The Spare Man

I finished The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal this week. It’s an engaging sci-fi, murder mystery that takes place on a luxury space liner, starring a wealthy but traumatized engineer, a retired detective and the cutest service dog imaginable. And it has been called the best SF/Fantasy book of the year.

Plus Mary Robinette is a delightful person. I feel very special that she’s given me her time and experience to advise me in my writing journey. (On the very cruise ship she used to model several settings for The Spare Man. #WXR)

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Often, I find that I have an unconscious need to prove myself. I want to prove to people that I’m special, important, powerful, adept or worthy. I want to be liked and to be found interesting.

As I’ve reflected on my life, I’ve discovered the times people liked me most, weren’t the times I showed how important I am, but the times I showed how important they are.

People need to be built up from time to time. We all crave it. I think that’s one of the reasons so many people (myself included) love the dog Gimlet from The Spare Man, despite the fact he never says a single word.

Who’s your favorite book character, and why do you love them?