The complexity of narrative structure and themes makes Harvest of Stars a good book for group discussions. One way to open discussion of the novel is to begin with its tone: Is it a hopeful vision of the future or is it a grim vision of humanity losing itself? Both views of the novel's tone are valid: the human spirit continues to strive to be free in Harvest of Stars, but humanity in general becomes utterly selfabsorbed and ceases its striving to expand into and learn about the universe. Thus defenders of both points of view are likely to be found in a discussion group, and by beginning with the novel's tone, a group may quickly perceive how complicated the novel really is, that it offers no clear answers to the questions it raises, which in turn may lead to discussion of the novel's other complexities...