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Dingilliad / Starsiders #2
Bouncing Off the Moon
Having escaped both an Earth on the verge of global collapse and their squabbling parents in a "divorce" at Geosynchronous Station, a newly independent Charles and his two brothers find themselves alone on the Moon with very few prospects. Worse, they are being hunted by ruthless interplanetary corporations who would stop at nothing to come in possession of a memory bar the boys smuggled on board. Can they make it on their own? Who can they trust?
Charles thought the moon would be a new beginning. He will be lucky just to stay alive.
Charles thought the moon would be a new beginning. He will be lucky just to stay alive.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 30, 2022
This is the second book in the “Dingilliad” series, and in my opinion, not nearly as good as the first, Jumping Off the Planet. JOTP was reminiscent of Heinlein’s juveniles, a perfect mix of science, plot, and some interesting characters. BOTM seemed like a series of lectures, including several on science, one on gender, and another on what defines a sentient machine. There was just too much of this and it got in the way of the story.
It was also really light on character, which is what I generally find most fascinating about novels. In this one, only Charles, the middle child and narrator, appears to have any depth to him at all.
I slogged through the whole thing, but I probably won’t read the third in the series.
It was also really light on character, which is what I generally find most fascinating about novels. In this one, only Charles, the middle child and narrator, appears to have any depth to him at all.
I slogged through the whole thing, but I probably won’t read the third in the series.
June 8, 2022
Bouncing Off the Moon continues right where the first installment ends. This is a tale of an estranged family with parents who are more childish than their children. It is very a very sad state of affairs when parents use their children as weapons against each other; everyone suffers, especially the children.
The story, so far, is told from Charles's point of view. He is the middle child of three brothers who are all different in their interests and behaviors, but they have one thing in common; they depend on each other for support and survival.
Bouncing Off the Moon is a brilliantly written story told in the classic sci-fi style. It is set wholly on Earth's Moon and the descriptions of the backdrop colorfully illustrate the colorless landscape of the colonized satellite. I couldn't help but think about Buzz Aldrin's observation when he encountered the body in 1969. He called it "magnificent desolation" and David brings those words to life in this book.
I was most impressed by the pains the author took to get the science right. However, what really drives the story are the characters.
This second book isn't your typical bridge between the beginning and the end of a trilogy, but it is a complete story unto itself. I found it exciting, scary, sad, and humorous; running a full gamut of emotions.
Charles, also known as Chigger, his two brothers, Bobby the younger, Douglas, the older, have just won their emancipation from their parents and are striking out to seek their fortune among the stars. Economic and political conditions on Earth have deteriorated to where its society seems doomed to collapse. The brothers are accompanied by Mickey, Douglas' newly found love interest.
Realizing they are being pursued for a toy they have in their possession; they learn they have to take an alternate way to avoid being captured. Bobby's toy contains something precious to many people. The boys are joined by Alexei, a friend of Mickey's and a resident of the Moon, who helps them escape from the tether in a cargo pod before they can be captured.
As a resident of the Earth's natural satellite, Alexei knows how to get around and he takes the boys on a fantastic adventure crossing the Lunar surface to seek safety. After arriving at a safe place, all is not what it seems, and the boys must watch their backs because there is uncertainty at every turn.
As for the characters in this second part of the tale, there is significant growth in the brothers. In the first book, they really had little in common with one another other than the schism brought about by their parents. Since they have been away from that influence, they have become closer and depend on one another for strength and support.
The story is told from Chigger's point of view, and we get to follow his feelings through the numerous new, strange, and dangerous situations the boys face. David wrote this story so one can feel what the boys feel, especially Chigger. As a young teenager, he is already emotionally compromised just because of the age. I have to say, though, that he handles much of what he faces well for his age.
My best advice for a reader is to keep an eye on all the characters. Some are not what they seem.
My favorite point of plot for Bouncing Off the Moon is all the swerves, twists, and turns this story takes. Just when one thinks this story is going to be predictable, it takes a turn and moves in another direction. I thought for sure I had a couple of characters figured out, only to find I was completely wrong about them. This alone makes this tale a fun one to read, as David takes the reader on an emotional and literal roller coaster ride.
Another point I appreciated were the descriptions of the surroundings and how the characters move through them while on the moon, not to mention how they get to the moon. The science is well researched, and it adds so much to the authenticity of the story. Everything the author shows the reader in this story is completely plausible. Indeed, it is all made up, but everything is so practical, it wouldn't be difficult to say that David is projecting today’s technologies into the not-too-distant future.
