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The Ministry for the Future
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Jennifer Fitzgerald, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Ramon de Ocampo, Gary Bennett, Raphael Corkhill, Barrie Kreinik, Natasha Soudek, Nikki Massoud, Joniece Abbott Pratt, Inés del Castillo, Vikas Adam
- Length: 20 hrs and 42 mins
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Publisher's Summary
From legendary science-fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson comes a remarkable vision of climate change over the coming decades.
The Ministry for the Future is a masterpiece of the imagination, using fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. Its setting is not a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us - and in which we might just overcome the extraordinary challenges we face.
It is a novel both immediate and impactful, desperate and hopeful in equal measure, and it is one of the most powerful and original books on climate change ever written.
One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2020
"If I could get policymakers, and citizens, everywhere to read just one book this year, it would be Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future." (Ezra Klein)
"The best science fiction-nonfiction novel I’ve ever read." (Jonathan Lethem, Vanity Fair)
"A breathtaking look at the challenges that face our planet in all their sprawling magnitude and also in their intimate, individual moments of humanity." (Booklist, starred)
Also by Kim Stanley Robinson:
- Red Moon
- New York 2140
- 2312
- Aurora
- Shaman
What the critics say
"Science-fiction visionary Kim Stanley Robinson makes the case for quantitative easing our way out of planetary doom." (Bloomberg Green)
"[A] gutsy, humane view of a near-future Earth.... Robinson masterfully integrates the practical details of environmental crises and geoengineering projects into a sweeping, optimistic portrait of humanity's ability to cooperate in the face of disaster. This heartfelt work of hard science-fiction is a must-read for anyone worried about the future of the planet." (Publishers Weekly, starred)
"A breathtaking look at the challenges that face our planet in all their sprawling magnitude and also in their intimate, individual moments of humanity." (Booklist)
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What listeners say about The Ministry for the Future
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Amazon Customer
- 2021-03-04
absolutely a must read
shows how humanity will push through the horrors of climate change for a better future
much needed mental framing for those who care deeply
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- mikey inkster
- 2022-05-03
not to be used to learn proper pronunciation.
KSR doing what he does. the readers should have heard more English in preparation. for me, nothing snags the flow like trying to guess what the word was supposed to be. for a less critical ear, just fine.
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- William Barth
- 2022-08-27
way not worth the hype
This is still scifi. There must be a better book that spells out the truths of our time, in a much more concise and digestible way. This book is jumbled and long winded. The story line jumps around so much that one has to relisten multiple times or take notes while listening.
The actors leave much to be desired and some delivery warrants replaying to really understand what was said.
Global warming.
Heat wave kills.
Introduced me to wet bulb temps. never knew about them.
Oil and gas magnates.
Government corruption.
Concept of carbon coin is interesting and would love a book all about that on its own.
Same with the fesability of sail and photovelics.
something that is much more non fiction about marxism, communism, practical, and scientific.
Its a good story, sure. Maybe will be made into a movie or series even. Kind of like the expanse, i guess. but certainly not as gripping from a fiction standpoint.
paper version may be better.
i dont understand all the overwhelmingly positive reviews.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Mike
- 2021-03-19
must read
I think this is the most important book I've listened to. I've started thinking a lot about what I can do.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Krista Salter
- 2022-09-14
Absolutely a must read!
Interesting portrayl of how the next few decades may turn out with some optimism.
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- Alicia Gradson
- 2022-05-16
Performance
The majority of readings were not to my liking. As a result, some performers did detract from the story. My enjoyment was negatively effected.
The story is a reasonable extrapolation of the climatic mess we are/will experience.
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- Arthur Garrido
- 2022-07-02
Inspiring
Some really cool ideas and makes me want to make changes in my own life.
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- Snazzy_Scott
- 2022-08-16
Just give me the policy paper
I thought this was an excellent telling of all the different ways we can fight climate change and inequality to build a better future. Unfortunately just as with EcoTopia and Walden Two, it is difficult to convey content rich and scientifically informed ideas while also maintaining a strong narrative. The author did this as well as possible with all of the different narrators throughout the book. Unfortunately I just found myself not caring about Mary’s retirement, large portions of Frank’s life and the overly frequent and lavish pros describing Switzerland.
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- Kindle Customer
- 2021-02-21
A Must read
The book starts with a shocking event that leads to some limited action on climate change.
The author has done extensive research on many areas affected by the climate and sets out the currently available solutions that are available now and what is likely to happen if we fail.
He shows us a possible path to a new future
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- Lucy in Toronto
- 2023-09-05
Brilliant
I know of no better statement for what the future world could be, if only we have the will to truly address climate change and improve life for everyone on the planet—human and non-human.
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