Soonish by Kelly Weinersmith & Zach Weinersmith Summary

Soonish explores ten emerging technologies—like space exploration, fusion energy, programmable matter, and brain-computer interfaces—that could reshape society. Authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith blend humor, comics, and in-depth research to explain how these innovations work, their potential benefits, and the scientific hurdles delaying their adoption.

Science enthusiasts, futurists, and casual readers curious about cutting-edge technologies will enjoy Soonish. Its accessible writing and witty illustrations make complex topics like synthetic biology and augmented reality engaging for non-experts, while still offering depth for tech-savvy audiences.

Yes—Soonish balances optimism with skepticism, offering a nuanced look at technologies like 3D-printed organs and nuclear fusion. Praised by Cory Doctorow and Science Friday, it combines rigorous research with humor, though some note rapid tech advancements may date certain sections.

The book highlights:

• Cheap space access (e.g., asteroid mining)
• Fusion energy and programmable materials
• Robotic construction and augmented reality
• Synthetic biology (e.g., eradicating malaria)
• Bioprinting organs and brain-computer interfaces

It examines dual-use risks, like synthetic biology’s potential to cure diseases or create bioweapons, and discusses the moral implications of bioprinting and AI-driven technologies. The authors emphasize balancing innovation with caution.

• “Soonish is an exceptional science book… [it] keeps the excitement intact.” – Cory Doctorow
• “Lays out… exactly what it might take to get us [to the future].” – Tasha Robinson, NPR

Unlike academic texts, Soonish uses comics and humor to demystify topics like programmable matter. It focuses on near-future tech rather than speculative sci-fi, offering a grounded yet entertaining perspective.

Some argue rapidly evolving fields like AI and synthetic biology may outpace the book’s 2017 insights. However, its exploration of foundational challenges (e.g., fusion energy bottlenecks) remains relevant.

Technologies like brain-computer interfaces and mRNA vaccines (a precision medicine subset) have advanced significantly since publication, making Soonish’s analysis of their early-stage potential particularly insightful today.

The Weinersmiths’ comics and witty analogies simplify concepts—comparing nuclear fusion to a “toaster powered by a star”—while interviews with scientists add credibility.

Yes. Its chapters on augmented reality, robotic construction, and bioengineering provide context for modern developments in AI-driven design, 3D-printed homes, and CRISPR gene editing.

Key concerns include programmable matter’s misuse, bioprinting’s societal impact, and brain-computer interfaces’ privacy risks. The book urges proactive ethical frameworks alongside innovation.