One takeaway from this story is how one must know their surroundings with great diligence. This is true especially with the people once interacts with. With the brothers, they had little choice in who to ally themselves with and it could have cost them their lives had they not been suspicious of nearly everyone they encountered.
But even more, during a scene near the end of the book, two characters get into a discussion of a legal and philosophical nature. The question posed is, "when it is appropriate to break the law?" Many would argue that illegal activity brings about change, but then at what cost does that change take place? Then there is the idea presented by American author, Henry David Thoreau, in an essay commonly known as On the Duty of Civil Disobedience. In nearly every book I've read by David Gerrold, there is something to give me pause and think. As for me, I think this small section is worth the price of the entire book. The conclusion to the argument is, "... it is never appropriate to break the law. It is, however, appropriate to challenge it responsibly." (p. 268, Kindle edition)
Not only is this my favorite part of the story, it is thick with substance and well worth the time, especially in the current political climate.
I recommend Bouncing Off the Moon along with the volume that comes before, Jumping Off the Planet, as something worth the time to read, not only because of the immense entertainment value of the saga but also to have one's mind stimulated with issues relevant to life today. David Gerrold's skill as a writer is shown in this story because the deep issues are not presented in a preachy way, but they are presented as important story points moving the story forward.
The story, so far, is told from Charles's point of view. He is the middle child of three brothers who are all different in their interests and behaviors, but they have one thing in common; they depend on each other for support and survival.
Bouncing Off the Moon is a brilliantly written story told in the classic sci-fi style. It is set wholly on Earth's Moon and the descriptions of the backdrop colorfully illustrate the colorless landscape of the colonized satellite. I couldn't help but think about Buzz Aldrin's observation when he encountered the body in 1969. He called it "magnificent desolation" and David brings those words to life in this book.
I was most impressed by the pains the author took to get the science right. However, what really drives the story are the characters.
This second book isn't your typical bridge between the beginning and the end of a trilogy, but it is a complete story unto itself. I found it exciting, scary, sad, and humorous; running a full gamut of emotions.
Charles, also known as Chigger, his two brothers, Bobby the younger, Douglas, the older, have just won their emancipation from their parents and are striking out to seek their fortune among the stars. Economic and political conditions on Earth have deteriorated to where its society seems doomed to collapse. The brothers are accompanied by Mickey, Douglas' newly found love interest.
Realizing they are being pursued for a toy they have in their possession; they learn they have to take an alternate way to avoid being captured. Bobby's toy contains something precious to many people. The boys are joined by Alexei, a friend of Mickey's and a resident of the Moon, who helps them escape from the tether in a cargo pod before they can be captured.
As a resident of the Earth's natural satellite, Alexei knows how to get around and he takes the boys on a fantastic adventure crossing the Lunar surface to seek safety. After arriving at a safe place, all is not what it seems, and the boys must watch their backs because there is uncertainty at every turn.
As for the characters in this second part of the tale, there is significant growth in the brothers. In the first book, they really had little in common with one another other than the schism brought about by their parents. Since they have been away from that influence, they have become closer and depend on one another for strength and support.
The story is told from Chigger's point of view, and we get to follow his feelings through the numerous new, strange, and dangerous situations the boys face. David wrote this story so one can feel what the boys feel, especially Chigger. As a young teenager, he is already emotionally compromised just because of the age. I have to say, though, that he handles much of what he faces well for his age.
My best advice for a reader is to keep an eye on all the characters. Some are not what they seem.
My favorite point of plot for Bouncing Off the Moon is all the swerves, twists, and turns this story takes. Just when one thinks this story is going to be predictable, it takes a turn and moves in another direction. I thought for sure I had a couple of characters figured out, only to find I was completely wrong about them. This alone makes this tale a fun one to read, as David takes the reader on an emotional and literal roller coaster ride.
Another point I appreciated were the descriptions of the surroundings and how the characters move through them while on the moon, not to mention how they get to the moon. The science is well researched, and it adds so much to the authenticity of the story. Everything the author shows the reader in this story is completely plausible. Indeed, it is all made up, but everything is so practical, it wouldn't be difficult to say that David is projecting today’s technologies into the not-too-distant future.
One takeaway from this story is how one must know their surroundings with great diligence. This is true especially with the people once interacts with. With the brothers, they had little choice in who to ally themselves with and it could have cost them their lives had they not been suspicious of nearly everyone they encountered.
