And Another Thing
As I shared with you (and only you) a few months back, my favorite book above all others is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. If you’ve only seen the movie, you have no idea what you’ve missed. Author Douglas Adams’ use of the English language is a joy to behold, and his mastery of sarcasm and irony are unparalleled.
And so it is with some trepidation that I embark upon reading the sixth installment in the increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker’s Trilogy. In the past, the release of a new Hitchhiker’s book is a minor holiday in my home, replete with celebration, the use of iconic references that nobody else gets, and the requisite trip to the bookstore on the day of release in order to ensure that none of my friends can get their hands on the book before I do.
This time, not so much. I picked up the book at the library the other night. I’ve only read a few pages so far. So, what’s the difference?
Douglas Adams died almost nine years ago. This isn’t some unfinished manuscript that was found in the bottom of a filing cabinet in a disused lavatory concealed by a sign that says “beware the leopard” (that’s another one of those annoying references that nobody gets). This is a new book, written by a new author, and I am skeptical.
Not that Eoin “it’s pronounced ‘Owen’” Colfer is a new author in the sense that he’s new to being an author. He’s actually quite accomplished. I’ve never read any of the Artemis Fowl books, but I understand they’re excellent, in their own way that is almost, but not quite, completely unlike the way in which The Hitchhiker’ Guide books are excellent.
So, this is my pre-read post on the book. I’ll dutifully report back with my findings, good or bad, once I’ve given And Another Thing a fair and impartial read. I hope I love it, but Colfer definitely has an uphill battle ahead of him to win over Adams’ loyal and slightly goofy fanbase.
