Decision at Doona (1969)

One of my favorite Anne McCaffrey novels. Coincidentally, its also one of her earlier books. This isn't complicated or epic, just good straightforward science fiction. The 'first contact' theme isn't tremendously original, but it is done well. ( )

Two worlds, one problem - they were over-civilized, the people living in steel warrens with no contact with nature. on Hrubba there was no nature left. Too many people, not enough food, young adults suiciding, nobody interested in the administrative and maintenance positions needed to maintain their society.
One sentience-uninhabited pastoral world where a small colony could return to nature, to live as men are supposed to. Both groups checked it out - it WAS empty when they surveyed it.

The human men settled a winter colony, a few days before their families were to appear they discovered there was a village of SIX FOOT CATS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER!
A village that had not been there even two weeks before...
Earth law said they were not to make any kind of contact, they have to pack up and go home...
But the law didn't count on 6-yr old Todd Reeve who wants a tail of his own. ( )

I loved this book when I read it as a kid, but I had forgotten the name of it. I recently rediscovered it and reread it expecting to be let down. That couldn't be further from the case! It is still an excellent book and I enjoyed it every bit as much the second time through. It's a fun, lighthearted and inspiring story. ( )

DOONA

Though not as famous as her dragonrider books, this remains one of my favorite McCaffrey stories. ( )