Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

Discussion is open for the July group read of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet with Lynn as the discussion leader.

Please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot related surprises. Just type < spoiler > to start the spoiler and < / spoiler > to end the spoiler (remove the spaces for the html tag to work).

Posts should be exclusively about this book.

When you've finished, be sure to post in the "July Challenge: I Finished!" thread.

Happy July! Here in the midwestern US we are finally experiencing some hotter, more summer-like temperatures. We've had rather temperate weather until now... It came close to 100 degrees today! :)

I was unable to post as planned over the weekend due to our internet being down and then our electricity was off! Weird weekend vibes! Now that all is restored...on with the discussion! After debating with myself, I have decided to post questions as the book progresses. For this initial posting, I would like us to consider the first 67 pages, until "Day 131, GC Standard 306" on page 68.

I like to begin with overall initial impressions and I think this book gives us much to react to within those first 67 pages. At least it did for me! Within a few days I'll post some more specific questions regarding the characters. I found them all to be fascinating in one way or another!

Please, please please...remember to use the spoiler tags as you feel may be appropriate throughout this discussion!

1) What were your thoughts upon reading the Exodan Proverb?
From the ground, we stand;
From our ships, we live;
By the stars, we hope.

2) Why did you decide to read this book? Specifically to join in this discussion? To complete the #20 Popsugar Prompt-"A book set in space"? Or just because?

3) Have you read a "Space Opera" before? I was fascinated by this term which Dictionary.com defines as "a television or radio drama or motion picture that is a science-fiction adventure story." (Interesting that there is no mention of a "book"!) Does/Did that alter your expectations for this book?

4) What is your most striking "take away" as you read the first 67 pages, until "Day 131, GC Standard 306" on page 68?

5) What do you think of the chapter headings?

6) Does anything specifically surprise you in those first 67 pages? Or did you feel it began just as you expected it to?

7) Is your initial reaction positive or negative? Or...just "meh"?

So anxious to hear what everyone thinks so far!

I read this in June unaware that it was the July pick! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did :)

Zoe wrote: "I read this in June unaware that it was the July pick! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did :)"

Good to know you liked it! I thought it was rather brilliant! :) I hope you'll join us in some discussion!

1) What were your thoughts upon reading the Exodan Proverb?
From the ground, we stand;
From our ships, we live;
By the stars, we hope.

I admit I was a bit confused by this initially. Though once I learned about Exodans and the human Exodus Fleet, it made sense. They had to abandon their planet and launch themselves into space, hoping to find habitable environments.

2) Why did you decide to read this book? Specifically to join in this discussion? To complete the #20 Popsugar Prompt-"A book set in space"? Or just because?

I selected this book after reviewing others' suggestions to fulfill this prompt. It seemed the most promising to me.

3) Have you read a "Space Opera" before? I was fascinated by this term which Dictionary.com defines as "a television or radio drama or motion picture that is a science-fiction adventure story." (Interesting that there is no mention of a "book"!) Does/Did that alter your expectations for this book?

I had never heard the term "space opera" before, so this was all brand-new to me. I kinda think of it as a "soap opera in the sky." :) I had no idea what to expect other than Scifi/Fantasy...

4) What is your most striking "take away" as you read the first 67 pages, until "Day 131, GC Standard 306" on page 68?

I was amazed at the diversity among the crew members and the distinct personalities. Chambers was brilliant at characterizing each one, IMHO.

5) What do you think of the chapter headings?

I was kinda wondering if we were only going to progress sequentially by days or even portions of days...how slow was this going to be? ;)

6) Does anything specifically surprise you in those first 67 pages? Or did you feel it began just as you expected it to?

I was surprised by the mixing of species on one ship. Also, the limited/lack of space was surprising. Having rarely flown, etc., I guess I have rarely considered the impact of living with others and being so crammed together.

7) Is your initial reaction positive or negative? Or...just "meh"?

I was sucked in from page one and that never stopped... :) POSITIVE!

Some more questions to consider as you continue reading:

1) What did you think of the physics lesson that Kizzy provided Rosemary regarding tunneling on the first day?

2) What do you think of the potentially big job that Ashby can apply for to build a wormhole in the midst of the Toremi civil war? Do you hope he gets it? Why or why not?

3) About a third of the way through (page 157), in the chapter “Intro to Harmagian Colonial History,” we see Dr. Chef’s perspective of having been a mother, though he is currently male, and Sissix’s perspective that children aren’t people yet. Ohan is referred to as they/them. The Akarak are referred to as xyr/xe. These perspectives and preferences are actually held by different groups of humans in our own world. Do you think assigning these perspectives to aliens rather than humans make them easier or harder to sympathize with?

