What's the book about?
In
the future we have manage to go out space and start colonizing. But in the case
of the States you can only go into space as a Colonial Special Forces (CSF)
recruit and you can only enlist after you are 75. You will be "made"
young again, but you can never come back to Earth. However, once you finish
your term you will be allowed to go to one of the colonies, young again, and go
on with your life. For John Perry, this is the life he is opting for. We will
learn about how he becomes young again, all of his training in the forces and
how human nature is hard to beat, even in space.
What
was different of this book?
I don't read a lot of Science
Fiction, not because I'm not interested but because sometimes I get very frustrated
with the Science part. I liked the science in this book, Scalzi is specific
enough so things make sense from the Earth point of view, but is vague enough
with certain procedures so you don't get all "well, that just can't work
like that!" (and by you I mean me, sorry). Also, it is implied that some
of the technology and hence science advances made in the book was not developed
solely based on our technology, a.k.a: we stole/took/borrow from our alien
counterparts and some of the principles that apply to such technology make
sense once out in space. This is very important for me, because all I ask for
is that the things happening are plausible in the books universe .
Even though the book is about a war
happening while defending our new colonies, I liked the fact that is not a war
book. While using this type of confrontation the book also talks politic
points, approach to new cultures/religions and most importantly for me, how no
matter what physical changes we might went through, our personality and the
characteristics that makes us who we are, remains.
What
about the main character?
John Perry is a good guy. He lost
his wife recently and suddenly. He leaves Earth after making peace with
everyone he leaves behind.
Over the course of the year, I had had a few sit-downs with old friends and
family and did a final poking of old wounds and ashes; in nearly every case it
ended well. A couple of times I asked for forgiveness for things I didn't
particularly feel sorry about, and in one case I found myself with someone who
otherwise I'd rather I hadn't. But you do what you have to do to give
people closure; it makes them feel better and it doesn't cost you much to do it
When he enrolls he is lucky enough to make good
friends from the beginning and the remains a good friend until the end. He is born
leader, even when he doesn't realize it. He is one of those whom always puts others
before him.
Although this is not a love story it
is evident that he never forgets the love of his life. Kathy is always in his
thoughts. **spoiler** I have to admit I was not expecting her to come back,
however changed she was as Jane **spoiler**
The
10% moment
The language is very fluid. As you
may have noticed by the quote before it is written in first person. John has
said his goodbyes and is now leaving Earth. By this moment in the book John has
met 2 of his new friends, Jesse and Harry, while being taken to the first station.
Some of the political situations are introduced. There are some hints as to
what is going to happen, enough so to want to continue reading.
Final
thoughts
I have to say I am very happy that with this months Sword and Laser choice. I definitely recommend this book.
Not only for SciFi fans, but anyone who appreciates a good story. As I
mentioned the language is very fluid and the story is very well told, it
carries the reader easily. The characters could have a little bit more of a back
story, but with the bit given you have enough information to understand their
positions and attitudes during the development of events.
