by Tammie (Tue Feb 09, 2010)
I've introduced you to the Nintendo DSi,
I've trained you to surf the web like Laird Hamilton, and even got you making a
digital you. So what's the next logical step in the nerd conversion I seem
to be starting? Reading Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
series. Now, I sense some of you recoiling and saying, ‘Ugh, those books are
only for male dweebs.' My argument back is to take a look at Bill Gates
and realize sometimes dweebs get things right.
The Hitchhiker's series isn't your typical sci-fi. Sure there's bizarre
aliens, the imminent destruction of the hero's home planet, and all manner of
crazy technology, but these are all so cleverly wrapped in a humorous package
you don't dwell on the contents. Despite my nerdy ways, I'm like many women and
not a big fan of sci-fi, but I've read these books over and over because the
humor never gets old and the characters are so unique. In fact, I've read my
paperbacks so many times I wore them out and had to buy the deluxe hardbound editions.
For those who don't know, the series started as a trilogy and Adams continually
joked that the trilogy was becoming ‘increasingly inaccurately named' because
the number grew to five before his untimely death. Eoin Colfer of Artemis
Fowl fame has taken the reins and released a sixth.
The main storyline is of Arthur Dent, an
Englishman we meet moping in a bar because his home is about to be demolished
to make way for a highway. His best friend (whom Arthur is unaware is an
alien) Ford Prefect tells him it could be worse, then reveals his true identity
as he saves (accidentally, but who's being picky) Arthur in the nick of time
before the Earth is destroyed to make way for an alien superhighway. Ford is
also the compiler of a galaxy guidebook (yes, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the
Galaxy) and Arthur is a bit put out when he finds the only entry for Earth is
‘mostly harmless.'
Aboard the spaceship, captained by Ford's cousin, the reader is introduced to a
strange cast of characters (including a depressed robot), as they head into
more adventures and conundrums than I can describe here. Suffice it to say
that Adams takes every standard sci-fi situation and renders it funny and
unpredictable.
Despite my complete adoration for these books and Adams' work in general I
don't recommend watching the made for TV mini-series or the movie. I've tried
to watch these, thinking my love of the books would help me find some good in
them. No. They're awful and anyone basing their opinion of the Hitchhiker's series on these shows should really give the books a chance before
making a final judgment.
The unfortunate side of the series is its
attraction to the male dweeb demographic, but don't let that sway you from
these books. Use your feminine stubbornness and independence of thought. Refuse
to be confined to reading only chick lit or Oprah's latest recommendation and
enjoy the humor and silliness of something completely different, even if it is
science fiction.
Besides, it'll make your
kids think you're cool.
