Rating: 
Summary: This is a review of FORMAT, not of CONTENT.
Review: Dont get me wrong. I *LOVE* everything Douglas Adams has
written -- including this book, The Hitchhiker's Guide...This review is NOT a review of the BOOK. It is a review of
this presentation (the Unabridged CD version). Putting it short and sweet (well, not really too short, and
definitely NOT sweet...) This CD ...! Each CD is broken down into only ONE TRACK !!! That's it!
ONE track per CD. Unless you want to chain yourself into
your chair, or are trapped in a long long drive, then maybe this
is OK for you. But, if you happen to just want to listen from a comfortable
arm-chair at home, then you better be prepaired for the grim
inevitable... If you turn off your CD player, or if you get a
phone call, or if the power goes out, or if the Vogons show up... ...Then the next time you want to resume listening, you have to
re-listen to the *entire hour* previous-to the last thing you
heard. There are no sub-tracks on the CDs ! (I guess you could
sit and press the fast-forward for ten minutes or so. But
frankly, Id rather pop in my tape of Vogon poetry. But thats
just me...) Anyway... another 'mostly harmless' product from some
corporate ape-descendant life-forms who need to be nailed to a tree... -DJB
Rating: 
Summary: Just a short Correction
Review: Greetings hoopy froods from America-land
Just a short correction for you. The Radio series (on BBC Radio 4) came first, then the original books were written from the radio script.
For all of those interested, a new radio series is going to be broadcast (again on BBC Radio 4), in September this year. See the BBC web site for details. Also, a film is being made at this momment. Personally, I don't think any film can match the comic genius of Douglas, but hopefully I'll be proved wrong.
Rating:
Summary: Just a short Correction
Review: Greetings hoopy froods from America-land
Just a short correction for you. The Radio series (on BBC Radio 4) came first, then the original books were written from the radio script.
For all of those interested, a new radio series is going to be broadcast (again on BBC Radio 4), in September this year. See the BBC web site for details. Also, a film is being made at this momment. Personally, I don't think any film can match the comic genius of Douglas, but hopefully I'll be proved wrong.
Rating:
Summary: Best if read regularly
Review: I read it once a year. If you are not much of a reader, this book will change that!
Rating:
Summary: WORTH A SIXTH STAR!!!
Review: If you only read one book in the rest of your pitiful earthling life, make it this one!! Here is an example of the valuable philosphical and historical education this book will endow you with: There isn't a God. Not any more. There used to be. He was very insistent that he exists exclusively on the idea of faith without proof. He went on to design amazing and incredibly improbable creations, including the mind-boggling Babelfish, worn inside the ear of galactic hitchhikers. The fish, which parastically feeds off of sound waves entering your brain and excretes energy waves straight into your mind, allows the host to accurately understand sound transmissions in any language. Later, a scientist pointed out that this direct affront to the idea of probability and evolution offered direct and undisputable proof that there, was, in fact a God. "I hadn't thought of that," said God, and immediately disappeared from existence after having proven himself wrong.
Thus, you are on your own now. Thus, you need Douglas Adams' cunning wit and sarcastic advice to guide you through the rest of your own silly existence!
Rating:
Summary: Alice in Wonderland of 21st Century
Review: Since there are many reviews of the book itself, I thought someone should review the audio versions independently. There are two versions of this title in audio format, the dramatized edition, which is abridged, and the version read by the author, which is unabridged; I have both! I you are a fan of the dramatized versions of books please be sure before you buy which version you are getting. I enjoyed both the dramatized version and the version read by Douglas Adams himself as each has its own pros and cons. The Dramatized version, done by the BBC (or at least the version that I have is), is very well done, as are all of the BBC dramatizations. The cast does a fantastic job as does the special effects team on the sounds. Be aware that dramatized versions are typically abridged, which is not a big problem generaly but some people don't care for it. This version was originally released as a multiple part radio program so if you are familiar with that format you have a good idea of this version. The only drawbacks are the it is in an outmoded format (cassette) and that it is abridged. The unabridged spoken version is read by the author, Douglas Adams, and is very good. This is a special treat since he has passed on. I enjoy the ability to hear the author's concept of how the story should read in his own voice. This version has a permanent home on my iPod so that anytime I need a little boost, I can queue it up. It is easy to listen to and quite enjoyable but if you are used to the dramatized versions of audio books you may find that it takes 5 or 10 minutes to get used to the single voice. It is worth it though! I would recommend either audio version to anyone that commutes or has at least thirty minutes of free time at a stretch. Both versions are well done and are enjoyable to listen to. For anyone who has not experienced audio books before, I would recommend a good tile like this to start off with.
