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bookworm2828's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
galacticturnip's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed it! I really love how the story delves into relationships with aliens like they are actual people.
The author doesn't really get how paradoxes work, but considering it's a work of science fiction I don't think it's the worst flub in the galaxy. The less I try and think about it the better.
The author doesn't really get how paradoxes work, but considering it's a work of science fiction I don't think it's the worst flub in the galaxy. The less I try and think about it the better.
stephxsu's review against another edition
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read a straight-up science-fiction YA novel, and yet SINGING THE DOGSTAR BLUES proves to be one of the best of its genre. With a great protagonist and a fully realized world, this small book will suck you in so fast you won’t even realize when you’ve lost your heart to it.
Joss is, without a doubt, my kind of girl. A bit jaded, a bit too smart for her own good, she is thoroughly entertaining to read about. Her tongue-in-cheek observations and flagrant disregard for Centre rules make her the opposite of the passive protagonist I typically dread in YA lit, and yet she’s not so rebellious as to be unrelatable. She is, in a sense, the kind of “bad girl” most readers have secretly imagined themselves being.
Science fiction is difficult to write because it involves creating a thorough world and to consider the implications of adding any detail to the story. Luckily, Alison Goodman’s world in SINGING THE DOGSTAR BLUES is remarkably believable and “real”: I could very nearly see all that Joss sees through the sharp and precise writing.
The one complaint I had about this book was the predictability of the ending. I figured out how things were going to unfold several chapters before Joss did. This is a recurring weakness in Goodman’s novels (her YA fantasy Eon: Dragoneye Reborn had the same thing happen), and yet doesn’t majorly detract from my utter delight in reading this book. Overall, I can solidly recommend SINGING THE DOGSTAR BLUES as one of the YA science fiction novels ever written. Don’t miss out on this one!
Joss is, without a doubt, my kind of girl. A bit jaded, a bit too smart for her own good, she is thoroughly entertaining to read about. Her tongue-in-cheek observations and flagrant disregard for Centre rules make her the opposite of the passive protagonist I typically dread in YA lit, and yet she’s not so rebellious as to be unrelatable. She is, in a sense, the kind of “bad girl” most readers have secretly imagined themselves being.
Science fiction is difficult to write because it involves creating a thorough world and to consider the implications of adding any detail to the story. Luckily, Alison Goodman’s world in SINGING THE DOGSTAR BLUES is remarkably believable and “real”: I could very nearly see all that Joss sees through the sharp and precise writing.
The one complaint I had about this book was the predictability of the ending. I figured out how things were going to unfold several chapters before Joss did. This is a recurring weakness in Goodman’s novels (her YA fantasy Eon: Dragoneye Reborn had the same thing happen), and yet doesn’t majorly detract from my utter delight in reading this book. Overall, I can solidly recommend SINGING THE DOGSTAR BLUES as one of the YA science fiction novels ever written. Don’t miss out on this one!
anna_hepworth's review against another edition
The writing is fine, the futuristic details are fabulous (as is the world building) but I absolutely cannot with the plot of student being bullied by faculty, and the 'has to break the rules' plot line that is indicated in the summary doesn't sound like I want to read that either.
janina_reads's review against another edition
3.0
A very charming, light and funny little book.
YA sci-fi (real YA sci-fi, not romance disguised as sci-fi) is still a rare thing to find, and I very much enjoyed this story about time travel, aliens, a DNA mystery and an unlikely friendship. Joss is spunky and rebellious without being annoying, Mavkel a very fascinating and endearing character. I loved how their friendship developed, how the Chorians communicated and how their society worked. The overall tone of the book was light, but not without meaning; funny, but not trying too hard and the author didn't feel the need to dump too much information about the world on the reader. I very much like the feeling of getting to know the setting by myself and not being told what it's supposed to be like.
Towards the end, though, I felt like some things were a little rushed. I would have wished for some more depth: a lot if conflicts were hinted at, but not picked up again and in the end, I was left with a lot of open questions – not about the plot, but more about the background of the story in general. I would have loved to learn more about the Chorians, about the scientific aspect behind time travel (how does it actually work?) and about Joss's family.
