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Agent to the Stars
The space-faring Yherajk have come to Earth to meet us and to begin humanity's first interstellar friendship. There's just one problem: They're hideously ugly and they smell like rotting fish. So getting humanity's trust is a challenge. The Yherajk need someone who can help them close the deal. Enter Thomas Stein, who knows something about closing deals. He's one of Hollywood's hottest young agents. But although Stein may have just concluded the biggest deal of his career, it's quite another thing to negotiate for an entire alien race. To earn his percentage this time, he's going to need all the smarts, skills, and wits he can muster.
286 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2004
About the author
John Scalzi
120 books25.4k followersJohn Scalzi, having declared his absolute boredom with biographies, disappeared in a puff of glitter and lilac scent.
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
(If you want to contact John, using the mail function here is a really bad way to do it. Go to his site and use the contact information you find there.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,108 reviews
March 28, 2021
For a first work, this is both so weird and hilariously funny at the same time that I am absolutely not sure what to think about it.
It´s as if it was Scalzi´s intent to write some crappy elements in this one, because he usually doesn´t do this, I don´t know, intending to write less pro. Ok, it was his first novel, subjectively I am pretty sure that this is a bit of an experiment and not meant really seriously, just a kind of test balloon to see how his writing might be accepted by the audience, just as redshirts, not really meant to be a serious, more of a just joking, novel, more a satire of the themes included, not really interested in telling an own story.
That´s especially interesting, because he published Old Man´s War the same year, so he definitively knew how to write bombastic, comedic sci-fi that satirizes the genre itself, but just wanted to do something else too. A kind of slapstick comedy writing exercise with some sci-fi trope mixed in.
I, subjectively, don´t think that there is much ironic depth hidden here, maybe a bit of superficial Hollywood criticism behind all the fart jokes, but nothing really substantial.
But I couldn´t point my finger at any of his other works, or another sci-fi authors´ books, who used alien physiology in such a hilarious fashion to create easy, stinking entertainment.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
It´s as if it was Scalzi´s intent to write some crappy elements in this one, because he usually doesn´t do this, I don´t know, intending to write less pro. Ok, it was his first novel, subjectively I am pretty sure that this is a bit of an experiment and not meant really seriously, just a kind of test balloon to see how his writing might be accepted by the audience, just as redshirts, not really meant to be a serious, more of a just joking, novel, more a satire of the themes included, not really interested in telling an own story.
That´s especially interesting, because he published Old Man´s War the same year, so he definitively knew how to write bombastic, comedic sci-fi that satirizes the genre itself, but just wanted to do something else too. A kind of slapstick comedy writing exercise with some sci-fi trope mixed in.
I, subjectively, don´t think that there is much ironic depth hidden here, maybe a bit of superficial Hollywood criticism behind all the fart jokes, but nothing really substantial.
But I couldn´t point my finger at any of his other works, or another sci-fi authors´ books, who used alien physiology in such a hilarious fashion to create easy, stinking entertainment.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
May 22, 2019
Agent to the Stars is actually John Scalzi’s first book, self published before Old Man’s War as a “practice” to see if he could write and then again later after he was established.
The practice was well played, he can write, and this is a damn fine example of how well.
Funny, often very funny, reading more like Christopher Moore or A. Lee Martinez than other science fiction or fantasy writers, this is an amusing twist on a first contact story. Scalzi demonstrates his imagination, his skill and his humanity; this is a good book in a number of ways.
The practice was well played, he can write, and this is a damn fine example of how well.
Funny, often very funny, reading more like Christopher Moore or A. Lee Martinez than other science fiction or fantasy writers, this is an amusing twist on a first contact story. Scalzi demonstrates his imagination, his skill and his humanity; this is a good book in a number of ways.
August 4, 2022
Con lo que me he reído y el estupendo rato que me ha regalado no concibo darle menos de cinco estrellas. Tendrá sus cosas pero qué lectura. Es Scalzi. Una vez más no decepciona.
Los exploradores espaciales yherajk han venido a la Tierra para conocernos y así entablar al fin la primera amistad interestelar con la humanidad. Sólo hay un inconveniente: tienen un aspecto espantoso y huelen a pescado en mal estado. Conseguir la confianza de los terrícolas supone todo un desafío y los yherajk necesitan a alguien que les ayude a llevar a cabo dicha empresa. Y si alguien sabe algo sobre ganarse la confianza de sus clientes, ése es Thomas Stein, uno de los jóvenes agentes más prometedores de Hollywood.
Ha sido gratamente hilarante, muy divertido, al mismo tiempo que nos aporta esas carcajadas en su lectura también nos brinda comentarios sociales sobre el movimiento de derechos civiles o el Holocausto, entre otras cosas. Altamente recomendado para quienes quieren su dosis de CF con grandes dosis de humor.
El diálogo es uno de los más divertidos que he leído. Una sátira de los principales actores del cine de Hollywood. Sólo por eso me hubiera. Pero el talento de Scalzi es múltiple, tal que puede desarrollar temas consecuentes con personajes que en un principio nos parecen muy superficiales.
Todo rodeado de un manto de CF entretejido de manera muy convincente en escenarios de la vida real. Y te hace reír tanto que te duele la barriga. No se le puede pedir más a una lectura de este tipo. Cumple.
La mitad del libro se arrastró un poco debido a algunos diálogos expositivos que personalmente me entorpecieron. Pero es que la imaginación en la historia y esos toques humor a través de una narración ágil y adictiva compensan con creces esos defectillos. Tiene sus cosillas, las tiene, pero en este caso lo positivo supera lo negativo.
Bromas ingeniosas e impredecibles con referencias culturales. Un personaje principal arrogante y muy listo que engaña a todos y capaz de salir de cualquier situación. Con un interés amoroso tambien igual, extra inteligente y casi siempre agradable. La lista continua. Nos suena todo, sí, pero joder la cosa es que funciona. Ritmo rápido. Bastante entretenido e ingenioso.
Es una lectura para dejar de lado algunos aspectos a la hora de leer y analizarlo y sencillamente gozar. Para eso es este libro. Yo lo gocé.. ✍️
Los exploradores espaciales yherajk han venido a la Tierra para conocernos y así entablar al fin la primera amistad interestelar con la humanidad. Sólo hay un inconveniente: tienen un aspecto espantoso y huelen a pescado en mal estado. Conseguir la confianza de los terrícolas supone todo un desafío y los yherajk necesitan a alguien que les ayude a llevar a cabo dicha empresa. Y si alguien sabe algo sobre ganarse la confianza de sus clientes, ése es Thomas Stein, uno de los jóvenes agentes más prometedores de Hollywood.
Ha sido gratamente hilarante, muy divertido, al mismo tiempo que nos aporta esas carcajadas en su lectura también nos brinda comentarios sociales sobre el movimiento de derechos civiles o el Holocausto, entre otras cosas. Altamente recomendado para quienes quieren su dosis de CF con grandes dosis de humor.
