Things I’ve learned so far from the TMP novelization:

The “male-surname custom” (taking your father’s last name) has become rare among humans except those in Starfleet.

I’ve already mentioned Lori Ciana, a character that recurs in the Lost Years novels that took Kirk away from the Enterprise and planetside, was created in this novel. She’s also the other person who dies on the transporter platform with Cmdr Sonak.

I’m not sure I would described Scotty’s look to Kirk when he first sees him as “pleased surprise.” Troubled and concerned come to mind.

Disco Bones is described more as Woodsman Bones: “He was heavily bearded and wore work-shirt and pants, heavy boots, all of which fitted Kirk’s information that McCoy had become something of a recluse…”

Those beltless buckles on their uniforms monitor their lifesigns and transmits them to sickbay

The moon served as a base of operation for ancient space voyagers who conducted genetic experiments with Earth’s early life forms a million years before human life evolved. 

Decker decorated Kirk’s cabin with all “beige and rust” Though he didn’t mind the new larger bed.