"Fuzzy Nation" First Impressions *No Spoilers*

[Penny]

Fuzzy Nation is a 2011 reboot by John Scalzi of H. Beam Piper's 1962 novel Little Fuzzy. It uses the original plot and characters to tell an original story in a different continuity. Scalzi, a fan of Piper's work, said that he aimed to make the story approachable to readers unfamiliar with the original while directing fans to Piper's books. The novel received positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Reviews said that while the concept of a literary reboot was unnecessary, Scalzi's novel added depth and poignancy to the original story.

So what do you think of it? Do you like the style? Has anyone read the book on which this was based? Share your first thoughts!

[Suzanne]

This was the first book that I read by John Scalzi and I enjoyed it. I won't say anything else yet because I don't want to spoil it!

[MK]

I didn't know about "Little Fuzzy", thanks for that info :-). I picked up a free copy on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Little-Fuzzy-H-...

[Rob]

This is a really fun quick story. I'll just say, I love how he trains his dog. ^_^

[Samuel]

It is worth noting that the original Fuzzy book, "Little Fuzzy" had two sequels "Fuzzy Sapiens" and "Fuzzies And Other People" by Piper. But for a long while, the manuscript for the third book was lost and other people wrote Fuzzy books including "Golden Dream: A Fuzzy Odyssey" by Mayhar and "Fuzzy Bones" by Tuning that follow the first two books only.

I read that Scalzi got permission from Piper's estate to do his own version of the first novel as a "reboot".

[MK]

My library only had the CD audio book (I talked about that with Virginia in another thread :-) ), so I'll be listening rather than reading. It will be available for pickup on Saturday. Looking forward to it. I also downloaded the H Beam Piper novel it was based on (free at Amazon). Wondering if I should read the original first, or listen to the homage first :-D.

[Lorenzo]

I read Old Man's War and am looking forward to reading this one. I had no idea it was supposed to be a "reboot" of sorts but I also got the original "Fuzzy" book so that I can check it out.

[John]

I recently listened to the audio book of Little Fuzzy and it was fun but incredibly dated. Everyone smoked cigarettes and all the women were 50s stereotypes. It was like season one of Mad Men in space.

I remember that the Fuzzies were very clearly intelligent from the first moment they are spotted and it takes the humans a very long time to catch on.

I'm a big fan of Scalzi so I'm looking forward to reading this.

[Christopher]

Scalzi has a talent for clever dialogue and this book does a fine job of highlighting that talent.

Sometimes his dialogue is too-clever-by-half, but I found it fit well in this reboot.

[Tad]

I really liked this book and really appreciated how quickly Scalzi draws you into the story and how much I liked all the characters.

[Penny]

His dog is just way too cool!

I've found this really easy to get into and I've been invested and interested since very early on in the book. Carl is such an awesome companion! I think the world building is very rich and well done and I've been enjoying learning about the laws and pressure by environmental groups to preserve these alien lands. I think Jack is hilarious.

So far I'm set to love this one!

[Tad]

Penny said: His dog is just way too cool!...

I know! His dog might be my favorite character in the book!

[Zach]

I haven't read too far just yet, but so far the book has a nice flow to it. I can already tell that it will be hard to put down once I get going. I also really like the character of Jack. So far he seems like a smart guy who is always thinking two steps ahead.

[Trinity]

I read Little Fuzzy and the sequels when I was little, and remember enjoying them immensely. I reread the original shortly before this came out, but never got around to reading Scalzi's version. Looking forward to it.

[Scott]

I am starting this tonight. After reading these comments I'm really looking forward to it.

[Ruth]

I read this awhile ago and really enjoyed it. This was the first book by Scalzi that I read. I love his snarky humor and I also loved the dog. I'm planning on reading Little Fuzzy to see how they compare.

[Howard]

I just finished reading the book and was pleasantly surprised! I thought the characters and the story were pretty darn likable. Jack is one of those characters that although he's pretty much despised by just about everyone you just can't help rooting for him! first book I've read by the author, but I liked his style. I will read some of his other stuff.

[Scott]

found this at the local half price books yesterday and plan to start today. will check back with first impressions.

[MK]

I got the Audio CD edition from my library last Saturday. Started it today. It's cute! Only listened to the intro and first 3 chapters so far. Starts off quick.

The intro was read by the author, Scalzi, and the book.is read by Wil Wheaton. Scalzi tells about writing an updated version of Piper' s "Little Fuzzy", then getting permission from Piper' s estate (they liked what Scalzi wrote :) ). Scalzi also says Wil Wheaton is a very good friend of his, and so he (Scalzi) is excited to have Weaton narrate the book.

Only 2 chapters into the book so far, but I'd say Wil Wheaton's narration is great!

[Julie]

I found out about Scalzi after seeing his blog about safety at cons. This is my first book of his that I've read and I loved it! I enjoyed laughing at loud at the dialogue and little descriptions.

