a copy of this book, stat.

  • Jeanne November 1, 2011, 9:38 am

    I’m waiting for someone to read this and tell me about it. Because I’m too ticked off by her snooty pronouncements about SF to pick it up myself, yet.

    • Kim November 13, 2011, 6:38 pm

      Embarrassingly, I don’t know much about what Atwood thinks about SF! As much as I love her writing, I don’t pay much attention to her outside of the books I’ve read.