:’(

As a scientist (at the moment not US based): yes, people will leave the US. Some of my contacts have been considering relocating since the election results were out.

Being a scientist means being connected to a broad network of international institutions and colleagues, it’s possibly one of the fields in which relocation is easiest. This is such a shortsighted measure! Save some cash now, tank research for the generation to come…

I often start feeling so limited in my own world views and experiences! I had wanted to learn German for a while, after after years of learning it I can barely read young adult novels… Not to speak about Russian, where I got barely passed the alphabet…

I feel more keenly aware of this nowadays because I moved to a less internationally minded city, and it feels like the culture wall around me is a bit steeper than it used to be.

Outside of fantasy, actually very far from it: « Consider the lobster » is a collection of essays on mundane stuff, highlighting the weirdness of everyday (or not really everyday) life, such as fairs and cruises and porn.

I loved it, it’s very reflexive - that some people find hard to read, others relaxing. If you think it might be your style, it’s absolutely worth a read !

I walked into a random bookstore and got advised to read “Rossignol” by Audrey Pleynet. As far as I know it has only been published in French, but I hope this is going to change.

It’s a short read, but absolutely amazing. A woman is on the run, and mixes memories of her past in a futuristic space station to flashes of her escape. Only slowly do all the pieces fall together, creating a tale with many emotions, strange characters and glimpses of a lively mixed station where all are welcome, but where tensions between groups are rising.

I loved it for the deep characterization of the main character, while all others are just fast drafts. I loved it for the sci-fi and the politics and the action.

I started it yesterday and already finished it.

I am reading “The moon is a harsh mistress” by Heinlein. It’s the first time i read him in the original language, and it’s glorious! He talks about a moon uprising against the earth government. The book reads a bit like a battle diary, at times quite dry. The part I love the most is how he plays with so many political and ethical concepts, like completely supporting prostitution. His extreme left tendencies are not hidden in this book. I’m enjoying it a lot!