Reviews

Redshirts by John Scalzi

archangelesq's review against another edition

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. I've read some of the negative reviews, and while I see their merit, I just cannot agree. While I do not rate it as equal to other 5 star books I have read, I enjoyed it more than books to which I have given 4 stars. I knew nothing about this book when I picked it up in a used book store, and it did not disappoint. I am a sucker for meta-fiction, so this one had me. I've never read anything by Scalzi, but he will be added to the list.

I will agree that I got more emotion from the codas at the end, but I do not see that as a bad thing. I think this book is a fun way to look at what makes us human, and I love stories like that. It was fun sci-fi. It made me want to watch Star Trek and/or Galaxy Quest.

My goal this year is to mostly read books I have never read before. This will definitely be going on the list of books that I will have difficult to not re-read in the near future.

rochellegermano's review against another edition

3.0

I think this book had been too hyped up for me, so I was expecting something much deeper. Other reviewers have pointed out how much this book relies on dialogue, with the plot floundering in the background, and I agree.

I did still enjoy reading it and would probably recommend it to others, especially Star Trek and Star Gate fans.

feyley's review against another edition

5.0

First off, how you dare you just do that thing at the end with Andrew AND THEN NOT FOLLOW THROUGH WITH ANY INFORMATION. Second off, that was an amazing book and I don't even know how to put my thoughts into words right now. Bravo, Mr. Scalzi.

evbyrd's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.5

soben's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

beast00's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

3.5

razikale's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

acesarrows's review against another edition

4.0

I was all set to give this just 3 stars as I was reading it. I enjoyed this book, it amused me, it was patently ridiculous, but I enjoyed it none the less.

However, the three coda's at the end? Those are what made it a 4 star book. They take this ridiculous story and turn it into something human and relatable and real. It takes a good writer to give you a character you can empathize with in a short story, and Scalzi managed to do that, with panache, with these three codas.

An excellent and very enjoyable book.

Feel free to pair it with a watching of Galaxy Quest, Free Enterprise, or, perhaps, even Spaceballs ;)

ritahl's review against another edition

4.0

Finished in one sitting.
I would have rated it 5 stars if not for the ending of the third coda.

booksnthreads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0