VAN NUYS, CA — Aliens, robots, clones and androids are running amok in Van Nuys. At least they do once a month at the Van Nuys Branch Library, a branch of the Los Angeles Public Library system.
Since September of 2023, the Science Fiction Book Club has been taking a closer look at the works of noted sci-fi authors including Ray Bradbury, Frank Herbert, Octavia Butler, Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick and many others.
Meetings are usually held at 5 pm on the last Wednesday of every month but schedules may vary. Consult the library for more details. Copies of the “novel of the month” are made available at the library. Readers are encouraged to attend and voice their viewpoints.
“We try to determine how a novel qualifies as a science fiction novel. There’s really no precise definition but if an author is looking towards the future and imaging possibilities, it’s probably science fiction. If the novel deals with technology and how that technology impacts the human condition, it’s probably science fiction,” said John Tommasino, Book Club Moderator and longtime science fiction reader.
“We have some interesting discussions and it’s a lot of fun. Sometimes we don’t always agree on novels or authors but a good juxtaposition of ideas is what makes book clubs fun,” Tommasino said.
The group is open to all readers.
Future meetings will examine:
“Like Thunder” by Nnedi Okorafor, The worlds of science and magic clash in futuristic Africa. Wed, March 25.
“Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World” by Haruki Murakami, The author weaves two parallel narratives combining the psychological with the fantastical. Wed. April 29
“2001: A Space Odyssey” By Arthur C. Clarke, Wed. May 27. Read Clarke’s novelization of the famous sci-fi epic. A mission to Jupiter goes awry when a supercomputer gains too much intelligence.
All meeting times are at 5 pm at the Community Room of the Van Nuys Branch Library, 6250 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys. For more information, contact the branch library at (818) 756-8453.
