A fateful encounter between star-roving races by the author of the bestselling Dragonriders of Pern series!After the first human contact with the Siwannese, that entire race committed mass suicide. So the Terran government made a law—no further contact would be allowed with sentient creatures anywhere in the galaxy. Therefore Doona could be colonized only if an official survey established that … established that the planet was both habitable and uninhabited.
But Spaceship had made a mistake—Doona was inhabited. Now the colonists’ choice was limited. Leave Doona and return to the teeming hell of an overpopulated Terra. Or kill the catlike Hrrubans. Or learn, for the first time in history, how to coexist with an alien race.
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A lot of the books that made a big impact on me when I first read them haven’t worn well. Happily, Decision at Doona (despite its anachronisms) isn’t one of them. I just re-read it after 20+ years and I still love it.
Why? Because it’s about two species with their own reasons to fear the Other discovering that they can co-exist despite their concerns. I’m trying to think of other books that are so straightforward about “let’s write a book about how we’re seriously worried we’re going to mess up first contact, but in fact it turns out great” and I can’t think of one. It’s so optimistic, and without being naive about human (and humanoid alien) realities, like fear and ennui and other vices.
Also, the aliens are giant cats. What’s not to love about that. (Isn’t it weird how the aliens are never giant dogs? Someone should do something about that.)
So, yeah. If the drumbeat of tribalism, negativity, and xenophobia lately is getting you down, you want this book. A refreshing read. We need more like it.
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One of her best
As always, Anne McCaffrey is excellent. The story immediately draws the reader in, and the storyline keeps you on edge until the end. Of course, you have to read the nest book about Doona, so you can see what happens next. Anne is my all time favorite author, and I miss her writing wonderful books. I know her son is continuing the Pern legacy, but it isn’t the same.
Anything by Ann McCarthy is bound to be delightful, and this one is no exception – great plot, characters are well rounded, central theme is her usual inventive self. Great read.
,This is a fun book, probably for young folks. But I’m old, and I still enjoyed it very much.
If you like thoughtful, easy-to-read explorations of aliens and how we fit in the universe read this and the others in the series.
Anne MacCaffrey is a wonderful writer and I loved this book. I love books that have likeable characters and make you feel like you are exploring with the characters.
good book different for this author
I have read quite a bit of Anne McCaffreys work. The story is quite good although just not as action packed as some of her work.
Interesting story line with twists and turns you might not expect. It is a good si-fi tale.
Great story, good to read something new from Ann
Very well written – interesting characters in an interesting situation that could really be any time or anywhere.
I read a lot from this author when I was a teen. Good clean space opera which has nothing good to say for human or alien government officials
loved how the characters played against one another.
Easy reading, interesting situation.
At the time this was pretty origional, good building on the world and the other race and society. Child reminds me of mine.
I love almost everything Anne McCaffrey wrote and this is one of my favorites. It offers an interesting prediction of what life could be like in an overpopulated future. The vision of what re-learning could be like. However, the characters still reflect universal personalities – both good and bad.
Will eventually read next book in series, liked that well.
I have read most everything written by Anne McCaffrey and the series is no different. I love her work. I have read this before and so it is enjoyable for me to re-read it.