A review by nclcaitlin
Old Man's War by John Scalzi

3.5

Old Man's War tells the story of aging people on Earth who volunteer for an off planet life in the army in return for a 'makeover'.

We are in the head of John Perry, aged 75, who is as astounded, crass, and disturbed as we would be in the same situation. 

Delivered with humour, Scalzi manages to skate the fine line of being non-offensive with outlier jokes and confrontational, provocative remarks.  

All of Scalzi’s protagonists just seem so real. They are not the heroes you would expect for a space opera sci fi. They react realistically with the accompanying disbelief, relationships, resignation, and emotions real people would. 

Please speak the name you would like to give your BrainPal.

"Asshole," I said.

You have selected "Asshole," the BrainPal wrote, and to its credit it spelled the word correctly. Be aware that many recruits have selected this name for their BrainPal. Would you like to chose a different name?

"No," I said, and was proud that so many of my fellow recruits also felt this way about their BrainPal.

Would you like Asshole to refer to itself in the first person?

"Absolutely." I said.

I am Asshole.

"Of course you are.”

It kind of makes sense that this is regularly referred to as ‘man’ sci fi. The humour would definitely appeal to older men and teenage boys humour (I speak from experience in my household). 

My favourite John Scalzi (which I recommend to everyone) is Starter Villain.