El diálogo es uno de los más divertidos que he leído. Una sátira de los principales actores del cine de Hollywood. Sólo por eso me hubiera. Pero el talento de Scalzi es múltiple, tal que puede desarrollar temas consecuentes con personajes que en un principio nos parecen muy superficiales.
Todo rodeado de un manto de CF entretejido de manera muy convincente en escenarios de la vida real. Y te hace reír tanto que te duele la barriga. No se le puede pedir más a una lectura de este tipo. Cumple.
La mitad del libro se arrastró un poco debido a algunos diálogos expositivos que personalmente me entorpecieron. Pero es que la imaginación en la historia y esos toques humor a través de una narración ágil y adictiva compensan con creces esos defectillos. Tiene sus cosillas, las tiene, pero en este caso lo positivo supera lo negativo.
Bromas ingeniosas e impredecibles con referencias culturales. Un personaje principal arrogante y muy listo que engaña a todos y capaz de salir de cualquier situación. Con un interés amoroso tambien igual, extra inteligente y casi siempre agradable. La lista continua. Nos suena todo, sí, pero joder la cosa es que funciona. Ritmo rápido. Bastante entretenido e ingenioso.
Es una lectura para dejar de lado algunos aspectos a la hora de leer y analizarlo y sencillamente gozar. Para eso es este libro. Yo lo gocé.. ✍️
May 1, 2011
4.0 stars. SUPERSTAR AGENT WORKING FOR ALIENS....SOUND CRAAAAZY...MAYBE, BUT MAYBE NOT.......
Then one day Mr. “Big Shot Hollywood Agent” is contacted by an ambassador from an alien species that wants him to arrange the introduction of their people to the World.
Unfortunately, Mr. Agent is more than a little skeptical and things look really hopeless for the Alien visitors.
***It is amazing how accurate the guys from South Park were on this one***
Intrigued by the words of L.Ron Hubbard, Mr. Big Shot Agent agrees to set up an appointment at the Church of Scientology for a “FREE” auditing to determine his thetan level.
Mr. Big Shot Agent immediately calls his financial advisors and calmly discusses with them his desire to make a substantial donation to the CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY.
And so Mr. Big Shot Agent, Mr. (skeptical) Ambassador and the Church of Scientology work to make conditions right for the introduction of aliens to the people of Earth....FACT OF FICTION?....You will have to decide.
........................THE END.....OR IS IT?................................................
I have absolutely no idea what the above has to do with this book other than while I was reading it I was reminded of the whole Jerry Maguire to Tom Cruise to Scientology to South Park to Aliens connection. Plus I had a lot of fun putting it together so I thought I would share. Now for STEVE’S ACTUAL BOOK REVIEW.......................
After being a bit disappointed with his last short story,The President's Brain is Missing, I am happy to say that I am once again in full-fledged fan boy status when it coms to Mr. Scalzi. I have heard that this book was his first novel and was actually written just to see if he had what it took to be a writer. If this is the case, that is pretty amazing because I thought this novel was fantastic. Well written, well plotted, well-paced and very funny.
The basic plot involves movies star agent Tom Stein who winds representing a very unusual client. The client is an alien species who has been watching Earth for decades learning our culture and waiting for the right moment to show themselves. Their study of our culture has shown them both the human fascination with aliens, but also their natural fear of them (especially one’s that look AND SMELL like these aliens). Thus, they have decided that rather than show up on the White House lawn, they would be better off hiring an agent to help “market” them to the world.
BIG PROPS FOR SCALZI
The first big prop I have to give Mr. Scalzi is that as crazy as the plot may sound, I was sucked in right away and everything seemed to make perfect sense within the four corners of the narrative. Second, the tone of the book was ABSOLUTELY perfect. It was mostly light and funny, but also had moving and poignant moments that really made you care about the characters. Third, the main character, Tom Stein was superb and it really felt like you were getting an inside look at the hollywood agent business. A fourth and final prop goes to Scalzi’s depiction of the aliens which was PERFECT. They were smart, funny, very, very alien and yet completely relatable to the reader. They are definitely a group that I would like to see Scalzi write more about in the future.
OVERALL
Another superb story by John Scalzi and one that really highlights his lighter, funnier side. I had a lot of fun with this story and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
Then one day Mr. “Big Shot Hollywood Agent” is contacted by an ambassador from an alien species that wants him to arrange the introduction of their people to the World.
Unfortunately, Mr. Agent is more than a little skeptical and things look really hopeless for the Alien visitors.
***It is amazing how accurate the guys from South Park were on this one***
Intrigued by the words of L.Ron Hubbard, Mr. Big Shot Agent agrees to set up an appointment at the Church of Scientology for a “FREE” auditing to determine his thetan level.
Mr. Big Shot Agent immediately calls his financial advisors and calmly discusses with them his desire to make a substantial donation to the CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY.
And so Mr. Big Shot Agent, Mr. (skeptical) Ambassador and the Church of Scientology work to make conditions right for the introduction of aliens to the people of Earth....FACT OF FICTION?....You will have to decide.
........................THE END.....OR IS IT?................................................
I have absolutely no idea what the above has to do with this book other than while I was reading it I was reminded of the whole Jerry Maguire to Tom Cruise to Scientology to South Park to Aliens connection. Plus I had a lot of fun putting it together so I thought I would share. Now for STEVE’S ACTUAL BOOK REVIEW.......................
After being a bit disappointed with his last short story,The President's Brain is Missing, I am happy to say that I am once again in full-fledged fan boy status when it coms to Mr. Scalzi. I have heard that this book was his first novel and was actually written just to see if he had what it took to be a writer. If this is the case, that is pretty amazing because I thought this novel was fantastic. Well written, well plotted, well-paced and very funny.
The basic plot involves movies star agent Tom Stein who winds representing a very unusual client. The client is an alien species who has been watching Earth for decades learning our culture and waiting for the right moment to show themselves. Their study of our culture has shown them both the human fascination with aliens, but also their natural fear of them (especially one’s that look AND SMELL like these aliens). Thus, they have decided that rather than show up on the White House lawn, they would be better off hiring an agent to help “market” them to the world.
BIG PROPS FOR SCALZI
The first big prop I have to give Mr. Scalzi is that as crazy as the plot may sound, I was sucked in right away and everything seemed to make perfect sense within the four corners of the narrative. Second, the tone of the book was ABSOLUTELY perfect. It was mostly light and funny, but also had moving and poignant moments that really made you care about the characters. Third, the main character, Tom Stein was superb and it really felt like you were getting an inside look at the hollywood agent business. A fourth and final prop goes to Scalzi’s depiction of the aliens which was PERFECT. They were smart, funny, very, very alien and yet completely relatable to the reader. They are definitely a group that I would like to see Scalzi write more about in the future.
