So much about this book is amazing. I mostly listened to the audiobook, but also read along in my DTE and my ebook. And now that I'm done reading it, all I want to do is research Europa. The writing style is absolutely fantastic! I handed off my book to someone at work and had them read the paragraph this quote is from:

Maybe the computer instruction that said Absolutely do not do this suddenly read Go for it buddy—YOLO! and the billion-dollar mission would be lost forever.

Their response was "wow, that was graphically colorful." Yeah, yeah it is. And the entire book is that way. Like, I couldn't have stopped reading if I wanted to. And also, that "YOLO" line is what completely sold me on the narrator for this book. Like, he was a fine narrator up until that point. But right then, he became phenomenal. Even if I didn't enjoy the book, I likely would have listened to this one just for the narrator's voice!

Another wonderful quote that I enjoyed came from later in the book when religion got mentioned. I was a little worried about the path it was taking, and then suddenly:

Catholic theologians have wrestled for centuries with the question of whether sentient alien life not descended of Adam and Eve would have been born with original sin—not their garden, not their apples, after all—and thus, would baptism be necessary?

Not their garden, not their apple, indeed! Hahaha! Just, read the book. It's so worth it! And the quotes I've mentioned aren't even close the best bits, they're just my favorite quotes.

Plug for an upcoming, free, virtual event for the author (with an indie bookstore) if you're reading this before April 24th, 2021: https://www.facebook.com/events/4108642259200397

This was my first time reading this book. I watched the movie once as a kid, but didn't remember much. The book is trippy as hell though. I forgot how much I enjoy the sci-fi that seems half like drug-induced hallucinations.

In response to that viral tweet (https://twitter.com/pyroov8/status/1383946640050950150) about square dancing, someone mentioned the racist origins of why square dancing is in school curriculums. The author of this book happened to pop in and mention that she wrote a whole book that addresses it.

Naturally, that's right up my alley! And even better, it's a middle-grade book! Middle-grade books that address serious social issues are my JAM!! And this book did not disappoint.

I also adore the inclusion of one of my favorite quotes (though I totally use the shorter version more often).

I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.
-Maya Angelou

Prisons have got to go. To start with, private prisons have to go. Like, now. They are such a drain on our society as a whole. They need to be done away with yesterday.

And then after that, we need some massive prison reform, less incarceration, and actual rehabilitative programs for individuals. And this needs to be accompanied by investing in our students, keeping our youth in well-funded schools, and improving our mental and emotional health as a nation. It's not going to be easy. It won't happen overnight, unfortunately, but we need to vote in the people that will make this happen and that means voting for good people in every single election that happens.

Holy Nokley... I didn't know what to expect going into this book other than "it's got space stuff and that's why the bookstore is doing an event with this book and 'The Mission' from David W. Brown together" and that this one was fiction.

I love this book. It's amazing! And after watching the book discussion between David and Claire (and Michelle at the beginning and end) last night, I have to agree that it's hopeful. In spite of the overwhelming feeling of despair throughout the book.

The book event/discussion is here: https://youtu.be/zu2qraiDp2E

Dorothy is really obnoxious in this book as are other characters. It's disappointing and I can't tell if I just didn't notice it in previous books or if it's just emerging now...

Too cute. While I've, naturally, seen the movie, I am ashamed that it's taken me this long to read the book. And knowing how many more books there are is great!!!

Quite enjoyable!!

We finally get a kitten! And this kitten is a total boss! :-D

I forget how rude and obnoxious Dorothy can be until she's back "on screen" so to speak.