Bestselling author Annalee Newitz invites us to explore a large and not-so-lonely universe in this science fiction adventure about what happens when the alien becomes familiar–and beloved.
Gardenpath is a graduate student. They also happen to be an amoeba–a slime mold, to be exact–from an ancient civilization that dwells in the space between the stars. And when they turn their many eyes to researching a remote spot on one spiral arm of the galaxy, they stumble upon a discovery that will change everything they thought they knew: a mysterious planet teeming with unexpected life, language, and culture.
One of these alien animals is a creature named Murtis, who lives in a city she calls Pompeii and works in a brothel known as ‘the lupanar.’ Unfazed when her strange visitor says she’s from the stars, Murtis takes Gardenpath into her care, introducing her to the seaside tourist town full of immigrants and shopkeepers who are just trying to get by.
Before they met Murtis, Gardenpath expected to finish their research, present their discovery, and return home to become an acclaimed scientist. But as they look into their new friend’s bizarre sensor bulbs from within the suit that allows them to survive and blend in on her surprising planet, they are beginning to wonder if there’s more to life than academic achievement.
They're not sure what it is, but they're going to use science to find out.
A thought-provoking and heartwarming novel about science, the meaning of life, and love, perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, Ryka Aoki, and Martha Wells.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Genre: Science Fiction
Gardenpath is a graduate student. They also happen to be an amoeba–a slime mold, to be exact–from an ancient civilization that dwells in the space between the stars. And when they turn their many eyes to researching a remote spot on one spiral arm of the galaxy, they stumble upon a discovery that will change everything they thought they knew: a mysterious planet teeming with unexpected life, language, and culture.
One of these alien animals is a creature named Murtis, who lives in a city she calls Pompeii and works in a brothel known as ‘the lupanar.’ Unfazed when her strange visitor says she’s from the stars, Murtis takes Gardenpath into her care, introducing her to the seaside tourist town full of immigrants and shopkeepers who are just trying to get by.
Before they met Murtis, Gardenpath expected to finish their research, present their discovery, and return home to become an acclaimed scientist. But as they look into their new friend’s bizarre sensor bulbs from within the suit that allows them to survive and blend in on her surprising planet, they are beginning to wonder if there’s more to life than academic achievement.
They're not sure what it is, but they're going to use science to find out.
A thought-provoking and heartwarming novel about science, the meaning of life, and love, perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, Ryka Aoki, and Martha Wells.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Genre: Science Fiction
Praise for this book
"A hilarious, brilliant, and absolutely unique novel that will make you see the universe--and the world around you--in an entirely new light." - Alyssa Cole
"A brilliant, wholly original adventure of an alien scholar who stumbles upon a discovery that could upend scientific understanding of life in the universe: us. Only Newitz could deliver such a daring, mind-bending yet tender story of Roman history, anthropology, academia, and ethics. Single-celled eukaryotes have never been so sexy." - Yume Kitasei
"I love a book that makes me think and feel. A Wall is Also a Road gave me happy tears and a lot of Very Big Thoughts." - Mary Robinette Kowal
"All at once a beautiful cluster of navigating the perils and pitfalls of academia and scientific ambition, a sweet romance on finding love amidst the stars and oneself, and a rollicking good ride into space and our own history. The alien (and familiar) will knock you sideways." - C B Lee
"A brilliant, wholly original adventure of an alien scholar who stumbles upon a discovery that could upend scientific understanding of life in the universe: us. Only Newitz could deliver such a daring, mind-bending yet tender story of Roman history, anthropology, academia, and ethics. Single-celled eukaryotes have never been so sexy." - Yume Kitasei
"I love a book that makes me think and feel. A Wall is Also a Road gave me happy tears and a lot of Very Big Thoughts." - Mary Robinette Kowal
"All at once a beautiful cluster of navigating the perils and pitfalls of academia and scientific ambition, a sweet romance on finding love amidst the stars and oneself, and a rollicking good ride into space and our own history. The alien (and familiar) will knock you sideways." - C B Lee
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