Book Review: Redshirts by John Scalzi (Guest blogger Jon Metcalf)
Redshirts
(This picture proves we are kin)
So, Jennifer asked me to write a blog/review of a book (obviously the one mentioned in the title) for her site. That brings us to what you’re reading now. Context…you’re probably looking for some of that. Jennifer is my big sister, and I’m her nerdy little brother. She and I have always had a lot in common, especially our love of reading, but our tastes in books could not be further apart. She embraces the classes, literary, and non-fiction genres whereas I am typically only into fantasy, sci-fi, mystery/thriller, leadership (self-help sub genre?), and litRPG. I’ve been trying to get her to dip her toes into some of my favorite authors with …limited success. But more importantly, I’ve never written a book review outside of school reports, nor am I a blogger. In fact, I don’t typically do any writing whatsoever other than the professional/business writing I do for work, and that is strictly projects management, business case analyses, and the like. So, apologies in advance…here we go!
Last August, I recommended a book for our sibling book club – “Agent to the Stars” by John Scalzi. Both Jennifer and our other sister enjoyed it, which led me to go on one of my trademark ADHD riddled deep dives into all these other Scalzi books I’ve read a loved previously. Then Jennifer, being the thoughtful and loving big sis surprised me with a copy of Scalzi’s Hugo Award winning novel “Redshirts” when she last visited my family in May. Ironically, of all the other Scalzi books I had read previously, I somehow missed his award winner (don’t ask me how that happened).
If you’ve read Jennifer’s blog about the Menu, then you’re aware of the rating system the three of us in our sibling book club (name still pending, but my vote is either “The Breakfast Club” or “Book Nook Bistro”). If you haven’t read that blog, you can find it right here . So, with the Menu in mind, I would personally classify Redshirts as a heavy appetizer or a side dish, like “Buffalo Wings” or “Mac and Cheese”. Remember, these menu items are personal picks, and I will always go back for wings and mac, even more so than desserts or main courses. At the end of the day, I’m going to lean towards Mac and Cheese for some reasons that will be elucidated later in the review.
Redshirts revolves around the character of Ensign Andrew Dahl, a newly assigned science officer on the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid. Shortly after his arrival along with a few other young officers, the team quickly realizes that every time the senior staff of the ship’s bridge goes on an ‘away mission’ one of the newly assigned crewmembers are maimed or removed from the ship’s census in a deadly confrontation, all the while the senior crew are protected with a form of plot armor. Dahl and his friends uncover the fact that there is a supernatural power governing the goings on of the Intrepid, and they do everything in their limited power to forestall their inevitable doom while exposing what is really going on in their little slice of the universe.
In short, “Redshirts” is a science fiction parody written with acerbic wit and a carefree attitude that is ever present in Scalzi’s voice. The novel satirizes the theme of the expendable crewman aboard any intergalactic starship like you would see in Star Trek (pick your series version). For me what sets this novel apart from general Sci-Fi or other shameless parodies is the way that Scalzi’s humor masks deeper themes of free will, self-determination, and Theseus’ Ship. I was drawn to the way Scalzi used his meta-commentary throughout the storytelling and that kept me turning each page. Weighty topics such as the value of and individual life and each person’s role in a society and their “disposability” within the confines of the overall narrative were hidden in plain sight through the lens of pop-culture satire. The book raises hypothetical and unanswerable questions about the obligations creators and authors have towards their characters or how those stories and characters can take an actual life of their own despite the intent and original interest of the author. Sprinkle in some focus on grief, relationships, and consequences, and it proved to be one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in the past year.
Yes, I also give star ratings if you care (despite the inherent subjectivity of those ratings). For me, the book was an easy 4.5 stars, and in retrospect, well deserved every accolade it received. My only regret was not finding it sooner. And like with every good Mac and Cheese that can be heavy at times, but oh so tasty, I will order again.
Jon’s current favorite books/series
Dungeon Crawler Carl (all 8 books) – Matt Dinniman
Red Rising trilogy – Pierce Brown
The Witcher Novels/Saga – Andrzej Sapkowski
Service Model – Adrian Tchaikovsky
All Systems Red – Martha Wells
Kaiju Preservation Society; Starter Villain; When the Moon Hits Your Eye – John Scalzi
The Tipping Point; Outliers – Malcom Gladwell
Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
The Ocean and the End of the Lane; American Gods – Neil Gaiman
Armada – Ernest Cline
The Culture Code – Daniel Coyle
Jonathan Metcalf
Jon grew up reading (mostly adventure stories, classic children’s literature, and Encyclopedias) but recently rediscovered his love for reading as a daily practice via Audiobooks to accompany him during his morning runs. He holds master’s degrees in business administration and healthcare administration from Baylor University and after flying medical evacuation helicopters in the US Army for 12 years, currently works as an Executive Healthcare Leader in Coastal Georgia at an Army Community Hospital. Other than running and reading, he enjoys tabletop games, playing guitar, and spending time with his two children and wife, along with their 4-month-old puppy, Jimbo. In no way did Jennifer force him to write this review.
