On Monday we got together under the hashtag #WWACBookClub to discuss our latest book club pick – Insignia 
by S J Kincaid.
The story takes place in the middle of World War III. Most of our natural resources are gone so what are we fighting over? The resources found in space. But this war is different from previous wars. This war is fought in a virtual arena. It’s like a big video game. And when you’re fighting a video game war, who you gonna call? Teenagers of course.
With the help of some top secret government neural processors (computers implanted in their brains), Tom Raines and the other members of Intrasolar Forces may be just what the Indo-American alliance needs to win.
Though this was an interesting premise we had to admit the book left us a little lukewarm. The world-building was a little lackluster, with most of the history provided through the teen’s history classes. We also felt there was very little payoff for the plot threads that were presented.
@womenoncomics That might be my main disappointment with the book. All those Chekov’s guns left hanging on the wall.
— Laura Harcourt (@blueofthebay) August 19, 2014
But one of the biggest problems we had was with the gender dynamics.
.@womenoncomics For sure the gender dynamics. The prevalence of “wimpiness” being used as an insult or motivation. The lack of women & POC. — Laura Harcourt (@blueofthebay) August 19, 2014
Two instances that really stood out for me were making Tom dress as a girl to humiliate him and the assumption (1/2) #WWACBookClub — WmnWriteAboutComics (@womenoncomics) August 19, 2014
that Medusa couldn’t possibly be a girl (2/2) #WWACBookClub — WmnWriteAboutComics (@womenoncomics) August 19, 2014
.@womenoncomics Yes. And let’s not forget Heather as the Siren, manipulating Tom through sexual appeal. — Laura Harcourt (@blueofthebay) August 19, 2014
In a world where a neural processor allows students to learn things almost automatically and enhances the physical size and strength of the students why is there still only 2 girls in this training camp? However for all its faults, Insignia, did lead to an interesting discussion about the future of war and whether or not it will ever be fought on a virtual battlefield. It reminded me of an old Star trek episode “A Taste of Armageddon”where the war is fought via computer simulation. The citizens of each planet have to submit to real executions inside “disintegration booths” to meet the casualty counts of the simulated attacks. Some argued that a virtual war is a strong possibility in the future. Whereas others believe we’re already there.
@womenoncomics Already have been fighting virtual warfare for over a decade. Public just not aware of it. #WWACBookClub — Femme Malheureuse (@Femme_Mal) August 19, 2014
@womenoncomics Best known to public are Operation Aurora (2009-10) and Student (2006-present), latter had physical target. #WWACBookClub — Femme Malheureuse (@Femme_Mal) August 19, 2014
So if virtual war is a real possibility what about private company sponsorship of combatants, like the members of Intrasolar Forces? Some said no:
.@womenoncomics I wouldn’t be surprised by virtual fights, but I don’t think wars will be subsidized by private companies. #WWACBookClub — Laura Harcourt (@blueofthebay) August 19, 2014
Others disagreed:
.@blueofthebay @womenoncomics Nope, already happening. What do think became of former Blackwater founder? Contractor. #WWACBookClub
— Femme Malheureuse (@Femme_Mal) August 19, 2014
Do you think private sponsorship of soldiers is a possibility? What about virtual war? And would you ever consider having a computer installed in your brain? Would the rewards (increased intelligence, abilities, strength etc) outweigh the risks?
Our Next Pick
Now you’re probably curious about our next book club selection. We decided we wanted to explore the mystery genre with our next pairing but we thought we’d leave the actual choosing up to you.
Vote in the form by the end of day Sunday August 24th for our September and October book club picks.
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