Found a member of endangered species

[Ilya]

Known as "Near-future SF"

I frequently hear complaints (entirely justified) about lack of believable near-future science fiction, especially optimistic. Well, today I found what seems to be one: The Next Continent (http://www.amazon.com/Next-Continent-Novel-Issui-Ogawa/dp/142153441X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283798360&sr=8-1) by Issui Ogawa. The language seems rather flat (maybe it is translator's fault), but otherwise it is a good story, and is both refreshingly optimistic about next couple decades, and seems grounded in reality.

[swampyankee]

Try David Brin's Earth.

[Van Rijn]

Known as "Near-future SF"

I frequently hear complaints (entirely justified) about lack of believable near-future science fiction, especially optimistic. Well, today I found what seems to be one: The Next Continent (http://www.amazon.com/Next-Continent-Novel-Issui-Ogawa/dp/142153441X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283798360&sr=8-1) by Issui Ogawa. The language seems rather flat (maybe it is translator's fault), but otherwise it is a good story, and is both refreshingly optimistic about next couple decades, and seems grounded in reality.

That sounds like it might be interesting. I'll look into it.

[mike alexander]

You might also try Ian McDonald's new novel, The Dervish House, set in Istanbul in 2027. It's a winner.

The fact that McDonald knighted me with a light saber has no bearing on my hearty recommendation.

[SkepticJ]

Metatropolis, by several people

Rainbows End, by Vernor Vinge

The Diamond Age, by Neal Stephenson

[publiusr]

I imagine that there will be a Basque resurgance in the future, with Islam gaining a foothold in the Old World, and Spanish becoming the lingua franca of the New. So I see the divide being bridged with a world capital perhaps in some part of Spain in 100-400 years.

[Jim]

Try David Brin's Earth.

I thought that was Jon Stewart's Earth (http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Show-Stewart-Presents-Earth/dp/044657922X).