Novella. Slow first half, fast second half. Easy read. Very interesting premise. ( )

I was not sure what to expect, but the title caught my eye.

It turned out to be a boring summer vacation that became a real adventure for Barney.

Stuck in the Captain’s House, which is far from the village, and no one close to Barney’s age (16) it is looking pretty dull. Then three young people show up that have rented the small cinderblock cottage close by. Young, tan, good looking, without much background, they give something of interest for Barney.

There is also a role playing game the threesome are addicted to, that also attracts Barney’s interest — Interstellar Pig. A strange game that seems based on the world of Space and the planets. Barney is dying to play a round of the game with the three.

Zena, Manny and Joe are looking for something that is key to Interstellar Pig and think it is in the Captain’s House or very close by. They come to the conclusion that Barney knows where the item is and decide to give Barney entry to the game.

Sci-fi and fantasy are part of the mix, while the two segments jockey to get what they want. Who will be the winner? ( )

I just had a horrible flashback to highschool. This was a class read my English teacher made us read. I can not believe all these years later I still remember this horrific book. Some memories are better left covered over with a dark blackness never to be revealed. This is one of them but unfortunately, I wasn't so lucky.
It was horrible then and I don't care what anyone says I'm not about to 'give it a try' now. Some books don't deserve a second chance. This one doesn't deserve a first chance. There are better ways to spend your time than this. You could, for example, scrub the shower or pet an angry porcupine. The most this book deserves is a moment of silence for the book that was murdered on its behalf. ( )

One of the first books I remember reading in grade school. ( )

I heard so much about this and was looking forward to reading it. Meh. I finished it and started the sequel. That didn't last 5 pages. I gave it up and sent it on to some middle schoolers who will love the two books, I'm sure. ( )