The Cautious Travelers Guide to the Wastelands | Episode 2

📖 Open Me - Should We Start a Kill Count?
This is a monthly book club podcast dedicated to reading in depth and leaving no plot point unturned. Each month we read one book over the course of 3 episodes. Feel free to watch along with our discussion, or better yet, read with us!
📖 Today's Discussion
We are discussing the parts 3 & 4 of the book (the first 70%).
📖 Coming Up Next
We will be discussing the end of the book. If you would like to participate in the discussion, read parts 5, 6, & 7.
📖 Where to find the podcast:
Here on KZbin: ‪@NotReadingForContent‬
Instagram: / notreadingforcontent
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
📖 Season 1 (Genre Blends)
January - The Village Library Demon Hunting Society (Fantasy Mystery)
February - The Day of the Triffids (Sci Fi Horror)
March - The Games Gods Play (Romantasy)
April - The Hitchcock Hotel (Mystery Horror)
📖 Season 2 (Translated Works)
Books to be announced at a later date
📖 Creators other KZbin Channels:
‪@Danni.Dabbles‬
‪@leandrathetbrzero‬
📖 Contact Us Regarding the Podcast
[e-mail]
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[@KeepCalmwithBooksandCoffee]

I find all the social commentary incredibly interesting. Within Henry’s character alone the obsession with legacy and making a name for yourself instead of truth in science. His focus on discovery and exploration rather than respect of the rules and environment. Plus as you mentioned the train changing the landscape but they won’t stop because of the economic impacts.

[@KeepCalmwithBooksandCoffee]

Ohhh the nomadic main characters is so interesting.

[@NotReadingForContent]

When you said, "the obsession with legacy and making a name for yourself instead of truth in science..." 👏🤩 And, truly, the nomadic statuses as a link among this cast of diverse characters, if the author fully intended that then *chef's kiss*!

[@julia_l-c]

This middle third went by so much more quickly than the first! I got the impression the Professor knew the "bad glass" was a lie - which is also why he told Marya to look for the symbol. I thought he fell during the waves. But he's definitely being drugged, and I don't think he had Wasteland Sickness - or at least that bad. But I agree that he's being silenced between the drugs and the pressure from the Crows. And Grey is officially a terrible Naturalist and Biologist - do not claim him as part of my science at all hahaha. Elena and WeiWei friendship is so adorable! But I'm disappointed she took a piece of the lichen after Elena warned her about Grey taking things that aren't his - which I saw as extending to WeiWei as well (like you mentioned). And Suzuki - really like him a lot, and like hearing a bit more about him. And the Wasteland as an entity as a whole is interesting!

[@NotReadingForContent]

It does seem as though the book picked up the pace quite a bit, not unlike a train making its way up to speed after leaving the station. He totally could've fallen while the waves were wreaking havoc. Grey 100% needs to find a different profession! We were also so disappointed when WeiWei took a piece of the wastelands with her! Seeing Elena and WeiWei's relationship grow to this pivotal point in the storyline and then for Elena to be the one that was betrayed was heart wrenching for sure.

[@Vaydium24]

Late to the party, but really enjoying this book! I'm glad you touched on the Captain's talk with Weiwei. When I read it I was thinking it didn't have the same emotional pull the scene would have had if the Captain had been more involved. I didn't even think that it might have been her way to put other plans in motion.

[@NotReadingForContent]

It is interesting how this book includes so many scenes that different readers can pick up on or interpret completely differently. The relationship between Weiwei and the captain is certainly one of those instances!

[@withhernoseinabook_stacy]

I was so frustrated with the scene of Henry going out of the train and being stupid. I was also very disappointed that Weiwei didn’t listen to Elena and still took the specimen. Especially that lichen which isn’t even in a jar to possibly contain whatever might happen. I’m so curious about what’s going to happen from here but I’m also a little apprehensive that we’re not going to end up getting a satisfying conclusion and we’re not going to get answers to all the questions I have.

[@NotReadingForContent]

We can relate to every reaction, thought, and worry you have! When Henry and Elena venture into the Wastelands and then Elena does the one thing she is told not to!! *shakes fists* The question of a satisfying ending...well, there is one way to find out!

[@tuesdijo]

I was actually glad that Grey didn't die in that scene - not because i like him, but because i think that type of just desserts gets overused. I'm hoping the author can give him his rewards in a more original way. Also, despite the public humiliation, Grey seems to be the type of guy who always comes out on top, so i think it's fitting that he was rescued here. I'm interested to find out what will happen to Alexei. Weiwei said it was obvious that he was guilty, but Weiwei has proven to be extremely perceptive, so I wonder if that is obvious to everyone else.

[@NotReadingForContent]

You make a great point, Tuesday! While just desserts is what we want for a character, it's a trope/plotline we have seen many times before. And, yes, Grey does seem to have lived a privileged, unblemished life up until this single public humiliation. And, ohhh, Alexei! Thanks for bringing up a character we have only scratched the surface on!

[@tennille9dawn]

At the beginning I was wondering if the glassmaker was Artemis, but now I'm wondering about the captain . . . something's fishy about her

[@NotReadingForContent]

Love when a theory changes while reading! 👀 These authors make us pivot!

[@tennille9dawn]

I feel like Henry isn't being scientifically objective. He's letting his ego run the show (which plenty of scientists have fallen prey to). It's also like he's using his religion to view himself as having a divine right to own parts of the wastelands, and to walk there as if he owns it. He even mentions praying while out in the wastelands.

[@NotReadingForContent]

👏👏👏 Well said, Tennille! There certainly is the theme of Manifest Destiny when following Henry's character. And his unwavering sense of rightful ownership of a land that never belonged to him speaks volumes!