Sci-Fi Group Book Club discussion

Following our poll for June's themed reads, this is the nomination topic for the second of the chosen themes (Space Opera).

As per usual, all suggestions made in this topic will be listed in a poll in a few days so that we can vote on the two books for the monthly group read.

If a book has featured in a previous group read in the last 12 months, please do not suggest it for this next group read. You may, however, feel free to repeat any earlier unsuccessful suggestions you (or anybody else) made in previous nomination topics.

In keeping with the theme, how about Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente? The book description says it best:
IN SPACE EVERYONE CAN HEAR YOU SING

A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented-something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.

Once every cycle, the civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix - part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Instead of competing in orbital combat, the powerful species that survived face off in a competition of song, dance, or whatever can be physically performed in an intergalactic talent show. The stakes are high for this new game, and everyone is forced to compete.

This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny - they must sing.

A one-hit-wonder band of human musicians, dancers and roadies from London - Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes - have been chosen to represent Earth on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of their species lies in their ability to rock.

Richard wrote: "In keeping with the theme, how about Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente? The book description says it best:
IN SPACE EVERYONE CAN HEAR YOU SING

A century ago, the..."

Seems fitting based on the title alone! As it's a work of humour also, those who voted for comedy science fiction in the poll might be happy if this one gets picked.

How about?

Beyond the Blue Event Horizon
(Heechee Saga #2)
by Frederik Pohl

Jim wrote: "How about?

Beyond the Blue Event Horizon
(Heechee Saga #2)
by Frederik Pohl"

Looks interesting, Jim, but do you need to have read the first book in the series first?

My choice is Basilisk Station by David Weber. It's the first book in a space opera series which is highly rated. I chose it because there is a female protagonist and I haven't read it yet.

Based on the books suggested here, the space opera themed group read poll can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1.... Members may write-in alternative books into the poll if they wish.