Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1
Author: Douglas Adams
ISBN-13: 9780330491198
ISBN-10: 0330491199
Publication Date: 8/3/2002
Pages: 192
Rating:
  • Currently 4.6/5 Stars.
 6

4.6 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

20 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book is for fans of a British comic style akin to Monty Python, though a bit more specific in its appeal to those with intellect. To put it another way, what Terry Pratchett does for fantasy, Adams did for science fiction. Remarkably witty from the start, Adams barrages you with absurdities and wordplay that can, at times, detract from the story itself. But then again, that's rather the point in this case, isn't it? Long story short - If you've ever wondered why people take note of the number 42, or if you've just forgotten your towel, then you'll probably find this book very useful. Or at least mostly harmless.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
One of the most imaginative books I've ever read. You'll laugh out loud but it is too hard to explain to someone else what's so funny. It is obvious it took the author 20 years to write it by the number of new ideas and ways to think about things. A good read.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 257 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Didn't match up to all the hype for me
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is great! It's very funny, and it'll lighten your mood.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The original, and never surpassed.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I bought another copy at the used bookstore when the movie came out as a refresher and then found my original so I am passing on my extra!

This book is witty and silly and spins a wacky tale about the end of the world. I realized as I reread this book that a ton of common every day references and product names are found here. It was such a fun read !
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
very funny. Much wittier than the movie-as usual!
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It is a classic! There are so many 'inside' jokes on the Internet that relate to this book.. it should be required reading for all geeks! So grab a towel and get reading!
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The perfect novel for anyone who would enjoy a galactical farce.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Hilarious satire in the form of a Science Fiction novel. Easy to read. you'll want to get thw whole series.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 170 more book reviews
A man wakes up one morning to find a work crew getting ready to destroy his house and aliens getting ready to destroy the Earth. He is rescued by a friend who just happens to be an alien and starts a quest that will lead him to the ends of the universe. This is not a bad book...certainly better than the ones that follow. Just a little on the chaotic side. Characters are introduced that never go anywhere...or are just there to move the plot along. But, if you're a fan of this series, this is where it began.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on
This book is hilarious. Not only is it probably the funniest book I've ever read, but it also is an interesting story. What i like best about this book is the major lessons it teaches. Not into lessons? Don't worry, you'll like these ones. Finally, this book has 3 sequels, all of which are equally hilarious, so i definitely recommend ordering it!
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
A classic--you must read this book...
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 73 more book reviews
Too funny
daninpa avatar reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on
Don't leave Earth without it!
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
first in a classic five part sci-fi trilogy
daedelys avatar reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 1218 more book reviews
I thought that this book was amusing, but even though Ive read that others compare it to Terry Pratchetts humor, I cant say that it was as enjoyable. It definitely has the dry humor that is fun, but its not on my greatest list of reads. However, it is interesting enough for me to continue reading the series because I did like the movie. I guess I was just expecting the book to be a lot better than the film was.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Love this kind of humor. Easy to read and to follow. If you like scifi, you will enjoy it.
reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
I read it a long time ago - it was OK
virago avatar reviewed The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Bk 1) on + 267 more book reviews
It took a bit for me to get into it, but I enjoyed the book. It had just the right amount of comedy and sarcasm mixed with action and adventure.

I didn't like the film the first time I watched it, in fact I didn't even make it through the whole movie. Eventually (many years later) I tried watching it again and I fell in love with it. So naturally (in my effort to complete as much of the BBC reading list as possible) I decided to read the book. And like the movie, I didn't like it to start. But the more I read, the better it got.

I'm glad I didn't give up on it because it was worth the read.