The Sagan Diary

By: John Scalzi

Narrated by: Stephanie Wolfe, John Scalzi

Jane Sagan: Soldier. Killer. Lover. Dreamer.

In John Scalzi's best-selling Old Man's War series of science-fiction novels, we see this warrior woman as the other characters see her: silent and strong, from the outside. But now The Sagan Diary shows us Sagan from another point of view - her own. As she prepares to leave military life and join her new husband and adopted daughter on a colony world, Sagan reflects on her life, in her own words - recalling friends, battles, and experiences; illustrating all the violence and wonder of her times; trying to fit "an entire life into this compressed space".

For fans of Scalzi's works, it's an intimate and surprising glimpse into one of his most popular characters. As read by Stephanie Wolfe, it's unlike any other science-fiction story you'll hear this year.

©2006 John Scalzi (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Existential

I have really enjoyed every book in this series so far. This was definitely the outlier. Zoe’s Tale was a fun retelling of the story thus far from her perspective. It made sense and I enjoyed the details that were filled in from the first telling. This book unfortunately is a collection of “diary entries” that in no way add to the story line. It felt like a teacher gave an assignment to write something introspective and existentialist and this was the product. I was disappointed and found myself watching my progress in hopes it was over soon. I would have skipped it completely had I known that it was going nowhere. Read the rest of the series. Skip this one if you want. I wish I had.

new territory

As is mentioned in the prolog, this represents a new style of narrative for Scalzi. I think one of the essential ways to enjoying this title is to be in the midst of working through the Old Man's War saga. Some of the subject matter is directly based on nuances from the previous books and I believe they would be lost on someone who picked up 'the Sagan Diary' after a few months away from the series.

Not the Best in the Series

What did you love best about The Sagan Diary?

Sagan is a very admirable character, with her own faults and strengths. Her story fills in some gaps in the series.

What other book might you compare The Sagan Diary to and why?

I didn't find this book as enthralling as the others in the series, maybe because it did not continue the narrative as well as I expected.

What about Stephanie Wolfe and John Scalzi ’s performance did you like?

What is not to like?

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

It is just a good adventure, sci/fi book that is easy to read and entertaining for an evening.

This is all introspection.

I found it really easy to stop listening to this one and go on to other things. It doesn't grab you because there really is no plot. The
one thing I learned from it is what we fear when we die. It isn't death or pain but loss. Losing those we love and feeling their loss. That is a valid point. I'll remember it.

Worth a Listen

This style is extremely different from his other works. It is very slow, thoughtful, and introspective, as it was meant to be. Overall, it isn't my personal favorite work, specifically because I enjoy the more action-packed styles of writing and think that Scalzi manages to pack enough thought, emotion, and introspection into those works to make every moment hit home. Still, I recommend listening to this. For me, this book is the true ending to The Ghost Brigades, and contains moments that the previous novel felt stunted for not delivering. I feel like my journey is now complete for having read it, and I suggest that if you were dissatisfied with the ending of Ghost Brigades that you read this one, too.

Although, perhaps not while driving at night. The vibe is very, very relaxing.

The horrible reading of the story.

The narration was incredibly unremarkable, except for the fact that it was as if it was being read aloud, but not performed, as all the previous books were.

an interesting perspective from Jane Sagan

this is one of those character development books that makes me hope that she is in future books as I work through the series. a worthy read for this who are already hooked on the story line

Nice surprise

When I bought this book, I was thinking it would be like most and told in the usual ways. I became very surprised finding out it was not. Rethinking my assumptions I geared up for the challenge of something different and new to me, and then enjoyed its full measure as it unfolded. It’s a good story, told from a unique perspective and in a different way. Well worth the time

It's a Poem

Any additional comments?

This is a poem about life and a love letter in book form. If you're looking for plot and action, skip this book. If youre looking for some amazing writing and thought provoking analogies this will fit it nicely after the ghost brigades.

Really just a diary, not a story

I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. No story, No plot. I guess the title did say "Diary" and I should have seen this coming. it's only getting 3 stars because I generally love everything the author writes, this one just wasn't for me.