The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy #1)
by Douglas Adams
What is it about:
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of the The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out of work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin their journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitch Hiker's Guide "A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have" and a galaxy-full of fellow travellers: Zaphod Beeblebrox - the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out to lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ball-point pens he has bought over the years.
What did I think of it:
I read the complete The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series ages ago. I did remember some parts and pieces of the story and as I also remembered I very much enjoyed reading the series I decided to get my trotters on the books and do a reread.
And I had lots of fun with this first book.
I love Adams writing style and humor. He describes things in elaborate and humorous ways that is similar to Terry Pratchett, but with his own special flavor of humor and thinking.
There are several storylines and characters you follow, but eventually these storylines come together. Of the different characters Arthur Dent is probably one of the most relatable characters, as the 'fish out of the water' human who gets taken along on the adventure of a lifetime. Although I must confess I have a very soft spot for Marvin, the depressed robot.
It was strange to discover which parts of the story I remembered and which ones I totally forgot about. Some scenes are of course unforgettable, but I forgot some pretty important plot points, while remembering small stuff as well.
All n all I had a great time rereading/rediscovering this book and I'll be picking up book 2 soon.
Why should you read it:
It's a super fun and cool SF story.
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