Nevertheless, recommended if you are into lighter sci-fi with a futuristic setting, and would like to read a book without a focus on romance for once. I would have wished to be just a little more invested emotionally, but in comparison to [b:Froi of the Exiles|10165727|Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles, #2)|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1306866851s/10165727.jpg|15064442], the book didn't really stand a chance in that department.
#11 Aussie YA Challenge 2011
YA sci-fi (real YA sci-fi, not romance disguised as sci-fi) is still a rare thing to find, and I very much enjoyed this story about time travel, aliens, a DNA mystery and an unlikely friendship. Joss is spunky and rebellious without being annoying, Mavkel a very fascinating and endearing character. I loved how their friendship developed, how the Chorians communicated and how their society worked. The overall tone of the book was light, but not without meaning; funny, but not trying too hard and the author didn't feel the need to dump too much information about the world on the reader. I very much like the feeling of getting to know the setting by myself and not being told what it's supposed to be like.
Towards the end, though, I felt like some things were a little rushed. I would have wished for some more depth: a lot if conflicts were hinted at, but not picked up again and in the end, I was left with a lot of open questions – not about the plot, but more about the background of the story in general. I would have loved to learn more about the Chorians, about the scientific aspect behind time travel (how does it actually work?) and about Joss's family.
Nevertheless, recommended if you are into lighter sci-fi with a futuristic setting, and would like to read a book without a focus on romance for once. I would have wished to be just a little more invested emotionally, but in comparison to [b:Froi of the Exiles|10165727|Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles, #2)|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1306866851s/10165727.jpg|15064442], the book didn't really stand a chance in that department.
#11 Aussie YA Challenge 2011
daniela807's review against another edition
3.0
First and foremost, THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE!!!! Thus, refreshing.
Goodman's version of Mavkel, the Chorian alien, is just wonderful. "He" is not an alien in a human body, nor anything close to our human selves. It is like two beings within one, which is essential in this novel. Mavkel was not meant to be a romantic interest, and for that I applaud Goodman.
Now, overall, this was a good book. Technically read it all in a day, and felt completely satified at the conclusion. Was this as good as "Eon" or "Eona"? No. Was this good in it's own respect? Yes.
"Dogstar" is most definately it's own creature, not relying on previous works or perceptions to to drive the novel. I did have difficulty at times with the slang, as this takes place in Australia. Not a vast difference, but enough to stall me from time to time. The descriptions do present a nice picture in the readers' mind, but not completely, allowing the situations to grow on their own.
Joss is such a pistol. A very real character in such a strange situation. She was a solid character throughout, only "changing" when the situation made it so. Very human.
The reason for the three stars is simply this: while I liked the novel, I was not blown away by it. Perhaps I am still bias, but the "Eon" was so brilliant that I unrealistically expected similar in "Dogstar". While it did not reach the same level, I enjoyed "Dogstar" the whole way through.
Goodman's version of Mavkel, the Chorian alien, is just wonderful. "He" is not an alien in a human body, nor anything close to our human selves. It is like two beings within one, which is essential in this novel. Mavkel was not meant to be a romantic interest, and for that I applaud Goodman.
Now, overall, this was a good book. Technically read it all in a day, and felt completely satified at the conclusion. Was this as good as "Eon" or "Eona"? No. Was this good in it's own respect? Yes.
"Dogstar" is most definately it's own creature, not relying on previous works or perceptions to to drive the novel. I did have difficulty at times with the slang, as this takes place in Australia. Not a vast difference, but enough to stall me from time to time. The descriptions do present a nice picture in the readers' mind, but not completely, allowing the situations to grow on their own.
Joss is such a pistol. A very real character in such a strange situation. She was a solid character throughout, only "changing" when the situation made it so. Very human.
The reason for the three stars is simply this: while I liked the novel, I was not blown away by it. Perhaps I am still bias, but the "Eon" was so brilliant that I unrealistically expected similar in "Dogstar". While it did not reach the same level, I enjoyed "Dogstar" the whole way through.
callidice's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing - it was truly like nothing else I have ever read. I'm so used to reading the typical YA novel (which involves a pretty heroine falling for a hot vampire/werewolf/ghost/etc, and together they go off on an adventurous journey to save the world/uncover a conspiracy/overthrow a corrupt leader/etc) that this was such a nice refreshment.
