The Martian Child

By: David Gerrold

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Gerrold, a science-fiction writer from California, adopts a son who has a slight behavioral problem. He believes himself to be a Martian. Gerrold begins the long, involving work of trying to earn the acceptance of Dennis, a hyperactive eight-year-old who desperately wants a father's love, but is so insecure he feels he must be an alien. Gerrold's semi-autobiographical memoir of the first two years with Dennis is a funny, endearing, heartbreaking, and beautifully written testament to fatherhood.

©2006 David Gerrold (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award, Best Novelette, 1995
• Nebula Award, Best Novelette, 1994

"The heart-searing moments are many but never overwritten, thanks to Gerrold's bright, efficient exposition." (Booklist)

I cried over the whole book

I felt the raw emotions. Not only was it heartwarming but also educational. The writing was top notch and the pacing too.

Such a touching story about familt

This is my second David Gerrold book and it definitely will not be my last. As a former combat vet who grew up in the Corps, raised in a fundamentalist christian family, I had no idea who I was until I was in my thirties. That paradigm shift was painful as I'd been forced to confront my own ignorance and hypocrisy with open eyes. The author's words were a comfort hearing a similarly tough journey and reminding me this is what life is, in some shape or form, for everyone. This book is a fantastic journey of loss, pain, healing and love that really hits you in the feels. Thanks David, for sharing a wonderful piece of your family. Those of us without one appreciate hearing families filled with love and hope.

Would you consider adopting an alien?

What if they take away your alien? What if your alien makes your life hell? What if others say don’t do it? What if your alien is more than you can handle? What if your fears overwhelm. Your commitment to the struggle overcomes your fears of failure.

Great storyteller - almost killed me.

I enjoyed this book. Nothing groundbreaking here but the author is open about their (mainly) post-adoption experience. The ups and downs of their experience are shared through perfectly delivered stories.

How did I almost die? We’ll I didn’t exactly but it could have been bad. I was listening in the middle of a 3rep max squat (about 275lbs) when punchline of a story brought me to tears. I almost lost the weight but I got it racked then hoped no one saw me. A man squatting with a tear running down his cheek.

The Martian Child

I loved this book. So beautiful. I learned somethings from this book I will use with my grandchildren as my child is grown…

One Of The Best Audiobooks!!

Would you listen to The Martian Child again? Why?

After watching the movie which I loved I wanted to give the book a try. As soon as I downloaded it and started to listen to it, I fell in love with the book even more then I did the movie.

What did you like best about this story?

The love of the father to the adoptive boy.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Martian Child?

Try to have that kind of relationship between father and son.

Equal parts inspiring and daunting.

As someone who hopes to adopt one day, this book was inspiring and a little scary. Inspiring because it's a perfect example of the love and devotion I hope to have with the child(ren) I hope to adopt some day. Scary because it's very candid about the challenges, second guessing, and battles that can come with fostering or adopting a child. This is a great read and I recommend it for anyone who likes a good slice of life story, but I definitely recommend it for anyone considering becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

A heading

Excellent book! I've listened to it several times. Highly recommended. Don't bother with the movie.

I don't like this genre.

when I say "I don't like this genre", I mean that's I really, without question, absolutely, do not like this genre. But this book is captivating. it is well written, and it is honest. I couldn't stop listening until it was finished. This is the type of book that only a very gifted author who lived out content can write so well. I think anyone who reads (or listens) to this book will enjoy it. Bravo to the author.

MELE KALIKIMAKA -- THE BEST XMAS GIFT EVER!

This book was just mesmerizing! I almost listened to it in one session. The Martian Child had me hook, line and sinker. This is an intimate journey into the human soul retold with such warmth, kindness and emotional honesty. It accurately depicts the creative processes of a writer step by step in beautiful detail. I have recommended the movie to everyone contemplating adoption of a special needs child or dog. But the book goes far deeper and is a much richer experience that can be relived over and over again.