J. F. Boyd

Worth it even if you've read it

Reviewed: 07-31-24

I've read Alas, Babylon at least three times before listening to this audio version, so I wondered what else I could get out of this early example of nuclear war fiction. I underestimated what the narrator could do with the unique southern style of Pat Frank's novel. I recommend it for several reasons, but especially to hear the accents and seasoning this audiobook provides.

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If you like STP, and especially Rios, read this

Reviewed: 04-17-24

I personally thought Rios was the most interesting character in Star Trek: Picard, and this novel sends Rios and a whole host of expected and unexpected characters on an entertaining romp that includes collecting rare artifacts, StoVoKor, gangsters, dog fights, and Fizzbin. This is not a novel that will disappoint.

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Garth Marenghi on full display

Reviewed: 01-06-24

This was an enjoyable listen, and a remarkably well - crafted tale. At least, in Garth Marenghi's mind. The characters and situations are of course absurd, to the point where you almost feel you can dismiss the plot entirely, but are then surprised at the craftsmanship of the absurdity. And if you're already familiar with "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace", you'll find this to be a solid companion piece.

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The book is a classic, and the production is great

Reviewed: 01-05-23

I had heard of this novel since I was a child in the 80s, and always heard that it was unputdownable. I can confirm upon finally heading it that it is true. Highly recommended. Mena Suvari as the narrator gives a compelling read, and appears to have been a major get for Simon and Schuster Audio.

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Great for fans of the original Star Trek films

Reviewed: 10-18-22

Nick Meyer knows his subjects, and listening to him is a joy. Highly recommended, especially for Star Trek fans, or those who want a view of Hollywood from the '70s to the present.

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You don't have to be a fan to love this book

Reviewed: 12-28-21

I am. Like many, I've been a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan for, well, ever. But I'll admit, I groaned a little when I first saw the cover of this book. Not because I don't like Brent Spiner, whose small hints of personal quirkiness belie a man of very unique personality. I groaned because of the automatic cliche of the actor who tries his hand at a novel. I'll admit I almost left this book behind on the shelf for that reason.

That would have been a mistake. This book is fun. I'm not going to say it's uproariously funny, and, quite frankly, I'm glad it isn't. What this book isn't: a Star Trek novel. It also isn't an ego trip. It isn't a nostalgia trip. Thank goodness for all those things.
What this book is: an unprecedented trip into the imagination of Brent Spiner, an old school Hollywood fan with a lot of style and a tinge of neurosis making his way through Los Angeles weird.

For me, that trip was a refreshing jaunt. Obviously the main storyline is, as Brent states plainly at the beginning, fictional. But setting that aside, I feel like I come away with a pretty clear picture of Brent as a real person - and I enjoyed that journey.

Before you dismiss me as a fanboy, I'll point out that I very rarely give five star reviews. This isn't John Steinbeck or William Faulkner. No, just an enjoyable noir pot boiler that if you come into with a lighthearted attitude, you're gonna enjoy.

A word about the Audible performance: This really is the icing on the cake. If you are a fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, you're going to enjoy hanging out with the TNG cast backstage. Hearing the cast playing their own parts was delicious.

Really, check this book out.

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Danger 5 Stereo Adventures is awesome

Reviewed: 04-09-21

MORE EPISODES. MUST HAVE MORE. Really guys, this series is amazing and it's on par with their TV show. Plus I've bought the complete line of Mazzarucci products and it's made my life more Italianesque.

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I'm giving this book more credit for its concept

Reviewed: 12-24-19

Because if I didn't like the idea of this book so much, I would probably not have finished it. It's not that the stories contained within aren't interesting (some of them are banal, but you'd expect that from a book about life in one day), but that the execution is a bit flawed.

That, and the prose is so purple, even Prince would have asked the author to tone it down some. Really. All the manly men in this book walk with a hitch and a little swagger, and it was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.

I guess you can forgive that a little, given the author's roots are from newspaper journalism, where literary aspirations take a back seat to deadlines. But I also would have appreciated an increase in the book's scope. There was a whole world of things to cover from December 28, 1986, and I felt like we barely got out of our American backyard.

I give it an A for the idea, but a C for production.

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6 people found this helpful

Comprehensive and No Wrong Notes

Reviewed: 11-26-19

This book was detailed and interesting with an objective viewpoint. Readers who want an uncompromised historical narrative will find this book satisfies on several levels.

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