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)

Hugely Entertaining

I’ve read several of John Scalzi’s novels, and I look forward to reading more. This one was particularly satisfying because prior to listening to Wil Weaton’s excellent performance of the text, I listened to the audiobook of the original novel this story was based on. Scalzi took a solid classic sci-fi story and seriously improved upon it by giving the characters, particularly the protagonist Jack Holloway, the important subtlety of moral ambiguity. The original novel is very good, but suffers from making the moral dilemmas of humans encountering and dealing with issues related to sentient alien species issues too cleanly black and white; Scalzi keeps much of philosophical issues of the original text but allows the reader to keep guessing how they might be resolved without relying on the presumption that good people will necessarily prevail over the machinations of powerful, greedy corporations. In the original novel, the adorably cute aliens come across as almost too cute; here Scalzi pulls back on that angle as a way to remind us that it is difficult to respect people who we have too completely and superficially sentimentalized. I not only recommend reading this book, but reading H. Beam Piper’s original so you can appreciate how good a retelling of a story can be.

Jack is a great four dimensional character

Jack Holloway is probably one of the best protagonists I've seen in a long time. His character's depth is hard to find. Great story, particularly for people who love cats. Wil Wheaton you rock!

Better than the Original

I admit, when I first heard of this retelling of H. Beam Piper's book, Little Fuzzy, I had serious doubts. I was wrong. John Scalzi has renewed the importance of the original by multiplying it's impact at least an order of magnitude. The original message is still relevant and alive, but the effectiveness of the narrative is redrawn in contemporary terms.

Thoroughly entertaining.

Will Wheaton is the perfect choice of narrator for Fuzzy Nation because he really feels Jack Holloway's character and understands what makes him tick. He becomes Jack. He also has great comic timing and shows proper respect when called for. This is definitely one of those books that is made even better in audio, though it's one of my favourite Scalzi novels regardless.

excellent and fun

The original H Beam Piper story Little Fuzzy was quite good. John Scalzi updated and rewrote this for a modern audience. He added the usual wonderful snarky dialogue and characters that make Scalzi's works so fun to read. Further it is especially wonderful to have Wil Wheaton narrate Scalzi's works as he hits just the right tone (of snark). Well worth the read.

Dances With Ewoks

I've never read the original story this is based on, but towards the end it suddenly reminded me of the movie Dances With Wolves, but in a heavily sci-fi setting. Overall it is very well done, and it would be interesting to have more done in the setting.

Very satisfying and fun to listen to.

Though based on an earlier sci find series this reads as the best of John Scalzi. The dialogue is entertaining and the plot draws you in. It's also very funny at times Will Wheaton once again does a perfect reading of Scalzi's work. Recommended for a fun and thought-out provoking read.

Great Book

Another great title by John Scalzi. Fell in love with the fuzzies, and Carle the dog. I have read most of Scalzi's books and loved them all and love the way Wil Wheaton brings everyone to life, even Carle, even though he's a dog and doesn't speak.

recommended for anyone looking for a good laugh and maybe even a little fuzzy love.

Great Book

Very intriguing story, excellent narration. Wil Wheaton really does a great job imparting the nuances of the dialog.

Sentience on the line, against corporate greed.

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

Another world involved in corporate planetary interpersonal & environmental rape humorously presented through an aggressive disbarred attorney's but well thought out battles.

Which scene was your favorite?

Courtroom climax scene