The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker’s #1)
Summary:
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy” who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years. (Summary and cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
This book was light-hearted, funny and is definitely a “must read” for science fiction fans. DO NOT judge the book by the movie.
I will be the first to admit, there are times where the book felt a little over the top in making the point. It has the subtlety of hitting yourself over the head with a frying pan, but I also think that’s part of the reason that it appeals to such a large audience. The humor reminds me of the somewhat wayward uncle that is equally exasperating and hilarious at the same time.
I read the whole series at once in an anthology and I’d highly recommend that approach. It keeps the story continuous and flowing although I know some folks will not want to commit to that all at once. Highly recommended! I think I’m due for a reread.
Warning: May cause confusion.
Rating: 4 stars!
Who should read it? Science fiction fans must give this one a read.
Want to read the whole series?
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (Hitchhikers #2)
Life, the Universe and Everything (Hitchikerss #3)
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (Hitchhiker’s #4)
Mostly Harmless (Hitchhiker’s #5)
And Another Thing… (Hitchhiker’s #5)