Welcome to Episode 156 of Speculate! The Podcast for Writers, Readers and Fans.  In this episode we chat a bit about upcoming work before beginning our second triptych of 2016 with our reader response to Emmi Itaranta‘s Memory of Water, a quiet and beautiful book about a dystopian future where water has become an increasingly scarce resource–and those who control the water control the power.  We talk about the gorgeous prose style and its similarities to the water which dominates the narrative of the book, the push for social and environmental change reflected in the work, the rather unusual protagonist at the center of the tale, and other aspects which really interested us.  We definitely enjoyed this book, despite the darkness of its setting, and we’re looking forward to examining it in even more detail over the coming weeks.  If you like what you hear, don’t forget to check back next week when we’ll chat with Emmi Itaranta herself about the book.  And if you haven’t already, please check out our Patreon and consider becoming a patron so you can get access to even more content and we can continue to develop and expand the show in fascinating and productive ways.  Thanks for supporting us here and via our Patreon page, and thanks as always for listening to and spreading the word about the show!

ADDITIONAL NOTE: The time for Hugo nominations is upon us, and we’re pleased to see that Speculate has made several long lists for Best Fancast.  We would dearly love to see the show get nominated for that honor this year, and so we wanted to remind all of our loyal listeners that if you have enjoyed what we do over the years and are so inclined, we would welcome your support. If you’re a member of last year’s, this year’s, or next year’s Worldcon, you’re eligible to nominate, and can do so here—but only before the end of the day on Thursday, March 31st.  So please go and nominate now, and if we’re on your list under the Best Fancast category, we would be most grateful!