But even more, during a scene near the end of the book, two characters get into a discussion of a legal and philosophical nature. The question posed is, "when it is appropriate to break the law?" Many would argue that illegal activity brings about change, but then at what cost does that change take place? Then there is the idea presented by American author, Henry David Thoreau, in an essay commonly known as On the Duty of Civil Disobedience. In nearly every book I've read by David Gerrold, there is something to give me pause and think. As for me, I think this small section is worth the price of the entire book. The conclusion to the argument is, "... it is never appropriate to break the law. It is, however, appropriate to challenge it responsibly." (p. 268, Kindle edition)
Not only is this my favorite part of the story, it is thick with substance and well worth the time, especially in the current political climate.
I recommend Bouncing Off the Moon along with the volume that comes before, Jumping Off the Planet, as something worth the time to read, not only because of the immense entertainment value of the saga but also to have one's mind stimulated with issues relevant to life today. David Gerrold's skill as a writer is shown in this story because the deep issues are not presented in a preachy way, but they are presented as important story points moving the story forward.
October 6, 2016
One of the best science fiction books I've read in a long time. Reminiscent of Heinlein, with a perfect mix of adventure, hard science, and hard-thinking philosophical questions. A win.
May 9, 2019
Excellent book, in the Heinlein tradition but of course gayer. Our protagonists have escaped Earth-in-crisis and divorced their parents. Now they finally arrive at the moon, but their lives and precious AI monkey are in danger. In the process, all the boys go through traumas and gain some maturity.
There's a lot of exposition about the science and mechanics of space travel and the moon settlement, and it gets a bit tiring (especially when Alixei, the hyperactive and probably-not-trustworthy guide, loses his annoying accent when he gets into complicated explanations with big words (when an actual accent would get worse). But it's all interesting.
Then there's David Gerrold's philosophy/worldview saturating the book. Which, I tend to agree with, so it's a plus for me. I found two passages in particular thought-provoking, one on gender roles and one on the relationship of people to laws.
What does bother me, and did in the previous book, were the brief episodes involving male genitals (no sex, but awkward and slightly creepy) and the lack of a single sympathetic female character. But neither detracted from my enjoyment of the story. On to #3!
There's a lot of exposition about the science and mechanics of space travel and the moon settlement, and it gets a bit tiring (especially when Alixei, the hyperactive and probably-not-trustworthy guide, loses his annoying accent when he gets into complicated explanations with big words (when an actual accent would get worse). But it's all interesting.
Then there's David Gerrold's philosophy/worldview saturating the book. Which, I tend to agree with, so it's a plus for me. I found two passages in particular thought-provoking, one on gender roles and one on the relationship of people to laws.
What does bother me, and did in the previous book, were the brief episodes involving male genitals (no sex, but awkward and slightly creepy) and the lack of a single sympathetic female character. But neither detracted from my enjoyment of the story. On to #3!
February 12, 2023
Charles "Chigger" Dingillad and his brothers Douglas and Bobby go with their dad on a Clarke beanstalk to the Moon. The boys get embroiled in intrigue. Their father acted as a courier for something extremely valuable to pay for the trip. This leads to several groups and individuals after them. The eventually make it to Moon after the boys divorce their parents. The eventually find safe harbor on the Moon where the boys are reunited with their parents and discover what they have been carrying. A HARLIE unit inside Bobby's robot monkey. They boys eventually reconcile with their parents and decided to head out to settle Outbeyond, a distant colony, with the HARLIE unit. The series currently ends with the family halfway to Outbeyond. Gerrold has created a great work of juvenile fiction which can be read by adults. The science is well detailed. Gerrold explorers classic themes of personal responsibility. Gerrold also takes an interesting look in family and personal relationships.
March 15, 2020
Gerrold, David. Bouncing Off the Moon. Dingilliad No. 2. Tor, 2001.
David Gerrold is an old hand as a television writer and novelist—from “The Trouble with Tribbles” in the original Star Trek series to 2019’s Ganny Knits a Spaceship. In 2000, he decided to update some Heinlein—in particular in Bouncing Off the Moon, The Rolling Stones and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress—making the family more dysfunctional, adding a dollop of gender diversity, and bringing the AI into the quantum computer era. Bouncing is full of fun speculations about how we might live on the Moon, especially if the justice system is libertarian, the way Heinlein would have wanted it to be. Gerrold’s Russian conman, Alexi, seems modeled more on Cyrano Jones than anyone Heinlein ever created, but his judge in the climactic court case would be right at home in many of the master’s worlds. Gerrold and Spider Robinson should get together for some more Heinlein fun before it is too late.
