“Redshirts” by John Scalzi

Redshirts is totally awesome.

If you’ve ever watched Star Trek (the original series), you’re familiar with redshirts – the random extras in red uniforms that invariably meet a gory death, thereby warning the main characters about what not to do on that particular inhospitable planet. This book tells their story.

The science fiction aspects of the book extend far beyond being on a spaceship – there’s also time travel! alternate realities (maybe!) crazy guy living in the Jeffries tubes! lots of humour! a solid emotional core! three codas!

Read this book. Even if you don’t like science fiction, you’ll love this.

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