Scan barcode
mervlution's review against another edition
4.0
A precursor to Douglas Adams which Douglas Adams only read after he was Douglas Adams. It's absurd and thought provoking, funny and sad. There are parts that were a little heavy handed for my taste which is why this isn't getting a 5-star review, but I did really enjoy it. The last part was particularly funny and heartbreaking.
citrusmatcha's review against another edition
5.0
I never really had much patience to read most of science fiction's long ramblings about technical terms that the genere likes to play with, but this book was surprisingly entertaining. I highly recommend the audio book production from the Neil Gaiman presents series, It was a stellar performance. I Also Highly recommend for science fiction fans, as probably most haven't heard of this book. A word of caution though, the book tends to be Philosophical, but in a very entertaining and funny way. The book has been published published way before the hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy, though they are eerily similar :) Thankful that Neil Gaiman spread the word!
bookswithjk's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
covecove's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
revslick's review against another edition
4.0
Why have I never heard or read anything by Sheckley before now I'll never know. At first I thought this is very similar to Douglas Adams yet after researching Sheckley's history I realize Adams' mirrored Sheckley.
If you love Admas you will not be disappointed. Fun, fun read with a dash of philosophy and make-you-go-hmmm theology as well.
If you love Admas you will not be disappointed. Fun, fun read with a dash of philosophy and make-you-go-hmmm theology as well.
jenzyme's review against another edition
3.0
I first heard about this book as a part of "Neil Gaiman Presents" on Audible, a series Gaiman has done where he gives a short introduction to books he loved that don't get nearly enough attention. The audiobook was read by John Hodgman, who does a very good job at giving distinct voices to each of the different (bizarre and unusual) characters. The premise of this book is that a human man, Carmody, wins the Galactic Lottery, and then gets whisked on a series of adventures throughout the galaxy while trying to get back home with his prize.
Even though this book was published 10 years before Hitchhiker's Guide was first aired, there's a lot of similarity, both in terms of the madcap adventures the poor unwitting protagonist is dragged through, but also in the varied personalities of all of the aliens Carmody encounters on his way. While I do think Hodgman breathes life into this book and is a joy to listen to, there are large portions where one character will go on a philosophical rant, or two characters will have a rapid, witty, debate-like back and forth, and the audiobook format does not lend itself well to those styles of prose. Additionally, this book is VERY much grounded in the late 60s (one of the last scenes in the book does a fantastic riff on bohemians), so be prepared to use that as the lens you are viewing all of the characters. All in all, a quick little read (214 pages/5 hours and 20 minute audiobook), so check it out if any of the above sounds good to you.
Even though this book was published 10 years before Hitchhiker's Guide was first aired, there's a lot of similarity, both in terms of the madcap adventures the poor unwitting protagonist is dragged through, but also in the varied personalities of all of the aliens Carmody encounters on his way. While I do think Hodgman breathes life into this book and is a joy to listen to, there are large portions where one character will go on a philosophical rant, or two characters will have a rapid, witty, debate-like back and forth, and the audiobook format does not lend itself well to those styles of prose. Additionally, this book is VERY much grounded in the late 60s (one of the last scenes in the book does a fantastic riff on bohemians), so be prepared to use that as the lens you are viewing all of the characters. All in all, a quick little read (214 pages/5 hours and 20 minute audiobook), so check it out if any of the above sounds good to you.
plainbob's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
ericb's review against another edition
4.0
Very, very funny. He pre-dates Douglas Adams but has very much the same style. Recommended.
jen1110's review against another edition
5.0
HOLY BUCKETS! This is so funny, so good, so incisive, and just so, so very right. Get the audio from Audible and marvel at the universe. This is fantastic!
More...