The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Book 1
by Douglas Adams
Science-Fiction, Fiction, Humor, Classics, Fantasy, Comedy, Science-Fiction-Fantasy
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor. Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker’s Guide (“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”) and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox–the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod’s girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years. Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don’t forget to bring a towel!
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 12+
What Parents Need to Know:
Parents need to know that along with dry, offbeat humor, the Douglas Adams classic The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a deeply complex space adventure that raises issues of materialism, the nature of existence, the role of bureaucracy, and more. When galactic researcher Ford Prefect rescues Englishman Arthur Dent just as Earth is destroyed to make way for an intergalactic freeway, they start on an absurd adventure to survive. The British humor and references will likely go over the heads of young readers, but there are plenty of silly gags and bizarre escapades to keep readers of all ages entertained. The book was adapted for a 2005 film version.
Educational Value: 1/5
The author plays with language and expectations within the story.
Positive Messages: 1/5
Be prepared and stay calm during intergalactic emergencies.
Positive Role Models: n/a
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Violence & Scariness: 2/5
A ray gun battle with two deaths: A whale falls out of the sky and is smashed; two people are cast out into space but survive.
Sex, Romance & Nudity: 3/5
Funny sexual innuendo and commentary. For example, references to “Eccentrica Gallumbits, the triple-breasted whore of Eroticon Six” and “the Best Bang since the Big One.”
Language: 3/5
“S–t,” “damn.”
Products & Purchases: n/a
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking: 1/5
Several comic references to drinking and drunkenness.
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