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Embassytown

by Miéville, China

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Grand Rapids Public Library

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Join us for our monthly Sci-Fi book club to discuss "Embassytown" by China Miéville on Wednesday, January 8, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Main Library. Looking for more books that explore alien languages, deep space exploration, or first (and ongoing) extra terrestrial contact? Check out these similar reads!

By:

GRPL_ReadersAdvisory

Grand Rapids Public Library

20 items

20 items

Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary

Key Takeaways, Summary & Analysis Included

by Bryant, Brooks

Downloadable Audiobook - 2023

"I thought there was no way this book would even come close to Weir's other notable novel, "The Martian," but dare I say, this book is bett...Show more "I thought there was no way this book would even come close to Weir's other notable novel, "The Martian," but dare I say, this book is better. To say why I loved this book would be a huge spoiler, so you'll just have to trust me when I say you're going to fall in love. The science is amazingly detailed and believable without it being too difficult, and the last half of the book is filled with tension and twists and everything that makes space sci-fi great. *If you're able, I highly recommend listening to the Audible audiobook; it adds a fun and unique element to the story that makes this book even more fun." - Andrea B. Show less

"I thought there was no way this book would even come close to Weir's other notable novel, "The Martian," but dare I say, this book is bett...Show more "I thought there was no way this book would even come close to Weir's other notable novel, "The Martian," but dare I say, this book is better. To say why I loved this book would be a huge spoiler, so you'll just have to trust me when I say you're going to fall in love. The science is amazingly detailed and believable without it being too difficult, and the last half of the book is filled with tension and twists and everything that makes space sci-fi great. *If you're able, I highly recommend listening to the Audible audiobook; it adds a fun and unique element to the story that makes this book even more fun." - Andrea B. Show less

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Semiosis

Semiosis

A Novel

by Burke, Sue

Downloadable Audiobook - 2018

A first contact story about a crew of human colonists who land on an uncharted planet. This one blends day-to-day survival, the exploration of an alien wo...Show more A first contact story about a crew of human colonists who land on an uncharted planet. This one blends day-to-day survival, the exploration of an alien world, and a few different types of communication struggles... without a trained linguist in sight. Show less

A first contact story about a crew of human colonists who land on an uncharted planet. This one blends day-to-day survival, the exploration of an alien wo...Show more A first contact story about a crew of human colonists who land on an uncharted planet. This one blends day-to-day survival, the exploration of an alien world, and a few different types of communication struggles... without a trained linguist in sight. Show less

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Amatka

Amatka

by Tidbeck, Karin

Downloadable Audiobook - 2017

A little more dystopic/horror leaning than space-faring, "Amatka" is a Swedish story in translation, about a government worker - Vanja - who tra...Show more A little more dystopic/horror leaning than space-faring, "Amatka" is a Swedish story in translation, about a government worker - Vanja - who travels to a remote colony on a research assignment. A story that takes place in a world literally held together and shaped by language, this is a great followup read for anyone who really enjoyed the linguistic aspects of "Embassytown" Show less

A little more dystopic/horror leaning than space-faring, "Amatka" is a Swedish story in translation, about a government worker - Vanja - who tra...Show more A little more dystopic/horror leaning than space-faring, "Amatka" is a Swedish story in translation, about a government worker - Vanja - who travels to a remote colony on a research assignment. A story that takes place in a world literally held together and shaped by language, this is a great followup read for anyone who really enjoyed the linguistic aspects of "Embassytown" Show less

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Contact

Contact

by Sagan, Carl

Downloadable Audiobook - 1997

"It's science fiction that's heavy on the science - no surprise, considering the author! I love the main character, and it gets into big questions about knowledge and faith." - Erin H. "It's science fiction that's heavy on the science - no surprise, considering the author! I love the main character, and it gets into big questions about knowledge and faith." - Erin H. Show less

"It's science fiction that's heavy on the science - no surprise, considering the author! I love the main character, and it gets into big questions about knowledge and faith." - Erin H. "It's science fiction that's heavy on the science - no surprise, considering the author! I love the main character, and it gets into big questions about knowledge and faith." - Erin H. Show less

