Helpful Score: 2
I didn't expect much from Agent to the Stars since it was a first novel that had not been published until Scalzi had already built his readership, but I really love this book! I cared for the characters, enjoyed the plot, and even got a little misty-eyed at the ending. Although it is by no means perfect, this novel is a great fun read. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 2
This was the story of how aliens with a bit of savvy might go about initiating first contact... Not by speaking with governments, but by speaking to Hollywood. It's a fascinating and original idea, and Scalzi does a great job of making a wonderful, tongue-in-cheek tale of alien contact.
A highly-researched novel with all the I's dotted and the T's crossed this is *not*. There are plenty of places where I found myself asking, "But what if?" and other places where I thought that Scalzi's depiction of the "common man's" response was a bit more optimistic (in service to his story) than was strictly believable.
But in the introduction, Scalzi himself notes that he'd never actually intended to publish this: it was his first practice novel. And if you read it to enjoy the wonderful characterizations of humans and aliens, setting aside the logic flaws, the book truly shines. I had a wonderful time with it.
5 of 5 stars.
A highly-researched novel with all the I's dotted and the T's crossed this is *not*. There are plenty of places where I found myself asking, "But what if?" and other places where I thought that Scalzi's depiction of the "common man's" response was a bit more optimistic (in service to his story) than was strictly believable.
But in the introduction, Scalzi himself notes that he'd never actually intended to publish this: it was his first practice novel. And if you read it to enjoy the wonderful characterizations of humans and aliens, setting aside the logic flaws, the book truly shines. I had a wonderful time with it.
5 of 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 2
Amusing and delightful read. Aliens make the trip to introduce themselves after learning all they know of us from our TV broadcasts.
Helpful Score: 1
A good sci-fi book that keeps you entertained. There are some loose ends, but overall the book is well worth the time spent reading it. Best of all, there were no vampires or zombies in it.
Another good recommendation for the author's work is that none of his books are posted here. Apparently, those who read his novels find them to be keepers.
Another good recommendation for the author's work is that none of his books are posted here. Apparently, those who read his novels find them to be keepers.
Previously I have read Scalzis books Red Shirts and Fuzzy Nation and really enjoyed them all. This was another hilarious, yet sincere book by Scalzi...I enjoyed it a lot.
I listened to this on audiobook (as I have with all of Scalzis books that I have read). Wil Wheaton is the narrator (as with the other Scalzi books I have listened to). He does an excellent job with character voices and is just an excellent narrator overall.
Tom Stein is an agent to Hollywood stars, well he actually doesnt have a ton of stars on his roster aside from Michelle Beck (a star who basically got her first role because she was hot). Then his boss calls him into his office and asks if Tom would like to work on a special project. Tom agrees only to find out that his boss wants him to do something a bit out of this world. He wants Tom to represent the member of an alien race called the Yherjak, who are smelly, gelatinous and believe that the best way to introduce humanity to their race is through film.
This is a very funny novel for a lot of reasons. First of all the Yherjak are pretty much the type of alien humanity would hate. They are smelly and they are gelatinous, they are in no way humanoid. There are a lot of things about the film industry that are just crazy hilarious as well. All that combined with the fact that a super intelligent alien race has decided that the best way to introduce themselves to humanity as a whole is through US based film and you have a pretty darn funny book.
Its not all laughs though. Many other interesting issues are discussed. For example humanitys fixation on beauty and film. There is also some discussion about actors that get stuck in type-casting and the effect that has on their morale. However some of my favorite serious parts were where we learned about a Holocaust survivor named Sarah Rosenthal (who appears to be fictional). I loved the shout out to the Holocaust and hope that somewhere a woman like Sarah Rosenthal really exists. I just think the Holocaust was such a horrible event that I love when books discuss it, it just helps to keep people aware.
Tom is an engaging character. He is an up and coming agent in a super cutthroat industry. Yet, he is still a nice guy. Yes, he manipulates people but he also does try to do the best job he can for them. His willingness and tolerance for taking on an alien race for a client is strangely noble.
The Yherjak is named Joseph and is also a wonderfully engaging character. Joseph is funny, realistic, and constantly optimistic that Tom will find a way to introduce him to humanity. Joseph is also easily bored and some of the things he comes up with to do in his spare time are pretty funny.
Overall this was a highly entertaining read. Its a creative story and an interesting perspective on humanity as viewed by aliens. The characters are engaging and endearing and the story is hilarious but still has a lot of warmth to it. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Scalzis work in the future.
I listened to this on audiobook (as I have with all of Scalzis books that I have read). Wil Wheaton is the narrator (as with the other Scalzi books I have listened to). He does an excellent job with character voices and is just an excellent narrator overall.
Tom Stein is an agent to Hollywood stars, well he actually doesnt have a ton of stars on his roster aside from Michelle Beck (a star who basically got her first role because she was hot). Then his boss calls him into his office and asks if Tom would like to work on a special project. Tom agrees only to find out that his boss wants him to do something a bit out of this world. He wants Tom to represent the member of an alien race called the Yherjak, who are smelly, gelatinous and believe that the best way to introduce humanity to their race is through film.
This is a very funny novel for a lot of reasons. First of all the Yherjak are pretty much the type of alien humanity would hate. They are smelly and they are gelatinous, they are in no way humanoid. There are a lot of things about the film industry that are just crazy hilarious as well. All that combined with the fact that a super intelligent alien race has decided that the best way to introduce themselves to humanity as a whole is through US based film and you have a pretty darn funny book.
Its not all laughs though. Many other interesting issues are discussed. For example humanitys fixation on beauty and film. There is also some discussion about actors that get stuck in type-casting and the effect that has on their morale. However some of my favorite serious parts were where we learned about a Holocaust survivor named Sarah Rosenthal (who appears to be fictional). I loved the shout out to the Holocaust and hope that somewhere a woman like Sarah Rosenthal really exists. I just think the Holocaust was such a horrible event that I love when books discuss it, it just helps to keep people aware.
Tom is an engaging character. He is an up and coming agent in a super cutthroat industry. Yet, he is still a nice guy. Yes, he manipulates people but he also does try to do the best job he can for them. His willingness and tolerance for taking on an alien race for a client is strangely noble.
The Yherjak is named Joseph and is also a wonderfully engaging character. Joseph is funny, realistic, and constantly optimistic that Tom will find a way to introduce him to humanity. Joseph is also easily bored and some of the things he comes up with to do in his spare time are pretty funny.
Overall this was a highly entertaining read. Its a creative story and an interesting perspective on humanity as viewed by aliens. The characters are engaging and endearing and the story is hilarious but still has a lot of warmth to it. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Scalzis work in the future.
Scalzi's first novel, written to prove he could do it, not for publication, now in print because of his success. The humor and pacing of _The Android's Dream_ is apparent here.
One of the funniest books I've read in years. I just love it. I don't think I'll pass it on. I want to read it again.
