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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I don't think I needed this. I love the first novella on its own. (Unfortunately, won't be reading the 3rd book)
Really interesting series. A little hard to follow in places - it's a short audiobook but I took a long time to get through it, which was probably the problem. There are a lot of science fiction concepts (the astrolabe, the edan) and unfamiliar vocabulary, which can be harder for me to grok in audio format. But it's beautifully narrated and contains a lot of really intriguing ideas. It reminds me a little bit of [b:Ender's Game|375802|Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1)|Orson Scott Card|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408303130l/375802._SY75_.jpg|2422333], in the way Binti deals with and learns to coexist with a race of initially hostile aliens.
adventurous
fast-paced
Great - also good audio book. Great characters, settings, premise, dialogue and action.
Binti, who is struggling with bouts of rage and fury, has to go home and Okwu wants to go with her. She thinks this is a good idea because she is young, idealistic, and terribly naïve.
So very naïve.
I enjoyed the varied themes in this one such as Binti's PTSD from her last flight, Binti's non-understanding that her homecoming may not be all she thinks now that she's part enemy of her people's enemies. I loved that the Himba are both technologically progressive but stupidly patriarchal and how that contrasts with the desert people whose name I cannot suss out through the audiobook.
At the same time, I was a little confused by potential underlying messages.
Is this a parable on forgiveness of one’s enemies, on the importance of fixing misunderstandings? Is this an imploration for black people to forgive white people because even if they’re horrible, they’re not all horrible? For rape victims to become friends with their rapists?
Is this an #alllivesmatter book? #notallmeduse?
Am I just finding themes that don't exist? Am I looking to start something?
I don't know. I can't tell.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this even if I was a bit confused as to what some of my takeaways were supposed to be.
So very naïve.
I enjoyed the varied themes in this one such as Binti's PTSD from her last flight, Binti's non-understanding that her homecoming may not be all she thinks now that she's part enemy of her people's enemies. I loved that the Himba are both technologically progressive but stupidly patriarchal and how that contrasts with the desert people whose name I cannot suss out through the audiobook.
At the same time, I was a little confused by potential underlying messages.
Is this a parable on forgiveness of one’s enemies, on the importance of fixing misunderstandings? Is this an imploration for black people to forgive white people because even if they’re horrible, they’re not all horrible? For rape victims to become friends with their rapists?
Is this an #alllivesmatter book? #notallmeduse?
Am I just finding themes that don't exist? Am I looking to start something?
I don't know. I can't tell.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this even if I was a bit confused as to what some of my takeaways were supposed to be.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Home should be kinder than this. Dang them!
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So. GOOD. I accidentally ended up with the 2nd book before the first, but it was still easy to figure out. Okorafor's world building is vivid and wonderful. SUCH a fuss was made of Children of Blood and Bone which I could not get into and didn't think was all that great. This is the book that COBAB wishes it was--with strong characters, solid world building, and an interesting story. Can't wait to go back and read book 1 and check out more by Okorafor.