This is so goofy and fun! A reluctant earthling gets flung into a vast universe with nothing but the clothes on his back and a towel! Fans of the movie will undoubtedly also enjoy the audiobook; it’s narrated by Stephen Fry who also provided the film narration and does a wonderful Alan Rickman “Marvin” impression. (Bonus: the second book is narrated by Martin Freeman who plays Arthur Dent in the film.)

This science fiction classic by Douglas Adams started its life as a radio drama on BBC Radio 4 in 1978. The novel is fast paced, sarcastic, and droll with the humor one might expect from 1970's British comedy. Despite the humor elements, the philosophical questions the book raises are quite captivating, and the story leaves plenty of room for the 4 sequels which followed it.

“Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space.”

Another great reread of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Always entertaining and so absurdly profound!

I wasn't as impressed with this book as I thought I would be based on so many previous rave reviews but I can see how this book would have been a smash hit way back in 1979. It seems to have been a blueprint for many movies, tv shows, and books to follow. For example, "Resistance is Useless" became Resistance is Futile in Star Trek the Next Generation. Full of irreverant humour. A classic in its own time for sure.

In this, the first book of the Hitchhiker's series, Arthur Dent wakes to find a bulldozer poised to knock his house down. Not that it matters, because Earth is about to be destroyed by undetected aliens somewhere high above the atmosphere. Thus begins Adams' tale in which he exhibits a terrific ability to twist quantum theory back on itself in such a way as to be hilarious and suspiciously plausible. Even the title of the book itself has a double meaning: it's also the title of a guide - the real star of the series - used extensively by the characters throughout. A book within a book, THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (Pocket Books, $3.50) is entertaining, quirky and fun.

A classic read that anyone who is a fan of British comedy. This book combines comedy and science fiction is a unique way. Teens will be able to read it with no problem but would probably get more out of it as an adult.

I didn't love it. Perhaps this is one of the stories you have to be in the right mood for. It's an irreverent, goofy, spoofy romp through the galaxy with a host of off-the-wall characters.

Nonsensical, whimsical, and full of absurdity. Douglas Adams has a childlike sense of wonder and creativity in the way that he wrote that was like no other.

I'm not sure what to say to you that could prepare you for this cult classic. This is a philosophical science fiction novel of fine distinctions: a lot of the humor depends on double meanings and misunderstandings. The unbelievable coincidences that move the characters together are all explainable by an ingenious probability-warping plot device, and the answer to the ultimate question has been found by the Universe's second-greatest computer. Not that any of that benefits us Earthlings, as our planet is destroyed in a bureaucratic mix-up in the early chapters. Confused? You will be, but you will come out the other side, not with all the answers to life, but having completed a parodic send-up of space operas, a satire of philosophy, and a relentlessly funny story of ends, beginnings, and the negotiations in between.

One of my absolute favorites. Adam's dry humor and wit are timeless making this a read appropriate for all occasions.