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Larry Goes To Space
Larry enjoyed raising cattle on his Kansas farm, until the aliens arrived. He couldn’t help himself; he was going for a ride with aliens from outer space!
The aliens wouldn’t tell him where he was going, how long he would be gone, or if he was ever coming back, but a space trip sounded like more fun than beer and burgers at Benny’s Been There and Done That Bar and Grill. He had to go.
“A BRILLIANT NOVEL!”
says Melanie Tighe, reviewer for The CitySunTimes, Phoenix, Arizona
Larry’s ride into deep space wasn’t just a Sunday jaunt. This space-faring species was in danger of being wiped off the galactic map. They offered Larry a ride because his assistance was vital to their survival, but they were xenophobic to the point of barely tolerating Larry in the same room.
He was willing to help, but what could he do? Could he live long enough to save himself? What skills did Larry have to save an alien species threatened with annihilation? Every time he asked them for information, they stonewalled him.
The aliens wouldn’t tell him where he was going, how long he would be gone, or if he was ever coming back, but a space trip sounded like more fun than beer and burgers at Benny’s Been There and Done That Bar and Grill. He had to go.
“A BRILLIANT NOVEL!”
says Melanie Tighe, reviewer for The CitySunTimes, Phoenix, Arizona
Larry’s ride into deep space wasn’t just a Sunday jaunt. This space-faring species was in danger of being wiped off the galactic map. They offered Larry a ride because his assistance was vital to their survival, but they were xenophobic to the point of barely tolerating Larry in the same room.
He was willing to help, but what could he do? Could he live long enough to save himself? What skills did Larry have to save an alien species threatened with annihilation? Every time he asked them for information, they stonewalled him.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2016
79 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Alan Black
22 books312 followersAuthor of
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 15, 2016
Alan Black now writes Fantasy & he is celebrating with a Great Giveaway that is 100% Real!!
Click on Banner to Enter - August 15 - September 5 - INTL Where allowed!
At first glance, Larry is a simple-minded beef farmer in Kansas who must spend far too much time alone with his cattle, his farm equipment and his dubiously loyal dog. Then the aliens came. No, not the green aliens who come to invade, eat or takeover humanity, but little creatures with a strong resemblance to earth creatures. After Larry takes it up on himself to welcome them, Larry finds he is in for a ride that is out of this world! All he has to do is be the savior of their species. Can Larry do it? Does he understand what he is getting into?
Alan Black’s Larry Goes to Space is not, let me repeat, NOT a typical science fiction read. Filled with tongue-in-cheek dialogue and an inner monologue from Larry that will have you in stitches once you pick up on the cheesy humor, this is definitely light reading with a gutsy twist. Ever heard a man talk to his farm equipment and understand what it is saying? We all talk to our dog, so that isn’t unusual, but being in Larry’s head is at once frightening and reading what comes out of his mouth, is, well, let’s just say, embarrassingly strange.
That said the author has injected amazing wonderfacts that are REAL! There is actually a hidden education, once you settle into the pace and style, which to say the least is unique. If you are looking to relax, picture the stereotypical UFO sighting and follow the mind trail of these diverse characters, it becomes more of a statement of the human condition. Being set where it was, sounded like the author took advantage of reported UFO sightings and ran with it, kind of like “the rest of the story” from the local supermarket rag! Let go of reality, wipe your brain clean and you WILL see how entertaining this book can be!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Alan Black
Publication Date: January 20, 2016
Genre: Science Fiction | Humor | Space Opera
Print Length: 240 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Click on Banner to Enter - August 15 - September 5 - INTL Where allowed!
At first glance, Larry is a simple-minded beef farmer in Kansas who must spend far too much time alone with his cattle, his farm equipment and his dubiously loyal dog. Then the aliens came. No, not the green aliens who come to invade, eat or takeover humanity, but little creatures with a strong resemblance to earth creatures. After Larry takes it up on himself to welcome them, Larry finds he is in for a ride that is out of this world! All he has to do is be the savior of their species. Can Larry do it? Does he understand what he is getting into?
Alan Black’s Larry Goes to Space is not, let me repeat, NOT a typical science fiction read. Filled with tongue-in-cheek dialogue and an inner monologue from Larry that will have you in stitches once you pick up on the cheesy humor, this is definitely light reading with a gutsy twist. Ever heard a man talk to his farm equipment and understand what it is saying? We all talk to our dog, so that isn’t unusual, but being in Larry’s head is at once frightening and reading what comes out of his mouth, is, well, let’s just say, embarrassingly strange.
