Travel Reads: “Science Fiction and What is that?” by Offshoot

Part educational book, part activity book, Science Fiction and What is that? shares information about six well-known science fiction authors.

Science Fiction and What is that? by Offshoot

Specs

Title: Science Fiction and What is that?
Editor: Offshoot
Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Offshoot
Series: Glitterati Literati
ISBN-10: 9386362309
ISBN-13: 978-9386362308
Available on Amazon in paperback format.

Summary of Science Fiction and What is that?

A collection of activities and information about six famous science fiction authors:

  • Jules Verne
  • H.G. Wells
  • Robert A. Heinlein
  • Arthur C. Clarke
  • Isaac Asimov
  • Douglas Adams

Each page has a paragraph about the author followed by an activity inspired by what you learned about that author in the paragraph.

What Worked for Me

The illustrations are interesting. The selection of authors included is good. The activities are light and easy, something you can do to while away a lazy day or while waiting in a doctor’s office.

What Didn’t Work for Me

First off, what kind of title is that? I was confused when I got the book. I thought perhaps it was a sample of two books. But then I opened it and discovered, no, this is one book.

As I flipped through the book and looked at the large type and ubiquitous imagery, I thought, “Oh, this book is for kids.” But then I read some of the activities, which include remembering your college days and talking about debt, and I realized that this book was meant for adults. Maybe it’s for adults who don’t read well?

This is a weird book and I don’t quite know what to make of it.

What I’d Love to See in the Second Edition

Clarity of purpose. If the book is for adults, design and write for adults. If the book is for kids, don’t include activities that kids can’t do.

Recommendation

I don’t think this book is worth the price. It might be fun to peruse at a book store or check out for free from the library. However, only if you really have some time you need to kill.

Score for Science Fiction and What is that?: 1 out of 5 Palm Trees

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Pick up your copy on Amazon.com here.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past book reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to read or not read the book, even if you disagree with my opinion.

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About the author

As The Genre Traveler, Carma Spence loves to view the world through Genre-Coloured glasses. In other words, she sees the world through a lens of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, where trash cans can be Daleks in disguise and neighborhood forests can harbor faeries and sprites. Magic realism is real! Or at least you can choose to see the world that way to add to the fun and awe of life.