Some Comments on "Troublesome Minds" (Possible Spoilers)

[Valin]

I picked up David Galanter's TOS novel, "Troublesome Minds" yesterday .

It is a very fast read; I was through it in about two hours. It reads like the novelization of an episode; the author captured the regular characters and "feel" of the original series quite well.

It was nice to read a standalone Star Trek novel for a change, too, especially since for the original series every episode (outside of the two-part "Managerie") was meant to be standalone.

The concept of a telepathic culture that uses sign-language as a means of communicating with other species was quite interesting.

I'm going to lend this book to my nieces; they enjoyed the new movie and this novel should be a good introduction to the wonderful world of Trek lit.

 

[DaveGalanter]

I am very pleased to read that you enjoyed the book.

 

[KimMH]

dear sir, as you have enjoyed the book so much I wish you to forward it to me so as to spread the joy around *grins* It is nowhere to be found near my little patch of dirt on the earth - may have to resort to Amazon. *frowns*

 

[Snaploud]

I just got my copy from Barnes and Noble. It's next on my list (right after I finish the last hundred and fifty or so pages of Star Trek: Engines of Destiny).

I'll probably read the latest Robert J. Sawyer book after "Troublesome Minds" and then the vanguard series.

 

[Brendan Moody]

I've just finished Troublesome Minds myself. An absolutely top-notch TOS story, with the Big Three perfectly characterized, a credible moral dilemma, and an unsettling yet entirely appropriate ending. My favorite Trek novel in a long time.

 

[DaveGalanter]

Awww, Brendan. That's so very nice of you to say. I am honored, considering the amazing company of authors who've raised the bar quite high of late.

 

[indianatrekker26]

I look forward to reading this during my vacation in a couple of weeks. I've been waiting for a good old fashioned Star Trek TOS adventure.

 

[FatherRob]

I look forward to reading this during my vacation in a couple of weeks. I've been waiting for a good old fashioned Star Trek TOS adventure.

I can pretty much assure you that you will NOT be disappointed! My review of the book is now up at TrekMovie.com

Rob+

 

[ClayinCA]

I won't be able to afford this book for awhile, which makes me very sad...hopefully Borders will have a coupon for Father's Day or something (since I just missed their Memorial Day one)....

 

[HIj'Qa]

I enjoyed this very much. Solid Classic Trek. It is a self-contained story, but it doesn't wrap things up neatly in the last ten pages. The characters will go on dealing with these events after I've checked out the Author's Acknowledments just as the show often had the Enterprise warping away to somber music at the end because the story was done but the issues raised would linger.

My only quibble might be that a little dash of M'Benga would have been interesting to have in the mix. I liked the mentions of known players like Palmer and De Salle.

Any Author's Favored Timeline placement ?

 

[DaveGalanter]

^ Thanks for your kind comments. I am very glad you enjoyed, and yes, I imagined that same somber music at the end.

You're right--I wish I'd thought to use M'Benga a bit! Gah!

Are you asking when I placed the book in the time line? Getting toward the end of the 5 year mission.

 

[Snaploud]

48 pages into reading Troublesome Minds:

It's a good beginning. I like the characterization of Kirk. He has a competence about him that I found lacking in StarTrek09. In fact, I'm not convinced that this book would have worked in the new continuity. There's definitely an old continuity feel, so I'm happy they didn't do something stupid like put the new Spock on the cover (rather than Nimoy).

Edit:

Up to page 74:

More about the Kirk characterization:

I really liked this paragraph (setting itself apart, I believe, from the new continuity) on page 65--"Times like these, he hated being captain of the ship, not because he had to make difficult decisions, though those weighed on him, but because he couldn't be at the helm or in the transporter room, taking the actual steps to implement his own orders. Kirk knew his people were good at their jobs--among the best---and he didn't doubt their ability. But for him to sit and wait, not being the person carrying out the commands...usually that feeling was a mere tweak. Today it was a punch in the gut."

That's an attitude of a guy who worked his way up the ranks and knew how to both lead and follow. The Kirk of StarTrek09 doesn't have that kind of depth...and isn't likely to gain that depth given the circumstances outlined in the film.

Edit:

Interesting Kirk quote on page 198:

"Chista pointed out how young he was. Being in command of anything--a colony, ship, fleet, or planet--it requires a certain amount of experience."

And on page 194:

"James Kirk, as captain of a starship felt it was his duty to know every station aboard the Enterprise. It was his calling to know, and he took it seriously. While that didn't mean he knew the finer details of everyone's job better than they did, if needed he could work the ship as any other crewman would."

 

[DaveGalanter]

^Oh, yeah, had they just slapped the new Spock's picture on the cover that wouldn't have worked for me. The story would have needed tweaking in several places. Those areas you mentioned AND many others. But it certainly would have been possible, so long as the story was set after Kirk had been captain a while. The Kirk and Spock in this book have known one another for some years. I'd have been very disappointed if people thought this book was their second adventure.

That said, the basic story could have translated into the new timeline with tweaking. Probably would have taken about 2 weeks to go through and tweak the character bits that you mention and more. But yes, you point out excellent places where, indeed, Kirk's character would have to be changed. Not a lot, but just a bit.

I hope you're enjoying the book and will continue to.

 

[Snaploud]

My internet went out this morning, so I wasn't able to post this:

Okay, I finished the book. It's a fun read. "Troublesome Minds" really manages to capture the essence of an original series Trek episode. The Big Three characterizations were all very strong (Spock's characterization really picked up during the latter half the book), so it was a good way to get back into the habit of reading original series lit.

In fact, this book actually made me want to read some more original series era books. I just started the Vanguard series rather than read the latest Robert J. Sawyer book.

 

[Jbarney]

I picked it up over the weekend and am looking forward to reading it. I have not read a "new" Trek book right off the shelves for several years, as my reading list is so damn long. I may very well read this book next, though.

 

[ezri_fan]

First off, let me say that I quite enjoy most of the current Trek lit and enjoy the cross-continuity and character growth that's being allowed. Having said that, I have to admit that this book was a breath of fresh air. It's an original series novel and it stars all the characters from that series (you'd think that would go without saying but these days if you buy a Voyager, DS9 or Next Gen novel, you're likely to find half of the tv cast is no longer around and there are a host of new characters in their positions). It was nice to see Kirk, Spock, Bones, etc. right where they should be, acting and behaving as they did when I became a fan of their show. Anyway, this novel has a very good premise (telepathic society is sometimes undermined by those who are too powerful and have too much influence over the collective, i.e. 'troublesome minds') and really focuses on the Kirk/Spock relationship. The ending was a bit of moral quandry and after all the build-up felt oddly rushed but I still really enjoyed the book and would recommend it for those looking for an old "done in one" Trek experience.

 

[DaveGalanter]

^Your comments are very kind.

The ending as it is was purposeful. You're supposed to walk away with the feeling that it's anything but over for the main characters.

 

[KimMH]

^^^ Is a sequel in the works? I found a copy in Walmart- of all places - yeay -I'm mainstream now! *Bittersweet moment*

halfway through - darn that family and all their needy needs! They have to eat EVERY day!

 

[DaveGalanter]

I didn't mean to suggest it wasn't over because there is a sequel. The ending is merely to leave you thinking about the same thing the main characters are.

 

[Valin]

I didn't mean to suggest it wasn't over because there is a sequel. The ending is merely to leave you thinking about the same thing the main characters are.

Which is how many of the better Star Trek aka TOS episodes ended.

Are you planning on writing any more TOS episode-novels?