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)

Delightful and original

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

The narration was excellent and the story cleverly gives clues that are important later.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fuzzy Nation?

There's an astounding moment near the end that changes the whole story.

Which character – as performed by Wil Wheaton and John Scalzi (Introduction) – was your favorite?

The hero (if you can call him that) Jack

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I had trouble tearing myself away

LOVED IT!

If your an animal lover, this books for you! The performer is AMAZING! LOVED IT!

First contact story with a twist

I relied on reviews to buy this. Initially I was a bit uneasy about a new slant on an old favourite, but it took very little time before I was convinced. This is a really good story, with some bits being signalled very clearly in advance, but always enough suspense to keep the listener hooked. My only (small) criticism is the constant "He said" , "..... said" at the end of speech. The narrator distinguishes between characters very well and there no need for this. I bought another John Scalzi book (Agent to the stars) because I was so impressed with this.

This is Really Two Books

Reboots/Reimaginings are common these days in film, but this is the first time I've seen it done with a book. This is a revision of H. Beam Piper's Little Fuzzy. It is fascinating to see what Scalzi thought needed to change and what stayed the same.

I missed this in the description, but the book is in two parts. But it turns out the Scalzi version is the first part, and the Piper version is the second part. Was a surprise to me.

There are two readers, and Wheaton's version of Scalzi is excellent. I'm not sure who did the Piper version, but it was very strange. Holloway's voice is almost annoying.

Listening to the old one is reminiscent of an episode of Mad Men, except every character doesn't have despicable morals. But they do all smoke and drink any chance they get and women play a small role in the book.

Overall the Scalzi version is the quality you'd expect from him - high. Wheaton is an excellent reader. The Piper version is good, but the reader leaves something to be desired. Together they are a study in culture and time.

A Great Reimagining of the Original

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's a really cool story. I wish it was longer.

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed the biology of the alien ecosystem. It was really well thought out, described, and (unlike a lot of sci-fi) very believable.

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

Yes, I've listened to a lot of Wil Wheaton's performances and some of Scalzi's other writing. I'd say this book isn't as good as some of Scalzi's other work, but Wheaton's performance is excellent, as usual. It's well worth listening to or reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were a few scenes that made me laugh and I imagine a lot of people would cry during one of the sadder scenes. Overall, nothing "extreme," but you will probably laugh and maybe cry.

Any additional comments?

It's cool that you get the original story that Fuzzy Nation is based on as an audiobook, too. I didn't enjoy it nearly as much (not performed by Wheaton and an older style of storytelling), but it has some merits in the more in-depth ecological information that make it worth checking out, too.

I LOVED this book

Little Fuzzy by H. Beam Piper was one of the books I read as a child that began my life-long love affair with Science Fiction. This book pushed all of the same buttons and gave me the same "warm and fuzzy" feelings. Wil Wheaton was an excellent choice of Narrator. Note: this is my first John Scalzi book. Next up
Is Old Man's War.

Great story about the right man

Fun story, fun characters! It is an all around good time.

Scalzi addresses some heavy topics in a fun and imaginative way that doesn’t feel heavy. He was the right author for the job. Wheaton’s performance is perfect. He was the right performer for the job.

interesting, entertaining, but short.

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

I made the purchase thinking it was a thirteen hour book... turns out its barely half that. The second half is actually a second book. The book this one was inspired by. I didn't listen to that second book as I just listend to the first and don't really find it desirable to listen to a very similar story all over again. Anyway, other than surprisingly ending right in the middle of the time I expected, it was a good story.

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

Wil wheaton is a great person to read science fiction. His voice just fits.

Phenomenal on all levels

The story with multiple plot twists plus stellar narration equals an amazing listen. Read this soon!

Fuzzy Nation modern version of Fuzzy Sapien

What did you love best about Fuzzy Nation?

I really liked this story. It was fun and the humor was right up my alley.

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

I have listened to several Wil Wheaton and John Scalzi's other books. I have enjoyed every one of them. The stories are hilarious and Wil does a great job as narrator.