A review by ayana
We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker

challenging hopeful mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker follows a LGBTQIA diverse and Ability diverse suburban family as they reach milestones in the shadow of a brain-enhancing implant named Pilot. Much of the novel is a commentary on American capitalism, how technology furthers the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and what it means to be human in a synthetically simulated society. Although hard science fiction themes (the Pilot may be scientifically possible) underline the plot, the narrative centers on the family mentioned above: Julie, her wife Val, and their two kids David and Sophie. Because of choice or biology, each family member has a individual connection to Pilot, which causes each character to make very different life choices over ten years. We Are Satellites challenges readers to envision a dysfunctional, yet loving family inhabit a very realistic near future as they cope first with Sophie’s disability, divided ideologies next, then David’s mental illness caused by technical difficulties. If you enjoy complex characters living ordinary lives in a theoretically fantastic world, give this book a look.

If you liked the leisurely paced and thought-provoking novel The Circle by Dave Eggers, or the bittersweet book about an unhappy family Tell the Machine Goodnight by Katie Williams, you will like We Are Satellites.
 
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. 
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