Discover the 9 Best Solarpunk Books to Read Right Now

In recent years, the solarpunk genre has emerged as a fresh and hopeful alternative to the often grim and dystopian themes that dominate science fiction. Combining an eco-conscious perspective with innovative designs and forward-thinking solutions, solarpunk stories present a compelling vision for a more sustainable world. If you’re looking to dive into this emerging genre, read on to discover some of the best solarpunk books and authors to add to your reading list.

Discover the 9 Best Solarpunk Books to Read Right Now

Understanding the Solarpunk Genre

Before delving into specific books and authors, it’s essential to understand what exactly solarpunk encompasses. As a relatively new literary genre, solarpunk combines elements of science fiction, speculative fiction, and environmentalism, presenting a world where society has adapted and evolved to address ecological challenges rather than succumb to them.

But what does this world look like? In a solarpunk future, cities are vibrant and green, with rooftop gardens and solar panels on every building. Communal spaces are designed with the environment in mind, incorporating natural elements like water features and green walls to create a sense of harmony between humans and nature. Transportation is powered by renewable energy sources, with electric cars and bikes dominating the streets.

What is Solarpunk?

Solarpunk is a genre of speculative fiction that imagines a future shaped by renewable energy, sustainable living, and innovative technology. Rooted in optimism and a can-do attitude, solarpunk stories redefine what it means to be human in an environmentally responsible society. The term β€œsolarpunk” is a play on the words β€œsolar” and β€œpunk,” referring to the genre’s exploration of renewable energy sources and its roots in the DIY punk culture that challenges conventional norms.

But solarpunk isn’t just about technology and environmentalism. It’s also a genre that explores the human experience in a world that values sustainability and community. Characters in solarpunk stories often grapple with issues of identity and belonging, as they navigate a society that is radically different from our own. They must learn to live in harmony with the environment and with each other, forging new relationships and building new communities in the process.

At its core, solarpunk is about envisioning a world in which our relationship with the Earth is symbiotic rather than destructive. It offers narratives that promote conservation, social justice, and the belief that we can create a better tomorrow by learning from the mistakes of the past.

Key Themes and Elements in Solarpunk Literature

While solarpunk can be wide-ranging in its themes and subject matter, there are certain features that often recur within the genre. One major focus of solarpunk stories is the effective and imaginative use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. In these stories, renewable energy isn’t just a means to an end – it’s a way of life, a philosophy that informs every aspect of society.

But solarpunk isn’t just about technology. It’s also about community. In solarpunk worlds, people work together to solve problems and build a better future. They share resources and knowledge, creating a sense of collective responsibility for the environment and for each other. This emphasis on community is a reflection of the genre’s DIY punk roots, which prioritize collaboration and mutual support.

Another common thread is the inclusion of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Solarpunk worlds tend to be inclusive, promoting the idea that a more equitable society is essential to achieving sustainability. Characters in solarpunk stories come from all walks of life, and their experiences reflect the rich diversity of human existence.

Additionally, solarpunk stories lean heavily on themes of hope, resilience, and the power of human ingenuity to overcome obstacles and create a more just and harmonious world. In these stories, characters face daunting challenges – climate disasters, political upheaval, social inequality – but they never lose faith in their ability to make a difference. They are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief that a better future is possible.

So why read solarpunk? For one, it offers a refreshing antidote to the dystopian narratives that dominate so much of science fiction. Solarpunk stories remind us that we have agency in shaping our future – that we can create a world that is sustainable, equitable, and just. They inspire us to think outside the box, to imagine new ways of living and being that prioritize the health of the planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.

Top Solarpunk Novels and Anthologies

Now that you have a better understanding of the solarpunk genre, here are some top picks for solarpunk novels and anthologies to get you started:

The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell

The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World

A compelling work of nonfiction, β€œThe Water Will Come” explores the effects of rising sea levels on coastal cities around the world. Goodell’s investigative journalism takes an unflinching look at the stark realities of climate change and its consequences. While not explicitly solarpunk, the book’s focus on environmental issues makes it an essential foundation for understanding the genre’s motivations.

As you read β€œThe Water Will Come,” you will be taken on a journey around the world, visiting cities like Miami, New York, and Venice, which are all facing the threat of rising sea levels. Goodell’s vivid descriptions of these places and his interviews with scientists, activists, and residents affected by climate change will leave you with a deep understanding of the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Parable of the Sower

A masterwork of speculative fiction, β€œParable of the Sower” presents a world ravaged by climate change and economic disparity. Protagonist Lauren Olamina creates her own religion, Earthseed, which teaches that humanity’s destiny is to journey to the stars and establish sustainable communities. Butler’s pioneering novel, which discusses themes of sustainability and societal collapse, is a must-read for solarpunk enthusiasts.

As you delve into the world of β€œParable of the Sower,” you will be transported to a future where water is scarce, and society has crumbled. Butler’s writing is both poetic and haunting, painting a vivid picture of a world on the brink of collapse. Through the eyes of Lauren Olamina, you will witness the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Alchemist of Loom by Elise Kova

The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga Book 1)

Set in a steampunk-inspired fantasy world, β€œThe Alchemist of Loom” introduces readers to a realm powered by renewable energy, where the inventions of the past intersect with the magic of the future. Driven by captivating characters and a richly-imagined setting, the novel seamlessly blends solarpunk elements with riveting storytelling.

