Way Station by Clifford Simak

[[deleted user]]

just pulled out The Reader's Guide to Science Fiction....says if you like Simak, try reading Theodore Sturgeon, you'll probably like his stuff as well.

:D

[Anne Marie]

I just finished the book last night. It was a fast and easy read, and I gave it 4/5 stars primarily because of the "warm and fuzzies" it gave me in general.

I loved the way it was written with the threat of a nuclear holocaust as the overshadowing theme - a step back in history. I love the way we walk through Enoch's life with him and truly feel like we're living it and all of its quaint quirks. But I found myself wanting something more, too: I wanted to know more about some of the alien races he encountered. I wanted to know how, precisely, he created the shadow people - we only knew the repercussions of the experiment.

One of the aspects that I found unrealistic - to me - is that he was indecisive about whether he would want to join the Galactic Community on another way station should his way station be closed. In my mind, I was thinking that if I were his age, with no living relatives and few friends, and the chance for immortality presented itself with the chance to explore the galaxy... I would have no doubts about my choice and be off to explore. But perhaps that is also a reflection of his old-fashioned sense of community and values.

My end thought is that I will definitely want to read more of Simak's books, and glad I was introduced to him here!

[[deleted user]]

Anne Marie wrote: "One of the aspects that I found unrealistic - to me - is that he was indecisive about whether he would want to join the Galactic Community on another way station should his way station be closed. In my mind, I was thinking that if I were his age, with no living relatives and few friends, and the chance for immortality presented itself with the chance to explore the galaxy...."

I can see this as a difficult decision. Renouncing your species is even harder than changing your citizenship; you'd never see another human again. It's one thing to have few friends, and another to renounce friends for all time.

And it is a rather limited form of immortality. He doesn't age as long as he's in the Waystation. It's like you get to live forever, as long as you never leave the house. Not exactly touring the galaxy.

[[deleted user]]

Anne Marie wrote: "I wanted to know more about some of the alien races he encountered. I wanted to know how, precisely, he created the shadow people - we only knew the repercussions of the experiment...."

I agree his imaginary friends get short shrift, with only Mary having any real presence. There's probably a long back story there, but the novel doesn't explore it. And in the end, Mary leaves because she thinks Enoch would be better off having real friends outside the Waystation?

[April]

Wow---I'm about halfway through "Way Station," and it's a GREAT read. I'm glad I joined this group already, simply for having been given this title to read. His style reminds me a lot of Bradbury, which is a plus, and it's unlike anything I've read before. Loving. It.

[Anne Marie]

G33z3r wrote: "Anne Marie wrote: "One of the aspects that I found unrealistic - to me - is that he was indecisive about whether he would want to join the Galactic Community on another way station should his way s..."

I imagined that if they were able to ensure he didn't age in the Waystation, they also would have to the technology to ensure he didn't age elsewhere in the Galaxy. But that's the best part - imagination!

[[deleted user]]

Anne and April, glad you enjoyed the book!!

:D

I'm with G33...even with immortality in the offing, I would have to think twice before walking away from my planet, away from the human race...everything and everyone I ever cared about is here...despite my frustration with the seeming insanity of humanity (admit it, you've felt it too at times), I'd have to think about it...now, if I could have a high-speed internet connection back to earth in that far-away waystation......

[April]

G33z3r wrote: "Anne Marie wrote: "One of the aspects that I found unrealistic - to me - is that he was indecisive about whether he would want to join the Galactic Community on another way station should his way s..."

I agree with your assessment of how hard it would be to renounce one's planet and species. I kept thinking, "What a chance of a lifetime!" yet all Enoch ever really was, was a simple country fellow. The rest was foisted on him, and he adapted, but his heart was tied to his land.

[Anne Marie]

Spooky1947 wrote: "Anne and April, glad you enjoyed the book!!

:D

I'm with G33...even with immortality in the offing, I would have to think twice before walking away from my planet, away from the human race...every..."

Ha ha! I think that my attitude might be swayed then by the fact that I have left home and lived abroad as an "alien" in multiple countries... and sometimes it isn't easy to get back, so I've learned to cope with homesickness. Therefore, I also see myself easily walking away from the human race!

[[deleted user]]

Sarah wrote: "As an aside, if you look for Simak’s books for Kindle, you will only find those works that have slipped into the public domain. ..."

For those interested, Way Station became available as an ebook today (as did three other Simak titles: City, The Werewolf Principle, and A Heritage of Stars.

[Sarah]

G33z3r wrote: "Sarah wrote: "As an aside, if you look for Simak’s books for Kindle, you will only find those works that have slipped into the public domain. ..."

For those interested, Way Station b..."

Thank you! I want to read them all, although things are a bit nuts right now.

[Rose]

G33z3r wrote: "For those interested, Way Station became available as an ebook today (as did three other Simak titles: City, The Werewolf Principle, and A Heritage of Stars...."

I already read City and Way Station, The Werewolf Principle is on my wishlist, but A Heritage of Stars didn't sound that appealing.

[SciFiOne]

Spooky1947 wrote: ":D

Have you read City? Which do you like best?"

Waystation = grade A+
City = grade C+ (City isn't really a novel though. It is more of a series of related shorts. I prefer novels.)

[SciFiOne]

I have to agree that Simak is on the buy anything I haven't already read category.

[[deleted user]]

Andreas, I liked your review. I agree that some parts of Way Station are dated, but Simak's ability to break new ground and present aliens as "guys like us" is what struck me most.

[SciFiOne]

Charles wrote: "Andreas, I liked your review. I agree that some parts of Way Station are dated, but Simak's ability to break new ground and present aliens as "guys like us" is what struck me most."

Thanks. I just updated the review because I didn't think the first one was positive enough. Hope I got it better this time.