I Should Just Say "Scalzi" and Dispense with Further Comment. Of Course It's Awesome.

Head On by John Scalzi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is called a stand-alone novel, which it is in a way, but it's second in the Lock In series, and it's a solid sequel, IMO. Based on my highly objective method of evaluation, scoring a book on whether I have to make myself read more (just good enough to finish, 3), enjoy but have to push myself a bit in places (good, not ideal, 4), or read it whenever I can because I'm having a good time (there ya go! 5!), this is a 5. Scalzi is always fun to read, and this is no exception.

The premise of the series--a future where a fraction of the citizens, after being stricken with a disease, are unable to move themselves but are able to interact with the world via robot bodies--is creative and thought-provoking. The plot here, an investigation into the strange death of a famous locked-in person, is partly science fiction, partly police procedural, and an enjoyable, fast-moving example of both. But, as always, it's Scalzi's language and humor that sets it apart.

(Though I considered it, I'm not going to try to give an example. Like any good TV show [Deadwood, I'm looking at you], the humor emerges from the characters and their interactions, not the punch lines, and that is the case here. The main character's smart, often ironic tone is a permanent setup for humor.)

I'm sure a book club could spend a lot of time talking about deeper issues the novel deals with--the power of money and corporations, the position of sports in society, the general ignorance about people with disabilities, and many more--and I like that the book poses some questions and offers some thoughts about them, but that's a bonus for me. Reading it generated quite a bit of thought, and if one is looking for that, well, here ya go. Lots to think about.

For me, though? I mostly just liked laughing at Agent Vann intimidating everybody she dealt with. She's scary, and it works.

Recommended.

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