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)

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

Sci-Fi that takes place in a court room

That was my first Scalzi book so I didn't know what to expect. I was thrilled - unexpected events, interesting characters, witty conversations. That's exactly what I like about Sci-Fi: people are in a very novel situation and they have to figure it all out.

Another great book.

Another enjoyable book to listen. Thank you, John, and Wil, for bringing the characters to life.

Scalzi strikes gold!

Scalzi is easily one of the best writers in sci Fi and even though this is a "reboot" of an old novel it feels totally fresh and original. great book!

Just wow

I had read the fuzzy books many years ago and remembered I had loved them and wanted more but did not remember many of the details of the story. I saw this and thought I had to get it without realizing it was a rewrite and update of the original story. I am soooo happy I got this. I don't write reviews typically and here I am, writing a review. This book is amazing. It made me bawl like a baby and laugh out loud (good thing I was in my car). Not many books get me to do that out loud. This one did. Listen.. You won't be disappointed.

Great book

Great book , funny and so sad! Both writer and reader did a wonderful job with the classic story, thank you for bringing a tear to this ones mind and a smile to my heart.

Fuzzytastic

This story was amazing. You couldn't help but love the characters in the story. Looking for to more from the author. Will Wheaton did an amazing job!

Fantastic!

One of my favorite Scalzi titles. Original, clever, and fun. I won't recap the storyline but highly recommend this for the story and of course the narration

John did it again!

What a cute spin off!

Once you read the original, you will just adore both! Both authors have an amazing view on this world. Absolutely love the changes Scalzi made, but neither book is better. They both just their own kind of perfect!