The radio flyers Book

The Quiet Pools was nominated for a Hugo back in 1990 and I can see why. In the tradition of sociological science fiction ala Le Guin, TQP examines the social dynamics occurring during the launch of a second generation ship from Earth. Set around 2100, society has progressed through many changes. The first generation ship was launched in 2086 with great celebration; the second-- 'ten thousand for Tau Ceti'-- faces growing social protest, led by the 'homeworlders' who want the resources utilized to benefit Earth.

The lead, Chris, works at the company in charge of the generation ships as an archivist, compiling the greatest trove of knowledge ever assembled so they can take it to the stars. He is in a triad contract, with two women; such marriage contracts are now common, and can have several people in one family. His marriage is failing and he is spending time with a relationship technician to try and solve the problems. Kube-McDowell spends a fair amount of time explaining why this new social dynamic emerged and the consequences, again, in the tradition of Le Guin.

What is interesting about TQP is not the idea of a generation ship, but the focus on society leading up to the launch. What type of person would volunteer for such a mission? Is there some genetic predisposition behind the millions who volunteered? It reminded me of all the people willing to go to Mars today. What makes them tick? What seems like a subplot quickly emerges-- the age old nature versus nurture debate-- becomes the driving feature. Each chapter is headed by a different DNA sequence (GAU, etc.), and the rationale becomes apparent later on. Will the departure of the generation ships strip society of its best and brightest, leaving Earth stagnating? Over all, an ambitious book, with lots of philosophical meanderings on what makes us human and tick. Are certain people predisposed via their genes to certain behaviors? This was written when the human genome project was getting underway and it reflects the debates then (and now to some degree). 3.5 stars.