Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyAuthor: Douglas Adams
Pages: 180
Release Date: September 27th 1995
Genre: Comedy Science Fiction
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.
Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don't forget to bring a towel! (Summery from Goodreads)
My Review:
This is, hands down, the most hilarious piece of comedy I have ever read. Mr. Adams is the only individual I have ever read to ever successfully merge the genres of science fiction and comedy. Throughout his novel are plethoras of occasions where I was laughing uncontrollably at the absurdist and yet hilariously true stereotypes and satires of life in general. Every character (from Marvin the Paranoid Android to Zaphod Beeblebrox to Ford Prefect) is eloquently constructed and perfectly executed in the hilariously absurd universe of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Unfortunately, the movie made from this book was funny, but rather disappointing in comparison. I would include quotes from the book, but that would simply ruin it should you choose to read this fantastic work of comedic fiction (and you should). My only advice is: do not read this late at night, I guarantee you that your family will be rather cross with you when you wake them up with your laughter.
Rating:
