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erikariehigano22's review against another edition
5.0
Despite the complexities this small book has, it has a very simple plot after all. We have Arthur Dent who merely lives an ordinary life in Britain. As his house was threatened to be demolished, his friend Ford Prefect drags him to the pub for pints with the reason that the world was about to end while confessing he is an alien from outer space, particularly on the planet Betelgeuse Five.
We meet the central characters Zaphod Beeblebrox, Trillian (actually a human named Tricia McMillan) and the robot Marvin as they end up in the 'abandoned' planet Magrathea. There, the local Slartibartfast tells Arthur (and the reader through the dedicated chapters) of the story of the robot Deep Thought revealing the answer to the Universe and the Question of Life was simply the number '42'. Obviously this sets up the events for the later books (as this is a five part series) but I already felt so intrigued on how, of all the numbers, 42 is used in the book.
Maybe because I'm so tired for the day and just finished the book at late night. I don't know what else to say. But all the hype and excitement for this book is well-deserved! I am not sure how this book was advertised back in the days when it was first published. But I think this is acceptable for kids, though keep in mind the swear words and some other adult themes that might fly over the head of the young reader. But anyway, this was a very pleasant read. This was on a record for 2 days! This was on top of me working 10 hours straight.
I badly need to read the next books!!!!
aidanjchristie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
dvo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
febyidrus's review against another edition
azahller's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really enjoyed Adams's writing style! It reminded me a lot of Lemony Snickett in that he is silly and ramble-y, but it is almost as if Adams is the sunshine to Snickett's grumpy. The characters were charming and fun, the jokes had me laughing out loud, and Fry's narration was truly the icing on the cake. A better match simply could not have been made for this book. I'm excited to continue on in the series and I think these will be great pick-me-ups as I continue on.
I do think that going into this, I had anticipated more plot and less ramblings. I genuinely feel that if I knew what to expect going in, this could have been a 5 star read. I also probably wouldn't have opted for the audiobook as I sometimes struggle to stay on task during audiobooks (obviously this is a me problem). I intend to reread this book physically, probably later on this year. Don't be surprised at all if I end up changing the rating.
This book is great for fans of absurd, witty humor and sci fi
jollyjord's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
rainyfellaa's review against another edition
3.0
However this book stand I didn't love it first because it was to short and slow and it didn't try to show me deeply how this world works but overall the book is funny in his weird way it's enjoyable but just not for me
However seeing so many good reviews about this one I'd give a try to the rest
Reread: ok this was cool the first time I read it I didn't love it but now I'm finding the charm to it it's definitely silly and it has its moments Im use to more long stories but this wasn't bad
wheelbarrow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bearfamilyreads's review against another edition
3.25
I started by reading this aloud to my kids, as I was told it was a great read aloud. But it was so not our thing 😂
...which made it perfect for a reading prompt (out of my comfort zone)!
I didn't love it, though I did learn The Answer to The Ultimate Question of Life and the Universe...
...so there's that.
I think a certain kind of person would LOVE the writing style and humor. I just don't think I'm that person.