Reading Guides for Sci-Fi Novels
The questions we ask ourselves may be much more valuable than the ones we ask others. Reading Guides for sci-fi novels help us delve into life issues, explore conflicts, resolutions, solutions, and even consider dissolutions. As a teacher, a parent, a mentor, or simply a person willing to stop, ask, and listen with an open heart, we can discover more about ourselves even as we learn more about others.
Newearth Justine Awakens
1 Newearth Justine Awakens’ main plot centers on the developing humanity of Justine, an android embedded with a human embryo by a mysterious alien with an exaggerated sense of his own importance. With medical technology developing at a rate nearly beyond comprehension, is the possibility of a human being housed in a mechanical armature something to seriously consider? What might be the ramifications for the future of the human race?
2 There have been many theories throughout the ages suggesting where higher sensibilities, such as love, devotion, and a sense of right and wrong, actually develop in the human person. Are these manifestations of the human experience located in the human body? Or could they develop from a hidden soul? Could a mechanical body have a soul?
3 Cerulean and Justine have a precariously balanced relationship. Why is it so complicated? Have they found a productive way to manage their interactions, or is something missing?
4 Clare expresses unguarded animosity toward Justine. What might be the deeper reasons than her excuse that Justine is a mere “robot?”
5 The Newearth world reflects the complexities of various beings interacting on a planet that once belonged to the human race. Does the creation of such a varied population increase the likelihood of fracturing or hold the possibility of a unique development among sentient beings?
Adult/Book Clubs1 Love relationships abound throughout Newearth Justine Awakens. What are a few that resonated with you? Why did they stand out? Were they reflecting relationships in real life or dreams of a particular kind of love relationship?
2 One character that readers follow and get to know, even care about, dies in the story. Was it necessary? Why might the author have allowed this character to die?
3 Omega considers himself to be Justine’s father. In his developing self-reflection, he comes to understand that he might have done an injustice to Justine when he sent her out into the world as he did. He tries to make up for what could be perceived as callous cruelty by giving Justine a child. What is wrong with his reasoning? Could an advanced, intelligent being be so unwise?
4 Who are some of your favorite characters in the novel? Why? Do they remind you of someone or do you wish you could meet someone like them?
5 The novel ends with Cerulean circling back to his lost love from the previous novel, but also sets up the next crisis. Does life reflect that cycle of endings, reflecting back on them on deeper levels, and then new adventures calling us forward? What real-life endings and beginnings does this remind you of?
Paperback/Journal ReflectionsWhich character did you sympathize with the most? Why?What character did you dislike the most? Did he or she remind you of someone?Can the conflict of identifying who is truly human be applied in our world today?What part of the novel struck you the most vividly? Why?Bala and his wife contrast sharply with most of the other characters. Were they believable? Did their relationship seem possible?Considering the loss of fertility in Last of Her Kind, does the idea of large families in the future seem plausible? Considering the planetary situation with humans in the minority, would large families be desirable?There are several mysteries in the story. Did you enjoy that experience of being as in the dark as the characters? Or did you want to know what had happened before they did?Taug, as a Cresta scientist, changes dramatically through the novel. His relationship with Faye calls forth a level of compassion that he may never have realized that he possessed. Has this kind of dramatic change ever happened to someone you know?There is a pervading theme of past issues keeping characters from flourishing. Are there any issues from the past that hold you back today?Judging others and ourselves based on exterior qualities and expectations sets up many of the conflicts. Are your judgments blocking you from really getting to know certain people authentically?ReadingGuide.NewearthJustineAwakens
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Newearth: A Hero’s Crime
1 There are three main plot lines developed throughout Newearth: A Hero’s Crime, which are anchored by their settings. What are the three main settings, and how does each plot tie in to each place? How do the characters reflect their environments in each of the three threads woven through the story?
2 Taug and Faye are different species of beings, yet they have a close relationship. That is true for many of the characters in the novel. What kind of personal traits do they show to help them overcome their innate differences, allowing for healthy interactions and the ability to challenge each other’s weaknesses?
3 Cerulean is not the hero of the story, though he acts in a heroic manner. Are there any heroes in the novel? Can the hero role be shared?
4 Though the idea of a planet-eating monster seems far-fetched, are there equivalent horrors in real life that could threaten our entire planetary population? What other threats are being faced in the novel? Even if a problem doesn’t endanger an entire planet, can it seem just as important on the personal level?
5 Who was Dr. Jazzmarie? Was she a complex character or just a deceitful one? What was her relationship with the others on board like? Who were some other complex characters in the novel?
Adult/Book Clubs1 Theoretically, Max is not human, yet he develops a human personality. Could a human being grow inside a mechanical armature? Would he or she be truly human?
2 Abbas took responsibility for his son’s actions by taking over Mirage Reborn. How do you see Abbas? Should parents deal with the fall out of their child’s behavior? Who are the other “parental” figures in the novel, and how are they taking responsibility for situations they did not cause?
3 When Justine interfered with the mean girl on the playground, how did it make you feel? Was she right? Are there other occasions when a “bully” needs to be stopped? How does that play out in the novel as compared to real life?
4 Riko deals with several complicated relationships that he manages to balance gracefully. How does he do it? What is your reaction to Riko? Who else is managing delicate relationships?
5 Gary Nelson and Quinn are antagonists, yet they are quite different characters. Do either of them have redeeming factors? Can a character do evil yet still be considered “good?” Any examples in the novel?
Paperback/Journal ReflectionsWho is the most heroic character in a Newearth A Hero’s Crime? Why do I think so? Or are the heroic figures all equal in the story? Could they be heroic without each other?What character did I dislike the most? Did he or she remind me of someone?Several characters seem to be developing toward their full potential. Am I becoming a fuller human being as I grow older?What part of the novel struck me the most vividly? Why?Wendell is an innocent character, yet he seems to be wise in a way few understand. Have I ever known anyone like that? How do I account for their perceptive wisdom?Zara is a child, yet she can be very dangerous. What makes her so dangerous beyond her physical strength? Is there anyone in real life she reminds me of? Why?There are several unfolding mysteries in the story. What does the idea of mystery mean to me? What images come to mind? Are they pleasant or unpleasant? Why?Chas is unique on many levels, not the least being his size. Have I ever known someone who struck me as completely original? Or have I known several people who stood out from the crowd? Did I wish I were like them or not?What character do I feel I understand the best? Why? Do certain characters help me discern the best in myself?Vera’s life has been severely affected by judgments based on exterior qualities. Have I been judged unfairly? Are blanket judgements blocking me from really getting to know anyone authentically?ReadingGuide.NewearthAHerosCrime
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Author A. K. Frailey has written a historical sci-fi and science fiction series, short story collections, inspirational non-fiction books, a children’s book, and a poetry collection. She has been writing for over fifteen years and has published 18 books.
Ann homeschooled her children and currently manages her rural homestead with her kids and their numerous critters. In her spare time, she serves as an election judge and secretary/treasurer of her small town’s cemetery.
A. K. Frailey’s Books Page A. K. Frailey’s Translated Books A. K Frailey’s Amazon Author PagePhoto https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-book-clock-literature-8966230/
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