The Librarian's Husband's Book Club discussion

When you have finished reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this is the place to share your post-reading thoughts and reviews!

What did you love (or not love) about the book? Did anything surprise you? How did you feel about the characters, themes, or ending?

Feel free to dive into spoilers, but remember to use the spoiler function for major plot points.

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s perspectives!

Thanks to all who voted for this one! Now it’s finally off my tbr list.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have it 5 stars. I really liked the audio version of this. Here is my review.

I listened to this one through Libby audio. It was fantastic. I giggled so much. I think it was the perfect time for me to fall in love with this story. I can't wait to watch the movie again. I'm sure it will make more sense. I really enjoyed Ford Prefect along with Arthur. I liked how the story questions life and the norms. I love that it was so brilliantly deep but simple. And go dolphins and other amazing creatures. hahaha

This quirky little book was witty and got some chuckles out of me. The author’s mind, well, I guess I’m envious. Mine rarely can twist and turn back to relate back with comments and jokes from things in the past. I don’t think I’m expressing myself well here.
The book was not my style and couldn’t hold my attention regardless of the speed of the playback. So, while the book was not for me, I did finish it. Perhaps I will reread when my life is less intense and focused so I can get more from it.

I gave it 3 stars - and even though it was not my style I am glad I read it. I wanted to give “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” a fair chance, especially after giving up on it before, but while it had moments of charm, it ultimately didn’t fully land for me. Douglas Adams’ humor, often praised for its wit and absurdity, felt more juvenile than clever, and the ridiculousness overshadowed any deeper meaning I hoped to find.

That said, the Audible version narrated by Stephen Fry was a definite highlight. His delivery and comedic timing elevated the material, making certain scenes more enjoyable than they might have been on the page. He made the absurdity more palatable, but even his stellar narration couldn’t entirely win me over.

Overall, I can see why this book has a cult following, but the humor just wasn’t my style. It had moments of entertainment, but it’s not one I’d rush to revisit.

I really enjoyed this one. Also did the audio version--highly recommend listening to it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

As a humorous novel, I really liked it, and it made me laugh a lot. That parallel between the demolition of the Earthling protagonist's house and the planetary demolition of Earth seemed like a brilliant starting point. And aside from seeing humans as useless, clueless, navel-gazing individuals, it made me reflect on how insignificant we are in the immensity of the universe.

On the other hand, the novel is a tremendous critique of power, politics, the system, and everything that governs our lives and is invariably controlled by people who couldn't care less about the community. An alien and a human travel the galaxy like galactic hitchhikers, with the mischievousness that comes with sneaking into other people's spaceships to save their lives.

Hilarious, satirical, and brilliant. Although I'd say Kurt Vonnegut surpasses him.