Comments

1. Kewlman713 Said,

   what the heck was this junk? how didit get published. I had to read it for school and the only time i read it was when i had to go to sleep because this book helped get me to sleep very easily. Easier than a sedative. DON”T READ THIS BOOK FROM MY PERSONAL AND UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE
   Rating: 1 / 5

2. Suzanne C Said,

   First of all, let me say that much of the so-called “story” in this supposed “book” is nothing but lies and weirdness. Some of it even defies all belief! If you like books about crazy aliens who act like they are out of their gord, well maybe this book is up your alley. I’m worried that if you let your children read this, it will make them think the world really works like this, and that you can talk to mice like they are people (no kidding — it says that). Good luck teaching kids right from wrong after they’ve had their brains scrambled by this rubbish. At times I could not tell if Mr. Adams was trying to be funny or if he really thinks this way. I suspect maybe he needs professional help or something. I shudder at the thought of encouraging people to publish this sort of insane rambling as if it were a travel guide to outer space. I certainly didn’t get any good, practical travel advice from this book. Stick with Fodor’s and save yourself the bother.
   Rating: 1 / 5

3. Ron Reed Said,

   Total garbage. It didn’t make any sense at all. If you like books where people put fish in their ears to translate languages then by all means read this book. If you prefer books without silly crap like this go elsewhere. Read the other reviews. Everyone says how wonderful the book is but no one says what the book is about. That’s because no one knows. If you want to read quality science fiction books read early Heinlein.
   Rating: 1 / 5

4. Forevermore33 Said,

   A friend recommended this book to me and, being an avid SciFi reader, I followed her advice. I eagerly read and re-read the back of the book, thinking that I was in for a real treat. I was wrong.

   It is hard to tell whether the author was intending the book to be science fiction or comedy. After re-reading passages several times that (supposedly) explain some of the ‘scientific’ elements of this book, some shreds of logic are able to be discerned, though this can prove difficult at times. While a few parts were admittedly funny, there wasn’t nearly as many as I would have expected from all the hype.

   The characters were underdeveloped, and the plot nearly non-existent. You go through the book in a total state of confusion, and just when the plot looks starts to make sense, it falls apart again.

   I have a feeling that if you were to get a writer from Looney Tunes to create a SciFi book, this would be the result.

   Besides the major literary flaws, this book struck a nerve for me too. I get the impression that the author does not have a high opinion of Earth or the human race in general. It was Roddenberry’s belief (the creator of Star Trek) that humans were the most remarkable species in the galaxy. While I realize that it would be arrogant and ridiculous for every SciFi work to hold this sentiment, in most we at least have a shred of respect.

   In The Hitchhiker’s Guide, however, humans are dull (and if you’re using Arthur Dent as a reference, I can see how you would come to this conclusion) and the only recognition Earth has are the words “Mostly Harmless.” “Mostly Harmless?” If they had given us just a few hundred more years to develop interstellar travel, we would have shown them “mostly harmless.”

   All in all, I would say that if you want a good SciFi read, with understandable plots, excellent character development, and plenty of laughs to go around, check out Animorphs (by KA Applegate). Leave The Hitchhiker’s Guide for fans of Monty Python and Bugs Bunny.
   Rating: 2 / 5

5. Gordon Logan Said,

   The book begins with the hero sitting down in front of his house in order to stop it being demolished to make room for a highway. He’s lucky he wasn’t Rachel Corrie, an American who was killed by an Israeli driving a bulldozer. Her death didn’t receive one per cent of the publicity accorded this book, which descends into a cycle of abstruse stupidity. If you want a laugh that will make you wiser, read Mark Twain or Joseph Heller. If you want a good story, read Chehov or Tolstoy. They won’t make a fool of you.
   Rating: 1 / 5