Fuzzy Nation

By: John Scalzi

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton, John Scalzi - introduction

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In John Scalzi's re-imagining of H. Beam Piper's 1962 sci-fi classic Little Fuzzy, written with the full cooperation of the Piper Estate, Jack Holloway works alone for reasons he doesn't care to talk about. On the distant planet Zarathustra, Jack is content as an independent contractor for ZaraCorp, prospecting and surveying at his own pace. As for his past, that's not up for discussion.

Then, in the wake of an accidental cliff collapse, Jack discovers a seam of unimaginably valuable jewels, to which he manages to lay legal claim just as ZaraCorp is cancelling their contract with him for his part in causing the collapse. Briefly in the catbird seat, legally speaking, Jack pressures ZaraCorp into recognizing his claim, and cuts them in as partners to help extract the wealth.

But there's another wrinkle to ZaraCorp's relationship with the planet Zarathustra. Their entire legal right to exploit the verdant Earth-like planet, the basis of the wealth they derive from extracting its resources, is based on being able to certify to the authorities on Earth that Zarathustra is home to no sentient species. Then a small furry biped - trusting, appealing, and ridiculously cute - shows up at Jack's outback home. Followed by its family. As it dawns on Jack that despite their stature, these are people, he begins to suspect that ZaraCorp's claim to a planet's worth of wealth is very flimsy indeed and that ZaraCorp may stop at nothing to eliminate the fuzzys before their existence becomes more widely known.

©2011 John Scalzi (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Science Fiction, 2012

“[Scalzi’s] style and skill make it a highly entertaining read. It succeeds both as a new novel from a talented writer and as a tribute and gateway to Piper’s work.” ( Wired)

"It’s a wonderful book.... [T]he way that Scalzi puts that wonderful novel of Piper’s into a fresher context is cynically lovely.... Year’s best? Yeah, one of them." ( The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“A perfectly executed plot clicks its way to a stunning courtroom showdown in a cathartic finish that will thrill Fuzzy fans old and new.” ( Publishers Weekly)

Really enjoyed this!

Any additional comments?

It was a really good story. The performance was good. I totally enjoyed it!

A Good and Fun Read

a short and nice book, actually its 2 books, but i haven't read the 2nd one... but this book is good have a listen.

Updated version great! Original also great!

I've listened to both Fuzzy Nation and Little Fuzzy (the original story) and they are both great books with very different paths to the end. I found Fuzzy Nation to be a little more realistic in terms of today's society, but I am sure in another fifty years there might be room for an even more updated book and we'll have the Fuzzy Solution or something like that. Anyhow, listen to both. They are equally good.

My only disappointment is the rest of the Fuzzy series are not available in audible formats.

loved it!

If your concerned that you can't listen to this without having read the original, don't be. This is a wonderful, stand alone story.

Brilliant retelling of a childhood favorite

Add a Star if you love Wil Wheaton, add another if you loved H. Beam Piper's 1962 original "Little Fuzzy". This was a charming retelling of that story. Scalzi does a fine job of bringing this futuristic tale into our new century. Sharon's performance shines.

Wheaton + Scalzi = Yes

When Will Wheaton narrates anything by Scalzi, you just press play. There's no hemming and hawing of "should I get this?" or "is this going to be good?"

When these two collaborate, those are questions you never have to ask. The answer will always be some version of "yes," "duh," or "obviously."

Like a perfect meal, it is completely satisfying!!

This is my first 5 star listen in my 16 years as an audible listener. This story was like the perfect meal. It was well balanced, charming, not too sweet, not too heavy but still had substance; it was fun but not stupid with the perfect narrator. It was and is completely satisfying.

I enjoyed it so much I made my daughter (aged 40+) listen to it and she was just as charmed. I will listen to it again on my next long drive and enjoy again and I can't listen to many things twice.

I listened to part of the second half which was the original story and while it had all the same ingredients, it was just not the same caliber and I couldn't finish it. It was, however, interesting how the same information presented differently could make such disparate impressions.

Another great read

Another combination of Scalzi and Wheaton. Another fun adventure. I'm glad that I picled this up.

A thoroughly excellent experience!

Well written, well performed, all around a thoroughly wonderful experience. I was entertained and invested from start to finish.

Clever writing. Interesting idea

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Good character development. Witty writing kept it interesting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fuzzy Nation?

Won't give it away

What about Wil Wheaton and John Scalzi (Introduction) ’s performance did you like?

Very strong naration. Great inflection.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

wont give it away