That said the author has injected amazing wonderfacts that are REAL! There is actually a hidden education, once you settle into the pace and style, which to say the least is unique. If you are looking to relax, picture the stereotypical UFO sighting and follow the mind trail of these diverse characters, it becomes more of a statement of the human condition. Being set where it was, sounded like the author took advantage of reported UFO sightings and ran with it, kind of like “the rest of the story” from the local supermarket rag! Let go of reality, wipe your brain clean and you WILL see how entertaining this book can be!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Alan Black
Publication Date: January 20, 2016
Genre: Science Fiction | Humor | Space Opera
Print Length: 240 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 7, 2020
... Larry, why did you go to space? To shower with four boobed aliens. That's why.
Empty Space by this author was so good. What the heck happened here?
Empty Space by this author was so good. What the heck happened here?
May 22, 2016
3.5 stars
This was a fun little adventure. Some of the family guy style humor wore a little thin, but overall it was amusing.
Narration was good.
This was a fun little adventure. Some of the family guy style humor wore a little thin, but overall it was amusing.
Narration was good.
June 26, 2019
It's not laugh our loud humor, but it is very much smile the whole time humor.
It's a genuinely good book, with lots of humor and a different perspective on the genre. I particularly liked how the animals and inanimate objects had feelings and thoughts, it provided a silly way to flesh out the world.
My major complaint is that giving thoughts to things without thoughts also served too heavily to extend the story. The story itself was short, if you remove the thoughts of the fridge, truck, etc. It also sometimes rambled a bit, in this regard. A conversation or event would be put aside and there would be a long drawn out "from the fridge pov" thing that would happen. I feel this is a bit like a quirky character in a tv series. Hilarious when used sparingly, but tiresome when used consistently.
Aside from that, an excellent book. The story (what there was of it) was fun and interesting. The characters were good and well drawn out. The settings were well drawn out and felt familiar. In fact, my only complaint about the book is about the over use of a good thing (perspective of inanimate objects). Had that been played down a bit I may have given it 5 stars.
***spoilers ***
My only real plot complaint with the story is that Larry gets back together with Nancy. No where in the book does it mention he wants her around for anymore than a quickie when she comes for her stuff.
If at some point during the story we were given an indication he wanted her back, then it would have been fine. However the way it happened, seems more like a love story forced in, rather than a natural progression of the characters.
It's a genuinely good book, with lots of humor and a different perspective on the genre. I particularly liked how the animals and inanimate objects had feelings and thoughts, it provided a silly way to flesh out the world.
My major complaint is that giving thoughts to things without thoughts also served too heavily to extend the story. The story itself was short, if you remove the thoughts of the fridge, truck, etc. It also sometimes rambled a bit, in this regard. A conversation or event would be put aside and there would be a long drawn out "from the fridge pov" thing that would happen. I feel this is a bit like a quirky character in a tv series. Hilarious when used sparingly, but tiresome when used consistently.
Aside from that, an excellent book. The story (what there was of it) was fun and interesting. The characters were good and well drawn out. The settings were well drawn out and felt familiar. In fact, my only complaint about the book is about the over use of a good thing (perspective of inanimate objects). Had that been played down a bit I may have given it 5 stars.
***spoilers ***
My only real plot complaint with the story is that Larry gets back together with Nancy. No where in the book does it mention he wants her around for anymore than a quickie when she comes for her stuff.
If at some point during the story we were given an indication he wanted her back, then it would have been fine. However the way it happened, seems more like a love story forced in, rather than a natural progression of the characters.
June 9, 2021
Gave up in the middle ...
I think my problem with this book was a matter of expectations, you see, since it was recommended to me as a humorous sci-fi book, I thought it would be funny.
I mean, the first problem I had was the way Larry deals with women made me uncomfortable, but since, in my experience, male chauvinism isn't really rare in sci-fi books, I powered through.
But the thing that Finally got me was how slow the pace was, how dull the humor, how utterly boring.
Now humor being the relative thing it is, I think it's perfectly feasible other people may like it, even find it funny, not mind so much the lack of action and, especially if they are men, not mind the whole male chauvinism thing, or even find it humorous and/or relatable.
Either way, you, person thinking about reading this book, should just keep this points in mind.
.
I think my problem with this book was a matter of expectations, you see, since it was recommended to me as a humorous sci-fi book, I thought it would be funny.
I mean, the first problem I had was the way Larry deals with women made me uncomfortable, but since, in my experience, male chauvinism isn't really rare in sci-fi books, I powered through.
But the thing that Finally got me was how slow the pace was, how dull the humor, how utterly boring.
Now humor being the relative thing it is, I think it's perfectly feasible other people may like it, even find it funny, not mind so much the lack of action and, especially if they are men, not mind the whole male chauvinism thing, or even find it humorous and/or relatable.
Either way, you, person thinking about reading this book, should just keep this points in mind.
.
November 1, 2016
This was a great read. But it would have been better if you would be clear as to what I the n b in the series. Never forget to keep the Sen of humor in all y books. They will a bring me to look for your books. Thanks for a great book.
