We spoke to author Robin Sloan (@robinsloan) about his books and near-future science fiction.

Robin wrote Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore and Sourdough.

Robin's website is robinsloan.com. Go there for some short stories, sign up for his newsletter and check out his new 'zine (also at wizard.limo). Oh! Don't forget his blog, including a description of his neural net for audio generation and for writing.

Some books Robin suggested:

• Home: A Short History of an Idea by Witold Rybczynshi
• Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
• Hild by Nicola Griffith