Stringers

Ben Sullivan is an expert in natural sciences, specializing in the reproductive characteristics of insects. Yes, Ben knows a lot about bug sex, as well as antique watches and something called the Chime. He has no idea where the knowledge came from, just that he knows it. By searching online, Ben comes across a forum entry from someone with a similar condition. Accompanied by his best friend Patton, Ben agrees to meet this individual in the middle of nowhere, at two am. What could go wrong? Now the two friends find themselves flying through space all because of the knowledge in Ben’s head.

If you take a bit of farcical humor, add in some obscure facts and a lot of potty jokes and blend them into a space opera, you will get Stringers. Written by Chris Panatier, this sci-fi fantasy ranks off the chart on the oddball meter. Ben’s brain adds side commentary in the form of footnotes containing musings and scientific facts, the novel is actually somewhat educational. Panatier explores the hilarity of alien abductions in this feel-good buddy story. If you read only one space adventure featuring a jar of pickles, make sure that it is Stringers.