RI Book Club: Exhalation by T.Chiang
Welcome to the Real Intelligence (RI) Book Club!
Love books? Enjoy lively discussions? RI Book Club is where curious minds meet to explore thought-provoking reads in great company. If you love exchanging ideas over drinks and snacks, join us for our next gathering in San Francisco!
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This Month’s Pick: Exhalation by Ted Chiang
Join us as we step into the mind of Ted Chiang, one of today’s most acclaimed voices in speculative fiction. Exhalation is a collection of thought-provoking stories that blend science, philosophy, and wonder. From time-bending paradoxes to meditations on free will, AI, and the fragility of existence, Chiang invites us to question not just the future, but the very nature of being alive.
✨ In our discussion, we’ll dive into:
– How Chiang uses science fiction as a mirror for human emotions and ethics
– What his stories reveal about time, memory, and choice
– The balance between awe, melancholy, and curiosity in speculative fiction
– How philosophy and technology can shape the way we live and love
Whether you’re a lifelong sci-fi reader or simply curious about stories that expand the imagination, Chiang’s writing offers a profound lens on what it means to be human in an age of change.
About the Author:
Ted Chiang is the author of two celebrated short-story collections: Stories of Your Life and Others (which inspired the film Arrival) and Exhalation. Winner of multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards, his work is known for combining rigorous scientific ideas with deeply human storytelling. We’ve already explored Stories of Your Life and Others together in the club, and now we’re ready to continue the journey with Exhalation.
Why Read It?
Exhalation isn’t just science fiction - it’s philosophy disguised as story. Chiang asks us to imagine new worlds while reflecting on our own. You’ll leave not only entertained but also questioning how we think, how we remember, and how we create meaning.
Why Join the RI Book Club?
📖 Engage in deep and inspiring discussions
📚 Meet curious, thoughtful book lovers in real life
🌌 Explore books that blend science, philosophy, and imagination
🍷 Drinks and snacks are on us!
📍 Event Details
📅 Date & Time: October 29th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: SF Downtown
About RI Book Club
We focus on contemporary authors from the latter half of the 20th century to today. Our selections span a wide range of genres - from sci-fi and business literature to detective tales and cyberpunk adventures. Expect fresh perspectives, engaging discussions, and a welcoming community of book enthusiasts.
Come ready to share your thoughts, challenge ideas, and most importantly, have fun. See you there!
As we’ll be baking pastries and preparing snacks for the discussion, please let us know as early as possible if you can’t make it to the meeting!
We don’t offer refunds for cancellations made less than 3 days before the event, but we’re happy to move your spot to one of our meetings next month.Also, if your plans change and you can no longer attend, please cancel your RSVP- our spots are limited, and this way someone else can join. Thanks so much for understanding! 💛