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Denise & Jenny - The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
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Found it!Since this is a reread for both of us, I think we can just not worry about spoilers, yes?
I will grab my book today.
Mod
Do you want to do a set amount of chapters/pages per day or just go at our own pace and regularly check in?
Let's just go at our own pace. It won't take me long to reread once I start, which should be later today.Since we both know the plot, then at least one of the things we should ponder is who would be cast in the Netflix series if it is ever bought up.
I love how the atmosphere of the story is set up so quickly.Little things like how it is never quiet on a spaceship, how uncomfortable it is to fly cheaply in a pod, how the world is peopled with many different species, and the fact that they are people, not "others". Well, except for the attitude of Corbin. What a jerk.
Mod
I guess every ensemble cast needs a curmudgeon, but I can't say I'd be overly upset if Corbin happened to walk out of an airlock... the "ugh, I hate this guy" came back the second he opened his mouth for the first time.
Right? And then when you remember what happens to him later, it is a bit harder to hate him. A bit.I was trying to decide if I have a favorite character, and I just can't choose.
This book reminded me of Firefly the first time I read it, and I can't choose a favorite from that show either.
What do you think it would be like to communicate in color like the Aeluons? Or see the universe like Ohan?
I have often wondered what it would be like to see beyond our limited range into the infrared or ultraviolet or X-ray, etc. I think that would be amazing.
Mod
I actually don't remember that part - but seeing just how much you forgot is part of the fun of a re-read! :D It's been six years since I read this, so I'm greatly enjoying getting to know everyone all over again.
Ah, Firefly, my beloved! Been far too long since my last re-watch... should probably do something about that.
I just love well done ensemble casts like that, where everyone (well, mostly, anyway) is so quirky, interesting, complex and well fleshed out that it's impossible not to love them (almost) all.
If I had to pick a favourite here, it'd probably be Sissix - at least in my memory from the first read, she stands out as particularly memorable and lovable, and so far that's holding up.
Exploring all these possibilities within the realm of fiction really drives home just how limited human senses are, doesn't it?
Just learning and thinking in different languages expands one's ability to communicate and perceive the world in so many ways, it's absolutely incredible to imagine how many more dimensions could be added to our ways of experiencing our surroundings and relating to others.
(And of course I already find it amazing to imagine being able to see beyond the length of my outstretched arm with any clarity... XD)
I have become a bit of a reaction channel addict, and seeing someone encounter Pink Floyd for the first time is a hoot. I recently watched someone watch Firefly for the first time. The wonder in their eyes made me happy. And, so mad that the show was killed off so early. I still can't believe that the Syfy channel didn't pick it up after Fox cancelled it. Idiots.There are bits in the book that I don't remember as well as others. Rosemary revealing her secret to the crew, the crew going to that base that has the heretics on it.
But then there are the scenes that never leave my brain. Rosemary eating redbug for the first time, Her awkward flirting with Sissix, Jenks' reaction to his loss. There are so many amazing scenes, and I just care about these people.
I do like that the next book is in the same world, with only a nod to this story, but I kind of want a book with the further adventures of the Wayfarer.
Almost done (again), and I am at the point where the crew is trying to convince Ohan to take the medication that will separate him from the Whisperer. Damn, that would be a tough decision. I so feel for him. His whole life is one thing, and then he learns he could be something else. I can see how hard to believe that would be.
Finished!Do you have a preference on which tasks we go for? Any guess on which ones might be worth more points?
I am still struck by the Galactic Commons Membership Hearings notes regarding Earth and humans going out into space without learning any of the important lessons that other species learned to get along on the galaxy.
It seems so true. I would love to see humanity grow out of its adolescent phase and into adulthood. We still consider other humans as "other" and that doesn't seem to be changing. Such a shame.
It is good to have stories like this one though, where there are just good people in them like the crew of the Wayfarer.
Mod
(Feels like my reading is unbearably slow at the moment, I seem to have hit a bit of a slump... Sorry for taking so long, it's very unlike me. *sigh*)
Gotta look at the tasks again, I think I had a few guesses... though going by our success at guessing highest scoring tasks last round it's a bit of a hit or miss. XD
I've never played this, so I have no idea. No worries on taking your time. I'm just glad I didn't spoil anything for you.
Mod
I really didn't remember that at all. Though to be honest, I can't say it makes me hate him less. Having something bad happen to you doesn't excuse being a speciest asshole who makes life miserable for everyone who has the misfortune of being stuck in their vicinity...
I might end up finishing the book today, provided I can stay awake long enough. *lol* Not having to be careful of spoilers is definitely an advantage of buddy re-reads!
Regarding the points, the "key" (insofar as there is one) to guessing point values is to identify the original tasks that seem most difficult and thus might have higher points. From the ones that apply to this book, my best guesses for more difficult tasks would be 16, 21, and 5. What do you think?
Works for me. So we can add either Sci-fi book or tagged adventure. Maybe the second one?We get two each, yes?
I am grabbing tasks 5 and 20. Let me k now if you think I should change anything.If I don't post my completion, I may forget like an idiot. teehee
Mod
I think I'll go with 16 and toss a coin for the second one. XD
Finished the book last night and will be back with some thoughts, gotta get to work now though. :)
Mod
It's like trying to convince someone from one of those weird no modern medicine "religions" to agree to life-saving treatment. Certainly a moral dilemma on the part of those trying to help them - generally speaking I'm on the side of "you have the right to die of a debilitating, painful disease despite perfectly simple treatment being available if that's what you're into - I have the right to think you're an idiot for it", but that's easy to say when it's not someone you love.
Jenny wrote: "It seems so true. I would love to see humanity grow out of its adolescent phase and into adulthood. We still consider other humans as "other" and that doesn't seem to be changing. Such a shame."
Yup. While there are so many wonderful individuals out there, too many members of the human species keep proving the points made at that hearing. One hopes things will take a turn for the better at some point, but looking at the world right now... sure doesn't seem like it'll be any time soon.
Really, really enjoyed re-reading this book. I also wish there were more adventures of the Wayfarer crew to be had... would love to join these guys for another journey.
Well put!!Personally, I don't see humanity growing up until we get rid of religion and nationalism, and a bunch of other "isms".
I doubt that will happen in my lifetime, which is disappointing. I grew up watching reruns of the original StarTrek, and I assumed that by the time I grew up, the Earth would be as one. Silly me.
Mod
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers