Book Review: Jumping Off the Planet

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Jumping Off the Planet     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
David Gerrold
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Tor, Mar 2000, $19.95, 285 pp.

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

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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