We Are Satellites

This is an uplifting family drama about technology that could – and possibly is (if we think about AI and smartphones) – already happening.

It’s a social comment about a brain surgery that improves the functions of thinking. The implant proves so popular, it begins to bias society to favour those who have the implant and sideline those who don’t. The story is told from the viewpoints of a lesbian couple and their two children, demonstrating how easily divided we can be, enough to threaten the breakdown of society. 

It’s a wonderful story with very real characters, commenting on mega… show more.

I love this book because it cleverly uses a piece of fictional technology to reveal both personal and universal dynamics that confront us in real life.

The technology is a very visible brain implant called a Pilot that improves the user’s ability to multi-task, theoretically making work or school much simpler. But, everyone’s experience with the device, whether or not they have one themselves, is different (and not necessarily positive).

The novel takes place from the perspectives of four family members and Pinsker does a wonderful job of showing us how each unique personality is affected by the Pilot, demonstrating… show more.

I love pretty much anything that Sarah Pinsker writes. We Are Satellites is no exception. Her prose goes down like butter – simple but smooth and rich in flavor.

Her characters are engaging and very real. They’re ordinary folks dealing with small problems that sometimes grow into having wider repercussions. This novel presents a near future with a believable core technology (a brain implant), and follows a family as it deals with the ramifications of acquiring this new device. It’s a slice-of-life story that has some fun turns and a heartwarming conclusion.

If there was a subgenre called “cozy sci-fi,”… show more.