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A Memory Called Empire

A Memory Called Empire

by Martine, Arkady

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

A Space Opera about an intergalactic ambassador navigating an alien culture, "A Memory Called Empire" falls more heavily on the side of politica...Show more A Space Opera about an intergalactic ambassador navigating an alien culture, "A Memory Called Empire" falls more heavily on the side of political intrigue than "Embassytown," with an emphasis on political instability and the very beginnings of cross-cultural conflict. Show less

A Space Opera about an intergalactic ambassador navigating an alien culture, "A Memory Called Empire" falls more heavily on the side of politica...Show more A Space Opera about an intergalactic ambassador navigating an alien culture, "A Memory Called Empire" falls more heavily on the side of political intrigue than "Embassytown," with an emphasis on political instability and the very beginnings of cross-cultural conflict. Show less

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Babel-17

Babel-17

by Delany, Samuel R.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2016

"Babel-17" is an oldie-but-goodie. First published in 1966, parts of the novel are a little dated, but the story follows a poet and linguist who...Show more "Babel-17" is an oldie-but-goodie. First published in 1966, parts of the novel are a little dated, but the story follows a poet and linguist whose singular ability to understand the language of the alien Invaders and put an end to their sabotage. Show less

"Babel-17" is an oldie-but-goodie. First published in 1966, parts of the novel are a little dated, but the story follows a poet and linguist who...Show more "Babel-17" is an oldie-but-goodie. First published in 1966, parts of the novel are a little dated, but the story follows a poet and linguist whose singular ability to understand the language of the alien Invaders and put an end to their sabotage. Show less

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To Be Taught, If Fortunate

To Be Taught, If Fortunate

by Chambers, Becky

Downloadable Audiobook -

"This stand-alone sci-fi novella is a refreshing take on space exploration that poses the question: is the journey worth continuing if no one back home is listening? Or is returning home no matter what more important?" - Hannah M. "This stand-alone sci-fi novella is a refreshing take on space exploration that poses the question: is the journey worth continuing if no one back home is listening? Or is returning home no matter what more important?" - Hannah M. Show less

"This stand-alone sci-fi novella is a refreshing take on space exploration that poses the question: is the journey worth continuing if no one back home is listening? Or is returning home no matter what more important?" - Hannah M. "This stand-alone sci-fi novella is a refreshing take on space exploration that poses the question: is the journey worth continuing if no one back home is listening? Or is returning home no matter what more important?" - Hannah M. Show less

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Blindsight

Blindsight

by Watts, Peter

Downloadable Audiobook - 2008

A first contact story that blends horror and sci-fi (vampires vs. aliens, anyone?), as humanity sends a hodge-podge crew of highly-engineered post-human c...Show more A first contact story that blends horror and sci-fi (vampires vs. aliens, anyone?), as humanity sends a hodge-podge crew of highly-engineered post-human cyborgs, linguists, and biologists to investigate a faint but fast-approaching signal from the cosmos. Show less

A first contact story that blends horror and sci-fi (vampires vs. aliens, anyone?), as humanity sends a hodge-podge crew of highly-engineered post-human c...Show more A first contact story that blends horror and sci-fi (vampires vs. aliens, anyone?), as humanity sends a hodge-podge crew of highly-engineered post-human cyborgs, linguists, and biologists to investigate a faint but fast-approaching signal from the cosmos. Show less

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Native Tongue

Native Tongue

by Elgin, Suzette Haden

eBook - 2013

A cult classic originally published in 1984, "Native Tongue" is a feminist sci-fi novel about a far-future world where women have two purposes: ...Show more A cult classic originally published in 1984, "Native Tongue" is a feminist sci-fi novel about a far-future world where women have two purposes: to birth and raise children, and to translate interplanetary communication. A story about the power of language, in more ways than one. Show less

A cult classic originally published in 1984, "Native Tongue" is a feminist sci-fi novel about a far-future world where women have two purposes: ...Show more A cult classic originally published in 1984, "Native Tongue" is a feminist sci-fi novel about a far-future world where women have two purposes: to birth and raise children, and to translate interplanetary communication. A story about the power of language, in more ways than one. Show less

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Axiom's End

Axiom's End

A Novel

by Ellis, Lindsay

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

Set in 2007, "Axiom's End" is the story of first contact, sort of: Cora Sabino's been caught in a whirlwind of attention when her whistleblower ...Show more Set in 2007, "Axiom's End" is the story of first contact, sort of: Cora Sabino's been caught in a whirlwind of attention when her whistleblower father reveals that the U.S. government has been in contact with alien life forms for decades. When he goes into hiding, it falls to her to find out the truth... and eventually act as the first human interpreter for an otherwise-uncommunicative alien species. Show less

