Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi

Not a Book Report

I enjoy reflecting on the movies, TV, books and other media that I consume. I’m notoriously sentimental. This series documents the books that I read. These aren’t reviews or recommendations. Just a list. For me. Mostly so that I can page through what I read, where I was, and when.

Why did I read it?

I have really enjoyed reading Scalzi novels over the last year. I finished Redshirts most recently, after the Interdependency trilogy, and I decided to go through more of the back catalog.

What is it?

Publisher Summary

From New York Times bestseller and Hugo Award-winner, John Scalzi, a gleeful mash-up of science fiction and Hollywood satireThe space-faring Yherajk have come to Earth to meet us and to begin humanity’s first interstellar friendship. There’s just one problem: They’re hideously ugly and they smell like rotting fish.So getting humanity’s trust is a challenge. The Yherajk need someone who can help them close the deal.Enter Thomas Stein, who knows something about closing deals. He’s one of Hollywood’s hottest young agents. But although Stein may have just concluded the biggest deal of his career, it’s quite another thing to negotiate for an entire alien race. To earn his percentage this time, he’s going to need all the smarts, skills, and wits he can muster.

How did I read it?

Notes - No Spoilers

• You can see how much he invests into his characters. As well as some Scalzi character tropes (somewhat clueless but well-meaning and nerdy male protagonist, strong female lead partnering up with him).
• I really, really liked how the aliens were written. Their whole attitude. Their whole vibe. I would be so happy to hang out with them.