Controversial subjects

[siren_noda]

My next essay is on the way in which genre allows writers to "safely" tackle controversial subjects through simplification of the subject, universalizing it, and analyzing it. Simplification comes through the removal of real world context, such as historic precedent, political complications, etc. Universality comes through use of "others" to avoid

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[_orchid_]

Dredging my brain for titles that I actually consider sci-fi or fantasy--lots I can think of that fit in the near-future, but I don't *really* consider those sci-fi unless it's obvious (aliens? Space travel? Time travel? Nanites who do Way Cool Stuff? No? Okay, probably not really sci-fi.)

I did come up with a few, but I can't remember the titles on two of them (part of a series of--well, maybe two). I did manage to find the titles for one, though! Heck of a title to try to spell: Libyrinth by Pearl North. Tor Teen, 2009. Deals with censorship, religion, and, to some extent, what counts as "human." Pretty sympathetic "bad guys," neat main character (and "sidekick" creature!). If you decide to read it, I'd love to hear what you think! It's been a bit since I read it, but I was impressed.

I will attempt to put titles with the others I have in my head. Filing system of "hey, remember that one where . . . " is not so good for actually identifying a book in a way that means someone else can find it! Or, indeed, so that I can find it again. :)