How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe
By Charles Yu
(Vintage, Paperback, 9780307739452, June 2011, 256pp.)
The Short of It:
Time travel is an entertaining subject in and of itself, but at its core, this book is a collection of moments. Moments of realization, moments of disappointment and moments of loss and regret.
The Rest of It:
Charles is a time machine repairman on Minor Universe 31. Technically, he is like the auto club for time machines. When a machine fails, he travels across time to fix it. But, these “repairs” are often needed because people go back in time to change the past, and that’s something that should never be done. He runs into all types of people, with his robotic dog by his side, but he’s got problems of his own. In a moment of rash judgment, he shoots his future self. Now, THAT’s a problem. To further complicate things, he comes across a book he’s written, a survival guide for living in a science fictional universe. But at the point of discovery, he’s already gone against much of what it recommends.
How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe was wonderful but in a totally weird, quirky way. Parts of it were absolutely touching and sweet and parts of were complete mind benders.
It’s really a book about so many things. The relationship between Charles and his family is achingly sad. Charles yearns for so much more, and he doesn’t really understand where things went wrong, so he re-lives moments over and over again in order to gain an understanding. It’s a book about self-discovery, about love and loss but it’s also very funny. There are lots of funny moments to chuckle over.
Fans of science fiction will certainly enjoy this one, but readers who enjoy “what if” scenarios will enjoy this one too. I found myself working stuff out in my head (sort of like what IÂ did when I watched Back to the Future IIIÂ and thought, wth??)
This was a fun, completely different book. The story was very unique and thoughtful. I’m so glad I read it.
Side Note: I was looking up information on the author and came across this article. Turns out that Yu is a director for the Oscar-winning Digital Domain, a visual effects company. This article also includes Yu’s top ten time travel books. Very interesting.
Source: Borrowed.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
This sounds like fun. I’ve seen it, but didn’t know what it was about until now!
I heard Yu on Bookworm and I thought, “Wow! This guy is funny!” His writing is funny too, but in a sad, poignant way. I really enjoyed it. So different from anything else I’ve read.
I’m not tired of time travel stories yet. They always mess with your head just a tiny bit, in a good way. I would never even give this one a second glance though, probably because of its quirky title and cover!
Sandy, Yu was on a 5 under 30 list or something.. showcasing THE young writers to watch. I also heard him on Bookworm
and his interaction with Silverblatt charmed me. Had to read his book based on what I had heard about him.
I’ve been meaning to read this book for so long! Now that I’ve been on a fanboy kick, with WINDUPGIRL and THE GONEAWAY WORLD, need to shove this also on the list. Thanks for the reminder Ti, as always, you’re the awesomest!
And you’ve reminded me about The Wind Up Girl. So many have told me to read that one and I keep forgetting about it!
I’m not a big Sci-fi reader though I do love a good What-if book. I know my husband and probably my son will really like this. Was Back to the Future III the old west one?
Yes. The third one was the western, my least fave because I was constantly left wondering what was going on. This book is fun though and I can’t stress how sweet it was. The father/son thing kept me reading.
Love that this book was different, but fun. Sounds like something I might enjoy. Great post, Ti!
This one sounds really intriguing to me. I’ll have to see if I can track down a copy!
This sounds quirky and fun to me!
I like the sounds of this…at first I was like..whoa, nope don’t like SciFi but the way you describe it has me interested!
This one sounds right up my alley! I love sci-fi and time travel fiction. I’ve seen the title of this one before, but hadn’t added it to my wish list yet. I’m off to do that now.
I want to read this! You find the coolest books!