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)

Well done re-boot of a classic

If you could sum up Fuzzy Nation in three words, what would they be?

anti-hero, clever, and modern

What other book might you compare Fuzzy Nation to and why?

The Dexter series, because of anti-hero themes,
Blade runner because of a number of parallel plot points

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

Wil is a very solid and dramatic reader who doesn't waste time with ridiculous over-the-top falsettos or other bizarre character voices. He puts emphasis on the character rather than himself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

While I didn't due to other demands on my time, It certainly would have held my interest well enough to listen to it in a single sitting.

Any additional comments?

This was my third Scalzi/Wheaton book (Red Shirts and Agent to the stars were the others....highly reccomend both, especially Red Shirts)

We are cat-things

I first came across John Scalzi by way of The Android's dream and I loved the story and narration. This one did not disappoint. Its is a cool story and a well told one too. His writing is just cool.

great update to a classic

wonderful performance and retelling of a classic sci fi story wil wheaton was perfect narrator

Reads like a 90 minute comedy action movie

If you could sum up Fuzzy Nation in three words, what would they be?

Funny, Fast, Engaging.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is well written, very funny and enjoyably fast paced. No need in getting bogged down in details, just cut to the next interesting scene.

Which scene was your favorite?

Nothing in particular, but there are a lot of funny scenes.

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

The Ending.

great stand alone book

John scalzi puts his spin on this in an amazing way. it's funny with word candy. love this author's stuff.

Another superb performance by W.W.

Story gets a bit slow in a couple of sections but overall is 100% entertaining.... eye opener really about the impact of humans in nature and the blind superiority complex we sadly suffer. Started it not really knowing what to expect and ended up wanting more!

One of Scalzi’s Best

Classic Scalzi humour and irony brought out to perfection by Will Wheaton’s fantastic narration. I loved this book!

left me with that warm feeling that great books do

Great narration and the story was amazing. the story gets going fast and was extremely satisfying! 10/10 would recommend.

Good, but...

Not sure if it was written this way or read this way, but if you played a drinking game based on how taking a drink every time he says "said", you would be dead in under 10 minutes. I did like the story, and Will Weaton is an excellent narrator.

NONPAUSER

great story ... excellent performance ... fun listen ... a page turner, so to speak