OVERALL
Another superb story by John Scalzi and one that really highlights his lighter, funnier side. I had a lot of fun with this story and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
March 15, 2018
Tom Stein is a Hollywood agent. He represents one super-hot actress. The rest of his clients are
a collection of has-beens, never-weres, near-misses, and not-there-yets, the sort of folks that fill out the bottom half of every junior agent's dance card.
He puts it quite philosophically when he proclaims -
Someone has to play the second spear-carrier on the left, and someone has to represent them.
That all changes the day Tom's boss asks him to a clandestine meeting.
The aliens are coming! And they'd like us to get to know them.
"The Job," Carl said, implying the capital J with his voice, "is to find some way to prepare the planet for the presence of the Yherajk. They're ready to show themselves to humanity, Tom. You have to make humanity ready for them."
Now, Tom Stein is in charge of making 40 pounds of smelly gelatin palatable to the people of the earth.
First he must get to know Joshua, the Yherajk emissary. Together, they manage to strike up a beautiful friendship (I would say "bromance", but Joshua is neither male NOR female...), learning to accept one another's foibles and awful smells, and working together to solve a crisis.
I don't think it's any kind of spoiler to say that happy endings abound in this fun book that gives Hollywood the rogering it so richly deserves.
Or, maybe we're to blame for the entertainment we're served.
After all, we've accepted the Kardashians. Can watching see-thru aliens digesting pizza be any stranger than that?
That all changes the day Tom's boss asks him to a clandestine meeting.
The aliens are coming! And they'd like us to get to know them.
"The Job," Carl said, implying the capital J with his voice, "is to find some way to prepare the planet for the presence of the Yherajk. They're ready to show themselves to humanity, Tom. You have to make humanity ready for them."
Now, Tom Stein is in charge of making 40 pounds of smelly gelatin palatable to the people of the earth.
First he must get to know Joshua, the Yherajk emissary. Together, they manage to strike up a beautiful friendship (I would say "bromance", but Joshua is neither male NOR female...), learning to accept one another's foibles and awful smells, and working together to solve a crisis.
I don't think it's any kind of spoiler to say that happy endings abound in this fun book that gives Hollywood the rogering it so richly deserves.
Or, maybe we're to blame for the entertainment we're served.
After all, we've accepted the Kardashians. Can watching see-thru aliens digesting pizza be any stranger than that?
December 15, 2011
Yes, I know this was John Scalzi's "starter novel," written as an exercise, just to see if he could do it. I know it wasn't traditionally published until years later, when his subsequent better books had already earned him name recognition and numerous Hugo nominations. I know that. I don't really care though: this book cost me the same $7.99* as his other stories, and I don't feel the need to give it the benefit of the doubt.
Besides, if one thing is clear, it is the fact that Scalzi got a lot of use out of his little starter novel, so why should I discount it just because he wrote it first? After all, he seems to have mined it for material for pretty much all of his subsequent work: this is the fourth of his books I have read, and the fourth that stars a self-assured, witty sarcastic guy who is usually the smartest person in the room, or thinks he is. There is, once again, an acerbic love interest there to share in witty banter. There are cardboard villains who exist solely to have rings run around them by the protagonist's verbal alacrity. There's also a dog. And this book was apparently the genesis of all that, so good on you, book! You launched the career of a best-seller, sort of.
The thing about Scalzi is, he is very easy to read. His prose his simple, his stock characters are fun. He puts in a lot of acerbic humor and jokes, even though I don't think he's very funny (times this book made me smile, let alone laugh: 0**). He makes for good bath time/plane/commuting reading. That's not a bad thing.
But this book... oy. It starts off really well, with a fun premise: benevolent aliens want to make first contact (benevolent, even though they are also basically Futurama brain slugs,
but no spoilers); choose to do so with the help of a slick Hollywood agent. But once the premise has been established, it suddenly becomes an insider Hollywood comedy with a talking alien dog appearing in the background of a few scenes. Seriously, the space part of this book is about 1/3 of its length; the rest is a zippy but largely uninvolving merry go round of movie biz satire, starring a really annoying smartass that the book tries to convince us is, in so many words, "a good man" way more often that it should have to. Instead of actually working on the alien issue, he just does his regular job for 300 pages until the perfect solution to his problems just falls right into his lap. I mean, don't get me wrong, salary negotiations are almost as exciting as first contact with aliens.
And then wow. Because the last half of the book suddenly transforms from lightweight comedy to... Holocaust drama, medical tragedy, and discussions of a coma patient's right to live or die with dignity. Oh, also suicide. But then there are still jokes and wacky antics, like hahaha, how will we get the brain dead woman out of the hospital without attracting the attention of the paparazzi? It is a weird shift, to say the least.
The story also gets really silly, but it seems dumb to complain too much about that when you're talking about a sci-fi comedy. But it is silly in a way the book didn't necessarily intend, I think? It is hard to tell.
Anyway, this book isn't very good, but it is very Scalzi.
*a lie; I paid $.79 at a going-out-of-business Borders.
**number of times this book made me shake my head in disbelief at how dated some of the pop culture references are, even when taking into account that parts of it were written in 1997, especially because elements have indeed been updated since it mentions Heath Ledger's death: 4+ (Oh that Roseanne and her Star-Spangled Banner shenanigans...)
Besides, if one thing is clear, it is the fact that Scalzi got a lot of use out of his little starter novel, so why should I discount it just because he wrote it first? After all, he seems to have mined it for material for pretty much all of his subsequent work: this is the fourth of his books I have read, and the fourth that stars a self-assured, witty sarcastic guy who is usually the smartest person in the room, or thinks he is. There is, once again, an acerbic love interest there to share in witty banter. There are cardboard villains who exist solely to have rings run around them by the protagonist's verbal alacrity. There's also a dog. And this book was apparently the genesis of all that, so good on you, book! You launched the career of a best-seller, sort of.
The thing about Scalzi is, he is very easy to read. His prose his simple, his stock characters are fun. He puts in a lot of acerbic humor and jokes, even though I don't think he's very funny (times this book made me smile, let alone laugh: 0**). He makes for good bath time/plane/commuting reading. That's not a bad thing.
But this book... oy. It starts off really well, with a fun premise: benevolent aliens want to make first contact (benevolent, even though they are also basically Futurama brain slugs,
but no spoilers); choose to do so with the help of a slick Hollywood agent. But once the premise has been established, it suddenly becomes an insider Hollywood comedy with a talking alien dog appearing in the background of a few scenes. Seriously, the space part of this book is about 1/3 of its length; the rest is a zippy but largely uninvolving merry go round of movie biz satire, starring a really annoying smartass that the book tries to convince us is, in so many words, "a good man" way more often that it should have to. Instead of actually working on the alien issue, he just does his regular job for 300 pages until the perfect solution to his problems just falls right into his lap. I mean, don't get me wrong, salary negotiations are almost as exciting as first contact with aliens.