Short people love short aliens. It gives me hope. Thank you ! We need more people to think about life being short. Lori
Short people love short aliens. It gives me hope. Thank you ! We need more people to think about life being short. Lori
August 30, 2017
This is really a young adult story. All the government junk at the end reveals Alan Black's political slant, that for sure. Government all bad...big business all good. Yuck!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2017
Punchline after punchline after punchline. More of a cheap stand-up routine than a novel.
November 9, 2020
Interesting story
And black is a phenomenal author and a great storyteller. And this was a great interesting story. Not his usual style but funny.
And black is a phenomenal author and a great storyteller. And this was a great interesting story. Not his usual style but funny.
June 21, 2021
Entertaining funny read. If you like the Douglas Adams style of humor this is a good book to look into. its not quite on that level but I enjoyed it immensely.
September 20, 2016
Fun little book.
May 1, 2016
If You Can Run a Farm, Saving a World Can't be THAT Hard... Can It?
Mr. Black has, once again, proved his ability to take an unusual character, place him in a more unusual situation, and then - with a host of asides from some rather irregular members of the 'chorus' - stand back and watch the sparks fly. As is becoming the norm with our Author, you had better be prepared to lose a little sleep, and most of a day, when you sit down to read his work. Once again, he achieves his goal in that the was laughter, enjoyment, and more than a little surprise that time had melted away while I spent time with Larry and his assortment of friends, family, and foes... A completely enjoyable, and engaging read!
Mr. Black has, once again, proved his ability to take an unusual character, place him in a more unusual situation, and then - with a host of asides from some rather irregular members of the 'chorus' - stand back and watch the sparks fly. As is becoming the norm with our Author, you had better be prepared to lose a little sleep, and most of a day, when you sit down to read his work. Once again, he achieves his goal in that the was laughter, enjoyment, and more than a little surprise that time had melted away while I spent time with Larry and his assortment of friends, family, and foes... A completely enjoyable, and engaging read!
February 8, 2017
Great book, some Douglas Adams style to the overall telling, but just enough to make you feel in on the joke, not overwhelmed. The end was a bit off, it would have been nice to see things followed to their absolute conclusion, but I think this feeling might have been due to my not wanting the story to end. That said it does leave things open for a possible sequel.
February 9, 2016
Nonsensical Babel in the beginning
30 percent into the book and Larry hasn't even entered the spaceship. Past reference to present experiences ruled at least a third of the book.
I had to skip ahead to get back to the story.
The things Alan talked about were odd, non living things, such as a tractor, stove, freezer, washer, having intellectual thoughts about their existence. I understand that a person can become mentally and physically attached to a static object, but Alan with to far with his idea of a Alice in wonderland method.
With that said, I did somewhat enjoy the last half of the story, less Babel.
30 percent into the book and Larry hasn't even entered the spaceship. Past reference to present experiences ruled at least a third of the book.
I had to skip ahead to get back to the story.
The things Alan talked about were odd, non living things, such as a tractor, stove, freezer, washer, having intellectual thoughts about their existence. I understand that a person can become mentally and physically attached to a static object, but Alan with to far with his idea of a Alice in wonderland method.
With that said, I did somewhat enjoy the last half of the story, less Babel.
April 12, 2016
Larry's is what being a man is all about.
This story said a lot about being a man, standing up for what is right even at a great cost to yourself. Spinning in good old horse sense from a grandpa's quote of a time when men were men. I rate this book highly because we forget why men protect in the first place, it's our nature. We want what is good and want to be good while doing it. I'll pass this along to anyone that has a minute to spare. It's fun to read in a story with morals & values of yesteryear today. Larry is my hero. BTW keep the craft it's nice to cruise the cosmos in. Maybe bring back items to sell and trade.
This story said a lot about being a man, standing up for what is right even at a great cost to yourself. Spinning in good old horse sense from a grandpa's quote of a time when men were men. I rate this book highly because we forget why men protect in the first place, it's our nature. We want what is good and want to be good while doing it. I'll pass this along to anyone that has a minute to spare. It's fun to read in a story with morals & values of yesteryear today. Larry is my hero. BTW keep the craft it's nice to cruise the cosmos in. Maybe bring back items to sell and trade.
February 7, 2016
Tries too hard
Alan Black is a talented and enjoyable story teller. I like the premiss of this novel and the humor approach is probably the best one to take with his characterizations; my objection with this novel is that he tries way too hard for corn pone.
The good old boy " aw shucks" ing and out witting everyone is a bit overdone.
I read it, I enjoyed it and I'll read more of his novels. And I'll recommend his works to others.
Alan Black is a talented and enjoyable story teller. I like the premiss of this novel and the humor approach is probably the best one to take with his characterizations; my objection with this novel is that he tries way too hard for corn pone.