4) What have you found to be the most humorous in your reading thus far? A specific situation, or belief, or...?

I read this about three years ago, and thought it was great. I was glad it got chosen as a monthly read. I thought Becky Chambers did a good job with showing a good mix of characters and races.

I also like the fact that all the books in the series can be read stand-alone, although they do vaguely link to each other. I've read all three, and liked all of them a lot.

BTW, if you want to learn more about the Exodans, read the third one in the series, Record of a Spaceborn Few which starts towards the end of Small Angry Planet and has Ashby's sister as one of the POV characaters.

Trish wrote: "I read this about three years ago, and thought it was great. I was glad it got chosen as a monthly read. I thought Becky Chambers did a good job with showing a good mix of characters and races.

I ..."

I have ordered the second book in the series, A Closed and Common Orbit which is this month's book for one of the 2019 Reading Challenge July Buddy Reads. They will read and discuss the last book of the trilogy in August as well!

Thanks for the information regarding the next two in the series. I am kinda sad that we don't stay with the Wayfarer crew! :( But I'm relatively certain I will enjoy reading them!

I will be posting more questions over the weekend. And...I just received my copy of the second book in the series! :)

Where is everyone for this one? I finished it about a week ago and have been checking this thread, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of action!

I have to say it was completely out of my usual reading zone, but I quite enjoyed it! I really liked the characters. That being said, I thought it was a little bit light on plot - I could have used a bit more "story" ... it was definitely a "LONG WAY" to the planet, without a ton of stuff happening. But as I said, it was still very entertaining.

I finished the book this morning and also really enjoyed it. I usually enjoy plot driven books much more than character driven books but I liked most of the characters in this one and got totally caught up in them. I wouldn’t have read this one without the prompt of the challenge but I’m glad I did- and I have the next one on my TBR list now.

I loved loved loved this book and I am not a sci-fi fan at all! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series! I loved imagining how each character looked and interacted with one another. Just a very imaginative book for me!

1) What were your thoughts upon reading the Exodan Proverb?
From the ground, we stand;
From our ships, we live;
By the stars, we hope.

This makes a lot of sense once you get the background info on what’s happened to the human race. But I didn’t really take much note of it at the time.

2) Why did you decide to read this book? Specifically to join in this discussion? To complete the #20 Popsugar Prompt-"A book set in space"? Or just because?

Just because. It’s been on my radar as something I was pretty sure I’d love since it came out. The audio was available right as I was looking for something fun. And it was a bit of serendipity that it’s the monthly read for this group - I’ve been awol the last six months but I missed the book talk. So I popped in and saw that this was the read and it certainly felt like a happy coincidence. Hopefully with our final unpacking after the move from Colorado to Canada and all my old stuff out of storage, things will settle down and I’ll get lots of summer reading and book chatting done.

3) Have you read a "Space Opera" before? I was a HUGE SFF reader in high school, so I definitely have read tons. It’s been awhile though.

4) What is your most striking "take away" as you read the first 67 pages, until "Day 131, GC Standard 306" on page 68?

I’d read the comparisons to Firefly and I absolutely agreed with those (in a positive way - love that show!) from the beginning. The ragtag crew that serves as family for each member, the episodic nature, the us against the bigger forces plots.

7) Is your initial reaction positive or negative? Or...just "meh"? I loved it from the beginning. I really liked each and every character and the sight mystery of Rosemary’s secret was a good book.

1) What did you think of the physics lesson that Kizzy provided Rosemary regarding tunneling on the first day? It kinda went in one ear and out the other, tbh. Which is probably why I prefer space opera to harder SF - I’m not hugely into the science.

2) What do you think of the potentially big job that Ashby can apply for to build a wormhole in the midst of the Toremi civil war? Do you hope he gets it? Why or why not? I assumed he’d get and it would go wrong.

3) About a third of the way through (page 157), in the chapter “Intro to Harmagian Colonial History,” we see Dr. Chef’s perspective of having been a mother, though he is currently male, and Sissix’s perspective that children aren’t people yet. Ohan is referred to as they/them. The Akarak are referred to as xyr/xe. These perspectives and preferences are actually held by different groups of humans in our own world. Do you think assigning these perspectives to aliens rather than humans make them easier or harder to sympathize with? As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, these are perspectives I really value in any and all forms I come across them. I wonder if making them all characteristics of aliens makes it easier for straight readers who may not have that familiarity?