And then wow. Because the last half of the book suddenly transforms from lightweight comedy to... Holocaust drama, medical tragedy, and discussions of a coma patient's right to live or die with dignity. Oh, also suicide. But then there are still jokes and wacky antics, like hahaha, how will we get the brain dead woman out of the hospital without attracting the attention of the paparazzi? It is a weird shift, to say the least.
The story also gets really silly, but it seems dumb to complain too much about that when you're talking about a sci-fi comedy. But it is silly in a way the book didn't necessarily intend, I think? It is hard to tell.
Anyway, this book isn't very good, but it is very Scalzi.
*a lie; I paid $.79 at a going-out-of-business Borders.
**number of times this book made me shake my head in disbelief at how dated some of the pop culture references are, even when taking into account that parts of it were written in 1997, especially because elements have indeed been updated since it mentions Heath Ledger's death: 4+ (Oh that Roseanne and her Star-Spangled Banner shenanigans...)
March 9, 2024
En 2013 la gocé como un enano con esta novela.
Muchas de mis amistades de GR se quejan de clichés mil veces vistos. Queridos, que os den.
Yo he sonreído, me he reído y el esperpento me ha hecho devorarlo. Tb es cierto que me declaro fan casi descerebrado de Scalzi. Para saber de qué va leed la sinopsis. paa ponerme a parir y decir que mi gusto es pésimo, leed la novela. (Jeraviz y gloin me pueden vilipendiar que le han puesto dos míseras y rácanas dos estrellas. Ni puta idea, chavales, os reto a duelo)
Muchas de mis amistades de GR se quejan de clichés mil veces vistos. Queridos, que os den.
Yo he sonreído, me he reído y el esperpento me ha hecho devorarlo. Tb es cierto que me declaro fan casi descerebrado de Scalzi. Para saber de qué va leed la sinopsis. paa ponerme a parir y decir que mi gusto es pésimo, leed la novela. (Jeraviz y gloin me pueden vilipendiar que le han puesto dos míseras y rácanas dos estrellas. Ni puta idea, chavales, os reto a duelo)
June 14, 2016
I read a lot of books, and this is sometimes a curse. They often blend together until I don't remember what they were all about, unless they really manage to surprise me or stir up emotions. This one did it. It was funny, interesting and even has a message. Even if I felt this was a book you could escape in and make you appreciate art, I also loved the end. We need to realize that no matter how different humans seem, we have so much in common. Using 'aliens' to underline this point, was a brilliant move by the author.
November 9, 2018
4.5 *
I don't want to give away anything about this story away-I think everyone should go into it as blindly as I did.
I thought this book was hilarious and fun, while also providing a little social commentary regarding the civil rights movement and the Holocaust, among other things.
I listened to the audio and Wil Wheaton nailed this one down tight.
My only issue was the "he saids, she saids." They started to stand out for me towards the end-by that I mean they were irritating. "He said" doesn't need to be stated at the end of every sentence-and sometimes it felt like that's exactly what was happening. For this I subtracted half of one star.
Other than that one picky thing, (which probably would only bother me, I'm weird like that), I have no criticisms of this book at all. It was funny and creative and rather light on the science, which was fine by me.
Highly recommended to those who prefer their science fiction light, with big chunks of humor on the side!
*I bought this audiobook with my hard earned cash and this opinion is my own.*
I don't want to give away anything about this story away-I think everyone should go into it as blindly as I did.
I thought this book was hilarious and fun, while also providing a little social commentary regarding the civil rights movement and the Holocaust, among other things.
I listened to the audio and Wil Wheaton nailed this one down tight.
My only issue was the "he saids, she saids." They started to stand out for me towards the end-by that I mean they were irritating. "He said" doesn't need to be stated at the end of every sentence-and sometimes it felt like that's exactly what was happening. For this I subtracted half of one star.
Other than that one picky thing, (which probably would only bother me, I'm weird like that), I have no criticisms of this book at all. It was funny and creative and rather light on the science, which was fine by me.
Highly recommended to those who prefer their science fiction light, with big chunks of humor on the side!
*I bought this audiobook with my hard earned cash and this opinion is my own.*
February 25, 2019
Re-read with my other half.
As hilarious as the first time :O)
___
Let’s just start by saying that this is a very silly book (just read the blurb for proof) - but Scalzi did it with so much skill and gusto that, would you believe it, it achieves greatness.
By combining an atypical first-contact story with the cut-throat Hollywood world, and adding a good dose of banter while not taking itself seriously, the author offers us a hilarious and compelling tale.
Silly yes but not stupid. You just have to look at the plot, once you’ve read it of course. Pretty ingenious. And then the characters! These are not only funny but well-drawn, with more depth than expected (the mains cast that is) and even break some stereotypes.
Knowing Scalzi, I knew he would weave a serious topic somewhere in the background of his story, and he did - the Holocaust and the ethics of life, of saving/taking a life!
I could wax lyrical but ultimately it is best to go blind and just enjoy it. Definitely going in my Feel Good Books for future medication when I need a dose of happy :O)
As hilarious as the first time :O)
___
Let’s just start by saying that this is a very silly book (just read the blurb for proof) - but Scalzi did it with so much skill and gusto that, would you believe it, it achieves greatness.
By combining an atypical first-contact story with the cut-throat Hollywood world, and adding a good dose of banter while not taking itself seriously, the author offers us a hilarious and compelling tale.
Silly yes but not stupid. You just have to look at the plot, once you’ve read it of course. Pretty ingenious. And then the characters! These are not only funny but well-drawn, with more depth than expected (the mains cast that is) and even break some stereotypes.
Knowing Scalzi, I knew he would weave a serious topic somewhere in the background of his story, and he did - the Holocaust and the ethics of life, of saving/taking a life!
I could wax lyrical but ultimately it is best to go blind and just enjoy it. Definitely going in my Feel Good Books for future medication when I need a dose of happy :O)
August 4, 2022
Veo que uno de mis libros favoritos no tenía reseña después de haberlo leído dos veces (y una tercera en el horizonte).
Es puro John Scalzi, ese humor que no es humor barato y fácil, con ideas que te llegan profundo sin darte cuenta y con ese toque que sólo este autor sabe darle a sus obras que hace que sean diferentes a todo lo demás.
Una gozada, una maravilla, un disfrute constante. Un libro que puede leer cualquiera aunque no haya leído nunca nada de cienciaficción y disfrutarlo desde la primera hasta la última página.
Un "léeme ya" de manual. No falla.
Es puro John Scalzi, ese humor que no es humor barato y fácil, con ideas que te llegan profundo sin darte cuenta y con ese toque que sólo este autor sabe darle a sus obras que hace que sean diferentes a todo lo demás.
