3 SciFi Books (And a Comic) About Gender

"What is easier to pick up the heavier it gets?"

I admit a joke like this might not be the best opening for a post regarding books on gender or gender roles, rest assured that those books have better taste than me.




1. HANDMAID'S TALE, BY MARGARET ATWOOD

Skimming the summary, you might think this book is a bit heavy-handed in its approach to gender issues. A feminist pamphlet. In truth, it's far from that and it's a great read too.


In near but horrifying future, there is a battle over who will own women's bodies. They are not allowed to read. They're treated as cattles. The government has strict control over each individual. Sex is only for reproduction. *gasp!*

The Handmaid's Tale shows us a grim future, and it's scary too as you can't help but wonder what if. Some part of you says this is only fiction, yet another part of you keeps nagging about religious persecution, abortion rights and intrusive governments.

2. STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND BY ROBERT HEINLEIN

Stranger in Strange Land is about Valentine. He's the only survivor of a mission to Mars and returns back to Earth after being raised by Martians.

The thing is, women are alien to him (sounds familiar?), he doesn't know anything about Earth religions and he's the heir to a financial empire.

Throw all that into the mix, and in Heinlein's hands this turns into a strange novel with certain faults and brilliant parts.

As usual, while reading Heinlein you'll have take the good with the bad. And it's quite a tome. It may never be a page-turner, but the story will grip you tight and you'll want to know how it ends.

3. LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS BY URSULA LEGUIN

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with Ursula Leguin. After reading the first book of the Earthsea and devouring the rest, she'll always have a place in my library.

The Left Hand of Darkness is not an exception. The book tells the story of an emissary in an alien world whose inhabitants can change their gender. Le Guin creates an interesting world and a quite complicated race with unisex race. It might be a bit slow at first, but you'll find a thought-provoking and rewarding story if you stick with it.

And just because I love the books and have a creative-crush on Mr. Vaughan ;

In 2002, a plague kills every living thing with Y chromosome. Embryos, sperms... nothing survives. Except Yorick Brown and his male Capuching monkey. The thing about Yorick is that he's an escape artist. No, he's not "that" good, but he'll need get a lot better if he wants to survive.

As he start his journey across the country, Brian K. Vaughan ties together a fun and interesting adventure. Made up of 60 issues, Y-The Last Man will keep you entertained for a long while.

The Answer: Women.... sorry.