{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/64cedaf5a514e900114feb33?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Relevant Fiction","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/64c48a3f0e1a7c0011890b3e/1691276926577-ee38c1a0eda0ae1540551b04859ccf01.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>We'll explore socially conscientious fiction that’s relevant, thought-provoking, <em>and</em> most important, entertaining. We'll discuss the subtler aspects of such stories buried beneath the surface in select contemporary novels.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Such well-written fiction can hint at<em> or bludgeon</em> the reader with socially relevant issues that hopefully appear as compelling backdrops to engaging tales of conflict, action, suspense, or drama; issues such as the intended and unintended consequences of technology--like artificial intelligence--that impact our daily lives, or those around us. Or alcoholism, physical and emotional handicaps, climate impacts, etc.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Find the joy in exploring such real issues that affect real people, but from within the comfortable cradle of kick-ass fiction. How cool is that!</em></strong></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"GK Jurrens"}