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The Martian Child (Library Edition)

by David Gerrold

Published: 2006-04-15
Audio CD : 0 pages

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Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members

Winner of the 1995 Hugo Award for Best Novelette

Winner of the 1994 Nebula Award for Best Novelette

Gerrold, a science fiction writer from California, adopts a son who has a slight behavioral problem. He believes himself to be a Martian. Gerrold begins the long, involving work of ...

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Introduction

Winner of the 1995 Hugo Award for Best Novelette

Winner of the 1994 Nebula Award for Best Novelette

Gerrold, a science fiction writer from California, adopts a son who has a slight behavioral problem. He believes himself to be a Martian. Gerrold begins the long, involving work of trying to earn the acceptance of Dennis, a hyperactive eight-year-old who desperately wants a father's love, but is so insecure he feels he must be an alien. Gerrold's memoir of the first two years with Dennis ends with the climax of Dennis running away and waiting in a city park at night for the flying saucers to come and reclaim him. Funny, endearing, and at times, heartbreaking, this is a beautifully written testament to fatherhood.

This book is semi-autobiographical. Gerrold did adopt a son, but he heard about a boy who thought he was a Martian from another adoptive father.

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Gerrold starts off his book right away with the fact that the boy he will adopt thinks he's a Martian. What is the effect of starting the book with this fact?

How well do you think David handled all the problems that Dennis had? Would you have done differently? Why? Do the joys of adopting this boy outweigh the problems?

When Dennis makes a Martian wish it always comes true. Why do you think this happens? h Why do you think he believes he has limited wishes? In the movie, why do you think tey took out the part about Pam? How would the film been different if they hadn't?

by RockinRenee (see profile) 03/05/12

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Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members.

Read the Book, Watch the Movie!

by RockinRenee (see profile) 03/05/12

There are a bunch of significant and controversial differences between the film version and the book. It sparks some very spirited discussion.

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"A Wonderful and Relevant Memoir of Adoption and All It's Triumphs and Tragedies"by Nicole A. (see profile) 03/05/12

David Gerrold's Martian Child is such a wonderful book. For those of you familiar with the movie starring John Cusack, this book has all of the inspiration and heartfelt moments while also adding some... (read more)

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