Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Youth Services Assistant
Genre: Science Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: After years of thinking they’re alone, humanity is finally visited by beings from another planet… In the form of a seven-foot tall flamingo-esque alien that pops into everyone’s living room around midday. This alien offers humanity an once-in-a-lifetime chance to become part of the greater universe. Not via war or conquest, via space battles or exploration, but by a singing and dancing competition.
My Review: This book has one of the most intriguing tag lines I think I’ve ever seen. “In space, everyone can hear you sing.” Think of American Idol or Eurovision, but in space. Winner take all, and the contestants are fighting for their species’ right to survive. The first quarter of this book kept my interest, but after that it was hard to pay attention. It felt as if the author wanted to go in several different directions with the story, or cram several storylines into one book.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Exciting, Fun, Jumbled.
Give This a Try if You Like… Eurovision, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, glitter, lots of glitter.
Rating: 3/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!