Honor and Me

Hello from Kansas!

Well, I just have to say that overall, I did enjoy the story...though I must confess (sorry Katrina) that this probably wasn't my favorite book. After reading the background, however, I was much more impressed with our main character and her importance to the genre, so I really appreciate Katrina posting it. :)

Okay...first a note of explanation: Contrary to MY popular belief, I discovered I have a hard time getting into science fiction. I didn't think I had a problem with it, but I do. It took me forever to get past the first two chapters!!!! And seriously, it kinda reminded me--LOADS--of Tolkien's writing; not style-wise, but verbage verbage verbage everywhere, and so many characters names, so it was a tad confusing at first. I just wanted a good editor to step in somewhere and cut some stuff out and explain the rest--at least as I was beginning the book. I was complaining to my husband about it, and then he reminded me that it actually took me about 3 years to start reading the Harry Potter series (which I adore), and that was after I had actually already bought the first three books!!! Sooooo, most of my issues with the book are just that: mine.

Let me say what I did like about the book. In all honesty, the plot was quite simple. We meet Honor and we know, very early on, that she's going to have some sort of problem with her ship and its new weaponary because of ideological choices of "higher-ups" and the plotting of foreign politicians. After that, we just wait for that to come to fruition. I also liked the fact that she was a strong woman and was very capable, earning trust and respect.

I chuckled, though, when her voice was often described as a soprano, because it put me to mind of my 3 year old, who has a very high voice. (see? my own issues with SciFi).

Anyway! I was totally impressed with the imagery. It takes a good writer to move you to a new world (or off, in this case) and keep you there.

That being said, I was a bit disappointed in the language (I'm getting more prudish in my old age, I guess)--not necessarily because I thought the swearing was too gratuitous (it actually kind of helped to distinguish some of the characters, and though I am embarrased to admit it, who knows what would be coming out of my mouth in the heat of battle!), but because it took me out of the story. I mean, really now. Though I vaguely recall someone saying something about "Old Earth", it wasn't in the diagram of the different planets/systems ANYWHERE. So, how/why did all our tired and tacky vulgarities survive? AND, I don't remember much about Christianity/religion being talked about, so why were so many using the Lord's name in vain??? How would they know to use it? Why didn't they use something else? So, that was annoying to me.

Overall, though, I can see why Honor has such a huge following. Most readers enjoy finding an underdog hero who is strong and resourceful, and who you know is going to be able to over come (somehow!) any/all opposition that is thrown to him/her. So, while I don't see myself continuing the series, I can appreciate the fact that it is wildly popular.

I also apprecite the fact that this book pushed me back to a genre that I do like, but found to be harder to embrace than in my youth. You know, this is what I like best about this book club--the diversity of books we've enjoyed so far. And for that, I thank you, Katrina, for selecting this book! Now on to the Red Tent!!!

:) Laurenda