I think what I loved most was that this book was not about romance or damsels in distress, it was about true friendship. The heroine, Joss, was so kick-ass. She played the harmonica with a blues band, she was a bit of a troublemaker, and she had plain ol' common sense. She also had no problem or prejudice with partnering with the alien Mavkel, whom she nicknamed Mav.
Mav, on the other hand, was something else. I thought he was a sweetheart - he really grew to care a lot about Joss, and it was cute seeing him try to understand humans. Still, I have to admit that he did get a bit annoying at times, but that was only because he kept trying to force his habits on Joss, who was unaccustomed to them. His race, the Chorians, are used to communicating telepathically, and each Chorian is paired with a partner whom they're linked with telepathically 24/7. The sad thing about Mav is that his pair died, so he didn't have a mental link with anyone else - something unheard of on his planet. When Mav was partnered with Joss, he kept trying to form a mental link with her without even telling her, so she kept getting headaches without knowing why. He meant well, but he could have tried actually talking to Joss. Nonetheless, you can see their friendship strengthen over the course of the book - especially when Joss decides to jump back in time in an effort to save Mav when his life is threatened.
Another awesome thing about this book was the lingo. The book took place further in the future, and so the slang was a bit different, which made it fun to try and figure out what everything meant (the most used word was 'screte,' which I figured was the equivalent to saying 'shit'). If you are a fan of the book Feed by MT Anderson, you'll probably love this book - different message, but the same atmosphere. Likewise, if you enjoy this, you'll love Feed. I'm really hoping that Ms. Goodman decides to write a sequel - she had written a short story that takes place after this book, but that just left more questions about the background turmoil between comps (people created from many donors with genes manipulated for superiority) and natural born humans. All I can say is: more please!
I think what I loved most was that this book was not about romance or damsels in distress, it was about true friendship. The heroine, Joss, was so kick-ass. She played the harmonica with a blues band, she was a bit of a troublemaker, and she had plain ol' common sense. She also had no problem or prejudice with partnering with the alien Mavkel, whom she nicknamed Mav.
Mav, on the other hand, was something else. I thought he was a sweetheart - he really grew to care a lot about Joss, and it was cute seeing him try to understand humans. Still, I have to admit that he did get a bit annoying at times, but that was only because he kept trying to force his habits on Joss, who was unaccustomed to them. His race, the Chorians, are used to communicating telepathically, and each Chorian is paired with a partner whom they're linked with telepathically 24/7. The sad thing about Mav is that his pair died, so he didn't have a mental link with anyone else - something unheard of on his planet. When Mav was partnered with Joss, he kept trying to form a mental link with her without even telling her, so she kept getting headaches without knowing why. He meant well, but he could have tried actually talking to Joss. Nonetheless, you can see their friendship strengthen over the course of the book - especially when Joss decides to jump back in time in an effort to save Mav when his life is threatened.
Another awesome thing about this book was the lingo. The book took place further in the future, and so the slang was a bit different, which made it fun to try and figure out what everything meant (the most used word was 'screte,' which I figured was the equivalent to saying 'shit'). If you are a fan of the book Feed by MT Anderson, you'll probably love this book - different message, but the same atmosphere. Likewise, if you enjoy this, you'll love Feed. I'm really hoping that Ms. Goodman decides to write a sequel - she had written a short story that takes place after this book, but that just left more questions about the background turmoil between comps (people created from many donors with genes manipulated for superiority) and natural born humans. All I can say is: more please!
booksong's review against another edition
3.0
Top marks for originality on this one; Goodman is just plagued a little by a few rough spots in the novel. Still, I enjoyed it.
Joss Aaronson is stunned on the day when it is her class's turn to choose partners. Joss is ready to become a student in time-travel...but she could never have anticipated her partner. That's because for the first time ever, Earth has allowed an alien into the program, a Chorian named Mavkel. And now he's chosen Joss as his travel-partner.
Joss, rebellious, bold, and a blues fan, has no idea what to make of Mav. So begins a story of family, of alien culture shock, of a surprisingly original futuristic world with Australian overtones (the author is Australian). The plot moved along a bit too quick for my tastes, and the characters apart from Joss weren't developed enough. But just reading about Goodman's take on the future and Mav's alien race make it worth at least one read.
