Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Old Man's War
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
John Perry did two things on his 75th birthday. First he visited his wife's grave. Then he joined the army.The good news is that humanity finally made it into interstellar space. The bad news is that planets fit to live on are scarce-and aliens willing to fight for them are common. The universe, it turns out, is a hostile place. So: we fight. To defend Earth (a target for our new enemies, should we let them get close enough) and to stake our own claim to planetary real estate. Far from Earth, the war has gone on for decades: brutal, bloody, unyielding.Earth itself is a backwater. The bulk of humanity's resources are in the hands of the Colonial Defense Force, which shields the home planet from too much knowledge of the situation. What's known to everybody is that when you reach retirement age, you can join the CDF. They don't want young people; they want people who carry the knowledge and skills of decades of living. You'll be taken off Earth and never allowed to return. You'll serve your time at the front. And if you survive, you'll be given a generous homestead stake of your own, on one of our hard-won colony planets.John Perry is taking that deal. He has only the vaguest idea what to expect. Because the actual fight, light-years from home, is far, far harder than he can imagine-and what he will become is far stranger.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
JuliaTheBookNerd
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

#SeniorCitizens 👴🏻 #BookBinge 📚❤️📚

#BookNerd 🤓💙📚

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love your shelves ❤️📚 7mo
Eggs Great choice 👌🏼👍🏼😍 7mo
47 likes2 comments
blurb
TheSpineView
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Eggs Perfect 🤩 7mo
45 likes2 comments
review
Leniverse
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
Pickpick

Great fun from the very first sentence. It's not often you get a 75y/o protagonist (outside of cozy crime). The narrative voice was a charming mix of dad jokes and genuine emotion. I did find it a bit of a stretch that the MC went from half a century of being a pacifist homebody to tactical wiz, but I do believe that people will rise to the occasion - change your circumstances, discover new abilities.

34 likes1 stack add
blurb
JuliaTheBookNerd
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Title #WithOld 👴🏻🚀💥 #TemptingTitles ☔️🌸💜

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Love your shelves!! 11mo
Eggs This book was a popular choice 👏🏻👏🏻 11mo
45 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
TheSpineView
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 👍🏻 11mo
Eggs Brilliant 👌🏼 11mo
56 likes2 stack adds3 comments
blurb
ChelseaM6010
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

#TemptingTitles
Day 28. With Old
#WithOld

Eggs Sounds dramatic 👏🏻🤩👍🏼 11mo
15 likes1 comment
blurb
vivastory
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Although I have posted about other scalzi books I have read, I have somehow never posted about this one. According to GR I read it a couple of years ago. I really ought to continue with the series as I did greatly enjoy it, like all other works by Scalzi that I have read. #marchmadness #mcolderthanyou @alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @eggs

Texreader Love the quote! 13mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks That‘s my brain 😂😂😂 13mo
vivastory @Texreader @alwaysbeenaloverofbooks It's becoming more & more relatable! 13mo
See All 9 Comments
batsy So true about the quote being increasingly relatable 😆 13mo
vivastory @batsy Fewer & fewer Fs to give 😂 13mo
Tamra Oh my gosh - YES! 😂 13mo
Tamra @vivastory 😆 totally! 13mo
Eggs How else can you have authentic discourse !?!?👏🏻👏🏻 @Texreader @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @batsy @vivastory @Tamra 13mo
Cathythoughts Love it 😳😂 13mo
69 likes9 comments
review
Robotswithpersonality
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

A remarkably quick, engrossing read. I think my intent to continue the series says it all. Bizarre, given the exploration of the 'science' in science fiction and the 'war', (not just in the title!). Not my usual preferred sci-fi, but I love Scalzi's writing, the banter, the characters. As others have noted, reminds me of Heinlein. ⚠️ Ageism, fatphobia, gore/violence/conflict, mention of SA, (1) racist, xenophobia, colonialism.

blurb
TracyReadsBooks
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Today‘s #FavoriteSignedBooks is one of my son‘s all time favorite books/series. Clearly an old man before his time 😂, my son started reading this series when he was twelve years old & he couldn‘t put it down. He was tongue tied when he met Scalzi in 2020 but thought he was very cool. My son is so protective of the book, he bought a digital copy so he doesn‘t have to carry this one around.

