Good yet far from great

This is a nice modern fiction novelette which was clearly written by a science fiction author with very good narration but falls far short of greatness. The narration seemed more powerful than the writing itself. There are few well developed characters and very little in the way of plot and very few surprises. This would have been a really excellent short story but in the novelette form has way too much filler. Adoption of a special needs child is a very intense challenge but this is not too surprising and this is definitely not a how-to book. This novel did not annoy me at all but it did not have that transformative effect on me I look for in great fiction. Although this has some very good points, I can’t think of anyone to whom I would feel compelled to recommend this book.

4 people found this helpful

Not a sci fi story

What made the experience of listening to The Martian Child the most enjoyable?

The most enjoyable was perhaps the expectation of - at some point - for the soppy super sentimental overdrawn story to actually turn to sci fi. I really did not care to listen to a super lengthy story about adoption of a difficult child and how it made the author feel.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It was not what I thought it was. I thought it was a sci fi story! How did it win the Nebula award, no more stories written that year???

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Scott Brick was fine.

Any additional comments?

This is not a sci fi story. This is a story of a single gay man adopting a child and talking about his feelings about this adoption at length. A very great length. If you want a sci fi story, skip. If you want a sentimental story about adopting a difficult child, listen.

1 person found this helpful

MARTIANS' CAN TASTE COLORS

THE ONLY THING THAT FITS IN A PIGEON HOLE IS A PIGEON.
It is a great story, maybe a little Pollyanna for some. I am a sucker for misfit children happy ending stories. This book flew by, warmed my heart and was just plain fun to listen to.

I did not realize it when I listened, but do see now how the author glorified himself. This is to be expected when written in first person, plus it is an author. To be a writer, you have to believe you have something so important to say that people will pay money to hear you say it. I also thought that for most of the book things went a little too smoothly. I know several parents who have adopted and there are always problems, especially with special needs children or trouble children. I was also not crazy about the direction the story went when the parent started questioning the Martian child part of the story. It is still a really good book, and I will be checking out Gerrold's Science Fiction Books now.

Brick did an excellent job.

14 people found this helpful

Loved it

Incredible.
Touching and very realistic, one of my favorites

Wish it was longer, loved reading Denis’ story

A different kind of love story

I've heard Audible has plans to expand the Escape selection beyond romance. This book is a good start in that direction. It's still a love story, but about building a family in a different way.

I saw the movie years ago, the opportunity to check out the book for free was a major reason for doing the Audible Escape free trial. Several things were lost in the translation to the screen.

The story is sweet and weird, as one would expect from a story about a sci-fi writer adopting a child who thinks he's from Mars. Little Daniel has had a very tough life, and his way of adapting to his circumstances can be both amusing and tragic.

Two of the author's novels are prominently referenced, "The Man Who Folded Himself" and "When Harlie Was One". Sadly, Audible only carries the latter.

Enjoy your pickled mongoose!

MELE KALIKIMAKA -- THE BEST XMAS GIFT EVER!

This book was just mesmerizing! I almost listened to it in one session. The Martian Child had me hook, line and sinker. This is an intimate journey into the human soul retold with such warmth, kindness and emotional honesty. It accurately depicts the creative processes of a writer step by step in beautiful detail. I have recommended the movie to everyone contemplating adoption of a special needs child or dog. But the book goes far deeper and is a much richer experience that can be relived over and over again.

sweet story

finding out that the martian stuff wasnt part of the true story kind of took me out of it, but it was still really cute.

A heading

Excellent book! I've listened to it several times. Highly recommended. Don't bother with the movie.

its amazing

loved it so much
finally true story better than fiction
new here
first time and it would not be the last

It was really enjoyable listening

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes and I did. I give it as a gift and my friend love it too.

What did you like best about this story?

The good humor, the unconditional love, hard to say, I liked everything.

Which scene was your favorite?

I cried when somewhere, the dog, died.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh and cry many times.

Any additional comments?

I liked this listening so much, that I listened to it again and after one book and another I listening to it in between. This listening gives me motivation and keep my humor up.