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Floating Hotel
2025 Monthly Group Reads
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May Group Read Discussion: Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
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I put this book on hold about a month ago figuring I would have it by now...but, nope not yet. I have no other ideas for this prompt since it is not my genre and was just gonna use this one. Hopefully I will get it soon.
I am hoping to get this book soon as well - not super familiar with space tourism themes,
Mod
I was wondering what to read for this prompt, so I'll go with this one.
Not the type of book I would normally read - but I enjoyed it.
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1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
Mod
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
Oh, yeah. This clicks alot of boxes for me and would definitely interest me!
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
I had to look, but yes, this was added to my TBR listing in March 2024. I assumed I would enjoy reading it...
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
I have not. But each of them appeals to me, so if I enjoy this one, I would definitely be up for reading either/both of them!
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
It does! I typically am not impressed either way with cover images--they just don't matter to me all that much. However, this one makes me think of truly 'getting away from it all' and/or vacationing in luxury. And all of that definitely appeals to me in many ways!!
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
* Yes, I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy so this is pretty typical for me.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
* It wasn’t on my TBR. I’m reading it to fill the Space Tourism prompt.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
* Nope - this is the only one of her books I read
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
* It’s a nice cover, but I didn’t feel like it was particularly special in any way.
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
SF and queer/LGBT are two of my top categories. I don't read much fantasy, but I wouldn't really classify this as fantasy anyway. I read mysteries occasionally and am planning to explore some of the classics in that genre soon. I do probably tend towards the cozy end of the mystery spectrum.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
I chose it for the prompt, before it was selected as the monthly group read.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March.
No, but Frontier seems like something I might enjoy in the right mood.
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
Yes, it was one of the things that attracted me to this book when I was looking for something to fill the prompt! I love those purples and blues and sweeping lines. I also found the title font quite evocative of a 1920s, Grand Hotel vibe.
To get us started:1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
I read a lot of mysteries, especially cozies, and a decent amount of SF and Fantasy, so yes. LGBT isn't my favourite genre, but a lot of SF is going that way nowadays.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
No. I'd never even heard of it or the author before, so the combination of it being a monthly GR and prompt #3 meant I'd give it a go.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No, although if I enjoy this I may search them out.
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
The version I've got has the martini on the front, which is eyecatching.
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
Yes to all except Cozy. That tends to be a red flag for me. I have found that to be a sign that there isn't going to be much of a plot, or that the characters are going to act like idiots for the sake of humour..... Seeing the cozy tag worries me.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
It was already on my TBR before the list was released, so I already had it slotted in to my plan before the BotM poll happened. I actually held off on reading it so I could join in the group read.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
Nope.
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
I thought it looked fun - it was a slightly cartoony spaceship, leading me to think fun scifi, not just endless battle scenes which is what books with more realistic spaceships tend to be.
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
I love mysteries and psychological suspense of all kinds. My preferred area would be the grittier end of the spectrum: police procedurals, heavier plots and themes, issues and events. Love Queer and LGBTQIA+, and I am loving the representation so far.
I'm not really into SF or fantasy, unless the SF is very heavy on the science, especially biology or chemistry. I have really been giving SFF the ol' college try, since these genres have been on the rise, and there are soooo many prompts on just about any challenge I do.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
I am reading this for the space tourism prompt.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No, I haven't. If this book blows me away, then maybe I will. I'll never say never.
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
It's hard to resist a pretty cover, and I really like the blues, purples and gold swirls. I even liked the elaborate capital A on the ship. It did hint at the hospitality industry, along with the title, and I've worked in the industry, so I figured I'd enjoy that aspect - or commiserate with the characters.
Mod
Betty wrote: "1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
* Yes, I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy so this is pretty typical for me."
Cool!
") Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
* It wasn’t on my TBR. I’m reading it to fill the Space Tourism prompt."
Great!
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
* Nope - this is the only one of her books I read"
I imagine that may be the overall response...
