I love that we get to hear other perspectives regarding some of the events of the first book. I thought that the Oryx & Crake seemed bare of characters (also because Crake and Jimmy are kinda forgettable to me; as well as life in the compounds is quite sterile), but Ren and Toby lead much more interesting lives in the world. I felt like I was being titillated by the drama of the pleeblands like a jaded compound tourist trying to feel alive. The recycling/reuse practices of the God's Gardeners really resonated with me as I try to navigate my current situation in this world. I hope to absorb the wisdom of the serpent and align my actions with the signals from our earth as we struggle to forge a future life for myself and those I love [preferably without the need for a waterless flood]