The Not a Book Club Club discussion

Section 2

Please keep all discussion and speculation to the events of Day 132-145 The Job - Day 245 Intro to Harmagian Colonial History.

No spoiler tags required. Though it would be highly appreciated if you Uncheck Add to my Update Feed to avoid accidentally spoiling things for your good read friends.

Please do not discuss events from later sections/books. Referring back to events from a previous section is fine.

I've been evangelizing this book for a few years now based on how much I ended up loving the characters. I think I forgot how funny it was though.

She fell into a theatrical stalking crouch. “You’re like, all sneaking through the grass” — she skipped from side to side — “dodging snakes or rats or whatever, and you’ve just got this big pointy stick, and you have to run up to this fucking buffle — ”

“Buffle?” said Sissix.

“It’s like a big cow or something."

Basically whenever Kizzie starts talking.

The bit towards the end of the Port Corial chapter with Sissix and the old Aandrisk shop owner is an interesting bit of writing/emotional interaction. It's actually quite brief but it really defines Sissix's character and culture and gives the reader a really good reason to like her more. But because it's from Rosemary's point of view and she's so appreciative you like Rosemary more as well.

Unsurprisingly, in the chapter 'The Job' we learn what it was that Yoshi tipped Ashby on. And its a high paying, dangerous job into a new area of space. That answers one of questions from the first section.

I like how Rosemary mostly dispelled the pirate boarding with her knowledge of their culture and history. Good stuff.

One of the better aspects of this book is that the entire crew get their opportunities to be awesome, and Rosemary gets a couple. On the flipside, that's not particularly realistic, but it's nice to see something so positive for a change.

Lindsay wrote: "Basically whenever Kizzie starts talking."

I think Kizzie is my favorite character, but she does a good job making me like of the characters rather quickly. The plot has been light, but I'm just happy spending time with the crew.

I was also really concerned when they got boarded by the pirates, and sad to learn their navigator was dying.

Lindsay wrote: "The bit towards the end of the Port Corial chapter with Sissix and the old Aandrisk shop owner is an interesting bit of writing/emotional interaction. It's actually quite brief but it really defines Sissix's character and culture and gives the reader a really good reason to like her more.."

I thought that was a cool scene.

Lindsay wrote: "On the flipside, that's not particularly realistic, but it's nice to see something so positive for a change. "

So you're saying when you space ship was boarded by pirates their culture was nothing like that, and they just stole everything instead?

Rob wrote: "So you're saying when you space ship was boarded by pirates their culture was nothing like that, and they just stole everything instead? "

Ha! I take your point, but what I meant is that the whole lot of them, even the pricklier ones like Orhan and Corbin, end up being likeable and awesome in their own ways. In reality, any group of people this size are going to have people who are just mediocre and/or boring.

Ah, yeah. Sometimes it's nice to just have a bunch of likable characters though.

I am really enjoying all the characters in the book. Chambers does an amazing job creating cultures and races that are different yet believable. All the little details and interactions have been a delight to read.

I can't really pick a favorite character between Kizzy, Sissix, Ashby, dr. Chef, and Jenks. I do like that she gives them each moments to shine even in small ways (other than poor Corbin but I'm sure he will get a chance). Ohan is/are so interesting and it makes me sad that the wane has started.

sure you can. pick Kizzy :)

I think you put your finger on it, Jaime. Creating aliens that are not only believable but relatable as well. I had no problems connecting with all of these characters. Even Corbin, everybody knows someone like him, expert at his job and a complete jackass.

I'm a couple of weeks late, but finally finished this section, and I'm cursing the midterms I need to grade today because I just want to finish the book!

I love all the characters, both human and alien. I love that the aliens are likable and yet...alien. I love pretty much when Kizzy does anything.

Also, I think this may be the first science fiction book I've read where the ship is boarded and they have absolutely nothing to defend themselves with.

I can see why you've been preaching this book Lindsay and I'm SO glad I finally listened :)

That's a good point about the boarding. So strange!