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
* It’s a nice cover, but I didn’t feel like it was particularly special in any way."
That is my usual reaction as well! 👍
Mod
Sasha wrote: "1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
SF and queer/LGBT are two of my top categories. I don't read much fantasy, but I wouldn't really classify this as fantasy anyway. I read mysteries occasionally and am planning to explore some of the classics in that genre soon. I do probably tend towards the cozy end of the mystery spectrum."
I particularly enjoy "cozy" mysteries as well! The "thriller" books can be too gory and/or scary for me! (I'm a wuss!)
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
I chose it for the prompt, before it was selected as the monthly group read."
Well, that was fortuitous! Or prescient! Or both!
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March.
No, but Frontier seems like something I might enjoy in the right mood."
For me as well!
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
Yes, it was one of the things that attracted me to this book when I was looking for something to fill the prompt! I love those purples and blues and sweeping lines. I also found the title font quite evocative of a 1920s, Grand Hotel vibe."
Love your observation about the colors! And the sweeping lines attract me as well! That font is distinctive, IMO. The sweeping lines just kinda bring it all together, IMO!
Mod
Trish wrote: "To get us started:
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
I read a lot of mysteries, especially cozies, and a decent amount of SF and Fantasy, so yes. LGBT isn't my favourite genre, but a lot of SF is going that way nowadays."
I like diversity in my life and my books. Hopefully, this will be an enjoyable read for you!
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
No. I'd never even heard of it or the author before, so the combination of it being a monthly GR and prompt #3 meant I'd give it a go."
Yay!
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No, although if I enjoy this I may search them out."
Same here!
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
The version I've got has the martini on the front, which is eyecatching."
Oooohhh! I should have checked about other cover images before assuming all editions used the same one! I find the martini image rather interesting, since I don't drink alcohol. But then any such drinks can easily be made without any alcohol as well, I guess! (I shouldn't assume! LOL) It does grab my attention!
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Kendra wrote: "1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
Yes to all except Cozy. That tends to be a red flag for me. I have found that to be a sign that there isn't going to be much of a plot, or that the characters are going to act like idiots for the sake of humour..... Seeing the cozy tag worries me."
Oh! I see that tag and I'm relieved! I sure hope this has enough of the other elements to satisfy you and make this an enjoyable read for you!
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
It was already on my TBR before the list was released, so I already had it slotted in to my plan before the BotM poll happened. I actually held off on reading it so I could join in the group read."
YAY!! Thank you for joining us!
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
Nope."
Not sure any of us has... 😊
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
I thought it looked fun - it was a slightly cartoony spaceship, leading me to think fun scifi, not just endless battle scenes which is what books with more realistic spaceships tend to be."
Ah! It does look fun!
Mod
Lilith wrote: "1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
I love mysteries and psychological suspense of all kinds. My preferred area would be the grittier end of the spectrum: police procedurals, heavier plots and themes, issues and events. Love Queer and LGBTQIA+, and I am loving the representation so far.
I'm not really into SF or fantasy, unless the SF is very heavy on the science, especially biology or chemistry. I have really been giving SFF the ol' college try, since these genres have been on the rise, and there are soooo many prompts on just about any challenge I do."
You go gritty and I go smoooooth! LOL I am forcing myself to respond to posts before finally digging in to the book this evening!!
"2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
I am reading this for the space tourism prompt."
Seems like an obvious fit, doesn't it? 👍😁
"3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No, I haven't. If this book blows me away, then maybe I will. I'll never say never."
Very wise...!
"4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
It's hard to resist a pretty cover, and I really like the blues, purples and gold swirls. I even liked the elaborate capital A on the ship. It did hint at the hospitality industry, along with the title, and I've worked in the industry, so I figured I'd enjoy that aspect - or commiserate with the characters."
