S1E22 ~ Roadside Picnic

This week, we look at a "near miss" apocalypse, and add aliens to our list, with a famous science-fiction novel by Russian authors Arkady and Boris Strugatsky: 1972's Roadside Picnic! We'll talk about stalkers, empties, and a golden sphere--not to mention corruption at all levels of society. And we'll ask ourselves: Would the aliens even notice us? And just what are our lives worth, anyway? This and more, in this week's episode. Join me there, at the end of the world! Roadside Picnic is available in two English translations. Quotations in this episode are from the 2012 translation. Roadside Picnic has been in print continuously since publication, and is available wherever books are sold, in all formats. Audio may be purchased from Audible and other vendors. Our season finale is coming! We'll be talking about Stephen King's longest and possibly most famous novel, 1978's (and 1990's!) The Stand. And we want your thoughts! Share your experiences and opinions regarding this book--or its adaptations to television or comics--and we'll include them in our episodes. You can comment at any of the social media and email links below! Questions, requests, suggestions, and comments can be emailed to us at [email protected]. You can find us on social media at Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, and Reddit. Website.