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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I liked this book because it reminded me a lot of Zathura and Jumanji. This read was from my library as a "Blind Date with a Book"
This was hailed as one of William Sleator's best, and though it wasn't my favourite of his at the time that I read it, I still loved it and it has stuck longer with me than five star reads back in the day.
It's "Jumanji" meets Ready Player One if they had a baby in the nineties.
It's "Jumanji" meets Ready Player One if they had a baby in the nineties.
I remember reading this book in Elementary school and I Absolutely LOVED it!! It was a fun book to read and kept my attention!
Hot damn I need to read this book again. I remember it being totally badass, weird, and awesome.
I picked this up from the library because there is a board game based on the game in the book and I felt like I needed to read it as a result.
The book is light YA, with a kind of fun premise about aliens playing a very deadly game (that doesn’t ever really get deadly because... YA). It’s implausible on many levels, and lacks a lot of big picture details, but still an enjoyable read.
The game that purports to be based on it just had a Kickstarter.
The book is light YA, with a kind of fun premise about aliens playing a very deadly game (that doesn’t ever really get deadly because... YA). It’s implausible on many levels, and lacks a lot of big picture details, but still an enjoyable read.
The game that purports to be based on it just had a Kickstarter.
adventurous
tense
Such a delightfully weird book. I never read this one as a kid, but I feel like my exposure to William Sleator (with Into the Dream at an early age helped make me the weird reader I am today! Excited to keep reading more from him. What an awesome treasure trove of weird old books.
I didn't even know this was summery when I picked it out, but this is a perfect beachy, tentacle-y read!
I didn't even know this was summery when I picked it out, but this is a perfect beachy, tentacle-y read!
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"Interstellar Pig," authored by the master of young adult science fiction, William Sleator, is a riveting, mind-bending journey that pushes the boundaries of our imagination. Rooted in the simple premise of a board game, the narrative unfolds into a gripping adventure that intertwines themes of perception, reality, and the extraordinary.
The novel follows Barney, a seemingly ordinary teenager, who, while vacationing in a beach house, stumbles upon a board game titled 'Interstellar Pig.' The game itself is a complex galactic adventure that involves players taking on the roles of various alien species, all in pursuit of the highly coveted 'Piggy.' However, as Barney delves deeper into the game, the line between reality and the game begins to blur.
One of the central themes of "Interstellar Pig" is the question of perception versus reality. This theme is expertly woven into the narrative, as Sleator subtly nudges readers to question whether things are really as they seem.
The final third of the novel takes an unexpected turn, evolving from a story of intrigue and mystery into a fast-paced action-adventure. This shift maintains the novel's momentum and ensures the reader remains engaged till the very end. Sleator's deft handling of this transition showcases his storytelling prowess, as the narrative never feels disjointed despite the shift in tone.
While the novel grapples with some complex themes, it remains an accessible and enjoyable read for younger audiences. Sleator's writing is straightforward and easily digestible, and the novel's pacing ensures it never becomes overwhelming. The storyline is gripping, and the characters are relatable and well-developed, allowing readers to become invested in their journey.
Furthermore, the novel's undercurrent of humor adds to its appeal, making it a fun read for young adults. Sleator expertly balances the narrative's serious undertones with elements of humor and light-heartedness, creating a novel that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
In conclusion, "Interstellar Pig" is a thrilling exploration of the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed narrative that also prompts readers to question their perceptions of reality. The engaging plot, accessible language, and balanced humor make it an ideal read for younger audiences. The book is indeed a testament to Sleator's unique ability to create complex, immersive narratives that resonate with young readers.
This is extreme YA/middle grade sci-fi and really, really not my genre. It had aliens and I just couldn’t
It wasn't awful- just wasn't very good, either. I'm left unsatisfied as to what the whole point of the story was... what is the pig? Why do we care? Moreover, why does Barney care so much? Is it part of the aliens' glamor? Just didn't do it for me. Maybe I'll see if anyone recommends a different Sleator book.
I read this a long time ago, when I was in about 5th grade. I don't remember all the specifics, but I remember that it was kind of scary but exciting, kind of like Jumanji. It is one of those books which stuck in my mind all these years.