Play Book Tag discussion

Record of a Spaceborn Few, is the third book in the Wayfarers series, which began with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but it helps to read book 1 before book 3. Each book is different but I loved them all.

I really enjoy the way Chambers writes. She has imagined a whole history and culture of all the people who left earth to go to various places in Space. She presents such rich information, it almost makes me think, yes, this is how it will happen. I'd like to think that future earthlings will be as peaceful and fair. There is a decidedly feminine quality to the culture of this group of earth descendants. They are committed to ensuring that everyone in their community has food, a home, etc. Based on book one, I think the earth people living on Mars are less concerned with economic, social and political equality.

The very beginning of the book, the prologue, was very timely, because a large number of people died at the same time (due to an explosion, not a virus). One of the key characters is a caretaker, which is similar to a coroner or funeral home worker. We saw the situation from her point of view. She was unable to help families follow traditional rites because the system just couldn't handle the large number of deaths all at one time. This has happened in China, Italy, New York city and other places this year.

Wow, amazing how sci-fi can illuminate the present from the future. I really loved small angry planet, but only liked closed and common orbit. This one sounds really interesting and I am encouraged to read it!