When his city council representative is hit by a bus, David Sawyer decides to run for the newly-vacated seat. One problem: He's a human in an alien-majority district that hasn't voted in a human in half a century. Can Sawyer pull it off in a race that includes a politically smooth, physically gelatinous front runner, a carnivore whose entire platform is on the right to consume pets, and two literally bile-spewing sisters? A tale of aliens, politics and humor from the author of "Old Man's War" and "The Android's Dream".
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is such a very short story, it really only warrants a short review. So here it is:
It's a cute short story. It's a sci-fi political satire. It's funny and well written. You should probably go read it now.
It's a cute short story. It's a sci-fi political satire. It's funny and well written. You should probably go read it now.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
It is only right to have read this public service offering of Scalzi's in an election year. Though this story is about a local election, I'm sure the issues that our candidate, David Sawyer, must consider are as deep as those before our state and national candidates.
Surely, running against insects and other non-human species will be tough for a human candidate, especially since humans are in the minority in the district. What do you offer to voters whose wants are totally incapable of being understood? What do you offer voters who speak such a variety of languages that you can't communicate with more than a few?
Oh, yeah, this is politics. None of that matters if you can instead get enough publicity to overcome all rational reasons for people casting votes. So, there is no difference between David's candidacy and that of our regular candidates. Scalzi has captured that concept perfectly.
Throwing in David's husband, James and the interesting participation of Latasha Jenkins, the author presents the campaign and election in a nutshell, or nutsomething. Humorous throughout, "An Election" does also trigger a few reactions in other parts of the readers' brains. Though that can never be good for those seeking office.
Surely, running against insects and other non-human species will be tough for a human candidate, especially since humans are in the minority in the district. What do you offer to voters whose wants are totally incapable of being understood? What do you offer voters who speak such a variety of languages that you can't communicate with more than a few?
Oh, yeah, this is politics. None of that matters if you can instead get enough publicity to overcome all rational reasons for people casting votes. So, there is no difference between David's candidacy and that of our regular candidates. Scalzi has captured that concept perfectly.
Throwing in David's husband, James and the interesting participation of Latasha Jenkins, the author presents the campaign and election in a nutshell, or nutsomething. Humorous throughout, "An Election" does also trigger a few reactions in other parts of the readers' brains. Though that can never be good for those seeking office.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By para
Format:Kindle Edition
An Election is a very short story that focuses on a human named David, his perhaps unwise decision to run for office in a predominantly alien district, and the hijinks that ensue.
So far all I've read by Scalzi are a few short stories, all of comedic bent. His writing style suits the material well and David's tale is enjoyable. The characters and setting are well developed, almost too much so. There are great details to everything that would seem to support a more substantial offering. While good this was a little lacking for me personally.
David's campaign escapades are amusing and certainly worth the current price ($0.99). If you are more of a fan of comedic shorts than me you will likely enjoy it more.
So far all I've read by Scalzi are a few short stories, all of comedic bent. His writing style suits the material well and David's tale is enjoyable. The characters and setting are well developed, almost too much so. There are great details to everything that would seem to support a more substantial offering. While good this was a little lacking for me personally.
David's campaign escapades are amusing and certainly worth the current price ($0.99). If you are more of a fan of comedic shorts than me you will likely enjoy it more.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adorable!
Really cute and amusing short story. John Scalzi is one of my favorites, and I love these little gems that cost a buck or two.
Published 5 days ago by Tara Easton
3.0 out of 5 stars
Somewhat Interesting But Too Short
This is actually an interesting story but its so quick and straight forward that it's over before the reader has accepted the end is near. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Lee Jahnke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Laughed out loud several times
I think Scalzi was writing about politics in modern day New Orleans. My favorite character was the last place candidate. I think he is my next door neighbor now...
Published 1 month ago by G. Clark
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun, quick read.
Funny, fast story, great for reading on a phone, more than delivers on the price for entertainment delivered. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Steven Bradford
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun read
This is a fun read of an unusual situation -- politics in a mixed alien community. Author Scalzi pulls it off with humor.
Published 2 months ago by CyberDad
4.0 out of 5 stars
Similarity of Campaigns
Novel concept of multi-sentient voters with the familiar strategies of human electoral campaigns in which vision and competence are often lacking.
Published 2 months ago by BOB PIETRYKOWSKI
4.0 out of 5 stars
Humorous, well written,
Funny, quick reading sci-fi political satire, in typical Scalzi style. Really that's about all there is to say. A good fast read when you need it. Certainly worth $1.
Published 3 months ago by Kara
3.0 out of 5 stars
Worth your dollar
This is not world-shaking prose, but it is entertaining. If you like the other Scalzi you will like this.
It doesn't end gracefully. I was a bit annoyed.
It doesn't end gracefully. I was a bit annoyed.
Published 3 months ago by K. Hejna
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thinly-Veiled (if veiled at all) but charming and entertaining.
John Scalzi writes, confidently, in a variety of styles, and this is an example of his more comedic style. I found the story charming, if a little goofy. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jacob Hawken
5.0 out of 5 stars
Whimsical and witty
Very witty inversion of a common situation involving race relations underpinned by the matter-of-fact acceptance of highly alien species in our neighborhoods and the mutual cynical... Read more
Published 5 months ago by J Satrapa
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