I thought some classic science fiction would be a good companion read for Asimov’s essays. I went right to H.G. Wells, of course. And I happen to have one of his books on my TBR shelf, so I grabbed it up. At first glance, “When the Sleeper Wakes” sounds like a retake on the Rip Van Winkle story. A man falls asleep and wakes up years later, but it already has an interesting twist. It’s 200 years later and he hasn’t aged.

The last science fiction I read was “The Gods Themselves” by Isaac Asimov, back in February. I’m sensing a theme in my reading this year. Hmm…

I love to see how old science fiction has stood the test of time. “When the Sleeper Wakes” was written in 1899, one hundred and twenty-two years ago. Technology has changed, as much as the sleeper experiences in the book, but in different ways. I’m curious if it will be a utopian future, but from the first chapter, I believe it will be more of a religious one? I’m not sure.

There was one funny thing that I wish already existed in our world, a clothing making machine. It seems much like a “replicator” from Star Trek, but this one manufactures clothing on the spot from measurements a tailor takes from you. Pretty neat, but it would be nicer if you could just tell the machine your measurements and style and let it pop out clothes for you, wouldn’t it? I hate shopping and I’m so tired of my favorite jeans not being available because I’m the only one that doesn’t want skinny jeans that don’t stay up on my butt, or pretty shirts that have enough room for my shoulders and don’t creep up my waist while I work. …sigh…

I loved “War of the Worlds” and “The Time Machine” when I read it years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to my husband read “The First Men in the Moon” to the boys when they were little, so I’m sure this one will follow suit.

Have you read any of H.G. Wells’ books? Or have you seen any of the multitude of movies based on them? I’d love to hear your comments!

Want to read more? Follow me through the book in these posts.
To Sleep Like the Dead and Be Reborn Each Day
H.G. Wells, You Old So-and-So