Hard Cover First Edition Very Fine in Very Fine jacket Limited/Numbered. Signed by Author Hardcover and limited edition. Very fine (unread) copy in very fine jacket. One of 1, 500 signed and numbered copies. Signed by John Scalzi on the limitation page. No. 967 of 1, 500 numbered copies. First hardcover edition and first edition in print. Prior to this Subterranean Press edition this novel was only available from Scalzi's website.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this slick, lightweight SF yarn from Scalzi (Old Man's War), Thomas Stein, a hot young Hollywood agent, has just negotiated a multimillion-dollar deal for his friend, starlet Michelle Beck, when his boss, Carl Lupo, foists a space alien called Joshua on him. Joshua and his people, the Yherajk, are intelligent, gelatinous, shape-shifting blobs that communicate telepathically and by sharing odors. They've been monitoring Earth's TV broadcasts and realize that before they can make first contact, they'll have to deal with their image problem. Tom takes on the job of making the friendly, odiferous creatures palatable to humanity, while keeping Michelle and the rest of his other acting clients happy. Several entertaining trips to the aliens' spaceship enliven the predictable plot.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
With a plot that starts out as the rough life of a young agent in Hollywood and rapidly metamorphoses into B-movie territory as a remarkably intelligent first-contact yarn, this book is absurd, funny, and satirically perceptive. Thomas Stein has just scored a major deal for his biggest client, hot starlet Michelle Beck. Then his boss introduces a new client who is going to require more work than Stein has ever expected. Joshua is an Yjerajk, and Yjerajk communicate via smells, which are often quite unpleasant to humans. Moreover, Yjerajk are formless blobs. But they've seen enough human TV to understand that Hollywood has more impact on Earthlings than any government, and that the movies always portray nonhumanoid aliens as evil. It's going to take a lot of work to introduce Yjerajk to humans so as to emphasize their peaceful intentions and keep people from seeing them as the Blob. Fortunately, Tom is up to the challenge . . . eventually . . . with a little help--and a lot of inspiration. Regina Schroeder
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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More About the Author
John Scalzi writes books, which, considering where you're reading this, makes perfect sense. He's best known for writing science fiction, for which he won the John W. Campbell Award (2006) and has been nominated for the Hugo Award for best novel (2006, 2008, 2009). He also writes non-fiction, on subjects ranging from personal finance to astronomy to film, and was the Creative Consultant for the Stargate: Universe television series. He enjoys pie, as should all right thinking people. You can get to his blog by typing the word "Whatever" into Google. No, seriously, try it.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a light-hearted and funny romp in the Heinlein mode that Mr. Scalzi does so well. If you missed "old Man's War", go ahead and order that one right away too; it's a classic and compulsive revisit to the golden age of Sci-fi from the fifties that you'll absolutely enjoy.
In this novel, Biz Agent to the Stars, humor and laughs abound (heck, even the title is a punny double entendre) as Thomas Stein, a Hollywood agent fresh off a huge success and feeling good about his bourgeoning career, suddenly is given the job of PR director for a race of stinky and singularly unattractive aliens. I won't give away the story elements but you can imagine the challenge of trying to make aliens that essentially communicate by farting, and that look gross to boot, into lovable characters. Thomas's challenges and adventures in his quest to put a positive spin on his new clients are hilariously fun to follow and the laughs abound.
This is an excellent, light, and funny read, devourable in one sitting, and something great to pick up and have a go at when you're in the mood for feel-good fare that will make you smile. Scalzi is an author to watch and I am struck by how much he reminds me of Heinlein, but I am almost afraid to make the comparison lest some people dismiss him as a knock-off. Scalzi is a master in his own right. His books convey his own voice, ideas and vision very clearly all while clearly paying homage to the masters who started it all.
In this novel, Biz Agent to the Stars, humor and laughs abound (heck, even the title is a punny double entendre) as Thomas Stein, a Hollywood agent fresh off a huge success and feeling good about his bourgeoning career, suddenly is given the job of PR director for a race of stinky and singularly unattractive aliens. I won't give away the story elements but you can imagine the challenge of trying to make aliens that essentially communicate by farting, and that look gross to boot, into lovable characters. Thomas's challenges and adventures in his quest to put a positive spin on his new clients are hilariously fun to follow and the laughs abound.
This is an excellent, light, and funny read, devourable in one sitting, and something great to pick up and have a go at when you're in the mood for feel-good fare that will make you smile. Scalzi is an author to watch and I am struck by how much he reminds me of Heinlein, but I am almost afraid to make the comparison lest some people dismiss him as a knock-off. Scalzi is a master in his own right. His books convey his own voice, ideas and vision very clearly all while clearly paying homage to the masters who started it all.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the first novel written by John Scalzi but it is not his first published work. It was written as a "training aid" in an effort to become a novelist. He offered it basically for free on the internet. Now, with the publication of subsequent novels, his first has been offered for sale as a real book you can pick up and read. It was a worthwhile venture.
In short, it is hilarious.
The premise is of first contact with aliens. They are hideous to look at, by human standards, and smell bad also. The aliens are worried about how they will be received by humanity. Somehow, landing on the White House lawn and saying "Take me to your leader," does not strike them as the wisest course of action. They figure they need some good PR and to make a good entrance. Since most of their knowledge of earth comes from the TV signals we've been beaming into space for decades, they decide to hire a Hollywood agent.
The book take a tongue in cheek, irreverent approach to the matter. It is filled with laughs from front to back and has an occasional poignant moment as well. Hollywood is pilloried but the politicos don't come off to well either (politicians are so minor in the book as to be almost non-existent; one of the best lines is found on the last page.) I'm sorry it sat for so long in my "to be read later" pile.
I want more.
In short, it is hilarious.
The premise is of first contact with aliens. They are hideous to look at, by human standards, and smell bad also. The aliens are worried about how they will be received by humanity. Somehow, landing on the White House lawn and saying "Take me to your leader," does not strike them as the wisest course of action. They figure they need some good PR and to make a good entrance. Since most of their knowledge of earth comes from the TV signals we've been beaming into space for decades, they decide to hire a Hollywood agent.
The book take a tongue in cheek, irreverent approach to the matter. It is filled with laughs from front to back and has an occasional poignant moment as well. Hollywood is pilloried but the politicos don't come off to well either (politicians are so minor in the book as to be almost non-existent; one of the best lines is found on the last page.) I'm sorry it sat for so long in my "to be read later" pile.
I want more.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Joe Sherry
Format:Hardcover
Tom Stein is your average up and coming Hollywood agent. He has one client, a dim witted actress who is just hitting big, and a back list of other clients who are barely worth the effort to remember their names and he would be just as happy to be rid of them for various reasons specific to each client. Tom gets his wish when his boss invites Tom into his office for a rare opportunity: The boss of the agency would like Tom to dump the bulk of his clients in order to take on a new one. While that sounds wonderful, an agent really is only as good as his client list and dumping the list is a risky move for an agent who just had his big break. But then Carl, the boss, drops the bomb. The new client is not a person. The new client is an entire alien race just making first contact with humanity. The aliens know that the best way to be accepted by humanity is to be shown in the movies in a sympathetic way and it is an agent that can make this happen.
One more thing. The aliens do not look like lassie or ET or even like the bugs from Starship Troopers. The aliens more closely resemble a pile of jello which smells like a dog's fart. But they are very friendly and wish to, well, come in peace. These aliens learned about humanity through the signals of Hollywood movies and television shows which beamed up into space. While this has caused a problem in separating fact from fiction, it has permitted several from the gelatinous mass of alien goo to learn to speak English and communicate on a level humans can understand and appreciate. Tom Stein simply needs to figure out how to best introduce the aliens, with a spokesalien named Joshua, to the world.
