Book Review: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: Illustrated Edition
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: Illustrated Edition
Series: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy #1
Author: Douglas Adams
Illustrator: Chris Riddell
First Published: October 12, 1979
Hardback: 320 Pages
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: October 13- November 12, 2024
Jessica’s Rating: 3 stars
Book Description:
A beautifully illustrated edition of the New York Times bestselling classic, timed to celebrate the pivotal 42nd anniversary of the original publication–with never-before-seen illustrations by award winner Chris Riddell.
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.
Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker’s Guide (“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”) and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox–the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod’s girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.
Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don’t forget to bring a towel!
Jessica’s Review:
This book is out of my genre and was not my choice to read: One of my reader groups of friends all picked out books to pass amongst ourselves and annotate with the intention of it being our Christmas gifts to each other for this year. It sounds like we all won’t have our books back by Christmas, which is ok. After this one I have two more to read, one is short/ not my genre and another I have read before. It will be fun to get my books back and see what my friends all had to say as they read it!
So… Yeah… Science Fiction with aliens… And the Earth gets blown up. The positive about it; It did make me giggle quite a bit. That’s honestly about all that I recall with this one. I can’t really say much else. There were some illustrations, which I guess help. But again, this isn’t my genre. It wasn’t terrible as I gave it 3 stars, which is an average read. This one just wasn’t for me, but it might be for you!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Novella Review: The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie by Freida McFadden
The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie
Author: Freida McFadden
Published: August 12, 2024
Paperback: 123 pages
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: October 5-8, 2024
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Novella Description:
My husband is dead.
I attended his funeral. I watched his casket be lowered six feet into the ground. (Actually, it may have been only five feet, but that still seems like more than enough.) And then we ate an array of finger sandwiches and deviled eggs and miniature beef wellingtons that cost more than my first car.
My point is, Grant is gone. And so are all his many, many deep, dark secrets which I never really ever bothered to ask him about. He is never coming back.
So why do I still see his face everywhere I go?
Jessica’s Review:
This was a fun and refreshing read. I had been in a bit of a ‘book funk’ with the physical book I was reading, and after at least two weeks of not picking that one up at all I decided to DNF it and pick up The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie hoping that Ms. McFadden could pull me out of my funk… And she did: For that I say ‘Thank You’!
It seems that people who have been critical have not noticed what is on the cover: A Satirical Novella. If you Google ‘satire’, this is what comes up: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
And this novella does that! I really enjoyed it from the beginning! I laughed and also had my mouth drop at a couple of the twists. I did actually call the major final twist relatively early on, and when it got there I said, “I knew it!” I was proud I figured out a McFadden Final Twist!
McFadden pokes fun at herself and the thriller genre in general, so if you are a fan of hers or thrillers then you should enjoy this. There are ‘easter eggs’ throughout the novella in regards to her other novels, and you may pick up on them or not depending on how many or how often you read her books.
After it’s over there is a seven page ‘short’ titled BAD DATE SOS!!! That gears you up for her newest novel The Boyfriend which I am currently listening to. (I will probably have it finished by the time this review posts.
The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie is a quick and fun read that I definitely recommend for the McFadden fans and Thriller readers.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audiobook Review: I Need a Lifeguard Everywhere but the Pool
I need a Lifeguard Everywhere but the Pool
Series: The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman #8
Authors:
Lisa Scottoline
Francesca Serritella
Narrators:
Lisa Scottoline
Francesca Serritella
Published: July 11, 2017
Audiobook: 5 hours 30 minutes
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Listened To: March 12-16, 2024
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
The bestselling and “perennially hilarious” mother-daughter team is back with a new collection of stories from their real lives, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Join Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella as they regret drunk-shopping online, try smell-dating, and explore the freedom of a hiatus from men – a Guyatus. They offer a fresh and funny take on the triumphs and facepalm moments of modern life, showing that when it comes to navigating the crazy world we live in, you’re always your own best lifeguard.
Jessica’s Review:
This mother/daughter combo just know how to bring on the laughs! And I listened to it at a time when I really needed some giggles. These ladies cover just about everything in these short essays (yes, there are some politics too).
You get to know both women through the essays they write- whether you are already a reader of theirs or this collection of essays is new to you. And they also narrate the audiobook, which makes it even better!
I thought from the cover that this was going to be a book to gear you up for the summer, but holidays and elections are mentioned, so it can really be listened to at any time!
If you are a woman, you need to listen (or read) these books! The titles of the books in this series just shows the humor and honesty these ladies possess.
Bring on more books to the series ladies!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK