You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

***We have added some extra information about book discussions to this post (see 'a note on discussion' below). Please read it carefully. Thanks!***


One of the group reads for April is The Android's Dream by John Scalzi

Please discuss the book in this thread.

Annerlee will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have read the book before or during April 2019.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

A note on discussion: Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc.

In addition to this, the group reads are meant to be a "read along" so it is preferable that you discuss the book as you read rather than wait until you've finished the book.

And finally, discussion is not about just listing your thoughts. Please interact with the other group members, comment on their thoughts, and if they comment on yours, repond to them. This is what makes a good book discussion!

You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread.

Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

I am starting this one today! I'm excited to be reading a Scalzi again and this one looks like it will be a fun one!

Sara I’m starting this one today too. I’ve never read this author before though I have a couple of his books on my TBR- it’s time. I have the physical book and the cover is very eye catching. In my head it screams “children’s book” but that’s not what I’m expecting based on the back cover. I’m starting this book already curious.

Scalzi is one of my favourite authors now. I stumbled across him a couple years back through YLTO and it has been one of best finds. He's a go to author for me if I want to read a book I know I'll enjoy and find fun. Scalzi does include humour in his books, it is it the kind of humour that appeals to me. I hope you enjoy it Marnie!

It's far from being a children's book, Marnie. It has very mature themes. :) I hope you and Sarah both enjoy it.

I'm curious to see what you all think of this one. I'm still surprised and disappointed that my library doesn't carry it. I think I will recommend it to them. I've enjoyed the other Scalzi books I've read.

Science fiction usually takes me a bit to get my reading feet wet but I'm not having that issue here.

Chapter 1(view spoiler)[ I thought at first the humor was going to be too sophomoric for me, not a big fan of bodily functions jokes, but I find myself laughing at the absurdity of it all.

The sentences about Lars-win-Getag almost getting arrested because someone next to him used breath spray...reminded me of myself on an airplane when someone brings on smelly food. having an acute sense of smell is a curse.

I think Scalzi is doing a good job explaining the different people and their customs. A good intro.

My favorite line was about karma and her idiot cousin "what comes around goes around." I may quote that in real life.

A murder/suicide by farting...this is not your typical book :) (hide spoiler)]

Marnie wrote: "Science fiction usually takes me a bit to get my reading feet wet but I'm not having that issue here.

Chapter 1 I thought at first the humor was going to be too sophomoric for me, not a big fan of..."

I totally agree with your comments, Marnie. I had to go at this book twice before I really settled down to read it. I had an audiobook for a week and then switched to a print copy.

I think for me it’s much easier to start a book in print especially if it’s something I have to concentrate on to get what is going on. Then, if I have the audio too I switch to that when I’m walking, driving etc. I read that you started it twice which helped me prepare.

Hi everyone! I must admit, I started reading this late last week. The first sentence was such a puzzler, I had to keep on reading. I love Scalzi too and this one seems really good fun!

I'm reading on ebook.

I'm also on a mission to get more Scalzi in my local library Kristie. THey only have one of his books. Just ONE! So I've requested multiple things ( lol)

Marnie wrote: "Science fiction usually takes me a bit to get my reading feet wet but I'm not having that issue here.

Chapter 1 I thought at first the humor was going to be too sophomoric for me, not a big fan of..."

I agree, the subject matter could have gone horribly wrong, but in this case I think it actually works and is kind of droll..

Annerlee wrote: "Marnie wrote: "Science fiction usually takes me a bit to get my reading feet wet but I'm not having that issue here.

Chapter 1 I thought at first the humor was going to be too sophomoric for me, n..."

Droll is a great word for this. I am a big fan of political shenanigans and this book seems to be going in that direction as well.

I read all of the first page but it made me chuckle. And yes it's a cracking first sentence.

Sarah wrote: "I read all of the first page but it made me chuckle. And yes it's a cracking first sentence."

Seems to be a bit of a Scalzi trademark. Old Man's War had a cracking opening too.
"I did two things on my seventy-fifth birthday. I visited my Wife's grave. Then I joined the army."

Bang... straight in there...

I’m not a SF fan, but so many YLTO members seem to love Scalzi, John, I thought this month’s group read would be a good time to find out why.

I started reading this last night and am currently at the end of chapter 4. (view spoiler)[ Seems like we’ve all had some kind of reaction to the author’s introduction of flatulence on the very first line. It was a very off-putting way to begin a book aimed at an adult audience. I was worried that reading this was going to be too much of a struggle, but that feeling didn’t last long. The use of the fabricated apparatus was quite ingenious!

It’s interesting how the non-human race communities have developed, mimicking human behaviour. I’d love to live with the Paqils and their dogs. (hide spoiler)]

I’m warming up to the author‘s sense of humour. One irritating aspect of the edition I’m reading (Tom Doherty Associates, mass market edition) is that it is filled with typos. It is very distracting.

TrudyAn wrote: "I’m not a SF fan, but so many YLTO members seem to love Scalzi, John, I thought this month’s group read would be a good time to find out why.

I started reading this last night and..."
That is so frustrating!!! I'm having that issue with another book The Silent Patient ( the eBook) and though I'm enjoying the story I keep putting it down out of frustration. I haven't noticed typos in the print version I'm reading

Marnie wrote: "I think for me it’s much easier to start a book in print especially if it’s something I have to concentrate on to get what is going on. Then, if I have the audio too I switch to that when I’m walki..."

After I finished reading the book, I got the audiobook back from my library and re-listened. I enjoyed the story better, especially, since I could listen to Will Wheaton and go with the story, instead of stopping to decide if I understood what was going on.

Indeed Annerlee!

I am still reading John Scalzi's Old Man's War series. I have Zoe's Tale coming up in my MM challenge task soon.

Through chapter 4

Ok I had my first surprise (view spoiler)[ Brian showing up in the computer surprised me. I didn't expect that.

The parallel search is interesting to me: good v shady and all that or more correctly: characters I'm starting to get invested in v seemingly shady. Not sure how it will play out yet.

I also like how Scalzi is integrating the different species into the world I'm familiar with. Who wouldn't want to visit the Paquil"s neighborhood? Dogtown sounds pretty cool. (hide spoiler)]

Cherie wrote: "Marnie wrote: "I think for me it’s much easier to start a book in print especially if it’s something I have to concentrate on to get what is going on. Then, if I have the audio too I switch to that..."

I like that idea Cherie. If I had the audio too I think now that I understand the characters, I could follow the audio. My library only has the print version though. BOO

Cherie wrote: "I am still reading John Scalzi's Old Man's War series. I have Zoe's Tale coming up in my MM challenge task soon."

You and me both. I haven't read the third book yet. It's another series I need to get back to.

Yes I'm at the same point in the Old Man's war series too.

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[What a chapter. Silly but serious at the same time. Scalzi has one hell of an imagination. I found myself pulled into the story quickly. The chapter is quite a ramble from present day scenarios, some history of relations between humans and aliens, and Dirk's family and past all rolled together. When he used the machine to send insults to the alien diplomat, I was chuckling. I wasn't sure what his intention was, just to rile him, to influence negotiations, or what. I never expected that it was to kill him. I wonder if that was the intention. I'm guessing he never intended he would die in the process. All that meat, you see!

I was a little disappointed that Dirk died though. They'll be other characters though coming up who are equally as interesting I'm sure. (hide spoiler)]

This is exactly the book I needed right at this time.

Just noticed that there is a planned sequel for this book, although it has not been written yet.

Chapter 2(view spoiler)[Lots of secretaries in the government. I got a little confused with whose who. In particular Phipps. Where did he come from? I thought there were only 2 turn up but maybe one had an aide?! Anyway, seems he is in on things a little bit with Jean. Glad we've caught up with him again. It seems that the guy dying wasn't the plan after all.

I like the paper as a bug - genius!

So the Android's Dream is a breed of sheep. Loved the quote:

“The breed is called Android’s Dream,” Narf-win-Getag said. “Odd name,” Heffer said, returning the tablet. “It has some sort of literary significance,” Narf-win-Getag said, reaching for the tablet, “although I’m not sure how.

