Six

Would you like to read a science fiction tale even more unusual than usual, what with its being rich with rhyming and alliteration, plus filled with wry humor . . . from beginning to end? If so, then this unparalleled, unhinged, uncertain, unEarthly adventure might be for you, my book-loving friend. Prepare to find yourself in the year 2525. In the Year 2525, by the way, is the name of an apocalyptic and amazingly popular song back in 1969 (as is mentioned in the tale), but in spite of the song's worries, human life on planet Earth has somehow managed to survive. Hard evidence of visitation by alien life still has yet to be known, until the opening of this story on a moonlit and serene night, when cryptic activities in the sky, such as booms, glowing spheres in a hexagonal formation in front of the Big Dipper . . . and a loud voice announce the existence of an apparent place called "Hexagonza," without any further explanation. However, it is soon realized in an observatory, that all of this has provided clues as to what Hexagonza looks like, plus its location. So, after it is indeed observed with a new telescope, a spaceship is sent out to pay six-sided Hexagonza a visit. No one has any idea if the place won't be worth shit, or might be exquisite. The awful "s" word has been used here, by the way, since the main character and others enjoy rough language, quite a bit. Arriving in distant Hexagonza, it is discovered to be a kingdom where the inhabitants are, as expected, found in appearance to be quite off-the-wall, to use a too-common phrase. Speaking of walls, what it is that Hexagonza rests on (like, is it The Wall?) is a giant question which leaves the Earthlings befuddled. This shockingly includes the Hexagonzans, who wish to obtain some rare items found on Earth which should make them finally no longer being equally puzzled. The astronauts will of course see about Earth's assistance in procuring what the Hexagonzans lack. However, they have seven days for exploration and whatever until they must return, and thus they don't rush back. So, shit-oh-dear (a favorite expression by the main character), busy, bumpy activities begin the next day, ranging from the blissful to the bizarre . . . so much to experience and explore. Like for example: preposterously passionate plants; tremendously tall spiraling plants . . . where one offers more than just being something intriguing to look at; a land which is a lot like Oz, but where the Emerald City is . . . different; a big very bad aggressive bubble; challenging glass chambers to step into to hopefully reverse unwanted bodily changes which have happened; the freaky sneaky tomb of Hexagonza's first king; surreptitious ravishing romances; dazzling but oh-so devious, devilish desserts . . . and of course more. As day seven finally rolls around, the spaceship heads back to Earth, and inside it SIX concludes with some "travelling music," as requested by the main character. It is the rather psychedelic old hit "On the Road Again," performed by the band called "Canned Heat." Whoo hoo. Maybe you can listen to it online, while deciding if this tale might be for you. Well anyway, variety is the spice of life, while humor is the frosting on life's cake. So therefore, if you do obtain the book, you should just relax, take off your shoes, sip a nice beverage, and enjoy SIX's ride, for goodness' sake.