Fly your book-nerd flag high! Get your book-nerd T-Shirts and more here!
Constituent Service: A Third District Story
By: John Scalzi
My Rating: FOUR out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 16 and up

Constituent Service: A Third District Story: Parks and Rec… with Aliens!

John Scalzi’s Constituent Service: A Third District Story is just plain fun! It’s the perfect “popcorn read” – light, entertaining, and easy to enjoy without requiring too much brainpower. This Audible Original is a quick listen, clocking in at just over a couple of hours, making it ideal for a commute or a relaxing afternoon.

Imagine “Parks and Rec” set in a future where humans share Earth with a multitude of alien species. That’s the vibe of Constituent Service. Ashley Perrin, fresh out of college, takes a job as a community liaison for the Third District, a sector where aliens outnumber humans. This isn’t your typical municipal job. Ashley’s first week is a hilarious baptism by fire, as she navigates the bizarre and often absurd complaints of her alien constituents—and many requests to tough her hair.

Aliens is where Scalzi thrives, and this is a world where interspecies interactions are commonplace, but just as messy and complicated as any human-run bureaucracy. Think of it: alien parades that cause noise pollution, rogue chickens with a knack for criminal activity, and sewer systems that have to accommodate a bewildering array of alien physiologies. And, of course, there’s the office karaoke night, a cultural melting pot of alien and human musical tastes. Scalzi cleverly uses this backdrop to explore the universal themes of community, bureaucracy, and the often hilarious challenges of coexistence. He does this by creating a setting where the mundane and the extraordinary collide, giving us a unique window into the trials of running a district that is, well, out of this world.

This book is just so much fun! It’s a fantastic, lighthearted listen perfect for when you want to unwind and have a good laugh. The comparison to “Parks and Rec” is spot-on, with its quirky characters, absurd situations, and a protagonist who’s just trying to make sense of it all. Aliens singing karaoke? Spider-dogs with a penchant for mischief? Toilets designed to accommodate a bewildering array of alien anatomies? An alien sex shop catering to interspecies desires? Fatbergs in the sewer that are more than just congealed grease? A scam artist chicken? There’s no shortage of hilarious and outlandish moments that will have you chuckling throughout the audiobook.

I especially loved how Scalzi cleverly weaves together seemingly disparate plot threads, revealing how each bizarre incident is connected, culminating in a satisfying and entertaining resolution. The office dynamics are also a highlight, with Ashley’s alien colleagues each having their own unique quirks and personalities. It really left me wanting more stories from the Third District, eager to see what other hijinks Ashley and her team get up to. Amber Benson’s narration is absolutely perfect, bringing each character to life with distinct voices and inflections, adding another layer of enjoyment to the listening experience.

Sensitive Content:
Language: Occasional strong language.
Sexual Content: References to animals mating; sex shop mentioned.
Violence/Gore: Minimal violence; some grossness (sewage, mild body horror).
Harm to Animals: Alien equivalent of a puppy mill; chicken kidnapped.
Harm to Children: None.
Other (Triggers): Inappropriate behavior.

Should you read it?

If you’re looking for a light, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable audiobook, Constituent Service: A Third District Story is a great choice. It’s a perfect escape from reality and a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.

This Dad says Constituent Service: A Third District Story is best for 16 and up.

Happy Reading!