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Old Man's War (Old Man's War, #1)

John Scalzi

Start date: October 21, 2013

Finish date: November 20, 2013

Discussion: Book Discussions

Discussion leader: Christine McIntosh

Why we're reading this: Group Contemporary Novel Discussion October, 2013.
#1 on Locus Magazines Best SciFi novels of the 21th cen…more
[close] Group Contemporary Novel Discussion October, 2013.
#1 on Locus Magazines Best SciFi novels of the 21th century http://www.locusmag.com/2012/AllCentu...
#74 on NPR's Top 100 SF/F novels of all time (2011 poll) http://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/1390858...

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What Members Thought

Jan 18, 2012 Bee rated it liked it

Shelves: military-sci-fi

It was ok. Decent pulp military sci-fi. Some interesting twists at the beginning. But after that pretty much a homage to Starship Troopers. Cool tech, but not very detailed. You never really get the sense of 75 year old playing soldier.

I'll certainly continue with the series when next I need a no-brainer with laser guns and space ships between some heavier reading. ...more

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Jul 25, 2013 Meran rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction, politics, novels, fiction, nsfw, satire, dystopia, 2015, series

Told in first person, tongue-in-cheek, snarky (but in a good way, humor abounds - these Old Farts (including Mr Scalzi) know who to make event he shortest conversation funny and interesting!

In this future World, the 75+ crowd on Earth, if they like, sign up (though that's usually from 65-75) and join the Space Army. Why? Well, they're all told there's a war on and they're needed; and then there are the benefits: somehow, and they aren't told ahead of time exactly HOW, the old body is made young, Told in first person, tongue-in-cheek, snarky (but in a good way, humor abounds - these Old Farts (including Mr Scalzi) know who to make event he shortest conversation funny and interesting!

In this future World, the 75+ crowd on Earth, if they like, sign up (though that's usually from 65-75) and join the Space Army. Why? Well, they're all told there's a war on and they're needed; and then there are the benefits: somehow, and they aren't told ahead of time exactly HOW, the old body is made young, better, healthy. Then they're told (rumor is all they get before signing up), not younger; no one can regress old age, but you're stronger, have more energy, "healthier" after joining the Army.

So many sign up. As we're told, these old folks are just TIRED of being OLD. And the truth of how you're made stronger is finally known on the third day of "testing". It's not what any writer could think.. probably.

During the testing and training phase, the new soldiers go through a lot. Somehow, I'm not so sure people would act so sexual after being "given their youth back: - unless they'd been that way before. It's pretty promiscuous! A "healthy appetite" doesn't mean gluttony. But no matter. Every book, nowadays, has to have fun sex in it to keep the Reader's interest.

On Earth, there is a Quarantine Order. So NO ONE knows the State of Humanity in the Universe. Until they join up. It's a fairly competitive game: Humans are in the minority for habitable space. The CDF (Civil Defense Forces, our Old Farts) become an invading army, when diplomacy fails to find a planet where the indigenous population will allow a colony. 70% of the Force will be dead in 10 yrs with the CDF; these are the facts. It's the unfailing statistic.

And that's how Part I closes.

They are handed their assignments; some are together, other scattered - but they make a pact to keep in touch.

Written in three parts, the Author picks apart the military; gays; minorities (there are none-they're all GREEN now); the religious and atheists; gun owners; pet owners clog dancers; you name it! Basically, the message is that we are ALL HUMAN, against the aliens out there.

There are some new concepts in this novel - the Author is not just a Funny Guy; he's also a Smart, Thoughtful, Guy; Recommended to any and all SF readers and to those who may like to try the genre for the first time.

The aliens are interesting in body and cultures; and are very diverse, hard to tell who's cuddly or not.

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Errors: Doesn't use the "Oxford Comma"; 247- "sell" should be "tell"; 276- there's an extra space in from of "time" at end of 2nd paragraph; 296- "these ones" is clumsy, awkward. Just "they" would work better. ...more

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Feb 07, 2010 Hutch Morzaria rated it really liked it

Read my full review here

Old Mans War is a great read. Completely different to what you would initially expect it has a great concept that is excellently executed. Highly recommended if you are interested in INTELLIGENT military SciFi that is well written and humorous. ...more

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