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A review by dark_reader
Occupy Space by Grady Hendrix
5.0
Self-publishing can have a bad reputation, often for good reason. [a:Grady Hendrix|4826394|Grady Hendrix|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1542284521p2/4826394.jpg] is an outstanding example of someone who started off self-publishing and went on to traditional publishing with great success (not that this is the necessary path for self-publishing authors). His latest novels have gained him critical and popular acclaim and screen development offers. But before all that, he put out this kind-of science fiction (maybe more properly a societal fiction) novella with a powerful impact.
Had I come across Occupy Space when it was first released, I would have had no doubt that the author would go on to great success. As it was, I pulled this from Hendrix's back-catalogue after feverishly reading several of his non-self-published books in short order. Occupy Space is the story of a bunch of self-proclaimed rednecks who gather to build a rocket, in order to rescue the cousin of the protagonist who is stranded aboard the International Space Station without any authorized rescue mission potential. It starts off goofy but, like the mission it enshrines, grows and matures to surprising heights. It is an unabashedly American story and is very much plugged into contemporary times. We see here a great deal of heart, emotionally authentic characters, and a talent for crafting thoroughly satisfying endings, all hallmarks of Grady’s writing.
Highly recommended if you have enjoyed any of his later books, including [b:The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires|44074800|The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584222716l/44074800._SY75_.jpg|68534292], [b:My Best Friend's Exorcism|41015038|My Best Friend's Exorcism|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533059241l/41015038._SY75_.jpg|46065002], or [b:We Sold Our Souls|37715859|We Sold Our Souls|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527975643l/37715859._SY75_.jpg|59355324]. For a real treat, track down his also-self-published novel [b:Satan Loves You|11261906|Satan Loves You|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1333896441l/11261906._SX50_.jpg|16188715], it is a hoot.
Had I come across Occupy Space when it was first released, I would have had no doubt that the author would go on to great success. As it was, I pulled this from Hendrix's back-catalogue after feverishly reading several of his non-self-published books in short order. Occupy Space is the story of a bunch of self-proclaimed rednecks who gather to build a rocket, in order to rescue the cousin of the protagonist who is stranded aboard the International Space Station without any authorized rescue mission potential. It starts off goofy but, like the mission it enshrines, grows and matures to surprising heights. It is an unabashedly American story and is very much plugged into contemporary times. We see here a great deal of heart, emotionally authentic characters, and a talent for crafting thoroughly satisfying endings, all hallmarks of Grady’s writing.
Highly recommended if you have enjoyed any of his later books, including [b:The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires|44074800|The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1584222716l/44074800._SY75_.jpg|68534292], [b:My Best Friend's Exorcism|41015038|My Best Friend's Exorcism|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533059241l/41015038._SY75_.jpg|46065002], or [b:We Sold Our Souls|37715859|We Sold Our Souls|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527975643l/37715859._SY75_.jpg|59355324]. For a real treat, track down his also-self-published novel [b:Satan Loves You|11261906|Satan Loves You|Grady Hendrix|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1333896441l/11261906._SX50_.jpg|16188715], it is a hoot.