The Second Annual Inkling Awards

The Gallic Wars is a historical account written by Julius Caesar of his military campaigns in Gaul (modern-day France and surrounding regions) between 58 and 50 BC. It is written in Latin and divided into eight books, each covering a year of the campaigns. The work provides insights into Roman military tactics, the political landscape of Gaul, and the customs of the Gallic tribes. Caesar portrays himself as a brilliant strategist and a just leader, while also providing vivid descriptions of battles and sieges. The Gallic Wars served as both a historical record and a piece of propaganda, aimed at enhancing Caesar's reputation and political standing in Rome.

This book tells a daring new story about how humanity got to its current state and how we can chart a better path forward. It surveys the history of science and faith from the astronomers of Babylon to the quantum physicists of postwar Europe and America. Klavan argues that science is leading us not away from God but back to him, and to the ancient faith that places the human soul at the center of the universe. He shows how the latest developments in physics can help shatter the illusion of materialism and how the search for knowledge of the natural world can illuminate the glories of its Creator.

The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left stranded on Mars after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Meanwhile, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring 'the Martian' home, while Watney faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival. The novel is praised for its blend of science, humor, and suspense.

Set in Sidley Park, an aristocratic estate in Derbyshire, England, 'Arcadia' by Tom Stoppard navigates two distinct time periods: the early 1800s and 1993. The play follows the intellectual growth of Thomasina Coverly, a brilliant teenage girl in the 19th century, and a group of modern-day scholars who attempt to uncover the truth about the past. It delves into themes such as the nature of truth and time, the difference between classical and romantic temperaments, and the disruptive influence of sex on human lives. The garden at Sidley Park serves as a central symbol, representing the shift from classical order to romantic mystery and the Gothic style.

House of Leaves is a complex, multi-layered narrative that combines elements of horror, suspense, family drama, and adventure. The story revolves around the Navidson family, who move into a house that turns out to be larger on the inside than the outside. The father, Will Navidson, a renowned photojournalist, documents their experiences in a film called 'The Navidson Record'. The narrative is presented through various layers, including the blind scholar Zampanò's analysis of the film, and the footnotes of Johnny Truant, a tattoo shop apprentice who becomes obsessed with the story. The book explores themes of trauma, obsession, and the blurring of reality and fiction, using an experimental format that includes fragmented text, footnotes, and unconventional page layouts.

In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission. He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age. As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets. The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships.