H. Beam Piper - Little Fuzzy

Genre:
Adult - Science Fiction
Fun-o-meter:
Unfun —————————-|—- Fun
Deep-o-meter:
Shallow ———————-|——– Deep

Basics: What does it mean, really, to be human? Well, since this is the basic question of every science fiction novel I’ve ever read, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s the case here, too, but the surprising part for me is that in some ways this book provides a good answer. I’m still scratching my head over how that happens. In some ways, though, I think the book (and those which follow) is also about the intellectual and emotional journey of becoming a parent, which is rather funny, because there are no human children in the story.

Why I like it: The fuzzies are delightful, of course, but what I really love is the human characters and the conversations they have.

Favorite Part: Ruth Ortheris’s courtroom scene. Well, that and any time Justice Pendarvis is around.

Weakest Part: There’s a lot of talk in this book. I like it, but … not everyone might. Also, it sets up a world in which science - scientific reasoning, methods, conclusions, the community as a group, the whole shebang - is ultimately dependable. Not infallible, but at least consistently reliable. This viewpoint makes the book seem a little dated or naïve. Not that that isn’t a valid opinion; it just isn’t my opinion.

Sheri Tepper - The Companions

Genre:
Adult - Science Fiction
Fun-o-meter:
Unfun ————————-|—– Fun
Deep-o-meter:
Shallow ———————–|——- Deep

Basics: This book is about all the same things that Sherri Tepper’s other books are about - the subjugation and exploitation of women, the destruction of the natural environment, the unpardonable selfishness of humanity in general and fanatical religious extremists in particular, etc., etc., etc. (Read: if you are, or listen to, Rush Limbaugh, you’ll probably burst into flames if you touch it.) It’s also awesome and funny and smart and fun.

Why I like it: A few reasons, really - first of all, her main Bad Guys are part of a movement based on one of my favorite ideas in the Bible, that humans were made in God’s image. Rather than pissing me off, this book reminds me of the danger or downside in that belief: that when I consider myself to be made to be like God - in whatever aspect - it is far too easy to become arrogant and mean unless I remember that God is, in addition to powerful and awesome, also loving and compassionate. The book also raises interesting questions about what it means to serve a jealous God. Then, of course, the story is incredibly gripping, the characters are fascinating, etc.

Also, I love the Derac. They are so … stupid. They’re the comic relief here, but they’re also quite frighteningly human.

Favorite Part: The parade of Orskimi, Derac, and Zhaar past the bound main characters, and ensuing comic genius. Also, any part including Walking Sunshine, and the use of the term “moronopause”. And one more: the description of liaison contracts. I think this is an ideal solution to the questions of state-sanctioned marriage that are currently being debated.

Weakest Part: There isn’t one. I love it all. :o)

Religious Objectors Might Object To: Oh, where to begin? Go back and read why I liked it and what it was about. The IGGI-HFOs, the concs, the dogs, Splendor, the gods and practices of other races like the Quondans and Orskimi … basically any or all of it has the potential to piss someone off.