I‘d love to hear about your favorite signed books! 📖🖋

TheNeverendingTBR I picked up a signed copy of this the other day for 50p 😍 2y
TracyReadsBooks @TheNeverendingTBR That‘s an awesome find! 2y
17 likes2 comments
review
ljmcm
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
Pickpick

Solid, entertaining science fiction

review
Traci1
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐
Second audio finish for #littenlisten. (5 hours +10 pts for being a #bookspin bingo finish, I think?) @aperfectmjk

Not my favorite Scalzi, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It reminded me somewhat of the Expeditionary Force books by Alanson. The narration was decent, but I may try the next one in print.

aperfectmjk Yes, it's 10 points per audiobook on your card. 50 additional points for a bingo with all audiobooks! 3y
47 likes1 comment
review
Pedrocamacho
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

This book was a lot of fun. The concept behind the story is fun, i.e. the elderly being offered the opportunity to serve humanity by defending distant colonies. I‘m excited to read the next one.

review
Lizpixie
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

Bk4 of May & Bk1 of #NutsInMay #readathon is done! Finally read another book this month🙌This was a great start to what hopefully will be an awesome SciFi series. In a future Earth, when you turn 75yrs old you have the option of joining the Colonial Defence Force where you‘ll be made young again & fight to protect human colonies from invading aliens out among the stars. I loved it, I loved the characters & I loved the universe.Highly recommend.🪐

56 likes3 stack adds4 comments
blurb
Lizpixie
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Hello Sunday! I‘ll be spending mine reading for the #NutsInMay #readathon in the amazing comfort of my brand new adjustable pillow top bed with a gorgeous blue autumn sky outside my window. I did my back last night while out celebrating my daughters birthday, except for the pain it‘s a brilliant excuse to lay here and just read! Just two chapters left in the tagged book before I switch to one of the others here. Which book would you choose?

Ruthiella Oof! Sorry to hear about your back! Hope you feel better soon. ❤️ I‘d pick The Lamplighters next. I‘m curious about it. 3y
Lizpixie @Ruthiella thank you, me too! I was leaning towards The Lamplighters, it sounds fascinating. Plus I love lighthouses!⚓️ 3y
Andrew65 Brilliant start 👏👏👏 3y
40 likes3 comments
blurb
Lizpixie
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

I‘m kicking off my #NutsInMay #readathon with the rest of the book I‘ve been trying to read for a week! It‘s not the book, it‘s really good, it‘s my slump. I‘m hoping a readathon will kickstart my book brain back into high gear🤞 This is the 1st book in the series about how in a future version of Earth, 75yr olds in good health, instead of retiring join the Colonial Army, fighting for human colonies in space against alien species. Wish me luck!

Ruthiella Good luck! 👍 3y
Andrew65 Hopefully this helps both of us. Good luck 😊👍 3y
RamsFan1963 Good choice to begin with. Great book and a wonderful series. 3y
37 likes3 comments
blurb
Lizpixie
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

My current read is a SciFi novel I‘ve been wanting to read for years. John Scalzi is a highly respected SFF writer who‘s won awards for his writing & has a rep for solid science theory. John Perry, after losing his wife, turns 75 & joins the army to fight for new planets to colonise. But things aren‘t what he‘s been led to believe.

SpaceCowboyBooks Loved this book 3y
Marmie7 I've read the first two in this series and really enjoyed them! 3y
51 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
wanderinglynn
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

#top20series #20series20days

Day 4 (in no particular order)

The Old Man's War series by John Scalzi

I was introduced to Scalzi by a friend who recommended I read Redshirts (a stand alone). I did and then quickly devoured everything Scalzi has written.

This series is one of the best sci-fi series. He won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer for his debut novel Old Man's War, & 3 of the 6 were nominated for a Hugo.

Lucy_Anywhere A fantastic series! I also really enjoyed The Collapsing Empire series as well 4y
Chrissyreadit Which one is first? I may introduce it to my son. We hear him speak at the National Book Festival a couple years ago and my son really enjoyed his talk. 4y
Ruthiella I read the first book and enjoyed it! Scalzi is such an entertaining writer! 4y
See All 6 Comments
wanderinglynn @Chrissyreadit Old Man‘s War is the first book of the series. My photo has them in order from bottom (no. 1) to top (no. 6) (edited) 4y
wanderinglynn @Lucy_Anywhere I have The Collapsing Empire, but haven‘t read it yet. I got it right before I moved. 👍🏻 4y
69 likes3 stack adds6 comments
review
TracyReadsBooks
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

