Singing the Dogstar Blues

The acceptance of different sexualities in future societies has long been a staple of science fiction. To downgrade this book on the basis that it deals in part with homosexuality does it a disservice. If you don't like HOW it deals with the issue (meaning the writing is awkward, belabored, etc.,), that's one thing. To object because it DOES deal with it is a completely different situation. This book deals with the issue of who you are, both genetically and sociologically. Who you are depends so much on your experiences in life, the people who had an effect on you as you grew, your inborn personality, and the way you interact with the world and the way the world interacts with you. So yes, homosexuality is an issue in this book, but as part of a larger picture: if in the future, test-tube babies and genetic engineering become the norm, how will that affect our families? How will it affect our concepts of ourselves? But the issue of family is central: If a parent can't or doesn't provide the love and nuturing we need, it's vital to find a loving and supportive adult figure who can. If in this case, that happens to be Joss's mother's same-sex partner, so be it. That issue aside, I found this a very good read. The characters were distinct and interesting. The situations were intriguing. It's not new for a science fiction novel to explore first contact with alien species, but Goodman's aliens have depth and texture, and the difference and similarities between the species are explored sensitively. I found the relationship between Joss and Mavkel a high point in the book. I loved Joss's rebellious, independent character, and I wanted to know more about her walk on the shady side. Between the characterizations and the well-developed sense of time and place, let alone suspense, the book definitely kept me reading. (...) The book ends too quickly and conveniently. I saw most of the ending coming, and I found it a little obvious. I'll be recommending this book to readers, but it isn't quite at the top of my list.

Aliens. Aliens from a distant planet have landed on the Earth. The landing was expected and anticipated. Joss Aarrenson attends an academy so she can learn how to time jump (time travel) into the history or future. The aliens that land on the Earth are called Chorians. Joss is chosen to partner up with a visiting alien who wants to learn how to time jump. Mavkel was his name, Mav for short. Mav soon becomes closer to Joss, and after a little getting used to, Joss is treating Mav like a family member. Things soon get harder and harder for Joss and Mav, and Mav is falling further into depression and closer to death. Refmol, the chorian chanter, finds that Mav must be joined telepathically with another being if he is to stay alive. Joss is the only thing, and in this case hope, for Mav. She must find her father if she is to join with Mav, but she's been trying for as long as she can remember. Why Joss? Why Mav? This story is told in a mysterious and futuristic way that is sure to make you want to keep reading until the end. It is hilarious in parts, and always leaves a question pounding in your head that you won't find out until you're finished with the book. A thrilling and entertaining story!

I really, really liked this book and I wish there was a sequel too. Joss is normal but also clever so I could relate to her and I love Mav. I was hooked from the very beginning and also go my brother who is 19 to read it and he liked it too. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and it was great to read about Melbourne in the future - the author really put some thought into that, and also the humour. The ending was really exciting too.

This book is one of my favourites, it varys from subjects like time and space travel to a slight racism. The charecter Mav is fantastic, i love this and the input of music as healing is fantastic, i would love it if there was a sequal