The Cosmic Satisfaction: The Pleasure of Completing a Science Fiction Book. By Keren Obara.

Introduction

There’s a unique and exhilarating pleasure that comes with finishing a book, especially when it belongs to the captivating world of science fiction. The genre’s ability to transport us to distant galaxies, explore futuristic technologies, and contemplate the boundless possibilities of the universe makes reaching that final page an experience like no other. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the cosmic satisfaction of completing a science fiction book and why it’s a journey worth taking.

1. Immersive Escapism

Science fiction is a genre renowned for its unparalleled power to immerse readers in alternate realities. From the dystopian landscapes of “1984” by George Orwell to the interstellar adventures of “Dune” by Frank Herbert, these books pull us out of our mundane lives and plunge us into the depths of the author’s imagination.

As you read through the chapters, you find yourself becoming a part of the story, living the lives of the characters and experiencing their triumphs and tribulations. The satisfaction of completing a science fiction book is akin to returning from an incredible interstellar voyage, back to the comfort of your own reality, enriched with newfound perspectives and ideas.

2. Intellectual Stimulation

Science fiction often explores complex and thought-provoking themes such as artificial intelligence, time travel, ethics, and the nature of reality itself. Completing a science fiction book leaves you with a sense of intellectual satisfaction, as you’ve journeyed through the intricacies of speculative ideas and contemplated their implications.

Take, for instance, Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” which inspired the iconic film “Blade Runner.” The novel challenges our understanding of humanity and consciousness, leaving readers with questions that linger long after the book is finished. The pleasure of completing such a work lies in the intellectual stimulation it provides, inviting you to ponder the boundaries of human knowledge.

3. Emotional Connection

Science fiction is not just about futuristic gadgets and alien species; it’s about human emotions and relationships in extraordinary settings. The characters in these novels often grapple with universal struggles, despite the otherworldly landscapes they inhabit. When you complete a science fiction book, you’re not just closing the cover on a fictional world; you’re bidding farewell to friends and allies who have shared their hopes, fears, and dreams with you.

Consider Arthur C. Clarke’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” which explores the journey of astronaut Dave Bowman and the sentient computer HAL 9000. As you turn the final pages, you can’t help but feel a profound connection to these characters and the emotional rollercoaster they’ve taken you on. The satisfaction comes from the emotional journey you’ve been on and the profound impact these characters have had on your own life.

4. Expanding Horizons

Science fiction has the power to expand your horizons, both literally and figuratively. The genre encourages you to think beyond the boundaries of our world and envision possibilities that transcend the limits of current knowledge. The pleasure of completing a science fiction book lies in the realization that your mind has traversed uncharted territories, explored alien landscapes, and encountered ideas you may never have considered otherwise.

From the mind-bending concepts of Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” series to the socio-political commentary in Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Dispossessed,” science fiction opens doors to new perspectives and fuels your curiosity. The satisfaction comes from knowing that you’ve broadened your intellectual and imaginative horizons.

Conclusion

Completing a science fiction book is a journey unlike any other. It’s a cosmic satisfaction that combines immersive escapism, intellectual stimulation, emotional connection, and the expansion of horizons. When you turn that final page, you’re not just finishing a book; you’re returning from an extraordinary adventure, enriched with new ideas, emotions, and a deeper understanding of the universe, both real and imagined. So, embrace the pleasure of completing a science fiction book and continue to explore the boundless possibilities that this genre has to offer. The cosmos of knowledge and wonder await your next journey.

By Keren Obara. 2023.