Nich’s Reviews > The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide > Status Update

I took a break before diving into book four, and I’m glad I came back. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish feels more structured and focused than earlier entries, yet still full of Adams’ whimsy. Fenchurch and her relationship with Arthur add heart, while Zaphod and Trillian are mostly absent. Surprisingly, I connected with this one most—its wit and social commentary. Now on to young Zaphod plays it safe.

Just finished Life, the Universe and Everything. It picks up right after Restaurant, with more structure and Arthur in the spotlight as he’s once again thrown into saving the universe. Zaphod takes a backseat this time. While Adams' wit is still strong, I didn’t connect with this one as much—possibly because I read it in scattered sittings. Still enjoyable, but not my favorite in the series so far.

Rereading The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, I realized I had mixed up parts of it with the first book. The story continues the group’s chaotic adventures, with frequent separations and reunions. It ends without much closure aside from “42” and feels more like the middle of a larger story. Still clever and fun, but clearly meant to lead straight into Life, the Universe and Everything.