Uhura's Song

Janet Kagan

This novel is one of the gems in the Star Trek series. Uhura is my favorite TOS charcter. Plus, the cover shows what appears to be an intelligent cat. Is it any wonder I had to read it? And because it was so enjoyable all those years ago, I had to reread it. I'm glad I did.

An epidemic is sweeping the planet Eeiaou. The inhabitants are dying of "The Long Disease", an unknown illness. So far they have not been able to find a cure, so call on the Federation for help. When Enterprise responds, it is discovered the illness is deadly to many humanoid species, not just the feline population of Eeiaou.

Uhura's friend, Sunfall, an Eeiaouan diplomat, had given Uhura some of their songs. Uhura realizes that the songs may have to key to finding the Eeiaouan's ancestors. Perhaps a cure can be found. Uhura and Spock study songs, star charts, and bits and pieces of information, then the Enterprise is on its way to Sivao.

This is well written and fun. Because I know the Star Trek characters' personalities, it was easy for me to get into. But as I thought about it, it didn't have to be a Star Trek book. It could have been any sci fi book as long as the characters had been developed properly. This one is one of the earlier one in the series (#21), and is worth reading.