Set in 2007, "Axiom's End" is the story of first contact, sort of: Cora Sabino's been caught in a whirlwind of attention when her whistleblower ...Show more Set in 2007, "Axiom's End" is the story of first contact, sort of: Cora Sabino's been caught in a whirlwind of attention when her whistleblower father reveals that the U.S. government has been in contact with alien life forms for decades. When he goes into hiding, it falls to her to find out the truth... and eventually act as the first human interpreter for an otherwise-uncommunicative alien species. Show less

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The Martian Chronicles

The Martian Chronicles

by Bradbury, Ray

Downloadable Audiobook - 2014

"Bradbury's lyrical voice is haunting. I love a book that stays with me. Focuses not only on man's conquest of a planet but also the effects on the Martians." - Atti B. "Bradbury's lyrical voice is haunting. I love a book that stays with me. Focuses not only on man's conquest of a planet but also the effects on the Martians." - Atti B. Show less

"Bradbury's lyrical voice is haunting. I love a book that stays with me. Focuses not only on man's conquest of a planet but also the effects on the Martians." - Atti B. "Bradbury's lyrical voice is haunting. I love a book that stays with me. Focuses not only on man's conquest of a planet but also the effects on the Martians." - Atti B. Show less

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The Flame Alphabet

The Flame Alphabet

[a Novel]

by Marcus, Ben

Book - 2012

This is a divisive one: very much a love-it-or-hate-it novel, but a very close cousin to "Embassytown" both thematically and stylistically. A st...Show more This is a divisive one: very much a love-it-or-hate-it novel, but a very close cousin to "Embassytown" both thematically and stylistically. A story where the world has fallen to a plague literally borne on language, where words spoken aloud not only kill, but infect those who hear them. This book is much, much darker and more gruesome than "Embassytown" and conversely more plodding and cerebral, which makes it a bit higher buy-in even if the premise intrigues you. Show less

This is a divisive one: very much a love-it-or-hate-it novel, but a very close cousin to "Embassytown" both thematically and stylistically. A st...Show more This is a divisive one: very much a love-it-or-hate-it novel, but a very close cousin to "Embassytown" both thematically and stylistically. A story where the world has fallen to a plague literally borne on language, where words spoken aloud not only kill, but infect those who hear them. This book is much, much darker and more gruesome than "Embassytown" and conversely more plodding and cerebral, which makes it a bit higher buy-in even if the premise intrigues you. Show less

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Translation State

Translation State

by Leckie, Ann

Downloadable Audiobook -

"Translation State" is another story about an intergalactic, linguistic diplomat-slash-translator whose cross-cultural experiences have wide-rea...Show more "Translation State" is another story about an intergalactic, linguistic diplomat-slash-translator whose cross-cultural experiences have wide-reaching consequences. This book is broader in scope, edging more into Space Opera territory, but is a great followup read if you're looking for a sci-fi novel structured around languages. Show less

"Translation State" is another story about an intergalactic, linguistic diplomat-slash-translator whose cross-cultural experiences have wide-rea...Show more "Translation State" is another story about an intergalactic, linguistic diplomat-slash-translator whose cross-cultural experiences have wide-reaching consequences. This book is broader in scope, edging more into Space Opera territory, but is a great followup read if you're looking for a sci-fi novel structured around languages. Show less

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The Dispossessed

The Dispossessed

by Le Guin, Ursula K.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2010

Ursula K. Le Guin's entire Xenogenesis series is great for readers interested in well-written, very-alien aliens (Start with "Dawn" below). But ...Show more Ursula K. Le Guin's entire Xenogenesis series is great for readers interested in well-written, very-alien aliens (Start with "Dawn" below). But "The Dispossessed," (book 6 in the Hainish Cycle) is a must-read for anyone that loved the idea of one person trying to bridge two hostile cultures by embracing both. Show less

Ursula K. Le Guin's entire Xenogenesis series is great for readers interested in well-written, very-alien aliens (Start with "Dawn" below). But ...Show more Ursula K. Le Guin's entire Xenogenesis series is great for readers interested in well-written, very-alien aliens (Start with "Dawn" below). But "The Dispossessed," (book 6 in the Hainish Cycle) is a must-read for anyone that loved the idea of one person trying to bridge two hostile cultures by embracing both. Show less

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Dawn

Dawn

by Butler, Octavia E.