So there is a link to Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. I'm guessing Scalzi is a fan. I wonder if any of his books have one the Philip K Dick Award at any point?! I wonder if any further connections crop up or whether that's where it remains.
(hide spoiler)]

Sarah wrote: "Chapter 2.."

(view spoiler)[ I think it's amusing that the guy's name is Heffer. Makes me think of heifer (young cow). (hide spoiler)]

Sarah wrote: "Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[ I got a little confused at the names but the more I read it just starts working it's way out. I agree that death by that machine was a unique way to blast someone. I don't believe he meant to kill him just rile him enough to become careless. ooops
(hide spoiler)]

Janice wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Chapter 2.."

[spoilers removed]" Good catch. I missed the humor in the name.

chapter 3 (view spoiler)[Oooh, this is a cool book for nerding it up. Archie and Veronica were named after old search protocols. Neither jumped out at me so did a search - both were about pre world wide web. Interesting Veronica was used on the gopher system - thought that might be of interest for us YLTO members!

I am loving the race to find the android's dream. Archie vs Creek and their respective employers. Who are we to root for? I really like Javna and Creek.

Biggest excitement in this book. There is a potential easter egg! If any of you guys have read the Locked in series by Scalzi, (view spoiler)[Creek is mentioned as being the guy who "designed an artificial intelligence interface to help people with degenerative motor diseases communicate with the outside world." Is that the Threeps? Or the other software the Haden's use to communicate? (hide spoiler)]
(hide spoiler)]

Re your chapter 2 spoiler Janice (view spoiler)[See we don't use that term here in the UK, so I didn't find it funny. I do find it interesting how our cultures and experiences impact on our reading experience. (hide spoiler)]

Just finished chapter 4. So pleased so I can read your spoilers.

(view spoiler)[I agree with what you've said about the different alien races, hearing snippets about them and how they live here on earth and on their own planet.

“It’s good to see you too, man,” Brian Javna said. “Now maybe you can tell me a couple of things. Like how the hell you got so old. And what the fuck I’m doing inside your computer.”

Oh wow! I was not expecting that! I'm with you Marnie. I was hoping at some point we'd find out what happened at that battle, and in particular to Brian, but I never expected his consciousness would pop up in the computer. For those of you who have read other Scalzi books (view spoiler)[I shouldn't have been surprised though as it is very him! (hide spoiler)]

I laughed when Creek called the device an "Anally Inserted Nidu Enrager". And he's write, he couldn't just search for that with the fabricators. Haha!

I really enjoyed chapter 4, all the computer stuff in particular. I like that kind of thing.

(hide spoiler)]

through Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ A lot happened in this chapter. The killing of all the sheep makes my animal-loving heart not happy, even though I expected it.

I did enjoy all the religion talk and wonder if The Church of Scientology banned this book. Scalzi is obviously not a fan of L Ron Hubbard.

The ending of the chapter gave me my second shock. Robin Barker is part sheep? I mean wow! I feel like I'm on a reading roller coaster between "oh that's funny and what the heck."

But I must keep reading to see how this plays out. The sign of a good book. (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this chapter.

Sarah wrote: "chapter 3 re- Locked-IN..."
(view spoiler)[Great catch to Creek. I never made the connection, but I knew that I was missing something. Too long between stories. Yes, Threeps. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 6-7

(view spoiler)[ it is easy to see Scalzi's influences. Robin's story is a nod to H.G Wells The Island of Doctor Moreau. I'm enjoying his homages to familiar stories. Makes it fun.

The buildup is over and now the action is at warp speed.

The Wall Ball scene made me laugh. I remember getting a call from my son's school that he cracked his head playing it. It can be intense...a great first date plan lol (hide spoiler)]

Sarah wrote: "chapter 3 ..."

(view spoiler)[ There are lots of easter eggs in this book. I grew up reading the Archie comic books. Veronica was his love interest. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 - Same thoughts Marnie! Just cooking dinner so can't properly comment. I will when I get a chance. Great book!

Janice wrote: "Sarah wrote: "chapter 3 ..."

[spoilers removed]"

I need to slow down and see if I can spot them! Extra fun!

