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Published: 1979 (originally)
Pages: 323 (with movie tie-in edition pages)
ISBN: 0330457984
Genre: Sci-Fi
Start Date: May 4, 2011
Finished Date: May 8, 2011 (4 days)
Where Found: Campus bookstore
Why Read: On my TBR list
Read For: 1st in a Series Challenge (5/6)
Summary: A dull-witted Earthling is swept away by his friend (who turns out to be an alien being) as the Earth is destroyed where they catch a ride with a multi-headed dimwit (who turns out to be President of the Galaxy) to search the galaxy for answers to deep thoughtful questions...and riches beyond (or maybe in?) their dreams.
Review:
Science fiction is a tough genre for me to crack. I love many of the classic sci-fi movies: Star Wars, Aliens, The Day the Earth Stood Still...just not 2001: A Space Odyssey (the space shots with the classical music were tremendous but the rest made me snooze). So why do I falter when it comes to sci-fi novels? I really don't know. I guess it's the genre I grab last off the shelf. But to live up to my reputation of being eclectic (thanks again Jillian @ Random Ramblings for the sweet compliments), I really need to expand my (universal) horizons more. Maybe there's a sci-fi reading challenge out there for me?
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is the first in a trilogy written by the late Douglas Adams. Once I got started, it was hard to stop. I loved taking it outside on the deck on a brilliant spring day, sipping a cold drink, often risking it spurting out my nose as I laughed out loud at some random comment. Let's face it: the entire book is all about random moments. In short, it's oddly captivating. Imagine Monty Python meets Lewis Carroll in space. There you have it.
The plot is absurd and so much fun to lose yourself in. Forget about logic and flow--it jumps gears randomly at breakneck speed that it's much more enjoyable to go with the flow. The characters are a blast--I love Arthur's dry British wit, Marvin the depressed robot's sharp intellectual banter, and as for the villain (who's more of a dope than a bad guy), Zaphod Beeblebrox takes the prize for most eccentric character I've encountered in recent years.
My one beef with this book is that it ends so abruptly that two pages from the finish line there is still so much up in the air that it screams for a sequel and PRONTO! I'm not too taken with it to move immediately into reading the sequel (and the next 3 Adams books, plus one more written after Adams' death by Eoin Colfer), but it was, to literate the British accent, a hoot and a "hawf" :D
Rank: (A)- Excellent, Highly Recommend
I am so glad you posted this - I have been thinking about this book, not sure if I should go for it or not ---- but you've answered that for me. On the list it goes!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this, as well. I laughed so many times while reading this...nothing like making fun of ourselves (humans). LOL!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Hitchhiker's series. My husband had and omnibus so I ended up reading them in one go. They're such quick reads though, it didn't take much time. I'm glad you enjoyed the first book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't decided if I want to read the new one by Colfer. I kind of don't. I don't think the hubby wants to either. I'll probably break down and buy it eventually anyway though.
I read this a couple of times and just loved it, it was so much fun! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI read this a while ago. I agree that it was hard to put down, but I didn't love it as I had hoped I would. Glad you enjoyed it more than I did though :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you liked this! I've been meaning to get around to it forever, but some reason the weirdness of it was making me hesitate. Now I'm kind of looking forward to it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments :)
ReplyDeleteSarah (Who Reads Too Much)~ I was uncertain about it, too. It may not be for everyone but I enjoyed it :)
Melissa~ Agreed, LOL :D
Loni~ I wouldn't be too sure about the latest book either. I'm sure big fans are a wee bit skeptical of a HHGTTG book not written by Douglas Adams. If the books are short, I probably should read the series just to find out what happens after they go to the restaurant at the end of the 1st book ;)
Sharon~ Agreed, definitely fun :)
Sam~ Yes, it was hard to put down. I can see why some people might not like it as the plot doesn't make a bit of sense...kind of like a Monty Python sketch :D
Sarah (Sarah Says)~ See other Sarah comment. Hope you enjoy it :)
So, so glad you loved this one! This series is one of my all-time favorites. Your description " Imagine Monty Python meets Lewis Carroll in space." is perfect. Marvin is my favorite character and I never get tired of Adams' sense of humor.
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