by Janet Kagan
“Sivao, where the north star beat like the heart of a child…”
An insidious disease is ravaging the Federation. It began on Eeiauo and spread before it was known to be cross-species contagious.
On her first mission, Uhura befriended a diplomat/dancer/singer from Eeiauo. They exchanged taboo songs and promised to never tell a soul. Uhura believes these secret songs may hold clues to cure the epidemic. Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise must decipher the songs to cure the plague. It’s a coming-of-age journey with a first-contact, a mystery, and lots of songs.
Random Thoughts Written Down as I Read:
This is it. This is my favorite Star Trek book EVER, and one of my favorite all-time books of any genre. The philosophies, morals, behaviors, and beliefs discussed and displayed in this book and “The Wounded Sky” shaped who I am, how I behave, and what I believe today.
That being said, I realize others may not be as touched and enthusiastic as I am about “Uhura’s Song.”
I believe in ‘Geek Gifts.’ Geek gifts are things one geek gives to another because they love it so much they need to share it. My son ‘gave’ me “Spaced” in this way, and my guardian angel gave me “Firefly.” I give Geek Gifts too, but I’ve always been reluctant to share “Uhura’s Song” and “The Wounded Sky” because I can’t bear the idea that someone else might NOT find them so magical. My kids’ dad told me “Wounded Sky” was stupid. I never shared “Uhura’s Song” with him.
I’ll share a few special moments and ideas. And I’ll continue singing Uhura’s song.
Oh. That was so cheesy. I love this book.
McCoy calls the Eeiauoans ‘overgrown house cats’ but it’s obvious he loves them. He claims to cry because he has cat hair in his eyes.
Spock tells jokes but pretends he doesn’t understand that they are jokes.
Snnanagfashtalli is not Eeiauoan, but is mentioned. She is immune to ADF.
Uhura speaks Eeiauoan. Because she fuckin rocks at her job.
Dr. Evan Wilson (spoiler) is me when I was a young adult. But with blue eyes. Her explanations for her own behavior suit me to a T.
This is the first time Uhura’s first name is used: Nyota. A literal translation of her name? Star Freedom.
The Sivoans use their tails to communicate like my cat, Guildenstern. They corkscrew them, and straighten and whip them, lash and flick them—oh! I want a tail! The tails are also prehensile.
Chekov is so fun and young and useful and sweet!
Names have meaning.
Words have meaning.
There are all sorts of jokes and wonderful puns and sweet interactions.
QFT:
“Tell me how it happened.”
