"The Incandescent" 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.

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(More about CWs here.)

[Lowell]

first impression:

Chapter 1: In which we introduce two characters who hate their jobs because they dislike teenager but for some inexplicable reason have decided to become faculty at a school for teenagers.

I hope the general attitude towards kids gets better after this, but I'm not sure I have sufficient reason for said hope.

[Juliana]

@Lowell I just finished chapter 1 too. The dislike of teenager is there but it didn't bother me that much yet.
But I'm notecing a trend on the book to describe accidents involving phones and tables and demons. Not even a little subtle critic.

[Sarah, The Unsettled]

Lowell wrote: "first impression:

Chapter 1: In which we introduce two characters who hate their jobs because they dislike teenager but for some inexplicable reason have decided to become faculty at a school for..."

I haven’t finished yet but I do think it gets better? But to be fair I didn’t really pick up on this as much. (Also a mom, am a millennial, same age as protagonist.) To me it seemed directed at certain kids while being fond of others. I don’t know if that helps.

I’ll admit, I was a little worried when I realized it was magic school. I don’t have the best track record with books set there but I’m enjoying it quite a bit. I’m wondering if it’s the difference in perspective that’s making the difference (teacher instead of student).

[Netanella]

I finished the book last night. It's very much written from a teacher perspective. In fact, if anyone is a teacher, or has been one, this book is sort of written for them!

[a.g.e. montagner]

Interesting, Netanella.
Thanks for the info!

[Melanie, the neutral party]

Lowell wrote: "to be fair, I'm a little sensitive on that topic; of my high-school peer group that I've kept in touch with, I'm only one of 3 who have kids... (and the other two are married to each other). I know..."

I've been thinking of how to reply to this. In part, you are projecting your experience for sure. I *am* a teacher, and I am definitely projecting. Complaining about the dumb/crazy things kids do does not mean you don't like kids. It's coping. I don't feel she is a kid-hating teacher. She is, however, a teacher without kids of her own as a piece of her character development. I will stop there, but will gladly take up this conversation in more depth in the spoiler thread if you want.

Actually, I will close with this. Adults who don't like kids should absolutely not be teachers. I 100% agree with you.

[Ellen]

I have read about 1.5 chapters. I didn't take it as Walden doesn't like teenagers but that she has experience with teenagers and wants to protect them and those around them from their inexperience and youthful lack of judgement.

[Chris]

I didn't get the impression that the MC dislikes teenagers. Even the most caring teacher has the partial perspective of "us vs. them," without that being in any way hateful. Children have their own agendas, and those often conflict with adults' agendas.

[Olga]

I'm about halfway point in audiobook and in the past few hours the story grew on me a lot. I didn't notice the not liking kids thing in the beginning, but nevertheless it wouldn't have been a problem for me, as I don't like my own kids at times, if I worked at school I'd have hated the lot by now (between the times I loved them). Overall she's quite supportive and nurturing towards the kids so far and I think it's what counts in the end of the day.

[Melanie, the neutral party]

Lowell,
Please use the spoiler thread for detailed comments about the book: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...