Audiobook Review: “Redshirts” by John Scalzi (REPOST)

This is a repost from when my blog was on a different website. I’m working to transition all of that blog over to here. This particular blog has a degree of priority for reasons you’ll understand in the future.

Cover provided for review purposes only under fair use doctrine

How it took me this long to listen to this book is a mystery.  Redshirts by John Scalzi is sheer genius!  First, it’s such a wonderful parody of a common science fiction series theme.  It’s Galaxy Quest meets Stranger Than Fiction, only it’s funnier than both combined, and I LOVED both of those movies.  So take a clever idea written by a hilarious author and add narration by none other than Wil Wheaton, and you have the recipe for a well-deserved Hugo winner.

I think the last two hours slow it down a bit.  Had I not waited a few minutes before writing this review, I would have let that bring my opinion of it down a smidge, but what the last few hours did was close all the gaps, which is honestly something I get mad about other authors not doing.   I’m pretty biased when it comes to the inspirational material, but that bias also makes me incredibly critical of those who screw it up.  Here, Scalzi blends a perfect mix of comedy, drama, ridiculousness (oh so much ridiculousness), and heartwarming characters without being disrespectful of the source material.  I understand a series adaptation is in the works, and I can’t wait to see it on TV.  Heck, for the irony alone I’ll watch it.

Redshirts is an unashamed comedic salute to science fiction television and the characters we love to watch die in the most idiotic ways.