The Mount

Carol Emshwiller's Philip K. Dick Award-winning novel, "The Mount," presents a thought-provoking science fantasy where humans are bred and trained as mounts for an alien race called Hoots. The story follows Charley, a young man who has only known life as a mount, excelling in races for his Hoot master. His world is upended when he learns of his father, a leader among the "Free Humans" fighting to reclaim Earth. This book delves deep into themes of identity, freedom, loyalty, and the complex psychology of power dynamics, making it an excellent choice for mature young adult readers and adults alike who appreciate speculative fiction with profound emotional and philosophical depth.

Charley is an athlete. He wants to be painted crossing the finish line, in his racing silks, with a medal around his neck. But Charley isn't a runner. He is a human mount, the property of one of the alien invaders called Hoots. Charley hasn't seen his mother in years, and his father is hiding out in the mountains with the other Free Humans. The Hoots own the world, but the humans want it back. Charley knows how to be a good mount-now he's going to have to learn how to be a human being. This remarkable novel, winner of the 2002 Philip K. Dick Award, should be read by every fan of speculative fiction, teenagers and adults alike.