I found this 1997 paperback in a charity shop, and even though I already own a well-loved copy, I just couldn't resist. The author is a friend of mine, and I just had to rescue his book from languishing on the shelf! It's a great SF space adventure, but it also explores some deep ethical questions.

It's the story of an 'Explorer', also known as an 'Expendable Crew Member'. ECMs are the first to step foot on new planets, and often die of the experience. In order not to upset the rest of a ship's crew with the loss of a beloved shipmate, ECMs are recruited from the physically defective members of the human race. If you have a unsightly facial deformity, or sport perpetually weeping sores, fewer crew members will bond with you, and your loss will not disrupt the ship.

Festina has a large wine-mark birthmark on her face, and, and due to a conspiracy among the Fleet's admirals, is faced with a planet that is sure to kill her. Abandoned, she must survive and find a way to prevent the conspiracy from destroying the human race.

MathGirl40 received a science fiction book box, and kindly let me have a peek.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/9722345

I took out two books, and put in three, including this book.

I chose this book from Erishkigal's Science Fiction Bookbox.

This novel was an entertaining read that deals with a number of themes not normally covered by the sci-fi authors I've read in the past. I will definitely read more of Gardner's works.

I passed this book to a friend.