Rating:
Summary: Why Buy an Audiobook?
Review: The downside of any audio book is that it does not give you the chance to pause for reflection. However, I fully recommend this book for two reasons: First, you could not pause during the reading of this book if you wanted to; it's that good. Second, Douglas Adams has a wonderful voice. It's a rare treat to hear an author read his own material and it casts a different light on a book than you might get just from reading it. It is an even rarer treat when an author is doubly blessed with a talent for writing and oration. If you enjoy this audio book, consider "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris, read by the author.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a hilariously ironic sci-fi novel.
Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a great book for people who not only like science fiction, but like humorous novels too. Douglas Adams throws in a mix of humor and irony in a science fiction setting,and that's what I personally like about the book. For example, you have to laugh at Arthur Dent who is upset that his house is being demolished, when little does he know that his planet will be demolished shortly afterward. The Hitchhiker's Guide also makes comments about the human race that aren't just funny, but also make you think as well. My favorite quote from this book is, "This planet has-or rather had-a problem, which was this: most of the people living on it were unhappy for pretty much of the time. Many solutions were suggested for this problem, but most of these were largely concerned with the movements of small green pieces of paper, which is odd because on the whole it wasn't the small green pieces of paper that were unhappy." I've read it 3 or 4 times this year since I bought it. This book is a definite must read! If you like the Hitchhiker's Guide then I recommend you read the sequels too because the story doesn't end when you finish the book. When I finished the Hitchhiker's Guide for the first time, I had to run out to the book store and buy the next book. Now I'd have to say that that Douglas Adams is my favorite author and I hope other people become fans too.
Rating:
Summary: Andy Says
Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy is a hilariously comic novel about many scientific aspects of the universe and creation. Many objects that seem insignificant turn up later, revealing their significance in the big scheme of things. The story, although funny, isn't necessarily an easy read. It reveals many details relating to other points carrying on throughout the novel and the whole series of novels. Douglas Adams take his readers through his points of view about the universe, which often leaves the reader saying, "What the crap?" However one can't help laughing at how ridiculous the situation is. The book is definitely difficult to put down.
All who like science fiction will love Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. One does need to keep an open mind while reading the novel because Adams makes fun of most aspects of the creation of the universe that are popular to most people. If in general you have no idea what you believe and you do get offended is your own damn problem. After all, it's just science fiction. It's not like he means it! In closing, "life, we apologize for the inconvenience."
Rating:
Summary: Andy Says
Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy is a hilariously comic novel about many scientific aspects of the universe and creation. Many objects that seem insignificant turn up later, revealing their significance in the big scheme of things. The story, although funny, isn't necessarily an easy read. It reveals many details relating to other points carrying on throughout the novel and the whole series of novels. Douglas Adams take his readers through his points of view about the universe, which often leaves the reader saying, "What the crap?" However one can't help laughing at how ridiculous the situation is. The book is definitely difficult to put down.
All who like science fiction will love Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. One does need to keep an open mind while reading the novel because Adams makes fun of most aspects of the creation of the universe that are popular to most people. If in general you have no idea what you believe and you do get offended is your own damn problem. After all, it's just science fiction. It's not like he means it! In closing, "life, we apologize for the inconvenience."
| 
