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I'm afraid of spoilers; so I'm creating this thread for discussing only the first 100 pages (first 1/4) of the book.

I'm about 40 pages in, barely getting situated - not sure where it's going yet, but I love the characters and the alien life forms especially. And I feel invested in the characters already. The writing and dialogue are quite good.

One thing that struck me: I like the characters' perspective on eating insects vs. mammals after the exodus of human beings to space. Clever that the yuck factor now attaches to eating mammals - in a weird way, it fits - mammals are closer to us; so why wouldn't it feel grosser to eat them, like cannibalism or something. And the practicality of insect protein makes sense too. Not that I'm going to run out & start eating bugs (ha ha!), but I like the way Chambers gets me into these characters' perspectives. Their way of thinking feels right to me, even though it's so different.

Thanks so much for starting this thread Greg. I'm almost as far as you are into beginning.
Can't wait to read about the insects. I wrote a short article (that I then did nothing with because I wasn't satisfied with how it turned out) regarding the rising acceptance of eating bugs in the western world. I'm pretty certain it's not too far off in our future. Termites pack more protein pound for pound than chicken.

Cheers! Jessica

Thanks too for starting this thread. I was afraid of reading the posts in the other thread because I didn't want to get spoilered and it seems that almost all have already finished the book.

I've read 10% of the ebook until now so that should be around the same page as you. The diner was really interesting - you could see the crew interacting for the first time and there seems some interesting background stories lurking there.

Whilst reading I haven't paid much attention to the food but as Greg wrote, there is really a logic behind it, however weird that feels to me. From our cultural background I can't think of eating insects although I know that it's common in other regions and less harmful than our kind of agriculture.

Thanks Jessica and Myriel - so glad someone is still reading along with me! :)

I'm about 62 pages in now, and the plot isn't surging forward yet, but I'm enjoying spending time with these characters so much that I don't really mind it. I'm looking forward to more background stories too Myriel!

I agree with you both about the insects thing - it's fascinating. There's a restaurant near my work now that serves crickets. I haven't been brave enough to try them yet, but I think it's definitely gaining some acceptance.

I can see eating bugs if you have no other options.
But if there are options...then eww. Definitely not.

But I did find it interesting how changing circumstances for humans changed attitudes about "normal" food sources.

I'm toward the beginning of The Job (Day 132-145 GC Standard 306), page 84 in my copy.

I'm getting a kick out of Kizzy - love the "Happy Tea" and "Boring Tea" complete with descriptions of the pictures. Also just loving the descriptions of the various alien races - so fascinating and well thought out!

Still waiting for the main story thrust to happen though, the conflict, danger, or obstacle that's going to give force to the plot.

Sarah wrote: ".But I did find it interesting how changing circumstances for humans changed attitudes about "normal" food sources. ."

Me too Sarah!

I'm up to Day 163 so won't make any specific comments about plot but I do like all the crew and learning about the different species. I do wish there was a more specific description of Ashby - like age, for instance. I'm having trouble picturing him in my head. The overall writing style flows fairly smoothly so, despite the fact that nothing major has happened so far (though it'll be soon, I think), it's been an enjoyable read.

How long is a standard year supposed to be?

Veronica wrote: "I'm up to Day 163 so won't make any specific comments about plot but I do like all the crew and learning about the different species. I do wish there was a more specific description of Ashby - like..."

I agree with you, still enjoyable despite the lack of a major plot throughline so far!

Not sure how long a standard year is though Veronica. And it's funny, there hasn't been much of a physical description of Ashby yet; I hadn't noticed that until you mentioned it, but I can't quite picture him either.

I have to say, the text conversation between Sissix and Ashby toward the end of the Day 132-145 section completely cracked me up! So funny!!

Veronica wrote: "I'm up to Day 163 so won't make any specific comments about plot but I do like all the crew and learning about the different species. I do wish there was a more specific description of Ashby - like..."

I definitely share all of your thoughts Veronica.

I like the lightness of this book so far. Sometimes novels with such a big ensemble cast get weighed down in exposition, but I'm not feeling that here.

Veronica wrote: "
How long is a standard year supposed to be?
..."

You probably already figured this out Veronica, but the answer is in the Day 249, GC Standard 306 section.

It says 3 GC standard years is about equivalent to 5 Earth years, so I guess 1 GC standard year would be approx 608 days.

If Bear is remembering correctly anyway, that is. He does say, "That's what, uh ... about three standards? Or something? Never can remember GC time."

Melanie wrote: "I like the lightness of this book so far. ..."

I agree Melanie, the story does have a refreshing lightness to it. It's not at all gritty or heavy.

Melanie wrote: I like the lightness of this book so far. Sometimes novels with such a big ensemble cast get weighed down in exposition, but I'm not feeling that here.

I totally agree. Although the crew of the Wayfarer has quite some members, I feel that everyone of them is necessary and has it's own life and also role in this book.

I notice we get a setup with a Dark Secret behind Rosemary. . . .

I suspect to provide some unifying forward motion.

Greg wrote: "Veronica wrote: "
How long is a standard year supposed to be?
..."

You probably already figured this out Veronica, but the answer is in the Day 249, GC Standard 306 section.

It says 3 GC standar..."


Thanks, Greg. I had actually forgotten about my question by the time I got to that part. lol

I'm not sure what page I'm on (writing this from work, shhh don't tell), but just like everyone else I'm really like all the characters and the descriptions. Can't wait for the plot to pick up and I'm pleased to have just learned that there is a second book in the series, I hope it's about the same core group of people

I'm on page 120 now.

Kizzy reminds me of a cross between Firefly's Kaylee and NCIS's Abby. I liked her "Socks Match My Hat" singing.

Audrey, both of them are a good likeness of Kizzy. I have someone else in the back of my brain and for some reason I can't quite grasp who it is. I liked the song, too. She's an endearing character

Audrey wrote: "I'm on page 120 now.

Kizzy reminds me of a cross between Firefly's Kaylee and NCIS's Abby. I liked her "Socks Match My Hat" singing."

You are totally right about that.