Re names and references. In chapter 2 we're introduced to gung ho Secretary Pope from the Ministry of Defense. (view spoiler)[ I first thought he was a reference to Nick Pope, previously employed by the MOD in the UK and now UFO 'commentator'. However, it turns out that Mr Pope's first name is Robert... which makes him Bob Pope. I found that quite amusing and can't help but imagine him as Bob Hope every time he appears in the story.
Then there's the president who is unavailable because he's reading to kindergarteners. Is that supposed to be tongue in cheek?
(hide spoiler)]

Sarah wrote: "Re your chapter 2 spoiler Janice [spoilers removed]"
I agree Sarah. That's why I like group reads so much You guys often pick up on things I would probably never notice! Culture and background can play a big part.

Annerlee wrote: "Re names and references. In chapter 2 we're introduced to gung ho Secretary Pope from the Ministry of Defense. ..."

(view spoiler)[ It's quite possible that it's tongue in cheek about the president reading to kindergarteners. The book was written during George W Bush's term of office. Scalzi has always been vocal about his political beliefs. (hide spoiler)]

Yes I noticed that one Janice and instantly thought of him!

Janice wrote: "Annerlee wrote: "Re names and references. In chapter 2 we're introduced to gung ho Secretary Pope from the Ministry of Defense. ..
[spoilers removed]"

I think you are right again. These hidden references are making the book so much more fun.

Marnie wrote: "I think you are right again. These hidden references are making the book so much more fun..

Clearly most of you are having a different reading experience than I am because of your familiarity with Scalzi’s writing. I wasn’t even aware of the term ‘Easter egg ‘ (in a literary sense), so had to google it. There do seem to be a lot of references to unnamed events, and I can see that those of you who have read lots of Scalzi and other sci-if will be reading this with a different level of enjoyment and understanding.

Annerlee wrote: "Re names and references.."

(view spoiler)[ Isn’t entire book tongue in cheek? He is having so much fun poking at human behaviours and our institutions. (hide spoiler)]

I’m a few pages into chapter 10.

(view spoiler)[ I had to laugh at Earth’s very low military power ranking within the CC. I hope we have stronger allies than the Nidu!

I’m having a bit of trouble keeping all of the characters (and alliances) straight, which has made the story hard to navigate at times. What I am liking most about this book are the ingenious AI and other tech “advances” and solutions that Scalzi has dreamt up. His imagination must constantly be in overdrive. The scheming and backstabbing politicians are fun. The humour detracts somewhat from the horrific ways people are being maimed and killed. I could have done without the killing of the Fixer’s dog, though.

It looked like we would soon learn more about the Battle of Pajmni, but no details yet. (hide spoiler)]

I love easter eggs TrudyAn - in books and films. Lots of authors do it. Stephen King and his son Joe Hill often make reference to their other books and even to each others in subtle ways. To a non fan, they would miss it but it would still all make sense. To a fan, they feel in the know and get excited by it. Another author who does it is Ernest Cline but generally it's nods to films, games, books, events etc. Scalzi appears to be doing a bit of both.

I've read quite a bit whilst out and about today. I'll comment properly tomorrow. I'm mid chapter 10.

I opened my book from Audible and started listening last night, just to keep up.

I started yesterday. I have read a few Scalzi novels before and usually find him enjoyable but wouldn't count him in my favourites. His books sometimes contain too much action for my liking. The one that I loked best so far is Redshirts.

Chapters 1 and 2 : (view spoiler)[ Agree that it was an opening line to reel you in. It has the quick fire humour that I associate with Scalzi - at first glance juvenile but on examination part of a very clever thought process!

I'm loving all the politics; both within and between species. It seems to an interesting world. All of the scheming and double crossing is familiar even if the races and names are not.

Enjoyed the nod to Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. I was wondering (on a different thread) what the link between the two books would be and Sarah has already commented on it in message 26. I was also excited by that quote Sarah ;-p

We call young cows heffers too Janice. I thought the term was used everywhere.

(hide spoiler)]

Annerlee wrote: "Re names and references. In chapter 2 .." (view spoiler)[ Good spots Annerlee! I particularly like "bob pope" 😅
(hide spoiler)]