The Martian Child

By: David Gerrold

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Gerrold, a science-fiction writer from California, adopts a son who has a slight behavioral problem. He believes himself to be a Martian. Gerrold begins the long, involving work of trying to earn the acceptance of Dennis, a hyperactive eight-year-old who desperately wants a father's love, but is so insecure he feels he must be an alien. Gerrold's semi-autobiographical memoir of the first two years with Dennis is a funny, endearing, heartbreaking, and beautifully written testament to fatherhood.©2006 David Gerrold (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award, Best Novelette, 1995
• Nebula Award, Best Novelette, 1994

"The heart-searing moments are many but never overwritten, thanks to Gerrold's bright, efficient exposition." (Booklist)

I cried over the whole book

I felt the raw emotions. Not only was it heartwarming but also educational. The writing was top notch and the pacing too.

Would you consider adopting an alien?

What if they take away your alien? What if your alien makes your life hell? What if others say don’t do it? What if your alien is more than you can handle? What if your fears overwhelm. Your commitment to the struggle overcomes your fears of failure.

Such a touching story about familt

This is my second David Gerrold book and it definitely will not be my last. As a former combat vet who grew up in the Corps, raised in a fundamentalist christian family, I had no idea who I was until I was in my thirties. That paradigm shift was painful as I'd been forced to confront my own ignorance and hypocrisy with open eyes. The author's words were a comfort hearing a similarly tough journey and reminding me this is what life is, in some shape or form, for everyone. This book is a fantastic journey of loss, pain, healing and love that really hits you in the feels. Thanks David, for sharing a wonderful piece of your family. Those of us without one appreciate hearing families filled with love and hope.

Great storyteller - almost killed me.

I enjoyed this book. Nothing groundbreaking here but the author is open about their (mainly) post-adoption experience. The ups and downs of their experience are shared through perfectly delivered stories.

How did I almost die? We’ll I didn’t exactly but it could have been bad. I was listening in the middle of a 3rep max squat (about 275lbs) when punchline of a story brought me to tears. I almost lost the weight but I got it racked then hoped no one saw me. A man squatting with a tear running down his cheek.

The Martian Child

I loved this book. So beautiful. I learned somethings from this book I will use with my grandchildren as my child is grown…