Una gozada, una maravilla, un disfrute constante. Un libro que puede leer cualquiera aunque no haya leído nunca nada de cienciaficción y disfrutarlo desde la primera hasta la última página.
Un "léeme ya" de manual. No falla.
March 8, 2024
"No le pagan para hacer todo lo que digo, sino para hacer todo lo que yo debería decir. Hay una diferencia."
Confieso que este libro no me llamaba demasiado la atención, pues la sinopsis no me atraía mucho, pero hubo 3 cosas que me me llevaron a leerlo:
1.- Que su autor fuera John Scalzi (llevaba 5 estrellas en sus tres libros leídos).
2.- Que me apetecía leer algo fuera de la sega de "Fuerzas de defensa coloniales" sin meterme en otra, y éste era libro único.
3.- Las recomendaciones y buenas reseñas de mis amistades.
Al empezarlo, confirmé mis dudas. La historia me pareció un poco "chorra" y nada del otro mundo. Dejaba el libro y no tenía mucha necesidad de volver a él. Sin embargo, pensé: "Es Scalzi, se deja leer. Al menos lo voy a acabar".
Y después vino la sorpresa. A medida que avanzaba, la historia se volvió un poco más compleja y me fue atrapando hasta el punto de tener que leerme el tramo final del tirón de puro enganche. Los personajes me conquistaron con su humor y sarcasmo, y la trama se volvió más interesante y profunda. No tenía la acción de las FDC pero sí que encontraba algo de su esencia.
Al final, me encontré con un libro muy entretenido que me dejó con una sonrisa en la cara. Mi recomendación es que si te gusta el autor no dudes en leerlo y que no te dejes engañar por la primera impresión ni por la sinopsis, pues hay mucho más.
Confieso que este libro no me llamaba demasiado la atención, pues la sinopsis no me atraía mucho, pero hubo 3 cosas que me me llevaron a leerlo:
1.- Que su autor fuera John Scalzi (llevaba 5 estrellas en sus tres libros leídos).
2.- Que me apetecía leer algo fuera de la sega de "Fuerzas de defensa coloniales" sin meterme en otra, y éste era libro único.
3.- Las recomendaciones y buenas reseñas de mis amistades.
Al empezarlo, confirmé mis dudas. La historia me pareció un poco "chorra" y nada del otro mundo. Dejaba el libro y no tenía mucha necesidad de volver a él. Sin embargo, pensé: "Es Scalzi, se deja leer. Al menos lo voy a acabar".
Y después vino la sorpresa. A medida que avanzaba, la historia se volvió un poco más compleja y me fue atrapando hasta el punto de tener que leerme el tramo final del tirón de puro enganche. Los personajes me conquistaron con su humor y sarcasmo, y la trama se volvió más interesante y profunda. No tenía la acción de las FDC pero sí que encontraba algo de su esencia.
Al final, me encontré con un libro muy entretenido que me dejó con una sonrisa en la cara. Mi recomendación es que si te gusta el autor no dudes en leerlo y que no te dejes engañar por la primera impresión ni por la sinopsis, pues hay mucho más.
February 24, 2012
Simply put, it's brilliant.
I agree in every detail with the comments about this book in the wonderful review by Kaethe that put me onto it. Her review provides a series of very good reasons to read the book, without spoiling the fascinating and intricate story that lies within. As I discovered, it provides a second set of points that will make much more sense after you read the book.
The dialogue in this book is among the funniest I have ever read. It is hugely successful as a satire of major players in Hollywood filmmaking, and I would have loved it for that element alone. But Scalzi’s talent is such that he can develop very heavy/consequential themes, with characters that seem at first to be very superficial. He does this with a science fictional framework that is woven, very convincingly, into real-life settings, and makes you laugh so hard that your ribs ache while you are taking it all in.
It works beautifully. And, speaking for myself, the rib pain was worth it. (Check with your doctor first before trying this at home)
Some reviewers have noted a few issues with continuity in topical references that were updated in this edition. I noticed some of that, but it didn’t bother me.
Very highly recommended.
I agree in every detail with the comments about this book in the wonderful review by Kaethe that put me onto it. Her review provides a series of very good reasons to read the book, without spoiling the fascinating and intricate story that lies within. As I discovered, it provides a second set of points that will make much more sense after you read the book.
The dialogue in this book is among the funniest I have ever read. It is hugely successful as a satire of major players in Hollywood filmmaking, and I would have loved it for that element alone. But Scalzi’s talent is such that he can develop very heavy/consequential themes, with characters that seem at first to be very superficial. He does this with a science fictional framework that is woven, very convincingly, into real-life settings, and makes you laugh so hard that your ribs ache while you are taking it all in.
It works beautifully. And, speaking for myself, the rib pain was worth it. (Check with your doctor first before trying this at home)
Some reviewers have noted a few issues with continuity in topical references that were updated in this edition. I noticed some of that, but it didn’t bother me.
Very highly recommended.
July 11, 2016
This was my first book by John Scalzi, and I listened to the audio narrated by Wil Wheaton - what a winning combination! The humor in the book was right up my alley, Wil Wheaton's narration fit perfectly, and this book was just pure fun. I would have willingly listened to this from start to finish in one sitting if it had been possible. Add to my TBR list - more Scalzi and more Wil Wheaton audio.
July 15, 2016
Haaaaaaaa!!!!!
So frigging funny. I love Scalzi. Great for some comic relief.
So frigging funny. I love Scalzi. Great for some comic relief.
June 30, 2024
El agente de las estrellas
Una novela de ciencia ficción bastante divertida con un agente que tendrá un trabajo distinto al habitual.
Un representante de estrellas cinematográficas recibe de su jefe el encargo de introducir en el mundo a un personaje único.
Un ser extraterrestre de forma indefinida pero muy inteligente al que hay que introducir en el planeta tierra, pero sin causar demasiado revuelo.
La novela describe la vida de las estrellas de cine con sus éxitos y miserias. El agente tendrá que ingeniarse una idea para presentar al extraterrestre en sociedad sin causar un gran drama.
Pues una historia muy entretenida y por momentos divertida que se lee fácilmente y deja buenas sensaciones.
Una novela de ciencia ficción bastante divertida con un agente que tendrá un trabajo distinto al habitual.
Un representante de estrellas cinematográficas recibe de su jefe el encargo de introducir en el mundo a un personaje único.
Un ser extraterrestre de forma indefinida pero muy inteligente al que hay que introducir en el planeta tierra, pero sin causar demasiado revuelo.
La novela describe la vida de las estrellas de cine con sus éxitos y miserias. El agente tendrá que ingeniarse una idea para presentar al extraterrestre en sociedad sin causar un gran drama.
Pues una historia muy entretenida y por momentos divertida que se lee fácilmente y deja buenas sensaciones.