Book - 2021

Le Guin's Xenogenesis series is about a rather more literal merging of civilizations: on a genetic level, as the last remaining humans on a dying earth mu...Show more Le Guin's Xenogenesis series is about a rather more literal merging of civilizations: on a genetic level, as the last remaining humans on a dying earth must choose whether or not to merge with an advanced alien species - the Oankali, who have the power to heal the earth, but only by using humans as their hosts. Show less

Le Guin's Xenogenesis series is about a rather more literal merging of civilizations: on a genetic level, as the last remaining humans on a dying earth mu...Show more Le Guin's Xenogenesis series is about a rather more literal merging of civilizations: on a genetic level, as the last remaining humans on a dying earth must choose whether or not to merge with an advanced alien species - the Oankali, who have the power to heal the earth, but only by using humans as their hosts. Show less

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Children of Ruin

Children of Ruin

by Tchaikovsky, Adrian

Downloadable Audiobook - 2019

The second book in the "Children of Time" series, which takes place thousands of years after the first book. This one is more focused on communi...Show more The second book in the "Children of Time" series, which takes place thousands of years after the first book. This one is more focused on communication, language, and survival, but if you're interested in first contact and deep space exploration, start with the first one! Show less

The second book in the "Children of Time" series, which takes place thousands of years after the first book. This one is more focused on communi...Show more The second book in the "Children of Time" series, which takes place thousands of years after the first book. This one is more focused on communication, language, and survival, but if you're interested in first contact and deep space exploration, start with the first one! Show less

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A Darkling Sea

A Darkling Sea

by Cambias, James L.

Book - 2014

Another Space Opera about a tense-and-escalating first contact situation, "A Darkling Sea" is a little less about language and more about deep space exploration and an intergalactic culture clash. Another Space Opera about a tense-and-escalating first contact situation, "A Darkling Sea" is a little less about language and more about deep space exploration and an intergalactic culture clash. Show less

Another Space Opera about a tense-and-escalating first contact situation, "A Darkling Sea" is a little less about language and more about deep space exploration and an intergalactic culture clash. Another Space Opera about a tense-and-escalating first contact situation, "A Darkling Sea" is a little less about language and more about deep space exploration and an intergalactic culture clash. Show less

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Ella Minnow Pea

Ella Minnow Pea

A Novel in Letters

by Dunn, Mark

eBook - 2014

"This hilarious and moving fairy tale is an absolute delight for word lovers." - Hannah M. "This hilarious and moving fairy tale is an absolute delight for word lovers." - Hannah M. Show less

"This hilarious and moving fairy tale is an absolute delight for word lovers." - Hannah M. "This hilarious and moving fairy tale is an absolute delight for word lovers." - Hannah M. Show less

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The Windup Girl

The Windup Girl

by Bacigalupi, Paolo

Book - 2009

Looking for more great sci-fi with excellent world building? Check out "The Windup Girl" by Paolo Bacigalupi in time for our Sci-Fi Book Club discussion on Wednesday April 2, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Main Library! Looking for more great sci-fi with excellent world building? Check out "The Windup Girl" by Paolo Bacigalupi in time for our Sci-Fi Book Club discussion on Wednesday April 2, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Main Library! Show less

Looking for more great sci-fi with excellent world building? Check out "The Windup Girl" by Paolo Bacigalupi in time for our Sci-Fi Book Club discussion on Wednesday April 2, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Main Library! Looking for more great sci-fi with excellent world building? Check out "The Windup Girl" by Paolo Bacigalupi in time for our Sci-Fi Book Club discussion on Wednesday April 2, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the Main Library! Show less

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Embassytown

Embassytown

by Miéville, China

Downloadable Audiobook - 2011

Haven't had a chance to read "Embassytown" by China Mieville? Click through to check out a copy in your preferred format! Haven't had a chance to read "Embassytown" by China Mieville? Click through to check out a copy in your preferred format! Show less

Haven't had a chance to read "Embassytown" by China Mieville? Click through to check out a copy in your preferred format! Haven't had a chance to read "Embassytown" by China Mieville? Click through to check out a copy in your preferred format! Show less

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