4) What have you found to be the most humorous in your reading thus far? A specific situation, or belief, or...?

I thought the whole thing had a really gentle humour, overall.

I really loved this book. Can’t wait to read the next two. Particularly the interactions between Rosemary and Sissex, which just seemed so sweet and fascinating in terms of their different relationship expectations.

Errlee wrote: "Where is everyone for this one? I finished it about a week ago and have been checking this thread, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of action!

I have to say it was completely out of my usual re..."

I apologize for not responding earlier! I agree with you about the lack of participation! But I do realize how it is to intend to read and participate and then time running out! :)

Since I typically read for characterization over and above plot, I think that is one of the main reasons I loved this book so much! Glad you also enjoyed it!

Lisa wrote: "I finished the book this morning and also really enjoyed it. I usually enjoy plot driven books much more than character driven books but I liked most of the characters in this one and got totally c..."

I am hoping to get to read the second in the series this weekend, but we will see what happens!

Cari wrote: "I loved loved loved this book and I am not a sci-fi fan at all! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series! I loved imagining how each character looked and interacted with one another..."

I agree, Cari! Excellent characterization that really painted mental images!

Chinook wrote: "1) What were your thoughts upon reading the Exodan Proverb?
From the ground, we stand;
From our ships, we live;
By the stars, we hope.

This makes a lot of sense once you get the background info ..."

Ah, Chinook! I appreciate you answering the questions.

Regarding the Exodan proverb, I initially wondered exactly what it meant and then was gratified when I realized it's true meaning later...

Oh, my! Colorado to Canada? That was quite a move! I cannot imagine! Glad for the happy coincidence!

Thank you for the further insights regarding Space Opera and Sci Fi. I admit to loving the science, but rarely read much Science Fiction since my pre-teen/teen years.

I love your assumption about the big job. I also assumed the same...and... :)

Agreed about the fact these are "aliens" with these beliefs. In fact, I would love more information regarding the human groups holding such beliefs. I feel that would be fascinating to know. Yes, I think it is probably easier for those who identify as "straight"/heterosexual to read about these varied social systems as alien rather than human. Though it shouldn't be...IMHO!

I appreciated the overall feeling of "family" to this book as well!

Chinook wrote: "I really loved this book. Can’t wait to read the next two. Particularly the interactions between Rosemary and Sissex, which just seemed so sweet and fascinating in terms of their different relation..."

I believe that was my favorite part as well. I loved Rosemary for being so willing to make Sissix feel more at home!

So here are some more questions for those who are participating.

1) There has been significant conversation about AI--what it means to be alive, whether or not AI should have rights, whether or not a person can fall in love with a specific instance of AI, etc. After the discussion between Pepper and Jenks, how do you feel about Lovey's and Jenks' relationship? Should they move forward with their plan?

2) How might the ship robbery have been different if the Wayfarer were armed?

3) Cloning technology exists and is used in many sci-fi universes, but the GC does not look kindly upon it and it is an abomination to the Quelin. Did this revelation regarding Corbin's nature change your view of him?

4) What about the Toremi? What did you think of their culture and how they behave before reaching Hedra Ka? Did they act any differently than you expected? Was this just another example of exploitation for natural resources? (As has been so common on earth?) Should the GC abandon negotiations or do you think they should have continued to try to strike a deal with the Toremi?

5) A visit to a Solitary Sianat colony in "Heresy" provides a potential cure for Ohan's illness, but they make it fairly clear they do not want it -- though there may be some debate as to whether Ohan is actually in their 'right mind'. Corbin takes matters into his own hands during a crucial moment following the attack on the Wayfarer. Do you think Corbin did the right thing? Did you agree with his action?

6) What did you think of Ashby and Pei's relationship? Did it remind you of any other relationships in our society, past or present?

7) Would you agree or disagree with the following review?

"The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is a joyous, optimistic space opera...Although it isn’t shy about tackling Big Questions, Planet is a heart-warming debut novel that will restore your faith in science fiction (specifically) and humanity (in general)." - Tor.com

And those are my questions for this one! This is just one of the many books I have read and LOVED this year!

As several of you stated, I am also anxious to read the other two. If you are interested, the second book, A Closed and Common Orbit, is one of the 2019 Reading Challenge July Buddy Reads. And the third book, Record of a Spaceborn Few, is one of their August Buddy Reads!

1) how do you feel about Lovey's and Jenks' relationship? Should they move forward with their plan?

I thought the relationship was sweet but doomed, particularly that they suspected Jenks would be fired for helping Lovey get a body. The set up for the clone issue later was perfect, as was how the relationship was at the end of the book. As a story arc, I thought it was well done and pretty clearly indicated that an AI with memories can be a person.

2) How might the ship robbery have been different if the Wayfarer were armed? I think everyone would have been killed. Criminals use a force that they perceive as exceeding the force of their target. It’s safer then not to have weapons or to have so many that they can’t be exceeded. Since the latter isn’t plausible for a small shii like the Wayfarer, it’s safer to have none.

3) Cloning technology exists and is used in many sci-fi universes, but the GC does not look kindly upon it and it is an abomination to the Quelin. Did this revelation regarding Corbin's nature change your view of him?

It didn’t change my view of him, but it seems to me that having his secret outed and then having the support of his crew changed the character’s view of himself.

4) What about the Toremi? What did you think of their culture and how they behave before reaching Hedra Ka? Did they act any differently than you expected? Was this just another example of exploitation for natural resources? (As has been so common on earth?) Should the GC abandon negotiations or do you think they should have continued to try to strike a deal with the Toremi?

I thought the Toremi were not the kind of people I’d want to try and negotiate with, certainly, since they expect total agreement at all times. That said, it seemed to me that perhaps there was starting to be some evolution in their thinking that was set back by other factions.

5) A visit to a Solitary Sianat colony in "Heresy" provides a potential cure for Ohan's illness, but they make it fairly clear they do not want it -- though there may be some debate as to whether Ohan is actually in their 'right mind'. Corbin takes matters into his own hands during a crucial moment following the attack on the Wayfarer. Do you think Corbin did the right thing? Did you agree with his action?

I think Corbin did. He respected Ohan’s wishes until doing so was a risk to others. It’s a hard action to judge, due to the nature of a parasite and the concerns about making an informed choice.

6) What did you think of Ashby and Pei's relationship? Did it remind you of any other relationships in our society, past or present?

I thought it was sweet. It was interesting that the male member was the pacifist and the female member the more militant one. The need to hide the relationship from society reminded me of black-white relationships in the civil rights period in the US.

7) Would you agree or disagree with the following review?

"The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is a joyous, optimistic space opera...Although it isn’t shy about tackling Big Questions, Planet is a heart-warming debut novel that will restore your faith in science fiction (specifically) and humanity (in general)." - Tor.com

My faith in science fiction wasn’t in need of restoration, but I’m general I agree about it being joyous and optimistic.

Chinook wrote: "1) how do you feel about Lovey's and Jenks' relationship? Should they move forward with their plan?

I thought the relationship was sweet but doomed, particularly that they suspected Jenks would be..."

Chinook, I swear, we must be reading twins! At least as far as this one book is concerned! ;)

1) I agree with you regarding Lovey and Jenks' relationship. I think this was the first time I could conceive of AI developing a personality, etc., though in many ways it makes sense. We all learn from experience and our environment. I wonder if this would have developed if not for the very limited environment of the Wayfarer. I had noted at the beginning of the book that I couldn't imagine living in such close proximity to so many people! :)

2) Also agree regarding the robbery. I found myself actually glad they were unarmed... Violence only begets more violence, IMHO.

3) Discovering Corbin's cloning made me feel very sympathetic toward him, especially regarding the fact that he was unaware. In the wake of my mother's death I discovered a lie regarding my biological father she had perpetuated throughout my lifetime until her death. It is unbelievable the sense of utter betrayal you can feel, so I could kinda relate to his feelings in the aftermath of this revelation. Before this I just thought he was a total jerk! And then to be beaten and imprisoned because of this... :(

4) I also felt perhaps certain factions within the Toremi culture/society were becoming more interested in reaching out and interacting with others, yet, I also felt they had a right to defend their natural resources from exploitation. Though as you say, I did not feel they were fully open and prepared to negotiate with GC or anyone else! It seemed their society had yet to evolve beyond force/violence determining all power, very few appeared to be at all familiar with or able to use diplomacy!

5) Oh, wow. This is such a tough situation. I can imagine myself doing exactly what Corbin did and then immediately questioning whether it was the right thing to do! Poor Ohan. I really felt that if they cared about them, the crew would save them. (LOL That sentence feels nonsensical! ;))

6) The gender attributes were definitely atypical from a traditional/conservative perspective. Ashby and Pei reminded me of previously "unlawful" relationships between people who are different from each other in our society, as well! So very sad... But I worried for both of them. What if they were discovered? Ugh.

7) My faith in SciFi was intact as well! It was so complex, and yet presented in such a simplistic and relatable way.