October 24, 2021
2.5 stars
So, aliens have finally arrived, and for a change they are friendly, however because they look like blobs of snot and only communicate via smells, they first want to uplift their personas before making contact with humanity.
They decide to work on their public image with the help of a celebrity agency.
The author could have done a lot more with the idea behind the story, yet he settled for a fluff piece that focuses as much on the vapidness of being an agent to celebrities as it did on the juvenile humor.
I like this author, I have read many of his books and always enjoy his unique take on the sci fi genre yet this one lacked substance.
I did enjoy Will Wheaton’s narration of the audio version but ultimately the story lost steam for me after the ½ way mark and I found myself zoning out quite a few times while listening.
So, aliens have finally arrived, and for a change they are friendly, however because they look like blobs of snot and only communicate via smells, they first want to uplift their personas before making contact with humanity.
They decide to work on their public image with the help of a celebrity agency.
The author could have done a lot more with the idea behind the story, yet he settled for a fluff piece that focuses as much on the vapidness of being an agent to celebrities as it did on the juvenile humor.
I like this author, I have read many of his books and always enjoy his unique take on the sci fi genre yet this one lacked substance.
I did enjoy Will Wheaton’s narration of the audio version but ultimately the story lost steam for me after the ½ way mark and I found myself zoning out quite a few times while listening.
August 24, 2019
Alright, first of all this is not a bad first contact story at all. Scalzi is amusing and gets right to it with a plethora of pop culture references understood by everyone who were young in the 90s.
What I want to give it 2 stars for (but ultimately didn’t) is how stereotypical it is in its portrayal of men and women, and men versus women, and even more so, the large part where the characters justify why it’s totally okay for a 25 year old white, blonde woman to play a 40 something Jewish holocaust survivor and activist, just because she’s “a great actor”. Living now, in 2019 where there is focus on offering more visibllity to marginalized groups I found that part profoundly tone deaf. I know you can’t be tone deaf in 2005 to an environment 14 years in the future, and I also realize that the whole plot of the first contact story relied heavily on this particular twist, but still - it was awkward.
If you don’t care about such things, though, it’s an entertaining story. Scalzi never fails there.
What I want to give it 2 stars for (but ultimately didn’t) is how stereotypical it is in its portrayal of men and women, and men versus women, and even more so, the large part where the characters justify why it’s totally okay for a 25 year old white, blonde woman to play a 40 something Jewish holocaust survivor and activist, just because she’s “a great actor”. Living now, in 2019 where there is focus on offering more visibllity to marginalized groups I found that part profoundly tone deaf. I know you can’t be tone deaf in 2005 to an environment 14 years in the future, and I also realize that the whole plot of the first contact story relied heavily on this particular twist, but still - it was awkward.
If you don’t care about such things, though, it’s an entertaining story. Scalzi never fails there.
May 12, 2012
Loved the book.
The humor was just my style-the way the Yherajk communicated was a hoot.
What I also liked was that even though the MC was a smartass, he wasn’t made out to be a jaded guy or an agent who took advantage of other people to survive.
I was expecting a romance between Tom and Michell but Miranda was a far better choice.
The book wasn’t too long but just the right length which always wins points with me. Joshua was my favorite character.
Loved how the ending/unveiling was handled, as well as how the whole Holocaust movie was dealt with.
The humor was just my style-the way the Yherajk communicated was a hoot.
What I also liked was that even though the MC was a smartass, he wasn’t made out to be a jaded guy or an agent who took advantage of other people to survive.
I was expecting a romance between Tom and Michell but Miranda was a far better choice.
The book wasn’t too long but just the right length which always wins points with me. Joshua was my favorite character.
Loved how the ending/unveiling was handled, as well as how the whole Holocaust movie was dealt with.
May 18, 2012
This is light, feel good science fiction with huge heart. What starts off as a funny attack on Hollywood with lots of inside references and jokes every line, eventually morphs into a terrific little story about humanity coming together to celebrate some new friends on the block. Scalzi is just a terrific storyteller, and he just has a way of keeping you turning the pages and smiling. That is more than enough to satisfy me.
October 8, 2018
Si te gusta el humor de Scalzi al menos podrás terminar esta novela. Por lo demás es un cliché tras cliché bastante aburrido, donde se saca de la manga situaciones sin fundamento para poder avanzar en la historia.
Si te lo puedes escuchar en audiolibro, como ha sido mi caso, creo que es más llevadero.
Si te lo puedes escuchar en audiolibro, como ha sido mi caso, creo que es más llevadero.
June 28, 2024
This was an impressive first novel from Scalzi. I found it snarky, funny, and entertaining. He did a great job of playing with the "first contact" scenario and dragging in sci-fi references from time to time keeping the story light and engaging throughout. Joshua is probably the funniest alien character I have read about so far!
Fino's John Scalzi Reviews:
Standalone Books
Old Man's War Series
The Lock In Series
The Interdependency Series
Fino's John Scalzi Reviews:
Standalone Books
Old Man's War Series
The Lock In Series
The Interdependency Series
December 17, 2014
Sept 8 2011
I stayed up too late last night because I didn't want to stop reading this. First, it's entertaining as hell. There's an insider's view of movie-making as a business, there's science fiction, there's romance, there's a very complicated plot, there's snappy repartee, but just like His Girl Friday, there's also an examination of what duty we owe to humanity, of what fair play looks like. In this, Scalzi's first novel, as in his most recent one Fuzzy Nation, there is thoughtful consideration of what is best for everyone. I'd love to put Tom Stein in charge of running the world: he cares deeply about what is right, as well as what is good. He's a sweetheart: kind to animals, considerate of old people, literate, generous, thoughtful and observant. Weirdly, his virtues don't make him seem any less real.
So, when I finally, happily, finished the book, I spent a little time thinking about why I loved it so much, and what it had in common with others of my favorite books. And why some of my favorite books from 1990 have been culled from the list. First, it's funny. For some reason people seem to think humor and seriousness are incompatible, but as Shakespeare demonstrated, tragedy is more real and more moving if you aren't entirely bogged down in the gloom. A lot of Agent is an exploration of what it means to be human, from the Holocaust and the US civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s, to our small interactions with neighbors and co-workers. And humor is one of the things that gets us through each day. The dialogue is zippy and amusing and keeps the pace up.
I love that there aren't any villains here. There's conflict, because that's where the drama lies, but there aren't any black hats. People do things which are stupid or vengeful or mean, but not because they're bad people.
So, this is going to be a favorite for some time I expect. It's going up there with Good Omens, Bluebeard, To Say Nothing of the Dog, and Beauty Queens on my shelf of Books That Manage to Slide in Important Lessons in Behaving Humanely While Also Being Funny.
Library copy.
A note about the cover: a stranger walked up to me as I was reading over my lunch to ask me what kind of book it was, a mystery or a regular novel or what. I told her what it was about, and she thought it sounded great. That is a seriously enticing cover.
