Science vs. Fiction with Jonathan Lethem and Janna Levin

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Janna Levin and Jonathan Lethem talk about the science of fiction and the fiction of science. Lethem weaves conceptual and scientific notions into his masterful novels, including his latest, The Arrest, which tells of the arrival of a monstrous, technologically advanced, espresso-machine supercar into a charming, placid, small town in coastal Maine. While the vision came to him quite suddenly, he explained that the idea behind it stems from growing up with apocalyptic notions, as a child of the 60s and 70s. Levin’s new book, Black Hole Survival Guide, is a fun romp through an ill-fated exploration of black holes. The pocket-size book invites readers into the very real science of this ultimate universal force.

Is there a distinction we should draw between dystopian and apocalyptic? And, how about between Sci Fi and speculative fiction? Tune in while the authors converse from their own murky environments in the ether. Get ready for some troubling yet curious visuals while Lethem and Levin discuss their respective new books, their Dystopian Top 5 and beyond!

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The Pioneer Works Broadcast is supported in part by Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation initiative dedicated to engaging everyone with the process of science, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Program in Public Understanding of Science and Technology, bridging the two cultures of science and the arts.