As you explore the world of β€œThe Alchemist of Loom,” you will discover a place where technology and magic work hand in hand to create a sustainable and harmonious society. Kova’s attention to detail and her vivid descriptions of the world of Loom will transport you to a place unlike any other, where innovation and creativity are celebrated.

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Dispossessed (Hainish Cycle)

As one of the foundational works of alternative society fiction, β€œThe Dispossessed” serves as an inspiration to many solarpunk authors. The novel depicts an anarchist society where inhabitants live in harmony with their environment, creating a model of sustainable living that resonates with contemporary concerns about climate change and resource consumption.

As you read β€œThe Dispossessed,” you will be transported to a world where the pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of the environment are paramount. Le Guin’s exploration of the tensions between individual freedom and collective responsibility will leave you with a deep understanding of the challenges facing any society seeking to create a sustainable future.

Sunvault: Stories of Solarpunk and Eco-Speculation edited by Phoebe Wagner and BrontΓ« Wieland

Sunvault: Stories of Solarpunk and Eco-Speculation

This groundbreaking anthology collects short stories and poems that delve into solarpunk themes, offering readers a diverse array of imaginative takes on sustainable futures. From stories set in lush, green cityscapes to tales of innovative technologies and social transformations, β€œSunvault” is a must-read for those seeking a broad introduction to the solarpunk genre.

As you explore the stories in β€œSunvault,” you will be taken on a journey through a variety of solarpunk worlds, each with its own unique challenges and innovations. From the struggle to create sustainable communities in the face of corporate greed to the power of renewable energy to transform society, the stories in this anthology will leave you with a deep appreciation for the power of imagination to create a better future.

Emerging Solarpunk Authors to Watch

As the solarpunk genre continues to grow, more and more talented authors are embracing its themes and style. Here are a few rising solarpunk writers to keep on your radar:

Becky Chambers

Wayfarers

Best known for her β€œWayfarers” series, Chambers incorporates solarpunk elements into her spacefaring tales. Her focus on community-building, cooperation, and the complexity of human relationships reflects the interconnectedness of solarpunk themes.

N.K. Jemisin

The Inheritance Trilogy

Already an acclaimed speculative fiction author, Jemisin’s work often examines ecological themes and their intersection with societal structures. She is someone to watch for her innovative approach to imagining sustainable worlds.

Rivers Solomon

The Deep

Their novel β€œThe Deep” merges solarpunk aesthetics with Afrofuturism, creating a mesmerizing underwater world sustained by renewable energy and rich cultural histories. Solomon’s unique narrative voice has solidified them as a writer to watch in the solarpunk genre.

Sarena Ulibarri

Glass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers

As the editor of β€œGlass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers” and β€œGlass and Gardens: Solarpunk Winters,” Ulibarri has played a vital role in curating and promoting solarpunk literature. Her own short stories embrace the genre’s commitment to hope, resilience, and innovative solutions.

Solarpunk in Graphic Novels and Comics

Visual storytelling formats, such as graphic novels and comics, also offer a perfect platform for exploring solarpunk themes. The intersection of art and text can create a vibrant and immersive world, making it easy to envision the sustainable societies envisioned by solarpunk creators. Here are a few suggestions for solarpunk graphic novels and comics to check out:

The Solarpunk Manifesto by Missy Sturges

This visually stunning graphic novel adapts the original β€œSolarpunk Manifesto,” combining beautiful illustrations with a compelling narrative that explores solarpunk’s key ideas and beliefs. It serves as an excellent starting point for those unfamiliar with the genre and a thought-provoking read for longtime fans.

Wings of Renewal: A Solarpunk Dragon Anthology edited by Claudie Arseneault and Brenda J. Pierson

Featuring dragons as a central theme, this unique anthology unites solarpunk world-building with captivating stories of mythical creatures. The collection demonstrates the versatility of the solarpunk genre, proving that it can flourish in various settings and storytelling formats.

The Solarpunk Manifesto: A Vision for a Sustainable Future by Adam Flynn and Missy Sturges

Not to be confused with the graphic novel, this influential essay outlines the foundational principles of solarpunk culture and aesthetics. It serves as a manifesto for a movement that seeks to reimagine our relationship with the environment and create a vision for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Whether you’re a seasoned reader of the solarpunk genre or just discovering its allure, these books and authors are sure to captivate and inspire. As ecological concerns become ever more pressing, solarpunk literature offers a hopeful, imaginative, and transformative journey that dares to envision what a sustainable future could look like.

FAQs

What is the solarpunk genre?

Solarpunk refers to a subgenre of science fiction that also incorporates themes of speculative fiction. These stories typically include storylines that focus on the advancement of technology and environmentalism.

What is a popular example of solarpunk in the media today?

The Marvel film series Black Panther is set in a fictional land called Wakanda, which not only experiments with themes of Afrofuturism but also themes from the solarpunk genre.

What are the best solarpunk books out there?

Glass and Gardens by Sarena Ulibarri, The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin, and Walkaway by Cory Doctorow.

YouTube video
Eddison Monroe
Latest posts by Eddison Monroe (see all)