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)

Another great performance

I liked the story line i could not guess what the end game was. I liked the outcome ad it brought closure to the story and left an opening for a sequel. well read, well written

Great, Rollicking Fun

Would you listen to Fuzzy Nation again? Why?

Yes, because it is a fabulous roller coaster ride. Exciting and funny, this book begins with an apparently morally bankrupt character trying to weasel out of responsibility for an environmental disaster he has caused. By the books end you are cheering for him. Making that journey had me sitting up until three in the morning, listening in the dark.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack Holloway, the main character is a sleaze bag. A wisecracking disbarred lawyer, who teaches his dog to detonate explosives. Will he do the right thing in the end? Read it and find out.

What does Wil Wheaton and John Scalzi (Introduction) bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wheaton is a fine, interesting reader. I was particularly struck by his voicing of the alien creature, Papa. It was much, much better than the narrator's voice inside my head, and added so much to the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Many times I laughed out loud. Once I cried.

Any additional comments?

This book is based on a sixties novel, "Little Fuzzy". I was surprised when I went looking how to spell a character name to learn fans of the original novel seem to really hate this book. Not having read it, I have no way to compare. Perhaps Mr. Scalzi sacrifices some of the depth of the original for an exciting read? Maybe listening to a talented reader bring it to life makes it more than it would be in print? I only know I really, really enjoyed listening to it, as I did the other two Scalzi novels I have listened to., and I have just added another to my library.

Scalzi delivers, again

I like the dialogue. The characters are well fleshed out and realistic. The protagonist is not a cardboard hero, but someone you can identify with. The world is well imagined. There are. couple twists, the last one being the best. Will Wheaton does his usual excellent job as narrator. Worth a listen. Kudos to Audible for bringing this book to listeners.

Thus one grabbed me from the start and never let go

This is an interesting funny read with a great sense of humor and interesting plot twists. I’m a sci-fi fan and I found this to be one of the better sci-fi books I’ve read in a while.

I easily give this 5 star as a fun, easy listen that made me pay attention and just enjoy

Wow, finished it in a day .

This is the only book that I haven't been able to put down . I finished it within a day .

As good as it gets

Would you consider the audio edition of Fuzzy Nation to be better than the print version?

The reading by Wil Wheaton breathed more life into this book, than I ever could have by reading it in print. It was a pitch perfect performance, and he did all the characters justice. His timing was perfect in delivering the humor as well. Bravo!

Who was your favorite character and why?

You just gotta love Karl and Papa, but you are forced to respect Jack in the end. Why? I'm not going to drop a spoiler!

Any additional comments?

Kudos to H. Beam Piper for the original classic, but John Scalzi hit it out of the park with this re-write. You don't realize how much, until you listen to the original that is included in the download.

I am so grateful that the Piper Estate saw fit to let John Scalzi publish his book.

A great one shot.

A fresh and smart take on the Pocahontas / Avatar trope. I hope a sequel breaks the trope mold.

John Scalzi never fails to surprise and delight

Another hit. Scalzi's wit and vision combine beautifully. Wheaton narrates wonderfully. Highly recommended. Buy it now.

Wow. Just "Wow".

I rarely rate anything with 5 stars. I'm a harsh judge and enjoy tearing apart movies and shows for the joy and intellectual exercise. Because of this, I wanted to jump on and review this book before I had a chance to see flaws.
It isn't absolutely perfect, but the combination of the original story, what John Scalzi did with it, and Wil Wheaton's performance made this one of my favorite stories ever. I nearly cried at the end. It is always enjoyable when a book can elicit such a response from someone. The power of the telling and story were... well, wow.
Thank you to the creatives and production team for making a great experience.

I WISH IT WAS LONGER

This was such a satisfying story, the type where you never want it to end but you know that it is good because of that pesky quality over quantity axiom. 10/10. Would listen again.