82 Charlie Jane Anders’ “Don’t Press Charges and I Won’t Sue”
In This Chapter
Author Background
Charlie Jane Anders was born on July 24, 1969, in Connecticut. She studied English and Asian studies at the University of Cambridge. Before becoming a full-time writer, Anders worked in various fields, including as an editor and journalist. She has written for publications such as Salon, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Phoenix.
Writing Career
Anders has published several notable novels. All the Birds in the Sky (2016) blends science fiction and fantasy elements, focusing on the relationship between a witch and a tech genius as they navigate a world on the brink of disaster. It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the 2017 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 2017 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
The City in the Middle of the Night (2019) is set on a tidally locked planet; this novel explores themes of social division, revolution, and the human experience in an alien world. It was a finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards. Victories Greater Than Death (2021) is the first book in the young adult science fiction trilogy “Unstoppable.” It tells the story of a teenager who discovers she is the clone of an alien hero and must confront a galactic war.
Anders has also written numerous short stories, many of which have been published in anthologies and magazines, including the one featured here, “Don’t Press Charges and I Won’t Sue.” Her short fiction often explores diverse themes and speculative concepts.
Awards, Honors, and Other Contributions
Anders won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette for her story “Six Months, Three Days” in 2012. She has also received recognition for her contributions to LGBTQ+ literature with the Lambda Literary Award.
Anders co-founded the website io9, a prominent science fiction and futurism blog, where she served as editor-in-chief. Along with author Annalee Newitz, Anders co-hosts the podcast “Our Opinions Are Correct,” where they discuss science fiction, science, and the intersection of both with society and culture. The podcast won the Hugo Award for Best Fancast in 2019 and 2020.
Writing Style and Themes
Charlie Jane Anders is a transgender woman and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in media. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and conventions, where she discusses writing, science fiction, and diversity in literature.
Anders is known for her ability to blend science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction, creating unique and thought-provoking narratives. Her works often explore themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of technology on society.
You can read Anders’ short story titled “Don’t Press Charges and I Won’t Sue,” published in the Boston Review here: https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/charlie-jane-anders-dont-press-charges-and-i-wont-sue/
You can also watch an interview with Charlie Jane Anders from the 2016 National Book Festival and hear her talk about some of her works and her influences: https://youtu.be/E_4L0kyNdXA?si=pbGqcC7JwdedTLTJ
- How does Anders explore issues of identity, autonomy, and societal control?
- How would you describe the protagonist, Rachel? What qualities make her a compelling and sympathetic character?
- How does Rachel’s past and her relationship with her partner, Becca, influence her actions and motivations throughout the story?
- How does Anders create a dystopian atmosphere in the story? What elements of the society depicted in the story contribute to this atmosphere?
- In what ways does the society in the story reflect or exaggerate current social and political issues?
- What is the central conflict in “Don’t Press Charges and I Won’t Sue,” and how is it resolved?
- What is the significance of the title “Don’t Press Charges and I Won’t Sue”? How does it relate to the events and themes of the story?
- How does the story critique societal attitudes toward gender and identity? What messages does Anders convey about acceptance and conformity?
- How does Anders portray the emotional and psychological experiences of Rachel? What emotions did the story evoke in you as a reader?
- How does the story’s depiction of trauma and resilience resonate with real-world experiences of marginalized individuals?
Sources
Anders, Charlie Jane. “Don’t Press Charges and I Won’t Sue.” Boston Review, 30 Oct. 2017, https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/charlie-jane-anders-dont-press-charges-and-i-wont-sue/
Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction, which typically deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts such as advanced science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life. It is related to fantasy, horror, and superhero fiction and contains many subgenres.
Fantasy literature is set in an imaginary universe, often but not always without any locations, events, or people from the real world. Magic, the supernatural and magical creatures are common in many of these imaginary worlds.
Lambda Literary Awards, also known as the "Lammys", are awarded yearly by Lambda Literary to recognize the crucial role LGBTQ writers play in shaping the world. The Lammys celebrate the very best in LGBTQ literature. The awards were instituted in 1989.
A blog (a truncation of "weblog") is an informational website consisting of discrete, often informal diary-style text entries (posts).
A podcast is a digital medium consisting of audio (or video) episodes that relate to a specific theme.
A protagonist is the main character of a story. The protagonist makes key decisions that affect the plot, primarily influencing the story and propelling it forward, and is often the character who faces the most significant obstacles.
A dystopia is an imagined world or society in which people lead wretched, dehumanized, fearful lives, opposite of a utopia, or perfect world.
