I finished reading the first
book in this series, Jumping Off the Planet, a few weeks ago and gave it
a five-star review. Bouncing Off the Moon continues right where the
first installment ends. This is a tale of an estranged family with parents who
are more childish than their children. It is very a very sad state of affairs
when parents use their children as weapons against each other; everyone suffers,
especially the children.
The story, so far, is told from
Charles's point of view. He is the middle child of three brothers who are all
different in their interests and behaviors, but they have one thing in common;
they depend on each other for support and survival.
Bouncing Off the Moon is a brilliantly written story told in
the classic sci-fi style. It is set wholly on Earth's Moon and the descriptions
of the backdrop colorfully illustrate the colorless landscape of the colonized
satellite. I couldn't help but think about Buzz Aldrin's observation when he
encountered the body in 1969. He called it "magnificent desolation"
and David brings those words to life in this book.
I was most impressed by the
pains the author took to get the science right. However, what really drives the
story are the characters.
This second book isn't your
typical bridge between the beginning and the end of a trilogy, but it is a
complete story unto itself. I found it exciting, scary, sad, and humorous;
running a full gamut of emotions.
Charles, also known as Chigger,
his two brothers, Bobby the younger, Douglas, the older, have just won their
emancipation from their parents and are striking out to seek their fortune
among the stars. Economic and political conditions on Earth have deteriorated
to where its society seems doomed to collapse. The brothers are accompanied by
Mickey, Douglas' newly found love interest.
Realizing they are being
pursued for a toy they have in their possession; they learn they have to take
an alternate way to avoid being captured. Bobby's toy contains something
precious to many people. The boys are joined by Alexei, a friend of Mickey's
and a resident of the Moon, who helps them escape from the tether in a cargo
pod before they can be captured.
As a resident of the Earth's
natural satellite, Alexei knows how to get around and he takes the boys on a
fantastic adventure crossing the Lunar surface to seek safety. After arriving
at a safe place, all is not what it seems, and the boys must watch their backs
because there is uncertainty at every turn.
As for the characters in this
second part of the tale, there is significant growth in the brothers. In the
first book, they really had little in common with one another other than the
schism brought about by their parents. Since they have been away from that
influence, they have become closer and depend on one another for strength and
support.
The story is told from
Chigger's point of view, and we get to follow his feelings through the numerous
new, strange, and dangerous situations the boys face. David wrote this story so
one can feel what the boys feel, especially Chigger. As a young teenager, he is
already emotionally compromised just because of the age. I have to say, though,
that he handles much of what he faces well for his age.
My best advice for a reader is
to keep an eye on all the characters. Some are not what they seem.
My favorite point of plot for
Bouncing Off the Moon is all the swerves, twists, and turns this story takes.
Just when one thinks this story is going to be predictable, it takes a turn and
moves in another direction. I thought for sure I had a couple of characters
figured out, only to find I was completely wrong about them. This alone makes
this tale a fun one to read, as David takes the reader on an emotional and
literal roller coaster ride.
Another point I appreciated
were the descriptions of the surroundings and how the characters move through
them while on the moon, not to mention how they get to the moon. The science is
well researched, and it adds so much to the authenticity of the story. Everything
the author shows the reader in this story is completely plausible. Indeed, it
is all made up, but everything is so practical, it wouldn't be difficult to say
that David is projecting today’s technologies into the not-too-distant future.
One takeaway from this story is
how one must know their surroundings with great diligence. This is true
especially with the people once interacts with. With the brothers, they had
little choice in who to ally themselves with and it could have cost them their
lives had they not been suspicious of nearly everyone they encountered.
But even more, during a scene
near the end of the book, two characters get into a discussion of a legal and
philosophical nature. The question posed is, "when it is appropriate to
break the law?" Many would argue that illegal activity brings about
change, but then at what cost does that change take place? Then there is the
idea presented by American author, Henry David Thoreau, in an essay commonly
known as On the Duty of Civil Disobedience. In nearly every book I've read by
David Gerrold, there is something to give me pause and think. As for me, I
think this small section is worth the price of the entire book. The conclusion
to the argument is, "... it is never appropriate to break the law. It is,
however, appropriate to challenge it responsibly." (p. 268, Kindle
edition)
Not only is this my favorite
part of the story, it is thick with substance and well worth the time,
especially in the current political climate.
I recommend Bouncing Off the
Moon along with the volume that comes before, Jumping Off the Planet,
as something worth the time to read, not only because of the immense
entertainment value of the saga but also to have one's mind stimulated with
issues relevant to life today. David Gerrold's skill as a writer is shown in
this story because the deep issues are not presented in a preachy way, but they
are presented as important story points moving the story forward.
Highest recommendations for
this book as well as the series (so far) as a whole.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well, there it is...
Qapla!
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