[Chris]

50+ pages into it and I found myself laughing quite a lot. You have to love Carl!

[MK]

I agree! Caught myself laughing a couple times. Not just Carl, Jack and Carl both :-D

[Jenny]

I picked this up from the library today! I've read several of Scalzi's other works and I've been a fan for a few years. I'm looking forward to another fun adventure!

[Winter]

I already read this a few months ago and it was definitely one of the most enjoyable books that I read in 2013. So far I've really enjoyed everything I've read by Scalzi.

[Bill]

Picked it up from the library earlier today. Enjoying it so far. It has a nice flow and is nice and light.

[MK]

Finished this a bit ago. Loved! it, I have to say. definitely going to read another Scalzi. I enjoyed Wil Wheaton's narration very much, as well :)

[Rob]

MK wrote: "Finished this a bit ago. Loved! it, I have to say. definitely going to read another Scalzi. I enjoyed Wil Wheaton's narration very much, as well :)"

He also narrates Redshirts and Agent to the Stars. Personally I liked Redshirts better though.

[MK]

Really! Thanks for the heads up. I am pretty sure my library has Redshirts in audio book, too.

I know I put the book on my shelf for later, earlier today. but I'm going to check out the audio instead, if they have it. Thx again for the heads up, Rob :-)!

[Rob]

You're welcome.

[MK]

Rob wrote: "He also narrates [book:Redshirts|130..."

Ahh, bummer. Just checked my library. They have both titles, but in book form, not audio book. Ahh well.

[Chris]

Wil Wheaton also narrates "Ready Player One" which I loved.

[Rob]

Chris wrote: "Wil Wheaton also narrates "Ready Player One" which I loved."

Same. That was actually the first book I've listened to read by him. The rest have all been Scalzi books though, lol.

[MK]

Chris wrote: "Wil Wheaton also narrates "Ready Player One" which I loved."

Added another to my the shelf! :-). My library does have it, unfortunately not in audio book. They Don't have too many audio books at my library, unfortunately. Book looks great, tho.

[Sian]

Really enjoyed this. There were a couple of parts that felt like a bit of an info-dump, but the dialogue was great and the plot kept me guessing.

[Scott]

I am halfway through this now and absolutely loving it.

[R.]

I read the original Fuzzy books about 40 years ago. I have fond memories of them. I wasn't certain about reading another author's retelling of Little Fuzzy. After reading Fuzzy Nation, I'm glad I did. I enjoyed it as much as I did the H Beam Piper books.

[Carl]

I had never heard of this book, or the author, before now - and loved it, and the Fuzzies. It felt very much like a story from the Golden Age of science fiction melded with modern sensibilities and current social concerns. Very strong characterisation, and Carl, of course, was great.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

I'm loving this book. It's hilarious. I'd never heard of Little Fuzzy before, either. Can't wait for the next chapter - which tells me it's good for me.

[Scott]

Thanks so much for recommending this book. I loved it. I can't believe I had never heard of it before.

[Julia]

I had never read the original book, and I loved this. Ironically, the main character's name is Jack Holloway. The actor who played Sawyer in "Lost" is Josh Holloway and that's how I visualized the character. His personality and actions seemed very Sawyer-like to me.

[John]

This book is a lot of fun to read. I'm coming to grips with the fact that I'm just not a high-brow reader that's into beautifully written prose that's full of deep meaning. I like straight forward reads so this is right up my alley.
I know the lovable loser main character has been done a million times but he's done really well and I'm really liking it. Him and Carl have almost a Han Solo, Chewbacca feel to them that is as much fun now as it was originally when I was a kid.

[Maggie]

Read this today-and it was delightful! Carl and JAck are a great team.

[Lara Amber]

I just started last night. So far I am really enjoying it and definitely love Carl and his antics.

[[deleted user]]

I have all of H.Beam Piper's Fuzzy books. I love them all and can't wait to find this new "reboot". :)

[Andreas]

John wrote: "This book is a lot of fun to read. I'm coming to grips with the fact that I'm just not a high-brow reader that's into beautifully written prose that's full of deep meaning. I like straight forward ..."

I'd recommend to you the Old Man's War series, as you seem to like scalzi's style. Very entertaining!

[John]

It's on my list Andreas. Thanks

[Roland]

Well I think we are using this thread. 109 pages in. Slow plot, but great characters and dialogue. Laugh out loud funny at times. Really enjoying it.

[Sarah]

I just love this book. The Fuzzys are really well described. I also love the relationship between the Fuzzys and Carl. Carl is so whipped as soon as Papa pets his muzzle. :)

[Chris]

I started the audiobook Friday to get a head start.

Then couldn't control myself and played straight through yesterday. Heh. Loved it.

[Roland]

Half way through. Just an enjoyable, light read with likeable characters and amusing dialogue. I'm enjoying the premise and am pleased the group pointed me towards, for me, a new author.