Community

Community living is ultimately the major focus of The Book of Strange New Things. Both Peter and Bea go on their own journeys to explore the importance of a strong community. They both get to see examples of what makes a community work and what doesn’t. To Peter, the Oasan community is far superior to the USIC community. In his eyes, they’re all willing to pitch in and work together. They don’t get wrapped up in meaningless melodrama, and they don’t waste their time with unnecessary conversation because they feel uncomfortable amongst one another.

In contrast, Peter finds the USIC community to be lacking and incomplete. They might work together, but that isn’t enough to make them a genuine community. They only care about getting their work done, not the effect that their jobs have on one another. As Grainger points...