John Scalzi is right there with Andy Weir as the two most popular, best selling science fiction writers, presently. Scalzi has held that spot for much longer, and he has just completed a trilogy of novels with this current one. They are not related in any real way, just three one-offs that share one quality, in my view: these were three wacky ideas that Scalzi was likely thinking about, and wanted to work out, before getting on with his next series. They really are quirky, and the previous two are reviewed here: The Kaiju Preservation Society (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/the-kaiju-preservation-society-by-john-scalzi?rq=john%20scalzi), and Starter Villain (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/starter-villain-by-john-scalzi?rq=john%20scalzi). All share Scalzi’s trademark offbeat, sardonic humor.

With Moon, Scalzi dances up to, and occasionally tiptoes past, the point of complete absurdity. It is hard to fault him, and better for everyone to accept the premise, and enjoy the ride. What are you being asked to accept? Well, the moon has suddenly, for no scientific or other discernable reason, turned to cheese. What kind of cheese you ask? Don’t know—never do find that out. We get a wide range of reactions from various places, from the White House response, to college kids in Wisconsin and Oregon, to retirees in Oklahoma, and many others. When a planned moonshot is cancelled (due to the cheese situation), an Elon Musk-like billionaire hijacks his company’s rocket to make the attempt himself. And so it goes, as Kurt Vonnegut would say.

The situation is weird enough, but goes apocalyptic when a chunk double the size of Everest blows off the moon, as a result of geysers releasing steam, generated from compressing cheese (don’t ask, just accept.) The moon’s lower gravity cannot hold the chunk of cheese, which instead is heading toward Earth, likely to make contact in roughly two years. So, we face the end of the world via cheese smackdown. I will not share anymore than that. This fusion of zaniness has some poignant moments, surprising and very touching, as characters decide how they wish to spend their final days.

This trilogy of books would make great beach reading this summer. Ditch the standard romance fare, and read for adventure and giggles instead. Scalzi knows how to tell a story, and there are many layered jokes here for your enjoyment. I can recommend any and all Scalzi, but these three will make you smile.