Old Man's War by John Scalzi Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Old Man's War
Book Review: Entertaining but overrated
Summary: 3 Stars
I'd have to give this one 3 stars. It's a very fast-paced page turner, and not overly long (possibly even too short given the scope of it). It's an entertaining book but there were certain things about it that made me wonder about all the 4- and 5-star reviews. I haven't read much Heinlein or Haldeman, so maybe part of the problem is that I don't have any warm and fuzzy memories of the types of books that this one is clearly an ode to. I just couldn't quite get into the tone of it- it's too serious for satire, but too over-the-top and comical (sometimes intentionally, sometimes not) to take seriously. Still, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for light and fun beach reading.
*** Spoilers ***
The inch-high aliens were the point where it really went too far for me. I mean, it's science fiction and all, but if I'm not reading pure fantasy or pure comedy then I have to be able to maintain SOME suspension of disbelief. This was so clearly not rooted in anything resembling reality that it just took the whole book down a notch for me.
The universe in general isn't believable at all, particularly the aliens. The different alien races almost seemed like the sorts of things a 5-year-old would make up. The political situation wasn't very credible either- all of these different races, at roughly the same level of technology, in a mad scramble to colonize as much of the galaxy as possible. I just can't buy it. Also, the idea that people living on Earth are kept in a self-imposed quarantine (while still being subject to the Colonial government) just doesn't make sense.
The jokey dialogue was mostly corny (sometimes to the point of being really irritating when it went on too long). It's actually refreshing to have characters that don't wallow in self-pity and are good at sucking it up and soldiering on when bad things happen, but it would be lot more entertaining (and less annoying) if they had a much better sense of humor. Jokey dialogue works better when it's funny.
Also, it was weird that he seemed to be drawn towards Jane, whereas I think most people in the same situation would be creeped out and disturbed by the experience of meeting their dead wife's clone (or whatever), with none of the memories or personality. It wasn't even something he had mixed feelings about.
Maybe I just had the wrong expectations going into it, or didn't have enough familiarity with the other books that inspired it, but I just can't see giving this one more than 3 stars and really don't get the 5-star ratings and awards.
Book Review: Essential SciFi
Summary: 5 Stars
What a great idea and what a great book. I devoured it in one day. It has great science, fast action, likable characters and has become one of my favorite books of all time. This is a 'must read' for any fiction fan.Book Review: Excellent Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Old Man's War by John Scalzi is an excellent book. I read it in two days, and could barely put it down. Scalzi did a masterful job keeping up the tension and my interest. The novel is written in first person and chronicles the distant future when old men and women are given the opportunity to join the Colonial army and go into space--when they reach the age of the seventy-five. There is a promise of being young again and starting over. No spoilers here. However, I will reveal that there are a lot of aliens out there, and defending the colonies is a huge priority as well as a necessity. Did I mention that it's incredibly dangerous and horrible?
The main character, John Perry, gets a lot more than he bargained for after he joins up. I loved seeing his character evolve. It all felt so real and true. The book is written in the tradition of Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers, but is a little more modern. I loved the book, Starship Troopers, and if you liked that, you'll probably enjoy Old Man's War. The spin that Scalzi puts on things is quite fascinating. If you're into military science fiction with strong characters, this is a book for you. Also, if you like Ender's Game, this is also a book you'd probably enjoy.
Please note the book is for older teens and adults, related to some off-screen sexual content, and would probably garner a PG-13 rating if it were a movie. I cannot emphasize enough that style of the writing is top-notch, and Scalzi seems quite deserving of all the praise he's gotten for this series, which continues with Ghost Brigades.
Happy Reading,
Paul Genesse
Author of The Dragon Hunters
[...]
Book Review: Excellent Read
Summary: 5 Stars
A thoroughly enjoyable read. One of the best I have read in a long time.Book Review: Excellent book, but I'm not a fan of Bruce Willis
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is excellent. It is extremely well written. John Scalzi is definitely a very talented writer. I gave it 5-stars so I definitely think it's a great story. I wll not go into the details of the book; that's already been done in other reviews.
But I will talk about a few things that I did not like about it:
1. Too much unnecessary sex. When the recruits get their new bodies, they go at it with reckless abandon all over the place. It's a rated R book. I don't like it; I'm a bit of a prude.
2. The main character, John Perry, remindes me of Bruce Willis from the "Diehard" movies. He is has a great since of humor, is is an outstanding soldier with no weaknesses on the battlefield. He is also the luckiest soldier in the universe. I mean extremely lucky. Everything he does is legendary and medal worthy. He is also the most well balanced soldier, mentally, socially, and emotionally, in the book. He is extremely sarcastic and humorous and even self deprecating. He does not know everything but his friends give him all the information that he needs. Imagine Bruce Willis in the Diehard series. Bruce is a regular NY cop who takes on international terrorists, says "Yippee-Kaya" all the time, and finds himself getting out of one tight spot after another through luck and un trained skills. Bruce's character is also the guy who is grounded and in love with his wife and family. And Bruce's sarcasm makes you laugh throughout the movie. That is John Perry throughout this book.
The thing is, I don't like superheroes very much, and I could only handle the first Diehard movie. After that, the act gets old and I refused to watch any other Diehard movies. The same for this character, John Perry. I could not read another book about this character.