I’m on the waiting list for the next book, so hopefully I’ll get to it soon.

Finished up last week. I did really enjoy it by the end.

At first I was a little annoyed by how similar Kizzy was to Kaylee (Firefly), it seemed just a little too easy. But she ends up being fully developed and an adorable character, so all is forgiven.

I think that SciFi/SciFantasy has always been a way of exploring deeper philosophical/societal topics that can be difficult or impossible to breach in "real life". It can make it seem more approachable, or make you see something as awful (cause it is) and then recalculate your own actions. I loved that this seemed an extension of that history but with issues more prevalent in today's world.

I enjoyed what almost seemed to be snippets of life with the crew, but did have to check in on the dates every once and a while to see how much time had passed etc.

I did find Lovey to be an enjoyable character, and certainly don't dispute that she was sentient. But don't find it plausible for an AI to be anywhere near that level of sophistication any time soon. They're great at calculations, less great at empathy.

Not 100% sure I'll go back to the next two books, really sad that it doesn't continue on with the Wayfarer and will focus on different characters. I'm sure it's still amazing, just not sure I'll pick it up right away.

Katie wrote: "Finished up last week. I did really enjoy it by the end.

At first I was a little annoyed by how similar Kizzy was to Kaylee (Firefly), it seemed just a little too easy. But she ends up being fully..."

I finally broke down and googled Firefly. As I feared, it was a TV series. Since I've not had TV in my house for 20+ years I have no idea about it. However, with so many people mentioning this book's similarity to it I am now interested in watching it! I see it is now available on "Facebook Watch" which is supposedly a free online streaming service. (Hadn't heard of it before now...)

I agree with your comment regarding SciFi/SciFantasy exploring issues. Always seems much easier in a world seemingly far removed from our own. :)

I am only 29 pages into A Closed and Common Orbit and already loving it! Chambers is superb at characterization, IMHO.

I do think development of empathy may be a challenge, though it seemed as if she had developed at least a semblance of empathy toward Jenks, if I recall correctly.

I hope you get the opportunity to read the others as well!

Firefly is a really good TV show IMO. It became a bit of a cult classic because Fox cancelled it after a single season, and then there was a movie after.

It’s the ragtag band of space adventurers who become each other’s family that makes for the comparison.

Chinook wrote: "Firefly is a really good TV show IMO. It became a bit of a cult classic because Fox cancelled it after a single season, and then there was a movie after.

It’s the ragtag band of space adventurers..."

Ahhh...I see!

I'm finally getting around to reading this one. Wonder if I can finish it by tomorrow.

1st set of questions:

1) What were your thoughts upon reading the Exodan Proverb?
From the ground, we stand;
From our ships, we live;
By the stars, we hope.
I had no idea what Exodan meant, so wasn't sure what this actually meant other than a group of people who left their original place.

2) Why did you decide to read this book? Specifically to join in this discussion? To complete the #20 Popsugar Prompt-"A book set in space"? Or just because?
I had never heard of this book before it was suggested for this prompt, so I'm reading it to join the discussion (late) and to fulfill the prompt.

3) Have you read a "Space Opera" before? I was fascinated by this term which Dictionary.com defines as "a television or radio drama or motion picture that is a science-fiction adventure story." (Interesting that there is no mention of a "book"!) Does/Did that alter your expectations for this book?
I don't read nearly as much sci-fi as I should, and so I'm not sure if what I have read would qualify. I've had little notion of what this book is about, so it doesn't alter my expectations since I don't have many, other than hoping it is good.

4) What is your most striking "take away" as you read the first 67 pages, until "Day 131, GC Standard 306" on page 68?
Enjoying the set-up so far, the characters, the ideas. Can't wait to see what Rosemary's secret is.

5) What do you think of the chapter headings?
Helpful in keeping track of the days.

6) Does anything specifically surprise you in those first 67 pages? Or did you feel it began just as you expected it to?
I had no expectations, so no surprises.

7) Is your initial reaction positive or negative? Or...just "meh"?
I'm enjoying the book so far.

I finally got this one and finished it. I was dreading this prompt and glad we had it for the group read. I have to admit I really enjoyed it and I'm glad that I got to journey with these characters. So many moral and ethical issues were presented in a way that felt natural and left open for good discussion.

Britany wrote: "I finally got this one and finished it. I was dreading this prompt and glad we had it for the group read. I have to admit I really enjoyed it and I'm glad that I got to journey with these character..."

So glad you enjoyed it. I totally agree with you, especially that last sentence! I see the other questions and discussion have magically disappeared! :(