The good old boy " aw shucks" ing and out witting everyone is a bit overdone.
I read it, I enjoyed it and I'll read more of his novels. And I'll recommend his works to others.
February 28, 2016
Quirky fun at its best
Alan Black did it again...Larry Goes To Space marries the sensibilities of the mid western United States,the quirks of Ma and Pa Kettle, and the cuteness of Ewoks in a fun space opera romp. Not his usual writing style but a combination of story telling meets diary meets italicized text(internal thoughts) with the voice of Larry the cable guy thrown in....it's hard to explain just read it...
Alan Black did it again...Larry Goes To Space marries the sensibilities of the mid western United States,the quirks of Ma and Pa Kettle, and the cuteness of Ewoks in a fun space opera romp. Not his usual writing style but a combination of story telling meets diary meets italicized text(internal thoughts) with the voice of Larry the cable guy thrown in....it's hard to explain just read it...
June 14, 2016
2-2,5 / 5
I'm sure I'll forget about this book in a few months time, humorous approach went over my head a bit, maybe because the author tried too hard to entertain or it wasn't the right time for me to read it. I see 'Larry Goes To Space' has few fans, so not all is lost, try it for yourself, an easy-read if I ever saw one.
edit: Huh, it's been two months since I've put this review, and I already don't remember 95% of this book, good call, Phil :).
I'm sure I'll forget about this book in a few months time, humorous approach went over my head a bit, maybe because the author tried too hard to entertain or it wasn't the right time for me to read it. I see 'Larry Goes To Space' has few fans, so not all is lost, try it for yourself, an easy-read if I ever saw one.
edit: Huh, it's been two months since I've put this review, and I already don't remember 95% of this book, good call, Phil :).
December 12, 2016
Fun and a pretty quick read. Black;s writing style is very unique and takes a while to get used to. I found the tangents irritating at first, but it gives an interesting perspective on how Larry's mind works. Speaking of, I did not expect Larry to be so intelligent. Smart and curious, yes., but he uses terms like "olfactory" instead of "sense of smell." I'm glad he broke the dumb farmer stereotype.
Read
February 9, 2017DNF at 14%. The humor felt forced, like he was trying to write like Douglas Adams and failing.
Overall, the positive reviews on Amazon, hilarious cover/title and this book being on Kindle Unlimited were what lead me to start it. Unfortunately, I could not bring myself to finish it and will not likely pursue other works by this author.
Overall, the positive reviews on Amazon, hilarious cover/title and this book being on Kindle Unlimited were what lead me to start it. Unfortunately, I could not bring myself to finish it and will not likely pursue other works by this author.
June 9, 2016
At first I thoght I din't like the book at all and only kept reading because I used to like Larry the computer game hero some time in the late last Century. As the story progressed, however, things turned out a little more interesting and even a bit funny here and there. Had really a hard time choosing between two or three stars. I kind of liked it, but mostly it was OK. :)
August 20, 2016
Take a Red-neck farmer, throw in some furry space creatures after somebody to save them, and you have a fun, yet silly; story that is a fun read when you are at home not feeling very well.
I mean only a farmer would go on a trip with an undisclosed destination, just cause. Okay I probably would just for curiosity's sake.
I mean only a farmer would go on a trip with an undisclosed destination, just cause. Okay I probably would just for curiosity's sake.
February 14, 2016
Well, this was different. I enjoyed the read, my wife was amused by my random chuckling and I now wonder two things: (1) does my TV enjoy my program selections, and (2) is the only thing keeping cows from taking over the world their extremely short attention span?
March 20, 2016
Insane Larry ;-)
I don't know if I would be as 'happy go lucky' as Larry or as laze fair as his reaction to 'first contact' but it was a good tale none the least. I enjoyed enough to rate it 4 stars.
I don't know if I would be as 'happy go lucky' as Larry or as laze fair as his reaction to 'first contact' but it was a good tale none the least. I enjoyed enough to rate it 4 stars.
August 6, 2016
I didn't expect much from Larry, and was pleasantly surprised at the blend of humor and science fiction contained here. Larry is very likeable and is such a good guy. This reminded me very much of Galaxy Quest and was a fun, lighthearted romp.
January 26, 2016
Great Book
I have enjoyed all of Alan's books and this one is no exception! I am looking forward to the sequel!
I have enjoyed all of Alan's books and this one is no exception! I am looking forward to the sequel!
February 10, 2016
Cute
A very good book about an average person who meets an alien race and has an adventure.Good young adult book.
A very good book about an average person who meets an alien race and has an adventure.Good young adult book.
February 11, 2016
very strange first person narrative of a farmer being kidnapped by aliens.
February 21, 2016
An ok book and easy reading. It had at times almost a Douglas Adams feel about it but once my mind made that connection the humour did not go far enough for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews