Mostly Harmless

Rating:
Summary: Very good
Review: I don't agree with the other reviewers. This book is far better than So Long and Thanks For All the Fish, yet maybe not as good as the first two in the trilogy. I have a lot of fun reading it. I encourage you to buy this book and see for yourself.

Rating:
Summary: A book where even the author seems to have lost the plot.
Review: I am a huge fan of the other four Hitch Hiker books and was first in line to buy this book when it first came on sale. However I soon discovered that the origional books were very far removed from Mostly Harmless both by syle and humour. Occasionally during the origional series, most notably in The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, the story would meander from the plot following what appeared to be the whim of the author. In Mostly Harmless the entire plot seems to be an ill thought out whim, a weak idea extended far beyond its humour or its point. It cashes in on the popularity of the series without giving any of its fans credit for being able to spot bad writing when they see it. Extremely disappointing.

Rating:
Summary: Revenge.
Review: I definitely agree that Adams was writing this as revenge. How can anyone read the description of what the Guide project has become and still not see that Adams is talking about his own series? You think it was an accident? Compare Ford's memories of the way it used to be with the way it is. Also, look at Ford as he runs up "expenses" on his new assignment. Adams is writing about himself. Its amazing that there are people who read this book who didn't see this.

Rating:
Summary: What character development?
Review: It's really quite simple: with "Mostly Harmless," Mr. Adams took all the charcater development in the first 4 novels (if you think there wasn't any, read them more carefully) and threw it out the window. This book reads like a tired Hollywood movie sequel (Police Academy XX). Sad, but what can one do? Enjoy all his other books. Avoid this one like 3-day old salmon mousse.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the most disappointing book I've ever read
Review: I read the trilogy, and I loved it. »The Hitchhiker's Guide« was the first book I read in English, after already enjoying the German translation, and finished even that one within a day. Then I read the fourth book, which I though boring. But still I desperately waited for No. 5 to be published. I'm cured now. If Adams should write a sixth book, I'll take this as a reason to re-read the trilogy, but I won't read any new books from this serial (not that there could by any, after THIS ending ...). I intended to have fun with »Mostly Harmless«. I didn't. I hoped for cynism and philosophy. There wasn't any, save some hints on the connection between air conditioners and suicide rates. Marvin (who perished tragically in vol.4) is replaced by an enthusiastic android named Kevin, the rest of the cast is who they used to be, plus Arthur's daughter, who doesn't need to have been invented. Finally, we learn about Stavromula Beta. But this would better have reamained a secret. If you are looking for adivse: Take the Hitchhiker's Trilogy. And Enjoy it. But don't read on.

Rating:
Summary: Second only to "Restaurant"
Review: I can't believe that so many people didn't like this. The ending was brilliant, and some of the part's with Ford had me in stitches. Read it!

Rating:
Summary: THIS IS REAL DOUGLAS ADAMS
Review: This is defenetly one of the best out of the HHGTTG books it is a real upper after 'So Long and Thanks For All The Fish' It is Hillarious

Rating:
Summary: a perfect conclusion
Review: I absolutely love the ending of the five-book "trilogy". It is a down note, yes, but satisfying in that the characters themselves are tired and I am glad to se Arthur and Ford finally find their peace in the whole mess. This beek really helped me understand the concept of finality (in every sense and dimension). Truly brilliant.

Rating:
Summary: A disappointing coda
Review: This, the fifth Hitchhiker's book, is something of a let-down. It's not bad, per se, and there are some really funny moments in it. But on the whole, it's a much darker and more serious book than the rest of the Hitchhiker novels. It seems like Adams wrote it just to shut up the people clamoring for another Hitchhiker book; an impression that's definitely furthered by the ending (which, not to give too much away, makes a sequel nearly impossible). Read it, but don't expect it to measure up to the first four books.

Rating:
Summary: not very good
Review: I'm amazed my the number of people who either love this book blindly because it's Douglas Adams or hate it because of the downer ending. I have no problem with downer endings. Unfortunately the book was simply not very good. Douglas Adams is past his prime. He should take up painting or golf.