(Note: this review originally appeared in Goodreads; a complimentary copy was provided for review)
To be honest, I started The Chronocar shortly before the election...and couldn't quite get into it. Traveling back and forth downtown the next day I managed to read it through both trips on the Midway Orange Line.
Steve Bellinger's The Chronocaris a really good, brisk science fiction novel about time travel...but its focus is on the African-American experience. When Tony, a student at IIT, discovers a paper about time travel by a man who lived almost a century before, he decides to build the machine and see things for himself... ...and that kicks things into motion.
It's hard to discuss the actual plot without spoiling it, but one of the great things about The Chronocar is that it addresses the usual tropes of time travel fiction...but it also provides insight into the African-American experience both currently and in a "less enlightened" time.
Centering around a little-known historical event, The Chronocar defies many expectations - the plot moves along at a brisk pace, tropes are used in creative ways, and the ending contains a twist worthy of The Twilight Zone.
Although I would categorize this book as a Young Adult novel, there are elements here that can please anyone. The Chronocar is a short, brisk, entertaining read that deserves a place on your bookshelf. After you've read it, of course. :)
And yes, I have a dog in this fight - I've been one of those "hidden Americans" who has been struggling day-to-day. I've felt disempowered, but with Trump's election...it feels even more so.
First, let's be clear - if you voted for Trump, you basically said that racism, xenophobia, and sexism are perfectly acceptable behaviors. For some of my conservative friends, there's an additional level of hypocrisy, for they were dismissing Trump a year ago, and then through the primaries...but now, he's their ideal candidate.
Sorry, bad behavior never changes in context. And before you decry Hilary in the comments - yes, she wasn't perfect. She acted like she owned the election. There, we agree.
For those who didn't vote - this is on you. Apathy is no excuse, and the only thing you are asked to do in service of your country is vote. Would the result be the same? Who knows....but your unwillingness to take a simple stand brands you as a coward.
But moving forward...I'm choosing a slightly different stance.
First, I plan to get more active in causes to help counter was going to be a very repressive four years. Thanks to Bully's link above, I can start exploring my options. (And I'm more willing to donate time than money - I've never been big on checkbook advocacy, and I'm more than willing to go grassroots).
I've also cut out a lot of fake news on Facebook....and unfriended those who keep circulating it on both sides. I've also taken to reading newspapers at my local library...because let's be clear: if you don't think that libraries will be on the list of "non-essential services" or accused of "wasting taxpayer dollars"...you would be dead wrong.
But more importantly, I'm speaking out and acting as an example - not because I'm so wonderful or that I'm a paragon, but anyone can tweet/post information. It's much harder to live up to your own principles....but I'm definitely planning on stepping forward.
I've already sent a message to Chicago Doctor Who Meetup reassuring them about the group. But I'm joining what's been colloquially referred to as "The Resistance", a group of sober-minded liberals who are willing to take on and challenge what will be a very contentious (and hopefully, one-term president).
If that bothers you, or you feel the need to assert Trump's superiority...you will be fought.
Ironically, with all that's happening, it makes me want to revisit The Prisoner, especially the episode Free For Fall.
And on that note, I pledge that with this blog, when it comes to politics....
As some of the dust clears workwise (settling into small scale projects and Chicago TARDIS planning), this is the one song that's consistently playing in my household...and yes, you can guess the reason why...
First, I am just as saddened and downhearted as many others about the election results. Yes, the people have spoken...but they've spoken out of fear of the "other."
And I apologize. Because somebody has to.
So for those of you who are the "other" - in terms of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, or many of the "other" categories who are feeling unsure....I will work harder to be a better ally.
Because again, somebody has to.
And to paraphrase one of my favorite Leverage quotes, "This was your crusade...now it's our *mission*"