This was a fun one—totally get why my son loves it. Think Starship Troopers but funnier. At the ripe old age of 75 John Perry enlists in the army—the army that fights battles against any number of alien species universes away from Earth to which he will never return. Engaging, funny, & smart in expected/unexpected ways, I really enjoyed this SF romp & will definitely continue reading the series. Now to raid my son‘s bookshelves for the next book.

blurb
TracyReadsBooks
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

This is one of my son‘s favorite books—he‘s read it four or five times and even got his copy signed by Scalzi at C2E2 this year—so I thought I‘d give it a go. So far, in the first couple of chapters, there‘s some cantankerous old men and lots of flatulence not to mention Scalzi‘s trademark wit...what‘s not to like?!?

18 likes1 stack add
review
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

Pick!
When people reach the age of 75, they have the option to join the Colonial Defense Force to help humans maintain their colonies in space.
Fascinating, original idea with lots of exciting confrontations with aliens. Also has a sweet side.
Explorations of aging, love, friendship, and duty.
Highly recommend.

TheSpineView I have been meaning to read this for a long time. Maybe I should move to the top of my list. 4y
45 likes4 stack adds1 comment
blurb
TracyReadsBooks
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

I bought Old Man‘s War for my husband last year—he‘d read Redshirts & liked it so I thought he‘d enjoy other Scalzi books. The book languished in his TBR pile until my 13-year-old son discovered it. Well, my son read it & then the next & the next until he devoured the entire series. He‘s since read it multiple times & today, even though he was so nervous he almost couldn‘t do it, he met John Scalzi & got these two books signed. So very cool.

Geenie He‘s cool 😎💖 4y
22 likes1 comment
review
JoyBlue
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Mehso-so

I liked the premise of 75-year-olds enlisting in the military. All-told, though, there was too much war detail; not enough science coolness or humor.

blurb
Schlinkles
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

First sci-fi and fantasy book club pick of 2020. My husband has wanted me to read this for awhile now. Now we can discuss it.

AutumnRLS Cool looking edition! I love Scalzi, but took a break after reading a ton of his stuff in a row. Just catching up on this series now. 4y
Lucy_Anywhere I loved this series! 4y
67 likes2 comments
blurb
brandybear22
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Took myself out on a sushi 🍣 date tonight and listening to this as I am driving. I‘m hooked, I can see all the ways this book could go, but I don‘t actually know how it is going. Good sci do, at least so far!

kgriffith Have we ever had sushi together?? I don‘t think we have. We should fix that. 4y
brandybear22 @kgriffith mmmmm I would enjoy 4y
13 likes3 stack adds3 comments
review
RainyDayReading
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

A new favorite! I definitely was not expecting there to be as much humor in this as there was. Quick, familiar yet refreshingly new. I loved the writing style and even though some of the physics went over my head, it never bogged down the story. I wish there had been a little more explanation in places but overall I loved this. Will be keeping my eye out for a copy to add to my collection as well as the next book in this series.

review
Lucy_Anywhere
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

Military sci-fi is usually not my thing - space battles and square-jawed soldiers tend to bore me. But OLD MAN'S WAR is military sci-fi filled with warmth and humanity and very likeable characters. It also works in humorous musings on getting old and the joys of being young and unstoppable. An enjoyable read!

KtheBookwyrm I enjoy John scalzi and this series in particular, despite not being a big fan of military sci-fi as well. 5y
rretzler Scalzi is one of my favorite authors and I‘ve read all of his books - except for this series, which I‘ve been putting off because of the military sci-fi aspect. Glad to hear that I will be able to read and enjoy - I should have guessed that would be the case with Scalzi. 5y
Lucy_Anywhere @KtheBookwyrm and @rretzler thanks, guys. The Collapsing Empire was my first Scalzi book, and I really enjoyed it 5y
rretzler If you ever listen to Scalzi audiobooks, just a tip to pick the ones with Wil Wheaton as the narrator. He and Scalzi are good friends and Wheaton does a great job with Scalzi‘s humor and sarcasm. My favorite combo for audiobooks! 5y
wanderinglynn Love this series! ❤️👍🏻 5y
12 likes5 comments
review
Jaimelire
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

Wow, I read this one in a day. Great sci-fi space adventure! I have already put the next two books on hold at my library. I am going to pass this one on to my husband and 15 year old son. I am glad we have this genre of fiction in common. I give this book 👍👍.

review
sigriff
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
Pickpick

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Good pace, felt like a thriller at times, reminded me a bit of starship troopers. Will probably read the sequel.

