Jumping Off the Planet

When this novel first slid across my desk, part of me was thrilled to have another David Gerrold novel to read, while part of me dreaded dealing with a story line wrapped around a dysfunctional family -- seen primarily from the perspective of an adolescent. I am now extremely happy to tell you that the story line reels you in, and moves along at a pace like a run away train. The characters are believable and wonderfully real in their strengths and weaknesses.The "world building" that Gerrold did in creating this novel is reminiscent of Arthur C. Clarke's "Fountains of Paradise" but in the Western hemisphere of a not-so-distant future. The balance of science to storyline is handled well, and the twists of story along the way are entertaining, if not exceptionally new. It is by no means a 'juvenile' novel, but instead should appeal to a much wider readership. Highly recommended.

Unusual and Absorbing, best-selling author David Gerrold has (once again) written a terrific page-turner. Full of rich characters, wry humor, and a staggering look at adolescence, JUMPING OFF THE PLANET is an exceptional story. Occurring over a landscape of time and space, Gerrold has created two of the most likeable characters in fiction. Easily one of the most memorable and enjoyable novels in years.

Unusual and Absorbing, best-selling author David Gerrold has (once again) written a terrific page-turner. Full of rich characters, wry humor, and a staggering look at adolescence, JUMPING OFF THE PLANET is an exceptional story. Occurring over a landscape of time and space, Gerrold has created two of the most likeable characters in fiction. Easily one of the most memorable and enjoyable novels in years.

Thirteen-year-old Charles feels as if he and his brothers are possessions that his divorced parents battle over. His mother loathes his father because she believes her three progenies ruined her career as a singer. His father detests his mother for her infidelity. Now his mother wants to terminate her former spouse's visitation privileges. However, the court awards him custody of his children for one month each year. He takes Charles, Douglas, and Bobby to Mexico where they catch a train to Beanstalk City. There they ride an elevator that reaches beyond the atmosphere and serves as the jumping off point for the moon and other space colonies.Initially, the Dingillian siblings think they are enjoying a family adventure, but the older two brothers (Charles and Douglas) soon believe their father plans to abduct the trio. Though a bit unsettled and frightened, they realize their father wants to make up for his past indiscretions and broken promises to them. However, they soon feel like pawns again when they learn their father is involved in a plot to change the world order. That latest betrayal shatters the sense of well being leading the boys down a course that will alter their lives forever. Anyone who likes the works of Norton or Star Trek's "The Trouble with Tribbles" should immediately jump on JUMPING OFF THE PLANET. The tale is set in an alien, high tech environment, but deals with human problems caused by the divorce wars. David Gerrold has created a trio of memorable characters who deserve to continue as stars in an ongoing series. Anyone who enjoys a thought provoking science fiction tale will fully relish Mr. Gerrold's latest novel. Harriet Klausner