Albuquerque’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club meets monthly for virtual discussions regarding science fiction and fantasy novels, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jared Francisco, the leader of the book club, said the club provides for engaging discussions and helps his personal goal of reading more and with an increased speed.
“I like the sci-fi genre already, I’m already a fan and I need to read more,” Francisco said.
The club currently has 512 members, filled with fans who are looking for engaging discussions. The upcoming book for May’s discussion is “This is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. This dystopian, romantic novel follows two rivals through time and space as they fight for their opposing factions.
Jeffery Twohig, a member of the club, said he feels extremely lucky to have found the sci-fi community.
"The sci-fi community is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the TV, movie and book universes that have been created,” Twohig said. “(The book club) is a space where they gather, meet their tribes and share their stories, costumes and love of these various worlds."
Francisco said monthly membership has decreased significantly, which he predicts is partially due to its regular Zoom meetings. There has been some resistance to technology on Zoom, which is new for a number of the group’s members.
Some of the monthly books for the club aren’t in the sci-fi genre, and allow readers to expand their horizons to other pieces of literature, according to Francisco.
The sci-fi book club isn’t limited to experienced sci-fi fans, or even to people who read the books, Francisco said. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings, listen to the discussions and bring their input.
“We do try to be a tight knit group. We have our regular members, and they're all good friends so that's really nice,” Francisco said.
Sarah Bodkin is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @sarahbodkin4
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