Science fiction pulls in young readers

The tree of literature has many branches, and science fiction remains one of the strongest. Like all other forms of fiction, a good science fiction is about people, which focuses and examines the human condition, may be in a new landscape, or from an "alien" perspective.

This “literature of ideas” not only proposes a futuristic vision but also asks readers questions about themselves and their destinations dissolving the boundaries of past, present and beyond.

Like previous years, the Ekushey book fair with its array of science fiction (SF) books --by famous writers from both home and abroad -- offers readers a unique opportunity to enrich their literary experience.

Yesterday being a weekly holiday, bookworms, especially the young ones, were seen flocking the stalls searching for new SF books at the Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy premises of the fair.

“I like to read science fiction as it opens the door to the unknown,” said Sadia Afrin Moury, a seventh grader at AK High School and College.

Avid SF reader Nanziba Momo, a tenth grader at Viqarunnisa School and College, came to the fair to buy books of her favourite author Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal.

“She enjoys reading science fiction since she was small,” said her father Sayed Khan, a private job holder.

Zafar Iqbal's new book “Ritin” from Tamralipi publication was much sought after.

Besides, “Alina” by Tanzila Hossain from Prothoma publication; “Matra” by Dhrubo Esh and “Tritiya Anubhuti” by Tasruzzaman Babu from Somoy publication; and “Arek Prithibi” by Md Monirul Huda from Kotha Prokash were in high demand.

Booklovers were also buying Humayun Ahmed's SF collections. The wordsmith's “Manobi” and “Ditiya Manob” are still favourites among the fans.

Apart from science fictions, books based on science also drew readers' attention.

“Beginnings: The Story of Origins”, a book on history of science for youths, by Isaac Asimov, is a must buy for science enthusiasts, said Moshiur Rahman, publisher of Srijoni publication.

Besides, “Black Hole” by Sisir Kumar Bhattacharya, “A Small History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson and “Bibartaner Path Dhore” by Bannya Ahmed were much in demand at Aboshar publication.

There were also books written by children at the book fair. “Kappi's Friend”, published from Good Life Publications, by Sreyo Chand, a fourth grader, and “Kind Ghost of Mr Steve” by Aniket Biswas, a sixth grader at Maple Leaf International School, were creating a lot of buzz among the young booklovers.