David Gerrold is an old hand as a television writer and novelist—from “The Trouble with Tribbles” in the original Star Trek series to 2019’s Ganny Knits a Spaceship. In 2000, he decided to update some Heinlein—in particular in Bouncing Off the Moon, The Rolling Stones and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress—making the family more dysfunctional, adding a dollop of gender diversity, and bringing the AI into the quantum computer era. Bouncing is full of fun speculations about how we might live on the Moon, especially if the justice system is libertarian, the way Heinlein would have wanted it to be. Gerrold’s Russian conman, Alexi, seems modeled more on Cyrano Jones than anyone Heinlein ever created, but his judge in the climactic court case would be right at home in many of the master’s worlds. Gerrold and Spider Robinson should get together for some more Heinlein fun before it is too late.
January 19, 2020
I really like this series.
June 8, 2023
Rich in details which bring universe to life, often slowing down the action, yet never losing a sharp intensity, a sense of danger. I feel this book is divided into two acts. One is where the Dingillian boys “bounce off the moon”, reinventing a lot of classic science fiction survivalism, guided by the flamboyant and larger than life Alexei in all his morally-gray likeability. The second is the court case where the boys justify all they’ve done, the fragments of their family reassembling even as their allies become more dubious. I preferred the second half in all its thought-provoking moral argument and dialogue as opposed to the run and bounce survivalism of the first. Throughout it all, the Dingillians remain powerful, unique characters with Charles as the narrative voice. Alexei is very strong in the first half, Judge Cavanaugh in the second, becoming stronger and stronger. A lot of the tragedy of the first book was resolved in the second with the Dingillian parents proving they’re made of sterner stuff than they originally showed, willing to compromise for the sake of their children. Their children proved they were mader of sterner stuff by surviving the environment and their enemies. I finished the book feeling very attached to all of the main characters, including the ones that revealed themselves at the end.
September 5, 2020
An Excellent Continuation of a (Not Yet Finished) Story
One of the things I love about reading David Gerrold’s work, beyond the moments of introspection by the characters, or the strong elements of family and growth, is that what in other, lesser novels would qualify as a McGuffin — the THING the story is about or hinges on — is a brief stopping place, like a single campsite, rich and full of things to experience, on a nationwide RV journey that is resplendent with so much more. In Bouncing Off the Moon, Gerrold examines the questions of legal guardianship, sentience, and the nature of nation-founding documents that embody the foundation of Law, all while delivering a rollicking, action-packed adventure full of questions of trust, life-threatening situations, and danger endemic to a Wild West-like environment.
One of the things I love about reading David Gerrold’s work, beyond the moments of introspection by the characters, or the strong elements of family and growth, is that what in other, lesser novels would qualify as a McGuffin — the THING the story is about or hinges on — is a brief stopping place, like a single campsite, rich and full of things to experience, on a nationwide RV journey that is resplendent with so much more. In Bouncing Off the Moon, Gerrold examines the questions of legal guardianship, sentience, and the nature of nation-founding documents that embody the foundation of Law, all while delivering a rollicking, action-packed adventure full of questions of trust, life-threatening situations, and danger endemic to a Wild West-like environment.
April 4, 2012
Whether Leaping, Bouncing or Jumping , Gerrold’s three book coming of age story told through the eyes of a teenager is exciting, touching and hilarious! Who wouldn’t find a robot monkey with a propensity for farting at just the right time for kids, and the wrong time for serious adults funny? The science, form the space elevator to surviving on the moon is sound and the story compelling. A nice book!
August 22, 2016
At first, I thought this book was just okay, then I got to the ending...
I won't go into details (no spoilers), but the how can you NOT love that ending? I mean, it was brilliantly put together! The argument itself can set precidence for years to come!
I give it 4.5 stars due to language.
For my clean readers:
Includes language(russian, english, etc.) and sexual innuendoes.
I won't go into details (no spoilers), but the how can you NOT love that ending? I mean, it was brilliantly put together! The argument itself can set precidence for years to come!
I give it 4.5 stars due to language.
For my clean readers:
Includes language(russian, english, etc.) and sexual innuendoes.
January 12, 2012
This was the weakest of the three Dingilliad (do they really call it that?) Trilogy. Still fun and action-packed.
July 26, 2016
the second book was better than the first.
August 28, 2018
Included in
The Far Side Of The Sky
May 22, 2015
This is a continued story"," but I like it. Brings back fond memories of childhood reading.
Want to read
December 17, 2014book 2. Young adults moving into space for adventures.
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