In the autumn of 2022 I was working on a book review. To get a bit of headspace and exercise, I was cycling or walking to work on it at the Spike Island Cafe.
Continue reading “Review of Twoty-Twoty-Two (2022): Becoming a Spike Island Associate”Tag: #ThisUtopianLife
Utopian Studies Society of Europe coming to Brighton!
I’m very excited that this year’s conference of the Utopian Studies Society of Europe is being held in Brighton, UK!
Continue reading “Utopian Studies Society of Europe coming to Brighton!”Saved by the saplings: developing a physical eco-utopian practice

Studying literature can seem like an indoor sport. As an ecocritic, I can spend days thinking about what it means to be an ecological being while only physically interacting with a desk chair and computer. As a utopian scholar it sometimes feels like I’m trying to work out how society could change to avert climate catastrophe IN MY HEAD. Often, the efforts I make to reach out, like starting a blog for instance, result in more time spent in front of a computer. Recently, I’ve realised that as part of my eco-utopian practice I need to get out of my head.
Continue reading “Saved by the saplings: developing a physical eco-utopian practice”Three utopian things bringing me joy this month
As I mentioned in my last post (the one before Rob Bryher’s article on car free cities and environmental justice), I haven’t been reading novels lately. Since admitting this, I’ve felt more able to focus on what I am currently enjoying in the world of utopia, and consciously taking pleasure from those things. This includes essays, online talks and events, and adding to my reading list for that future day when the book lust kicks in again. It’s a lesson in being led by what I enjoy. So here’s my round up of the utopian things bringing me joy this month.
Continue reading “Three utopian things bringing me joy this month”Utopia on the radio: climate justice and utopia-related podcasts.
For those times when reading is impractical – chopping vegetables, folding laundry – you can still absorb utopian content through your ears. Have I made that sound appealing? What I mean to say is you can listen to inspiring and funny podcasts about climate justice and the possibility of a better world. Such as these.
Continue reading “Utopia on the radio: climate justice and utopia-related podcasts.”Black Utopias, Forecast and New Suns
Hello, how are you doing? Spring is coming where I am and it’s all taking off. Here’s a round up of the utopian books and events on my radar this week.
Continue reading “Black Utopias, Forecast and New Suns”