Agent to the Stars John Scalzi 9781596060203 Books
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Agent to the Stars John Scalzi 9781596060203 Books
This is a light sci-fi book that pulls you, the reader, along by the hand in a giddy and whimsical, light hearted way.. Then drops a really surprising gut punch of poignant insight into the notions of what makes us human.. Or what we might see reflected, of our humanity, in another species of beings.It was hard to put down once I started. It was solidly framed, the narrative arc was well implemented, the characters and dialog was nuanced, and multifaceted. But I didn't expect the profundity, or the moving, insightful climactic thrust.
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Agent to the Stars John Scalzi 9781596060203 Books Reviews
I think John Scalzi is my new favorite author. Who else would ask the question, "What if an alien in the form of a gelatinous blob hired a Hollywood agent to help his species make first contact?" I bought this after reading The Android's Dream, the first Scalzi I've read, and this did not disappoint. His writing style is humorous and intelligent, the characters are wonderfully fleshed out, and the plots are creative and thought-provoking. Anyone interested in science fiction should pick up one of his books. I would definitely recommend starting with either this one or The Android's Dream and look forward to reading more of his works.
Although the science fiction elements are well delineated -- they'd have to be to move the story forward -- you can enjoy the book without being a fan of the genre, as I am. That said, the job of creating an entire race of aliens is not easy, particularly in a contemporary, earth-bound setting.
However, an even greater accomplishment is to write a funny novel. Here's why when a movie, or a television show, or a play is funny, all the elements of the humor -- setting, build up, pay off, timing -- are presented to you on a silver platter. While a film can be funny in many different ways -- from the Marx Brothers to Woody Allen to Louie CK -- they still all have that one thing in common that they have complete control of all the comedic elements. You just have to decide whether you find the results amusing or not.
But a "funny read" is completely different. For the prose in a novel to be the funny, the author can only give you so much character, story arc, dialogue. But the most crucial elements have to come together in the reader's own head. The premise, that first contact with an alien race would be a Hollywood talent agent and not the president (or, for that matter, out in the Wyoming desert) makes a lot of sense once you hear the reason. And from there, all the comic elements that follow are grounded in some kind of recognizable reality. This author leads you right to where you need to be for maximum enjoyment.
The dialogue is all of the Aaron Sorkin snark variety, but there are moments that are unexpectedly emotional and poignant. All told, it's a well written novel which happens to be very funny and that includes a whole new kind of sentient beings.
This is the book that started it all. This is the book that John Scalzi wrote to see if he could write books. This guy was born to be an author.
As Popeye would say (after attending finishing school) “He is what he is and that’s all that he is.” And boy are we a better world for that.
Scalzi establishes his distinctive style – irreverent – smart ass – wise acre – know it all – in his characters, and a fast paced plot that continually – takes odd turns – doesn’t go where it should go – has twist on twists – leads down dark alleys (oops that was me last Friday night after the bar – Sorry !). Anyway, you are never sure where you are going to end up plot wise with Scalzi; all I can say is you are going to have GREAT FUN along the way
The book is a simple alien arrives on Earth after a long trip with 2000 other members of his race and wants to get to know humanity. Only problem is it’s natural state is like a giant buger that has been ridden hard and left out in the heat to ripen. In other words a nightmare with BO.
What better way to introduce your self to humanity then get an agent. You know, those guys that represent movie stars and sports jocks.
Thomas Stein gets this out of this world assignment and soon mayhem ensues. How do you introduce a smellu buger to humanity with any credibility.
Soon Tom (I’m his friend so can call him Tom, but you aren’t so call him Mt Stein – okay !!) is on a roller coaster of dread and excitement.
Highly recommended book and author. Look up some of other books
The plot of this book is simple what if aliens came to earth, expending an enormous amount of effort to make the journey, with the goal of making nice with the neighbors, but they were aware that they could be considered repulsive, and they wanted the introduction to go just right? Might they hire an agent? Although this subject is treated relatively seriously (i.e. its real science fiction, not Douglas Adams) the story is clearly intended to be light and whimsical, and succeeds.
The story is fast-paced,good natured, light/upbeat, whimsical and funny. Its an ideal book for the sci-fi fan to share with a non-fan spouse. I dont think my wife has read a sci-fi book in her life, but she is currently reading this, laughing regularly and enjoying it a lot. I sold it to her as Jerry Maguire with aliens . . . which she thought sounded terrible since "I didnt like Jerry Maguire and I dont like aliens". (Who didnt like Jerry Maguire??) The humor in the book is integrated and flows from the story -- i.e. not arguably forced humor, as in Douglas Adams.
While this clearly isnt "serious" sci-fi, there *is* a real sci-fi story, written in an engaging and likable manner that sci-fi fans will have no problem blazing through. In short, despite the appeal to non-fans, I think fans will enjoy it too.
Highly recommended.
This is a light sci-fi book that pulls you, the reader, along by the hand in a giddy and whimsical, light hearted way.. Then drops a really surprising gut punch of poignant insight into the notions of what makes us human.. Or what we might see reflected, of our humanity, in another species of beings.
It was hard to put down once I started. It was solidly framed, the narrative arc was well implemented, the characters and dialog was nuanced, and multifaceted. But I didn't expect the profundity, or the moving, insightful climactic thrust.
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