Who Would Like This Book:
Jump into a wildly inventive space adventure full of dry British wit, razor-sharp satire, and sheer absurdity. Douglas Adams takes everyday frustrations and gives them a cosmic twist, all wrapped up in a fast-paced story where nothing is too improbable. If you love clever humor, enjoy Monty Python-esque comedy, or want a sci-fi read even if you “don’t like sci-fi,” this book will charm you. Perfect for fans of quirky characters, zany adventures, and anyone who appreciates the joys of a perfectly-timed punchline.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers find the plot a bit too scattered, the characters a little thin, or the humor just too off-the-wall for their tastes. If you prefer tightly-plotted stories with deep character arcs, or if absurd, surreal humor isn’t your cup of tea, you might struggle with this one. And for those who don’t get along with British humor, the jokes might not quite land.
About:
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous science fiction novel by Douglas Adams that follows the adventures of Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered Earthling who is saved from the destruction of Earth by his alien friend Ford Prefect. Together, they embark on a journey through space and time, encountering eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android. The book is known for its quirky, whimsical writing style, filled with absurdity, satire, and philosophical musings on the meaning of life.
The plot revolves around Arthur and Ford's escapades as they hitchhike across the galaxy, facing bizarre situations and navigating through the absurdities of the universe. Adams' narrative style is conversational and comically bizarre, blending elements of science fiction with absurdist humor to create a unique and entertaining reading experience that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
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From The Publisher:
It's an ordinary Thursday morning for Arthur Dent . . . until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly after to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and Arthur's best friend has just announced that he's an alien.
After that, things get much, much worse.
With just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book, Arthur has to navigate through a very hostile universe in the company of a gang of unreliable aliens. Luckily the fish is quite good at languages. And the book is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy . . . which helpfully has the words DON'T PANIC inscribed in large, friendly letters on its cover.
Douglas Adams's mega-selling pop-culture classic sends logic into orbit, plays havoc with both time and physics, offers up pithy commentary on such things as ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches . . . and, most important, reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.
Now, if you could only figure out the question. . . .
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
"Extremely funny . . . inspired lunacy . . . [and] over much too soon."-The Washington Post Book World
SOON TO BE A HULU SERIES
Now celebrating the pivotal 42nd anniversary of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!
Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read
Ratings (2115)
Incredible (495) | |
Loved It (775) | |
Liked It (481) | |
It Was OK (254) | |
Did Not Like (93) | |
Hated It (17) |
Reader Stats (3306):
Read It (2186) | |
Currently Reading (18) | |
Want To Read (608) | |
Did Not Finish (83) | |
Not Interested (411) |
25 comment(s)
With its silly humor and take on life I thought I'd be the first to adore this book, but the unrelenting, though at least not fully IN YOUR FACE, cynicism kept catching at my mind and I found that I couldn't relate to it as much as I wanted to. Eh well.
3.5 stars. A weird and wacky little story. Though the level of silliness sometimes makes you wonder what substance the author was on at the time of writing, it is simultaneously written with talent, wit and cleverness. There are many humorous reflections on humanity that probably would be missed in high school class.
Funny, absurd, ridiculous. It reminds me of an adult Phantom Tollbooth. A pretty fun read but it didn’t capture me as much just because I didn’t feel that invested in the characters or plot. But I look forward to reading more.
4.1 stars, absolute fever dream, but the ending was awful
I first read this about 20 years ago, and, as not much of a reader, it was the first book I remember sucking me in and filling me with joy and laughter. It doesn't hit me as hard these days, but I still look fondly upon it and its absurd humour.
The humor in this is top notch, and can't wait to read the rest of the saga!
Started to read Douglas Adams having first listened to the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of this book. Have read all in the series and enjoyed them. Less fond of Dirk Gently series by the same author.
Reread. Last read it 2020. Its funny how much reading tastes changes over the years. Still like it but not at all as much. Lower rating this time around.
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This. Was. Amazing! I wasn't at all prepared that this tiny book would hold so much greatness and other worldy amazingness. It's funny, it's quirky and it doesn't try to be serious but it doesn't feel forced or overly ridiculous. It's just have enough fun bits and it doesn't feel overpowering. It's short but feel like it has the perfect length. I'm glad I got the next book on hand and I can easily say it's one of the best book I've read this year!!
a really funny book which made me actually laugh out loud a few times and an interesting story which kept me engaged to boot
It felt like it had no real plot.
What can you read after
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?
About the Author:
Douglas Adams was born in 1952 and created all the various and contradictory manifestations of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: radio, novels, TV, computer games, stage adaptations, comic book, and bath towel.
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