Publishers Weekly on The Android’s Dream
Posted on September 22, 2006 Posted by John Scalzi 16 Comments
The first review of The Android’s Dream comes from industry bible Publishers Weekly, and it’s good. They call it a “swashbuckling satire of interstellar diplomacy” and say “With plenty of alien gore to satisfy fans of military SF and inventive jabs at pretend patriotism and self-serving civil service, Scalzi delivers an effervescent but intelligent romp.”
Mmmm… I romp. Effervescently! I mean, I always knew that, but it’s good to see that others recognize it too. People often say as I walk by, “there goes one effervescent romper.” It’s what I always dreamed of being, as a little boy. But then, what little boy doesn’t?
Remember that if you’re in the mood for a bit of effervescent romping yourself, that I’m giving away a copy of The Android’s Dream this weekend. It’s not too late to make your claim on it.
I had always known you would romp your way to untold heights of effervescence.
(sniff)
It’s that bubbly personality showing through.
Do they teach effervescent romping in military school?
Seriously, that’s great! I have to get a copy. Bacause of course, I do not deserve one for free. No, not I. No, non, nyet, nein.
Oh, wrong thread!
Oh, sir – we would normally never stand here hat in hand begging, however, our employment status STILL being what it is after more than nine months – that is to say, we are broke and unemployed – and would sorely appreciate the reading material.
And we would promise to pass the karma forward and buy a copy for someone else once we get a job…
Oy.
(Please.)
With plenty of alien gore
But what about alien love?
There is indeed a scene with the ramifications of alien love (two scenes, actually) right there in chapter three.
Hm…A “swashbuckling satire.” In honor of talk like a pirate day? Or is that incongruent with being effervescent?
Yarrrr! I’m bubbly, lass!
Pirates…effervescent romping…swashbuckling…dreaming androids…electric sheep…jellybeans…bacon…cat…I’m sooo confused. I thought that living in my head was weird but now I’m just glad I don’t live in our host’s.
I think, for this post alone, I am going to go buy this book.
Oh, right. And also because you’re a good writer. And stuff.
” an effervescent but intelligent romp.”
Because effervescent writers are usually…. not intelligent?
I for one would never be caught dead using the adjective “effervescent” to modify “romp” in any review I’d sign my name to. Then again, I’m not an effervescent kind of guy. Then again again, the reviewer here might have been thinking of the Save-U-Lot Motel scene.
TAD gets the SFR treatment Monday…
If I were ever to become a professor I think I would have a class devoted entirely to dissecting the meaning of book reviews. Lines like “swashbuckling satire of interstellar diplomacy” are giving me more trouble than the first couple chapters of Heidgeggers Being and Time. Seriously, I’m not joking.
Not to be cruel but my intentions, prior to reading the blog, were to go out and buy your book. Now I think I’m going to have to buy Publishers weekly.
P.S.
Try saying this 3 times fast.
“self-serving civil service”
If it’s not too late to make a bid, I’d the ARC because I just found out I’ll be in Iraq, and far from a bookstore, a little bit longer than I planned, and I’d like a really good read to pass the time.
Thanks to any of you who have donated books for deployed military personnel, we do appreciate it.
Of course, since I am not attentive enough to put my bid in the right comments sectin, I don’t deserve the copy.
You’ll be giving me a sense of wonder, a set of stars in a package.