I can only imagine interacting with clients in a hotel/motel setting could very well be fraught with frustration and the need to squelch angry reactions! I have watched people interact with hospitality staff before and wondered exactly how they thought their interactions were appropriate or even civil! Yikes!
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And now I have a guess about the "mystery"! Anxious to see if I am on the right track or not!
How is everyone enjoying the "slices of life" chapters and introduction of the characters? Do you prefer a straight narrative, differing timelines, or do you enjoy the slices of life?What are you making of the Lamplighter dispatches?
I'm really enjoying the slices of life and the backstories of the individual characters. I love character driven novels, but I'm seeing little shades of possibilities of these chapters intertwining. I do love a good plot, so I'm crossing my fingers.
I'm really enjoying the Lamplighter dispatches. Can't resist a good activist! They're very relatable. at least to me. They feel like they could have been written a few months ago or even last night. (I'm up to page 125, but the chapter headings are on the first page in my copy, so hopefully these are not spoiler questions.)
Lilith wrote: "How is everyone enjoying the "slices of life" chapters and introduction of the characters? Do you prefer a straight narrative, differing timelines, or do you enjoy the slices of life?What are you..."
I thought the slices of life worked well to bring the characters to life. I don't really mind how a narrative is structured as long as I can follow it easily enough, and I didn't have any trouble with this one.
I agree, the Lamplighter dispatches felt very realistic and relatable.
I liked the Lamplighter dispatches because they gave a hint to the bigger story, and I loved the slice- of life aspect that gave you a window into how the characters came to be on the ship and bit by bit how the story was playing out. I did end up majorly disappointed by the ending though. I'll hold off my comments on that until a few more people have reached that point.
L Y N N wrote: "Just starting "I. FRIENDS FROM BEYOND: FIRST CONTACT" on page 49 in my paperback copy."That's where I am right now, too. I'm enjoying it so far - I suspect I'll probably finish it today or tomorrow.
Lilith wrote: "How is everyone enjoying the "slices of life" chapters and introduction of the characters? "
Only read Carl's and Uwede's so far, but I like them.
Mod
So just starting this.1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.
Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
SSF but mainly Fantasy is my happy place. Cozy tends to be something I avoid.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
It was not on the tbr and I had not heard of it until the group polls. I think I voted for it because I've been getting it confused with The Floating World by Axie Oh whom I'm a fan of. I've already completed space tourism with The Innkeeper Chronicles: Clean Sweep The Graphic Novel, Volume 2 earlier in the year. This is listed for the one bookmark achievement from goodreads, it's the BOTM, my sister read it and said I should try it, and it was available.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books? Frontier was released in 2023 and the third book, Idolfire, was just released in March. (Note: Idolfire is about a "road trip," so would fulfill prompt #12)
No and I probably won't unless this turns out to be something special.
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
It's pretty but it's kinda of giving literary fiction vibes which is not so appealing to me.
I finished this yesterday in the end. Overall, I'd say I really enjoyed it. The ending wasn't what I'd expected, but it worked for me. I'd love to read more books set in this particular universe - there seems to be so much more potential to dig into (view spoiler).In the meantime, I've downloaded Frontier to see how it compares.
Erica wrote: "It's pretty but it's kinda of giving literary fiction vibes which is not so appealing to me."
It's definitely not literary fiction, if that helps. I thought it was more escapist/cozy, although set against a background with with slightly darker undertones.
1) According to Goodreads, this book is classified by readers as Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Queer, Cozy, LBGT.Would you typically choose to read a book with these classifications?
Not a huge Sci-Fi reader, so wouldn't normally have picked this one up, or read it.
2) Was this already on your TBR listing? Or have you chosen to read it to fulfill prompt #3 or simply because it was selected for this Monthly Group Read?
Reading for the challenge.
3) Have you read either of Curtis's other books?
Nope.
4) Does the cover image speak to you in any way?
Not particularly. It's pretty, but not something I'll remember long term.
