Solarpunk Reading List: Books from Late 2024
The solarpunk genre continues to thrive, offering fresh visions of sustainable futures, ecological resilience, and communities built on mutual aid and regenerative practices. The latter half of 2024 saw an exciting array of new solarpunk books, spanning short story anthologies, speculative fiction, and even nonfiction works that explore utopian ideals in unexpected ways. Below is a selection of the most intriguing solarpunk books released in mid-to-late 2024, along with insights into their themes.
Solarpunk: Short Stories from Many Futures (Edited by Francesco Verso)
Published: October 15, 2024
Publisher: Beyond and Within
Few anthologies manage to encapsulate the true breadth of solarpunk storytelling quite like Solarpunk: Short Stories from Many Futures. Edited by Francesco Verso, this collection brings together a diverse array of speculative tales that explore our collective future in an era of climate change, technological transformation, and social evolution.
The stories within this anthology range from near-future narratives grounded in current sustainability movements to more radical reimaginings of post-capitalist societies. Expect stories of bioengineered cities that function like living organisms, communities sustained by radical mutual aid, and thought-provoking explorations of non-extractive economies.
Verso has curated a global collection of voices, ensuring perspectives from cultures often underrepresented in mainstream sci-fi. This anthology is a must-read for solarpunk enthusiasts looking for a variety of fresh, imaginative takes on how humanity might adapt and thrive in a climate-conscious world.
The Century Soldier (K.R. Quill)
Published: July 2024
Solarpunk isn’t always just about idyllic utopias—it also makes room for action-packed, gripping narratives that wrestle with the human condition. The Century Soldier, by K.R. Quill, presents a solarpunk-infused take on memory, identity, and survival in an eco-conscious society.
The novel follows a protagonist who wakes up in a future where their body has been rebuilt using regenerative technologies, but their memories remain fragmented. As they navigate a society built on sustainable principles, they must piece together their past while confronting a looming threat that could unravel the delicate balance of this new world.
Quill deftly weaves together elements of biopunk, mystery, and solarpunk optimism, making The Century Soldier a standout for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, fast-paced fiction with a strong environmental ethos.
Utopian Witch (Justine Norton-Kertson)
Published: July 2024
Nonfiction meets speculative philosophy in Utopian Witch, a fascinating exploration of the intersections between solarpunk ideals and contemporary witchcraft. Written by Justine Norton-Kertson, a well-known voice in solarpunk literature and activism, this book examines how practices of magic, ritual, and ecological spirituality align with the movement’s emphasis on community-driven change and sustainable living.
Rather than a work of fantasy, Utopian Witch presents a deeply researched look at how elements of folk traditions, ecofeminism, and anarchist principles intersect with solarpunk’s vision for a better future. Norton-Kertson makes a compelling case for viewing solarpunk not just as a literary genre, but as a lived philosophy that embraces holistic sustainability, radical inclusion, and the power of grassroots movements.
For readers who enjoy the more philosophical and theoretical side of solarpunk, Utopian Witch offers a refreshing and unique perspective on how solarpunk principles can be applied beyond fiction and into everyday life.
Solarpunk Dreams: Designing Sustainable Communities
Published: June 13, 2024
If you’ve ever wanted to take solarpunk ideas off the page and into real-world projects, Solarpunk Dreams: Designing Sustainable Communities is an invaluable resource. This book delves into practical applications of solarpunk concepts, providing a blueprint for how individuals and communities can build regenerative, sustainable environments that align with the movement’s core values.
Rather than focusing purely on speculative fiction, Solarpunk Dreams blends urban planning, architecture, permaculture, and community organization principles to show how the world can transition toward more resilient and equitable systems. Case studies of existing sustainable communities provide concrete examples of how solarpunk ideas are already being implemented today.
This book is essential for anyone interested in moving beyond solarpunk as an aesthetic or literary genre and into real-world activism and community building. It’s a guidebook for those who want to live solarpunk, not just read about it.
Final Thoughts
The solarpunk books released in the second half of 2024 offer a dynamic and inspiring mix of fiction, theory, and practical guides to a better future. From the sweeping imaginative storytelling of Solarpunk: Short Stories from Many Futures to the action-packed mystery of The Century Soldier, from the philosophical insights of Utopian Witch to the pragmatic blueprints in Solarpunk Dreams, this selection showcases the versatility and vibrancy of the solarpunk movement.
Whether you’re looking to escape into hopeful futures, challenge existing narratives, or actively participate in shaping a more sustainable world, these books provide a fantastic starting point. As solarpunk continues to grow as both a genre and a movement, these works prove that the dream of a regenerative, cooperative future is not only possible—it’s already in the making.
Happy reading, and may your visions of the future be bright, green, and solarpunk!
