Episode 58: Space
Summary: You’re out of this world, listener! Join Holly and Devin today as they discuss books set in or featuring outer space. Devin has always been obsessed with space exploration and studied it in college, whereas Holly only really wants to read about this subject in her books. Whether you have a passion for astronomy or astrology, whether you dream of flying to the moon or are glad your feet are firmly planted on earth, these books have something for you!
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (3:41): Devin discussed A Cosmic Kind of Love by Samantha Young, a unique romance following event planner Hallie Goodman and NASA astronaut Christopher Ortiz as they orbit each other and then collide. After discovering his video diaries from the ISS (International Space Station), Hallie develops a crush on the charismatic astronaut and starts to send her own recordings to his discontinued NASA email address. Little does she know, though, that Chris is watching them and developing a crush of his own. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Not only is the book full of videos where Chris describes what it’s like to live on the ISS, but there’s metaphorical space for better and worse laced throughout this novel. Chris works for NASA and did 5 months in space, but both he and Hallie struggle with space, taking up more of it in their lives and not letting it get in the way of their fledgling romance.
Both protagonists have a lot of trauma and a lot of current struggles with their families, especially their parents. This informs how they show up in their relationship and how they react to various triggers. A lot of the book involves the repair or boundary setting of Hallie and Chris with their families.
Chris, having dated a socialite named Darcy and Hallie who is consistently wrapped up in the world through her work have to fight for their positions in society and for authenticity in their relationships. Even Hallie’s dad struggles with posturing and connection when he buys a gigantic house to make his ex jealous.
The Dagger (23:48): Holly discussed Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty, book one in the Midsolar Murders series and a novel following Mallory Viridian, a human living on the space station Eternity amongst various species of aliens. Having left earth after realizing that people connected to her are murdered at an alarming rate, Mallory’s existence on Eternity is peaceful… until a shuttle full of humans comes to the station and the bodies begin to pile up again. Holly’s key takeaways were:
One of the best aspects of the book was the various aliens on board, ranging from the Gneiss who are creatures made of living rock to the Sundry, an insect species similar to wasps who have a hive mind and can only communicate with you if three or more of them gather together.
The murder mystery component of the story felt misleading - there wasn’t so much the real focus of this story and didn’t come together in a way that felt satisfying; there was some confusion on the core thrust of the plot and what the reader should be focused on.
Ultimately, this book had a lot of promise and intriguing world building of alien species cohabitating in a sentient space station, but the execution felt chaotic and messy. If you’re looking for a sci-fi thriller with a unique twist, though, check out this series.
Hot On the Shelf (47:34):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (50:52):
Holly: Dune Part 2
Devin: Bread baking weekly
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