I stayed up too late last night because I didn't want to stop reading this. First, it's entertaining as hell. There's an insider's view of movie-making as a business, there's science fiction, there's romance, there's a very complicated plot, there's snappy repartee, but just like His Girl Friday, there's also an examination of what duty we owe to humanity, of what fair play looks like. In this, Scalzi's first novel, as in his most recent one Fuzzy Nation, there is thoughtful consideration of what is best for everyone. I'd love to put Tom Stein in charge of running the world: he cares deeply about what is right, as well as what is good. He's a sweetheart: kind to animals, considerate of old people, literate, generous, thoughtful and observant. Weirdly, his virtues don't make him seem any less real.
So, when I finally, happily, finished the book, I spent a little time thinking about why I loved it so much, and what it had in common with others of my favorite books. And why some of my favorite books from 1990 have been culled from the list. First, it's funny. For some reason people seem to think humor and seriousness are incompatible, but as Shakespeare demonstrated, tragedy is more real and more moving if you aren't entirely bogged down in the gloom. A lot of Agent is an exploration of what it means to be human, from the Holocaust and the US civil rights struggle of the 50s and 60s, to our small interactions with neighbors and co-workers. And humor is one of the things that gets us through each day. The dialogue is zippy and amusing and keeps the pace up.
I love that there aren't any villains here. There's conflict, because that's where the drama lies, but there aren't any black hats. People do things which are stupid or vengeful or mean, but not because they're bad people.
So, this is going to be a favorite for some time I expect. It's going up there with Good Omens, Bluebeard, To Say Nothing of the Dog, and Beauty Queens on my shelf of Books That Manage to Slide in Important Lessons in Behaving Humanely While Also Being Funny.
Library copy.
A note about the cover: a stranger walked up to me as I was reading over my lunch to ask me what kind of book it was, a mystery or a regular novel or what. I told her what it was about, and she thought it sounded great. That is a seriously enticing cover.
March 7, 2019
4.5 out of 5 stars
I can't believe this is John Scalzi's first book! Agent to the Stars is an imaginative, unique, and funny work of science fiction. In this novel one of Hollywood's hottest young agents is tasked with introducing a very unappealing alien race to humans - you don't encounter a premise like this one every day. While I expected this to be smart and entertaining, things eventually took a turn for something more serious making me consider a more philosophical and ethical question for a bit. And of course, as a big film geek, I loved the backdrop of Hollywood and "the industry". The book was a little predictable at times, and the beginning had some inconsistent pacing, but nothing to really stop me from wholeheartedly loving Agent to the Stars.
Also, the narration by Wil Wheaton is outstanding. This is the fourth book narrated by him that I've listened to, and I think the voice acting here is the best I've heard so far. I DEFINITELY recommend the audiobook.
I can't believe this is John Scalzi's first book! Agent to the Stars is an imaginative, unique, and funny work of science fiction. In this novel one of Hollywood's hottest young agents is tasked with introducing a very unappealing alien race to humans - you don't encounter a premise like this one every day. While I expected this to be smart and entertaining, things eventually took a turn for something more serious making me consider a more philosophical and ethical question for a bit. And of course, as a big film geek, I loved the backdrop of Hollywood and "the industry". The book was a little predictable at times, and the beginning had some inconsistent pacing, but nothing to really stop me from wholeheartedly loving Agent to the Stars.
Also, the narration by Wil Wheaton is outstanding. This is the fourth book narrated by him that I've listened to, and I think the voice acting here is the best I've heard so far. I DEFINITELY recommend the audiobook.
August 19, 2017
Ahoy there mateys! Members of me crew may remember that I have a love for John Scalzi as he was featured in Broadside No. 5, tidings from the crew fer the dispatcher, and on the horizon fer the miniatures. As I work me way through all things Scalzi, I realized I had never read his first written novel.
His author’s note talks about how this book became published and states:
“It began in 1997 as my “practice novel” – that is to say, the novel I wrote to see if I could write a novel . . . I had no intention of ever selling it or ever really doing anything with it.”
Luckily for me he did eventually publish it. After one particularly rough day at sea, I decided that I needed a pick-me-up. So I picked up this novel (hardy har har!) It turned out to be the right choice fer me mood. Fer a “practice” novel, it was pretty darn good.
The novel concerns humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrial lifeforms. The aliens come to Earth looking to make friends. The only problem is that they are funny looking and smell real bad. The aliens are certainly not yer stereotypical little green men. So what better person to contact than a Hollywood agent to help spin their introduction to our world? Eventually the agency hands the task to junior agent Thomas Stein who has just had the best day in his career. It is his last best day for quite some time . . .
This first novel certainly contains Scalzi’s brand of zany humor, dialogue, and characters. While I like the main character’s ingenuity and caring, I also like the secondary characters. As usual there are strong and powerful women. Hooray! The is certainly nothing earth-shattering about this one but it is super enjoyable and while silly still has moments that make ye think.
I don’t suggest this as the first Scalzi book to be picked up by newcomers but fer those already established Scalzi fans, I certain recommend going back to this beginning.
Side note: I like the fun cover design!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
His author’s note talks about how this book became published and states:
“It began in 1997 as my “practice novel” – that is to say, the novel I wrote to see if I could write a novel . . . I had no intention of ever selling it or ever really doing anything with it.”
Luckily for me he did eventually publish it. After one particularly rough day at sea, I decided that I needed a pick-me-up. So I picked up this novel (hardy har har!) It turned out to be the right choice fer me mood. Fer a “practice” novel, it was pretty darn good.
The novel concerns humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrial lifeforms. The aliens come to Earth looking to make friends. The only problem is that they are funny looking and smell real bad. The aliens are certainly not yer stereotypical little green men. So what better person to contact than a Hollywood agent to help spin their introduction to our world? Eventually the agency hands the task to junior agent Thomas Stein who has just had the best day in his career. It is his last best day for quite some time . . .
This first novel certainly contains Scalzi’s brand of zany humor, dialogue, and characters. While I like the main character’s ingenuity and caring, I also like the secondary characters. As usual there are strong and powerful women. Hooray! The is certainly nothing earth-shattering about this one but it is super enjoyable and while silly still has moments that make ye think.
I don’t suggest this as the first Scalzi book to be picked up by newcomers but fer those already established Scalzi fans, I certain recommend going back to this beginning.
Side note: I like the fun cover design!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp...
October 15, 2018
In the preface, Scalzi talks about his being his "tester" novel--the one he wrote to see if he could do it. It's the story of an alien race that decides to come to Earth after intercepting our broadcast signals. They've decided not to invade but instead hire a Hollywood talent agent to help them make their big debut. There's just one small problem--the aliens are gelatinous and smell pretty foul.
