short, but perfect length. loved it.

will add more when its not 1.10am. Well, I had to finish it! ( )

This is a very short book by Carolyn Ives Gilman that I bought because I was going to Swecon in Stocholm, which Carolyn would attend as a 'Guest of honor'. I was very excited to get to meet her and, obviously, had to have a book for her to sign!

My intention was to buy her better known book 'Halfway Human', but couldn't get it in time for the convention, so this is what I got instead.

It is a cute coming of age story, about a girl rebelling against her confined life and all the expectations surrounding her maturity. The world building, or rather "under water world building" is rather interesting, but the story and the characters are pretty flat and not that interesting. I guess it's hard to build an entire world, several characters and a gripping story in only fourty pages. I did enjoy it though, but wish it had been fourty pages longer.

My main goal was to get the book signed, and that I did achieve!
Caroline was an interesting guest at the con, and a very nice and friendly person.

I really look forward to reading more of her work! ( )

I really enjoyed this novella. It was the perfect combination of unique setting, interesting science fiction, pacing and characterization. This story takes place on a planet called Ben that was colonized by humans but the colonies live deep under the oceans as most of the surface is covered in ice. Instead of using mechanical technology to navigate the deep waters the inhabitants use organic solutions modeled on the living cell. Their submersibles function like living cells with huge membranes that utilize compounds from the sea water to produce oxygen. There is no propulsion system but ascent and descent are controlled through the venting of excess oxygen. The Bennites that go on these "floatabouts" are called "floaters". Those that stay on the station are referred to as "barnacles." This story is about a floater named Osaji who is struggling with familial obligations. The rest of the story is just a slice of Osaji's life but it's a fantastic journey. Highly recommend. ( )