The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy ★★★☆☆
Douglas Adams
Genre(s) | science fiction, humour, classic
Goodreads Rating | 4.21
Humpo Show Rating | 3.10
Published: Originally published in 1979 (2016)
Publisher: Macmillan
Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur Dent is saved by his friend Ford Prefect who just so happens to be a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy from a planet called Betelgeuse Seven. The pair of them find themselves in a galactic adventure where they find out the answer to life, the universe and everything.
The only thing I knew going into my reading of this book was that it was science fiction and there was comedy. Both of these are genres I don’t read much of…and to be honest, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I ended up glossing over the detailed descriptions of science-y stuff as it wasn’t that interesting, nor crucial to the narrative. The comedy…again, it didn’t live up to my hopes. It became a bit repetitive and it wasn’t laugh out loud funny.
The story flowed quickly – but there was a lack of real action to get me excited about reading the next chapter – so when the end arrived, it felt abrupt and I had a sense of “is this it?”. The journey did hold my interest as I was intrigued to see what the band of travellers would find on the planet Magrathea – a now-collapsed planet-building industry. The scenes on the planet were the best, although the standards weren’t set too high.
Guide to the Galaxy is a quick read, and although I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would, it was something I’m glad I read – not just for it’s status as a classic, but to have read something outside of my usual reading habits.
The Humpo Show | Richard
rwh92.wordpress.com 
Too bad you didn’t like it. I thought that it was hilarious.
I’m definitely in the minority on this one – maybe I’ll have a different opinion if I watch the film.
I have not seen the film, though I’ve heard that it’s not as good as the book. Have you read the Dirk Gently books? The first one is stellar.
I’ve not, but will have a look online at them. Thanks for the tip!
I personally thought that it was better than The Hitchhicker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but I’m not sure if you’ll like it since it’s got the same type of humor.
This is one of those classics that I want to read, but haven’t. I’ve seen so many mixed reviews that I’m nervous. It doesn’t sound like the type of book I’d enjoy, but I won’t know until I try.
I’m quite picky with classics that I read – I usually have a look at its Goodreads rating/reviews, Wikipedia page and thoughts from other people before I choose. Really thought I would like it, but I just couldn’t enjoy it as I envisioned. Let me know what you think when/if you read it 🙂