The story takes off from there, alternating between the alien (whose name is Joshua) trying to find a way to live among humanity and Scalzi's narrator taking funny shots at various Hollywood celebrities and films. The tone is very much like his "The Android's Dream" at times with a more Pratchett-like tone to some of the segments. Thankfully, unlike a lot of imitators, Sclazi can pull off being witty without it feeling forced or overstaying its welcome. Had I not known this was a first novel for Scalzi, I might not have necessarily guessed.
The story takes off from there, alternating between the alien (whose name is Joshua) trying to find a way to live among humanity and Scalzi's narrator taking funny shots at various Hollywood celebrities and films. The tone is very much like his "The Android's Dream" at times with a more Pratchett-like tone to some of the segments. Thankfully, unlike a lot of imitators, Sclazi can pull off being witty without it feeling forced or overstaying its welcome. Had I not known this was a first novel for Scalzi, I might not have necessarily guessed.
December 3, 2020
I haven't read a John Scalzi book that has disappointed me. They are always a fun and humorous read. Great story plots that sweep you through the book. My only complaint is they end to soon, or maybe I just read them to fast! I am looking forward to trying his Old Man's War series. Very recommended
February 7, 2018
John Scalzi is one of my favorite sf writers and (as you have probably noticed) I am reading trough his older books until something new is published.
Agent to the Stars got my attention with an unique and quirky premise. The aliens hire Hollywood agent to introduce them to the humanity. :D
While I enjoyed the idea, the execution left me feeling somewhat unsure of my feelings. The pace was uneven. The humor was there but was not in full Szalzi mode. The characters needed a bit more to make them real.
This book was just ok for me, somewhere around 3.5 stars but I am pushing it to 4 for the original idea and because later I read that Agent to the Stars is the first novel that John Scalzi ever wrote.
Agent to the Stars got my attention with an unique and quirky premise. The aliens hire Hollywood agent to introduce them to the humanity. :D
While I enjoyed the idea, the execution left me feeling somewhat unsure of my feelings. The pace was uneven. The humor was there but was not in full Szalzi mode. The characters needed a bit more to make them real.
This book was just ok for me, somewhere around 3.5 stars but I am pushing it to 4 for the original idea and because later I read that Agent to the Stars is the first novel that John Scalzi ever wrote.
July 15, 2012
Tom Stein is a nice young Hollywood agent when his boss pulls him into a private meeting and lays a bombshell on him: the Yherajk, an alien race that has come to Earth to make first contact, needs representation. They've been watching our TV broadcasts for years, so they know what humans think of aliens, especially aliens who are amorphous blobs of bad-smelling goop who can, incidentally, insert tendrils into your brain and take over your body. So instead of landing on the White House lawn, they've decided that Hollywood, the true center of Earth's global media, should handle presenting the Yherajk to humanity.
This was John Scalzi's debut novel. It's available online for free, and it's a quick, light read. Tom Stein is an awfully nice and smart if somewhat bland fellow, and so are most of his coworkers and even the antagonists. The aliens, likewise, adopt human personalities with remarkable speed, which leads to Tom spending much of the book trading quips with a Yherajk named Joshua who's taken the form of a dog.
Scalzi is usually a 3 or 4-star read for me, and Agent to the Stars was no exception; actually, I liked it more than a lot of his other books. Scalzi writes like a TV scriptwriting hipster, which can be both breezily entertaining and somewhat lacking in substance. Agent to the Stars worked because the humor was actually appropriate. Scalzi populates both Hollywood and the universe at large with people who are reliably decent in improbable numbers, but this isn't hard sci-fi, it's something Scalzi wrote just to prove he could write a book. He previously had a career as an entertainment journalist, and it shows; the Hollywood subplot (which is really most of the plot) is full of verisimilitude, more than the alien biology and culture of the Yherajk, which is interesting enough if not expanded upon much.
Good read and probably would make a decent movie. Actually, it would probably turn into an awful movie.
This was John Scalzi's debut novel. It's available online for free, and it's a quick, light read. Tom Stein is an awfully nice and smart if somewhat bland fellow, and so are most of his coworkers and even the antagonists. The aliens, likewise, adopt human personalities with remarkable speed, which leads to Tom spending much of the book trading quips with a Yherajk named Joshua who's taken the form of a dog.
Scalzi is usually a 3 or 4-star read for me, and Agent to the Stars was no exception; actually, I liked it more than a lot of his other books. Scalzi writes like a TV scriptwriting hipster, which can be both breezily entertaining and somewhat lacking in substance. Agent to the Stars worked because the humor was actually appropriate. Scalzi populates both Hollywood and the universe at large with people who are reliably decent in improbable numbers, but this isn't hard sci-fi, it's something Scalzi wrote just to prove he could write a book. He previously had a career as an entertainment journalist, and it shows; the Hollywood subplot (which is really most of the plot) is full of verisimilitude, more than the alien biology and culture of the Yherajk, which is interesting enough if not expanded upon much.
Good read and probably would make a decent movie. Actually, it would probably turn into an awful movie.
December 1, 2018
Good Story #87. Scott and Julie hire an agent but he spends all his time with a water bottle full of talking jello.
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What do you do if you are an alien race who wants to open friendly relations with humans but knows from watching television and movies that we are likely to see them as "bad aliens" due to outward appearances? If you are as steeped in pop culture as these aliens are, then it is obvious. Hire a Hollywood agent! John Scalzi takes us on a light-hearted romp that also is a keen look at pop culture and how it shapes our lives, as well as making excellent observations about human nature in general. I loved this book.
UPDATE
Picked this up as my "free" in Audible's buy one bestseller, get one free sale. This is a nice light read and it seemed to me that Wil Wheaton would do the perfect smarmy voice for it (having listened to his podcasting of his book and his Radio Free Burrito podcast). After listening to the book, my choice was vindicated. Wheaton's reading is spot on and I enjoyed the heck out of the book this second time around.
UPDATE 2
Relistening in preparation for A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast discussion next week. Am enjoying it yet again.
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What do you do if you are an alien race who wants to open friendly relations with humans but knows from watching television and movies that we are likely to see them as "bad aliens" due to outward appearances? If you are as steeped in pop culture as these aliens are, then it is obvious. Hire a Hollywood agent! John Scalzi takes us on a light-hearted romp that also is a keen look at pop culture and how it shapes our lives, as well as making excellent observations about human nature in general. I loved this book.
UPDATE
Picked this up as my "free" in Audible's buy one bestseller, get one free sale. This is a nice light read and it seemed to me that Wil Wheaton would do the perfect smarmy voice for it (having listened to his podcasting of his book and his Radio Free Burrito podcast). After listening to the book, my choice was vindicated. Wheaton's reading is spot on and I enjoyed the heck out of the book this second time around.
UPDATE 2
Relistening in preparation for A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast discussion next week. Am enjoying it yet again.
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