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)

A Reboot that works!

What made the experience of listening to Fuzzy Nation the most enjoyable?

The contrast between the two stories is utterly amazing. John did an amazing job rewriting Little Fuzzy and I was thrilled listening to it and trying to work out what everyones angle was.

Have you listened to any of Wil Wheaton and John Scalzi (Introduction) ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Wil Wheaton is an incredible reader and I'll happily buy something on his narration alone.

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

There was one part but it's been a while since I listened to it.

Any additional comments?

Both books are fantastic sci-fi, but in this instance, I think Scalzi's reworking makes it better than the original.

you got to read

I need to get the book that this book is based on and read it. plus get more books by this author.

Wonderful!

I have loved the Little Fuzzies for years. This retelling is great. It isn't the same story by any means, but is well done. Best of all, it is funny! John Scalzi is great, and I love his books. This is much more believable than the original in my opinion.

Wil Wheaton does a wonderful job narrating this book. I've listened to a couple of others he's done, and I'm impressed. Knowing that he is the narrator always makes me more inclined to purchase a book.

The original book Little Fuzzy is included, so you can listen to both. Now, will John Scalzi rewrite some of the Little Fuzzy sequels? Puuuuuleeeeease?

Runaway Jury in Space!!!

Hard to believe I would feel heart broken for a make believe creature. The audible side was done perfectly by Wheaton.

2 in 1 - Wonderful variation of old favorite

Scalzi took an old favorite and made it better. With the blessing of the family of H. Beam Piper, a re-imagined version of "Little Fuzzy" is even better. More story about the Fuzzies and less time in the courtroom. Wonderful narration by Will Wheaton. Part 2 of this download is the unabridged "Little Fuzzy" book. Both books contain the story of Jack, a prospector on a mining planet who befriends a small furry creature who is very smart. When Jack tells his friends that the creature is sentient the trouble starts. The mining contract "the company" has for the planet is only valid if the planet does not have a sentient native species. The company works to wipe them out before it can be proved in court that they are sentient. The new version is funnier and sadder than the original.

Fun story, leaves me wanting more

What made the experience of listening to Fuzzy Nation the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed all of the characters and the interesting story. I did not read the reference book first and look forward to listening to Little Fuzzy.

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

It made me take greater interest. I do not regularly read Fantasy, so was immediately intrigued by the idea of a classic and its updated treatment.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I do to know, but make both movies.

Aawww!

First, I understand this was "reimagining" of an old book and now I feel compelled to read the "original" book.

Second, I'll listen to almost anything Wil Wheaton narrates as he is just so cool.

The story itself is quite old. Guy and his dog work alone on a distant planet. Guy discovers a new species (my mind is seeing Ewoks!?!) and evil people are trying to destroy him and the little guys (Fuzzies). Literally destroy. Greed, hatred and bigotry abound on this planet once these critters are discovered (perhaps the greed etc was always there). If these creatures are considered sentient then humankind must leave the planet. This cannot happen because there are valuable minerals etc on the planet and some people will go to any lengths to secure their fortunes. #FeelGood #TheFutureLooksPromising #CuteAnimals #GoodVEvil #WilWheaton

In the end, good triumphs.

Like a ride on an emotional rollercoaster

I have to admit, I loved the story because I'm a sucker for happy endings. I also loved the buildup to the final crescendo, that read like a very good detective story.
I enjoyed the narration very much. Will Wheaton gives emphasis at all the right places and can convey a wide register of emotion with his voice.
#Clever #Cynical #FirstContact

More Than A Good Story, A Good Listen.

There is so much truely good story telling going on, that do everything right. What fuzzy nation was better at that I enjoyed the listening so was my not being confused by too many names, and elements to stay in with it. Never too slow or over the top with high drauma. I never got lost, or disinterested in too much happening too fast...

Awesome book!

Very exciting and fluent story. Catches with the first chapter and by the need it makes you sorry it wasn't longer.