Sydney

I really, REALLY loved this book. Emotionally, it was a whirlwind, with great suspense and pacing, a really funny and readable character voice, complex science that was explained very well (to the point that my English-Major ass actually understood some astrophysics), and a non-human character that feels more real than some actual people I've met.

Was PHM, intellectually, anything groundbreaking? Not really, to me, the criticisms of it being slightly flat or cringy have a little bit of merit. But I think this book's strength lies in its ability to make complex concepts, both scientific and emotional, feel simple, grounded, and real. The character relationships in this book are some of the most nuanced, honest, and believable I have read in a hot minute. The internal world of Dr. Grace is messy, overwhelming, and trying desperately to right itself in a time of turmoil-- it is so relatable it almost hurts. The portrayal of an alien race is very thought-out and conceptually watertight, lending depth to their sentience and personhood, instead of cheapening it or feeling gimmicky. Dr. Grace and Rocky's story broadens your idea of what non-human life can be, which I personally think is the holy grail of goals in science fiction. This book made me think, learn, and feel. And I'm also a little more obsessed with rocks than I used to be. 12/10.