3 likes1 stack add
blurb
sigriff
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Next read, been on the list for a long while now.

Jaimelire I just finished it. So good! 5y
sigriff @Jaimelire yeah I really enjoyed it. Only Dip in to sci-fi now and again but this one was one of the most enjoyable I've read 5y
2 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
LauraJ
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

Once a human turns 75, they can get a new, young body in exchange for going to war. The new body has lots of upgrades that make you question what makes us human. Action-packed with a touch of humor and physics...must read the whole series!

Sweettartlaura Hah!🤣. I was just talking to my 7 year-old niece, about what happens spiritually when we die - she brought it up. And one of the ideas we kicked around was, do we get a new body? She said she didn‘t want a new body. I said, “You might feel differently when you‘re 75 - just ask Poppy.” Now I‘m gonna give her this book some day 😜 5y
RadicalReader What a beautiful book cover 5y
LauraJ @RadicalReader I think this is from a limited edition. 5y
LauraJ @Sweettartlaura I‘m going to be a mess by the time I reach 75! 5y
Sweettartlaura Exactly! 🤣 5y
46 likes2 stack adds5 comments
blurb
LauraJ
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

A little lunchtime reading therapy with Lloyd. How is it only Tuesday? #catsoflitsy

TheDaysGoBy Right? This week has felt so long already. I haven‘t gotten a lunch hour either day so far which means my current read is suffering. Hope the rest of the week goes fast for you! 5y
LauraJ @TheDaysGoBy okay, we‘ve made it to Thursday. 5y
46 likes2 comments
blurb
LauraJ
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Since I‘m feeling #crochety, this should suit me just fine!

44 likes1 stack add
blurb
Pogue
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Look what my son got me!

blurb
KtheBookwyrm
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

After a couple of false starts, I‘ve finally settled on another John scalzi. After Lock In and Redshirts, I needed more of his writing. 70 pages in and already enjoying it, even though nothings much has really happened yet.

Scott_BookInvasion Oooh loved this one! It‘s a far cry from Lock In but it‘s still got that snark and wit that Scalzi does so well. I hope you enjoy it! 5y
14 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Guildedearlobe
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

I didn‘t make a collage today because @JoScho made a pretty awesome picture for today‘s #manicmonday celebrating the #lettero

📚 Old Man‘s War by John Scalzi. Love this series.
✏️ Nnedi Okorafor
📺 Orphan Black!!!!!!!
🎥 O‘ Brother, Where Art Thou?
🍨 Orange Popsicles

Happy O Day!

MirrorMask I still need to finish Orphan Black 5y
JoScho Thank you 😊🧡 5y
CampbellTaraL Yes to Orphan Black! I need to watch that series again, so good. 😍 5y
See All 6 Comments
youneverarrived Orphan Black is so good! 5y
Guildedearlobe @taraWritesSci @youneverarrived I absolutely loved that show. She‘s such a brilliant actress and there‘s nothing like it on TV right now. 5y
Michollio 💜💜💜 Orphan Black 5y
67 likes6 comments
review
BookArt
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Pickpick

It finally happened. A book made me cry, twice. I teared up once somewhere in the middle but when John was telling Jane about his wife's death I had some rollers. I just thought it was sad/and adorable that he was telling her over and over again that he loved her so that it would be the last thing she heard 😢😭 I can't wait to read the next one. #scifi #recommend
Read more at goodreads.com/KimSkim

blurb
BookArt
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

I think the book does a really amazing job at describing what it might be like to have your consciousness transferred into another body. I do find it odd that once transferred John refers to his old body as it and not me. I think it would take the brain some time to emotionally process that kind of switch but I'll overlook it. #scifi
Art by Louis Dyer Visionary Art & Design

blurb
BookArt
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Started a new book and did a bit of cliff jumping over the weekend. I'm enjoying the author's humor so far. 👍🏽 #scifi #adventure

review
Kwhoward7
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
Pickpick

Witty, easy read

review
Manieschaef
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

First book of my staycation readathon done! A pretty impressive first novel. Scalzi can always be trusted for wry, self-deprecating characters, snappy dialogue, and a surprising amount of heart. .
.
.
:
.
#scifi #sffyeah #books #bookish #booknerd #book #booknook #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #riotgrams #staycation #readathon #reading #readingnook #novel

review
tessavi
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

Old Man's War is not groundbreaking sci-fi, but it is entertaining and fast paced. I discovered Scalzi this year and like his writing style. Definitely want to read the rest of this series.

