Group Reads Discussions 2023: "Way Station" First Impressions *No Spoilers*

[SFFBC, Ancillary Mod]

Come talk about your initial, general impressions!

Please save all discussion of particulars, details from the story, character choices, plot questions, etc. for the full spoiler thread.

Content warnings for those who want them: (view spoiler)[ child abuse, grave desecration, war, ableism (hide spoiler)] (More about CWs here.)

[Cheryl]

I've read this more than once but am excited for a reread. I'm a big fan of Simak, esp. his short stories, but his best novels are very good too.

[Murphy]

Just started, but I'm looking forward to it. I read City several years ago and was very impressed. I intended to read more of Simak's novels after that, but I never did. Well, there's no time like the present!

[Trude]

I finished Way Station rather fast, even though it gave a peace and feeling of no need to rush while I read it. If you let the mood get to you, you will enjoy the tranquility, I think. Simak managed to make this book feel quite timeless, it fits even our modern day

[Ian]

It is probably for the best that Simao left this story as it was, and did not make it the basis of a full-length novel. (As he did with the short story Project Mastodon, which became the novel Mastodonia. A good but, but the unanswered questions in the short version were interesting to consider.)

[Dayna]

This was the second or third sci-fi novel I read some 50 years ago. Ditto what others have said about relevance to present day. This is one of those books that has stuck with me for many years, occasionally recalling specific scenes. Even fantasized about someone writing a sequel. Looking forward to the larger discussion.

[Ryan]

Ian wrote: "It is probably for the best that Simao left this story as it was, and did not make it the basis of a full-length novel."

The book is 210 pages. Back when this was written, it was considered a full-length novel. A shorter one, yes, but still a novel, and not one that would be automatically considered for an expansion.

Shortish standalone books like these are somewhat of a rarity in today's science fiction/fantasy, unfortunately. I love longer books and series, but it seems to me there's room for all types. Perhaps modern tastes trend toward longer books. Maybe relevantly, I've seen a lot of complaining about the prices of shorter books, specifically the Murderbot series, as not being worth it. This sort of sentiment could be pushing the word count up.

[Pixelina]

This is my first Simak and I thought it would be dated. I was surprised how much I love it.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

The beginning reminded me a lot of Twilight Zone. It didn't stay there, but it was very intriguing!

[Kateb]

wow such an old book. my version even has the cover tatty. was one of my introductions to sc fi/ fantasy

[CBRetriever]

the writing is so well done and this is a great comfort book of mine

[Kateb]

i have a lot of his books , looks like another re read

[Georgann]

This is my first by Simak, also. I'm about a third of the way through. Seems like it's moving v e r y slowly, but what a great premise. As Trude said: tranquil. I love that Enoch sees all the aliens as people. I do have a few guesses as to where the story is going.

[Cheryl L]

Georgann wrote: "This is my first by Simak, also. I'm about a third of the way through. Seems like it's moving v e r y slowly, but what a great premise."

Also my first Simak. It does move slowly, which reminds me more of classic sci fi.

I'm also enjoying pondering the historical context in which this was written. 1963 was a LONG time ago and so many technological changes and changes to the scifi genre have occurred.

[Raucous]

I'm not sure why I didn't read this when it first came out, but I'm enjoying it now. The deliberate, contemplative style that I've seen in the early chapters is very appealing to me.

[Kaia]

Raucous wrote: "The deliberate, contemplative style that I've seen in the early chapters is very appealing to me."

Raucous, you described it perfectly! I am about 40 pages in, and I'm really enjoying it. So far, it's been a mostly peaceful and thoughtful read.

[Muhammad Adib]

This is a very nice sci-fi book for 60 years old book

[April]

About halfway thru and this is so lovely. I had never heard of this Simak which reminds of why I should participate in more challenges. Getting exposed to new authors I wouldn’t have known of otherwise ❤️

[CBRetriever]

April wrote: "About halfway thru and this is so lovely. I had never heard of this Simak which reminds of why I should participate in more challenges. Getting exposed to new authors I wouldn’t have known of other..."

They're all pretty good.

[Nadine in California]

Starting it today!

[Ivan Darryl]

i had just stumbled into this book because of its brevity, and it's one of our group reads (hope, i make it before dec ends, tho). this was a refreshing read, esp in the first few chapters, where it describes nature cozily while humanity and evolution as introspective. i'm very excited about this one.

[DivaDiane]

I’m really glad that this has resonated with so many people! It was my nomination and wanted everyone to see what a special book it is.

[Ioana]

I'm about 50% into it, and enjoying it so far. Interesting concepts.

[Bonnie]

I really like this writing. So quiet, so detailed. Brings the descriptions to life so vividly.

I have a notion I might have read this in my youth... Would have picked it up at the public library if so. Will keep in mind and see if anything comes back to me.