Lilith wrote: "How is everyone enjoying the "slices of life" chapters and introduction of the characters? Do you prefer a straight narrative, differing timelines, or do you enjoy the slices of life?What are you making of the Lamplighter dispatches?"
I enjoyed the "slices of life" more than I though I would, I did like most of the characters too. I definitely enjoy a direct plot so the Lamplighter dispatches were confusing and unnecessary to me.
I finally finished the book and am a bit disappointed. I thought the character chapters were really good and interesting but they didn't build to anything. The Lamplighter dispatches and shit movie club sections plus a lack of ending left me rating this two stars.I used this for the luxury resort prompt so I am happy that I read it. The blurb at the end about the author's debut book says western so I'm not interested in more from her right now.
Did anybody have a favourite character/section?
Erica wrote: "I finally finished the book and am a bit disappointed. I thought the character chapters were really good and interesting but they didn't build to anything. The Lamplighter dispatches and shit movie..."I loved the character chapters, and my favorite characters were Uwade and Carl. Uwade I could empathize with easily, as I've held her job, lol, but I really appreciated her backstory. She was someone I could easily root for, and that is not something I necessarily look for, but it is fun when it occurs.
Carl was just adorable, and the way he created a (possibly chosen) family of misfits was so loving. I've read some reviews here and on GR, and I understand a lot of people enjoyed the characters, but not the ending and the lack of a plot.
For me, the plot was intimated, rather than spelled out easily. I'll put my thoughts below in spoiler alerts, in case other folks are finishing. I will freely admit that I made some, erm, jumps in logic, so YMMV.
Here’s my take on the ending, and possible integration of the Lamplighter’s Dispatches. I made some assumptions and leaps of logic, but I could be completely wrong. (view spoiler)
All the little strands pulled together for me after reading page 284-5. YMMV.
I loooove a good resistance story!
Erica wrote: "I finally finished the book and am a bit disappointed. I thought the character chapters were really good and interesting but they didn't build to anything. The Lamplighter dispatches and shit movie..."Oooooh, and I wound up liking the "shit movie club sections"! (view spoiler)
So my final thoughts are 'I wanted more'. I loved the characters and would have loved a second chapter for each of them. And I wanted more resolution. I feel like what happened in the movie club happened here: The story got to a critical part, and then cut out and someone else came and finished it off as quickly as possible. I loved the found family (view spoiler) I did love the final reveal about the lamplighter: (view spoiler), but again, it was revealed right at the end, and I wanted to explore that idea a bit more.
@Lilith you got a lot more from the book than me. lol (view spoiler)I think Dunk's was my favourite POV but then again I like to cook. I did really like the concept of the hotel being a refuge for each employee for so many different reasons.
I was so invested in Ephrim's POV. (view spoiler)
I loved this so much more than I thought I would - I agree with so many other commenters here that I wanted a bit more. Maybe instead of so many different character chapters, we could've gotten a few more chapters on the characters all together.
Erica wrote: "@Lilith you got a lot more from the book than me. lol [spoilers removed]I think Dunk's was my favourite POV but then again I like to cook. I did really like the concept of the hotel being a refug..."
@Erica Lol, I think we all got a lot. I think I am looking for resistance wherever I can find it.
I looooved Dunk too! I loved his chapter, and every time he appeared in a scene. He had such a great big heart, and respect for his mentor and elder.
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Frontier (other topics)The Floating World (other topics)
The Innkeeper Chronicles: Clean Sweep The Graphic Novel, Volume 2 (other topics)
Frontier (other topics)
Idolfire (other topics)
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National Space Day is May 2, 2025!
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Surely we have a "fearless facilitator" out there to lead May's discussion! Please message either Nadine or myself to volunteer!No one has volunteered. I plan to read this over the weekend and will post questions. Onward!HERE is a listing of potential discussion questions. These are meant to not only help those who volunteer to facilitate these monthly discussions but also to provide ideas for members participating in discussions!
Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read. It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter and/or page number). That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...
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