This may have been John Scalzi's first attempt at writing a novel, but it was clear even from this fun exercise that Scalzi is a skilled writer and put together a more than competent novel with his first effort. This explains why he was able to sell his first effort (though he sold it second. His second written novel, Old Man's War, sold first). Agent to the Stars is a funny romp through Hollywood, the world of agents, and even to an alien spacecraft. Agent to the Stars is filled with humor, sharp dialogue, fart jokes, and even some sadness. Mostly: Joy. Joy for the reader because Agent to the Stars is pure pleasure to read, but probably also Joy for the author. Scalzi had to have a blast writing this book and coming up with an alien race which communicates by rank odors.
Agent to the Stars is the third Scalzi novel I have read, after Old Man's War and The Ghost Brigades, and while it is as different from those novels as is possible in science fiction, Agent to the Stars is a delightful novel and I mean that. I felt full of delight while reading it. You should, too.
-Joe Sherry
One more thing. The aliens do not look like lassie or ET or even like the bugs from Starship Troopers. The aliens more closely resemble a pile of jello which smells like a dog's fart. But they are very friendly and wish to, well, come in peace. These aliens learned about humanity through the signals of Hollywood movies and television shows which beamed up into space. While this has caused a problem in separating fact from fiction, it has permitted several from the gelatinous mass of alien goo to learn to speak English and communicate on a level humans can understand and appreciate. Tom Stein simply needs to figure out how to best introduce the aliens, with a spokesalien named Joshua, to the world.
This may have been John Scalzi's first attempt at writing a novel, but it was clear even from this fun exercise that Scalzi is a skilled writer and put together a more than competent novel with his first effort. This explains why he was able to sell his first effort (though he sold it second. His second written novel, Old Man's War, sold first). Agent to the Stars is a funny romp through Hollywood, the world of agents, and even to an alien spacecraft. Agent to the Stars is filled with humor, sharp dialogue, fart jokes, and even some sadness. Mostly: Joy. Joy for the reader because Agent to the Stars is pure pleasure to read, but probably also Joy for the author. Scalzi had to have a blast writing this book and coming up with an alien race which communicates by rank odors.
Agent to the Stars is the third Scalzi novel I have read, after Old Man's War and The Ghost Brigades, and while it is as different from those novels as is possible in science fiction, Agent to the Stars is a delightful novel and I mean that. I felt full of delight while reading it. You should, too.
-Joe Sherry
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just a terrific read
It has been a very long time since I have been compelled to stay up until 3 am to finish a book but I just couldn't put it down. Read more
Published on August 5, 2009 by C. Lin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Light Fun
The basic premise of "Agent to the Stars" is that aliens exist ... and after watching how we show them in Hollywood and elsewhere, decide they have an image problem and get an... Read more
Published on March 25, 2008 by Akachei
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVED this book
My husband is a huge sci-fi fan, I am most definitely not. He loved this book and urged me to try it, which I reluctantly did. I didn't expect to last 5 pages. Read more
Published on February 28, 2007 by Janet Gerber
4.0 out of 5 stars
Whacky fun
Tom Stein is a rising young Hollywood agent, with a few-okay, one somewhat promising client, Michelle Beck. Read more
Published on March 28, 2006 by Elisabeth Carey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put it down
I'm so glad that I have a nasty cold and had to miss work - I was able to finish this wonderful book in a day. But it was so good, I wish it hadn't ended! Read more
Published on March 1, 2006 by Fran Morris Rosman
4.0 out of 5 stars
An insightful, humorous glimpse into Hollywood
Tom Stein is a junior agent for Lupo Associates, a big firm in Hollywood. Tom has one major actress on his list of clients: Michelle Beck. Read more
Published on February 6, 2006 by Adam Craig
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining Yarn
Scalzi's book is an entertaining look at how Hollywood helps shape our views on life. The main character is an agent given an unusual job by his boss: represent some aliens who... Read more
Published on December 26, 2005 by N. Bilmes
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