RamsFan1963 I loved the whole series. I know some people don't, because it turns more political less action oriented in the later books. 6y
tessavi @RamsFan1963 actually, the fighting was my least favorite part, so that sounds good to me! 6y
47 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
rickricardu
Guerra do Velho | John Scalzi
Pickpick

Sci-Fi na veia

review
plaidchuck
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image
Pickpick

An awesome Sci Fi Opera with a protagonist you root for from the start. Within the Heinlein-esque story of rising through the ranks there is a surprisingly tender love story that'll make you tear up at least once. Recommended with 4.5 stars!

15 likes1 stack add
quote
plaidchuck
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

"I did two things on my seventy-fifth birthday. I visited my wife's grave. Then I joined the army."

So far this has been a blast to read! A lot of old school scifi elements shared from the POV of a loveable curmudgeon!

Geeklet I really need to read this one again then check out the rest of the series. I remember really enjoying it but I read it right after The Forever War. The two books have become merged in my memory. 6y
plaidchuck @Geeklet yeah i can't wait to check out the rest of his stuff! 6y
20 likes2 comments
blurb
BookishTrish
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Dear brain: please shut down

Joanne1 Did it work? I sometimes have trouble shutting my brain off and it never listens to me. 6y
BookishTrish @Joanne1 Eventually... sigh 6y
readordierachel How are you liking this one? 6y
minkyb Easier said than done. Such a pain. 6y
71 likes4 comments
blurb
BookishTrish
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

Lunch break #weekendlibrarian

CouronneDhiver Lovely! Is it really hot over there today? 32 C here! ☀️ 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 💗 6y
BookishTrish @CouronneDhiver about 28 C. It was breezy by the ocean which was refreshing 6y
92 likes3 comments
review
RJHowe
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
Panpan

Very disappointed with this book. It struck me as a pale imitation of Heinlein with no added value. There were numerous info dumps and cliches and the ending was quite predictable. I look for some originality in my SF and found none. Craft wise it was pre-70s in quality. If you are looking for something to make you remember Hienlein fondly this might work for you. If you are looking for original or thought provoking military SF no luck.

RamsFan1963 I'm surprised you didnt enough this. I've loved all of Scalzi's books, especially the Old Man's War series. There's definitely Heinlein influences but, especially in the later books, there's a more adult political viewpoint than you find with Heinlein. 6y
Ruthiella I liked this but I think I read them the other way round: Scalzi first, then Starship Troopers. Now I also need to read Halderman‘s The Forever War because I think that was also an inspiration. 6y
RaimeyGallant You write good reviews. 6y
See All 6 Comments
RJHowe @RaimeyGallant thank you, I enjoy good reviews so figure the least I can do is return the favour 6y
RJHowe @ruthiella Forever War is a great book. I hope you make the time and enjoy it 6y
RJHowe @RamsFan1963 I found just too many problems with it. I am a bit of a craft wonk and found the “As you know Bobs” just painful. The drill sergeant was straight out of central casting. I just couldn‘t find any originality. I doubt I will make time for the later books now. 6y
74 likes6 comments
blurb
RJHowe
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

So we moved from a rural area to midtown Toronto recently. I love the new lifestyle but miss some things. Thus we have dubbed our rooftop patio "the cottage." So tonight I am reading at the cottage.

CarolynM Looks like a lovely place to spend time💜 6y
Chellebearss Looks lovely! 🖤 6y
CouronneDhiver Great! I love it 6y
See All 10 Comments
knittedgnome Looks like a great spot! 6y
RaimeyGallant Looks enticing! 6y
mrozzz Looks perfect for reading! 6y
Mdargusch Wow! Looks like an amazing spot! 6y
tpixie Lovely space! My sister has a rooftop patio and it is so much fun! 6y
Bookladylinda Gorgeous space!!! 6y
Crazeedi Your patio looks so comfy! 6y
139 likes1 stack add10 comments
blurb
Pogue
Old Man's War | John Scalzi
post image

My son is the best! He got to go to Phoenix Com Con yesterday and got me an early birthday gift! If you have not read this book it is amazing!

JoyBlue Happy early birthday! 💙🎉🎈 6y
Pogue Thank you! 6y
20 likes2 comments