I really enjoyed this book, and I like that Scalzi himself says that it’s basically a feel-good fluff piece that was fun to write. Not that all of his writing is intended to be “fluff,” but this book does fit well with his catalog.

The concept of the Kaiju as ecological systems with an interdependence with a variety of life forms is really cool, and seems unique to me. Very creative. I also like the second dimension, the Earth that exists because no Chicxulub impactor ever happened. Also, like Jamie, I didn’t know the meteor that killed the dinosaurs had a name.

“I lift things,” will forever be how I describe my profession from now on regardless of accuracy. Plus this description of vegan cheese, “shredded orange and white sadness that mocks cheese and everything it stands for,” priceless.

I read a few reviews before I really got into the book, and for those decrying all of the “political stuff,” I claim that everything in the book is completely on-brand for Scalzi.

Wondering what outraged folks I kept a list of items I thought might be “political stuff.” Maybe this isn’t what outraged folks, but for those of you wondering if this is something you might read but being put off by the outrage, here ya go. Decide for yourself.

– “Preservation” - The whole concept of the book revolves around nature preservation. I don’t find this political but some might.
– The COVID pandemic is a real environmental factor in this book for a bit. I’m sure this will make its way into lots of fiction eventually, but maybe people aren’t ready for it now.
– One of the characters goes by they/them pronouns. Also, the gender of the main character isn’t clearly defined, but it doesn’t seem to matter. I thought the main character was male because I listened to Wil Wheaton read the book, but the narrator’s name is actually gender neutral. My thought: Just let people be who they want to be. Intersectionality exists in real life, so why not fiction.
– A situation is described as “the president’s two large sons” wanted to hunt Kaiju. No names are used to describe any political figures. Point of fact, President Trump’s sons are proud big game hunters, so this fictional situation is not out in left field.
– There is one comment about folks who always need to carry a gun. The follow up is that it isn’t a good way to live
– One character references The Art of the Deal in a not-so-positive light.
– At the end, the 2020 election is mentioned with a change of President coming. Nothing about January 6th though.
– There might be a few more items that I missed or just didn’t recognize as a trigger for folks.