Joss Aaronson is stunned on the day when it is her class's turn to choose partners. Joss is ready to become a student in time-travel...but she could never have anticipated her partner. That's because for the first time ever, Earth has allowed an alien into the program, a Chorian named Mavkel. And now he's chosen Joss as his travel-partner.
Joss, rebellious, bold, and a blues fan, has no idea what to make of Mav. So begins a story of family, of alien culture shock, of a surprisingly original futuristic world with Australian overtones (the author is Australian). The plot moved along a bit too quick for my tastes, and the characters apart from Joss weren't developed enough. But just reading about Goodman's take on the future and Mav's alien race make it worth at least one read.
mollymortensen's review against another edition
3.0
I was rather confused at the beginning, because in the first chapter we have a flashback, then a flashback in the flashback. Thankfully it gets better after that. There's still the occasional strange flashback, because it's like the character is telling the story from the future, but it's not as bad.
I don't particularly like Joss. She's rather crass and confrontational. She grew on me, because she is a genuinely good person but she still annoyed me.
I did like the whole she's friends with a gangster part. He came in handy and her illegal skills were cool. Though I wish she could do a bit of hacking instead of having to hire people.
The world was super unique. A future world where there's discrimination in society for genetically engineered people. A man accidentally invented time travel and Joss is a student studying it. There's also aliens! Basically they have teleporting technology and want to share in exchange for our time travel tech.
The aliens themselves were unique too. They're telepathic, with two mouths, are both boys and girls and are always born in pairs.
A rare alien without a pair has just joined Joss' elite class of time travel students and chose her for its partner. But there are many humans against aliens so along with bullying Joss has to deal with someone potentially trying to kill her partner.
I liked Mav, the alien. He was like a cross between an annoying little brother and a dog. I was afraid at first that this would be a fall in love with an alien book, but nope. There's no romance!
For all of the world building, aliens, and time travel, it's almost entirely your average college school book. You could change the alien from space to an alien from another country and it wouldn't change much. Only the last twenty pages, was there any action or real sci-fi.
The mystery was just okay. There were several supposed "twists" but it was completely obvious.
I don't particularly like Joss. She's rather crass and confrontational. She grew on me, because she is a genuinely good person but she still annoyed me.
I did like the whole she's friends with a gangster part. He came in handy and her illegal skills were cool. Though I wish she could do a bit of hacking instead of having to hire people.
The world was super unique. A future world where there's discrimination in society for genetically engineered people. A man accidentally invented time travel and Joss is a student studying it. There's also aliens! Basically they have teleporting technology and want to share in exchange for our time travel tech.
The aliens themselves were unique too. They're telepathic, with two mouths, are both boys and girls and are always born in pairs.
A rare alien without a pair has just joined Joss' elite class of time travel students and chose her for its partner. But there are many humans against aliens so along with bullying Joss has to deal with someone potentially trying to kill her partner.
I liked Mav, the alien. He was like a cross between an annoying little brother and a dog. I was afraid at first that this would be a fall in love with an alien book, but nope. There's no romance!
For all of the world building, aliens, and time travel, it's almost entirely your average college school book. You could change the alien from space to an alien from another country and it wouldn't change much. Only the last twenty pages, was there any action or real sci-fi.
Spoiler
It made no sense that Lisa would risk everything for a girl she barely knows. They really should've already been friends or step sisters or something for her actions to make sense. (I say step sisters because though I liked Joss' other mom Leanne, she wasn't really necessary for the story.)The mystery was just okay. There were several supposed "twists" but it was completely obvious.
poachedeggs's review against another edition
3.0
This is a super-cute sci-fi YA story with a female protagonist, no romantic elements, and an endearing large-eared, two-mouthed alien. There's time travel, some daddy issues, and quite a lot of intrigue and action.
It was an easy and entertaining read, but it did feel as though Goodman wanted to fit in too many things into one short novel. In the end, I wasn't quite sure how time travel (an instrumental part of the novel) worked, and what exactly the relationship between humans and aliens was supposed to be like.
It was an easy and entertaining read, but it did feel as though Goodman wanted to fit in too many things into one short novel. In the end, I wasn't quite sure how time travel (an instrumental part of the novel) worked, and what exactly the relationship between humans and aliens was supposed to be like.