CZM Book Club: Moonkids, by Abbey Mei Otis, Part 1
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In this first part of the Cool Zone Media Book Club episode, host Margaret Kiljoy introduces 'Moon Kids' by Abby May Otis, a powerful short story from the 2018 collection *Alien Virus Love Disaster*. The story follows Colleen, a moon-born teenager who has adapted to life on Earth after being expelled from Luna at age 16 due to failing a mandatory exam. Now working as a waitress at Crabby Abbey's in Sandpoint, Colleen navigates the physical and emotional challenges of Earth's gravity, social stigma, and the lingering trauma of displacement. Her best friend Tesla struggles with mental health, while a new coworker, Ibiza, arrives with fierce determination to reshape her identity through body modification and political ambition. The narrative explores themes of alienation, systemic exclusion, and the quiet resilience of marginalized people. The episode ends on a haunting note as the moon rises, triggering a collective emotional release among the moon kids, culminating in a violent brawl sparked by Trespass’s protective rage. Margaret reflects on the story’s subversion of the typical sci-fi trope of humans escaping Earth for the stars, instead focusing on those forcibly returned—refugees of a society that discarded them.
Moon kids are not voluntary emigrants but exiles from Luna, expelled after failing a mandatory exam at age 16.
Earth is portrayed as a place of physical and social discomfort for moon kids—physically fragile, socially stigmatized, and emotionally isolating.
The story reframes the 'escape to space' trope by focusing on those left behind, highlighting systemic elitism and the trauma of forced displacement.
Body modification and identity transformation are central to the characters' coping mechanisms, symbolizing both resistance and internalized shame.
Friendship and community are vital lifelines for moon kids, offering emotional sanctuary in a world that sees them as broken or other.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Podcast Intro and Sponsor Segments
The episode begins with a series of iHeartRadio-sponsored podcast promos for 'Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends', 'Superhuman', 'Look Back at It', and 'Learn the Hard Way', all featuring comedic or reflective content.
Introduction to 'Moon Kids' and the Book Club
“This story is so super smart, and I'm excited for you all to hear more about The Earth Left Behind next week.”
The World of the Moon Kids: Arrival and Adaptation
“Moon kids, they're kind of stubby. On account of them growing up on the moon.”
Friendship, Trauma, and Identity
“I'm going to get drool set into my kneecaps. I'm going to get chimes in my ears. So when you go blah, all I hear is music.”
The Moon Rises: Collective Catharsis and Conflict
“Oh, oh, hey, Luna. Fancy seeing you here. What a small world.”
“The moon doesn't give a shit where you go after that. You sucked the moon's tit for 16 years and had the gall to turn out stupid.”
“I've read a lot of stories about people deciding whether or not they're going to get on the rocket ship to leave Earth... But this is the first one I've read about people who are forced back onto Earth.”
“I'm going to get drool set into my kneecaps. I'm going to get chimes in my ears. So when you go blah, all I hear is music.”
Host
Earth
place
Colleen
person
Luna
place
Tesla
person
Ibiza
person
Abby May Otis
person
Trespass
person
Margaret Kiljoy
person
Crabby Abbey's
organization
Suzo
person
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