From reading the forward by the author, I learned that they used this story as the basis for the movie Independence Day. After reading it, I think the only similarity was the arrival of the ships. Everyone else was so much more fulfilling and richly told than the blast 'em up thrill ride of a movie.

This story is a much deeper tale about human society and where we could be headed. It's also entertaining. Recommend!

I didn't finish the book. The whole time I was reading, I felt that I had missed some key piece of information that would explain the characters and plot. It just wasn't interesting enough to keep plodding through.

Fascinating. I sort of expected a braggadocio list of all the drugs and debauchery that he is famous for. Instead, I got a very warm, heartfelt story of a kid from the wrong side of the tracks who really, really loves music.

Entertaining. The character names are goofy and the relationships play a little cheesy, but it was fun to read.