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The Road to Roswell cover art

The Road to Roswell

Written by: Connie Willis
Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
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Publisher's Summary

A delightful novel about alien invasions, conspiracies, and the incredibly silly things people are willing to believe—some of which may actually be true—from the Nebula and Hugo award-winning author of Blackout and All Clear

“An absolute blast with abundant humor, copious references to old westerns, and . . . a delightful, intergalactic twist on the romantic comedy.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

When level-headed Francie arrives in Roswell, New Mexico, for her college roommate’s UFO-themed wedding—complete with a true-believer bridegroom—she can’t help but roll her eyes at all the wide-eyed talk of aliens, which obviously don’t exist. Imagine her surprise, then, when she is abducted by one.

Odder still, her abductor is far from what the popular media have led her to expect, with a body like a tumbleweed and a mass of lightning-fast tentacles. Nor is Francie the only victim of the alien’s abduction spree. Before long, he has acquired a charming con man named Wade, a sweet little old lady with a casino addiction, a retiree with a huge RV and a love for old Westerns, and a UFO-chasing nutjob who is thoroughly convinced the alien intends to probe them and/or take over the planet.

But the more Francie gets to know the alien, the more convinced she becomes that he’s not an invader. That he’s in trouble and she has to help him. Only she doesn’t know how—or even what the trouble is.

Part alien-abduction adventure, part road trip saga, part romantic comedy, The Road to Roswell is packed full of Men in Black, Elvis impersonators, tourist traps, rattlesnakes, chemtrails, and Close Encounters of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth kind. Can Francie, stuck in a neon green bridesmaid’s dress, save the world—and still make it back for the wedding?

©2023 Connie Willis (P)2023 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“A novelist who can plot like Agatha Christie and whose books possess a bounce and stylishness that Preston Sturges might envy.” (The Washington Post)

“One of America’s finest writers . . . Willis can tell a story so packed with thrills, comedy, drama and a bit of red herring that the result is apt to satisfy the most discriminating, and hungry, reader.” (The Denver Post)

“A wit with a common touch who’s read more great books, and makes better use of them in her work, than two or three lit professors put together.” (Newsday)

What listeners say about The Road to Roswell

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An enjoyable read.

wasn't sure I would like this but found it to be quite enjoyable. loved the alien.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A really fun story

If you are looking for a light hearted sci/fi comedy this will cover it. Narrator is great, characters are fun and some really enjoyable sci/fi moments.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great light comedy

Loved it
Not her usual time travel stuff that I love but a really fun rom-com

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The truth is out there - and it's hilarious!

Just what we need at this bleak moment in American history. Her funniest book since "To Say Nothong of the Dog". Connie Willis makes conspiracy theories fun again as she takes us on a road trip through America at its most joyously tacky. And introduces us to aliens most alien. Colorful and imaginative writing brought to,life by Jesse vilinsky's brilliant acting.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Wish I liked it

Many of the characters are annoying and the repetitive narration becomes very grating. Nice concept but not great execution.

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    2 out of 5 stars

Cute, but not very cohesive.

A lot of this book is listening to Francie learn about things second hand. I wanted to know what the aliens were doing and why, but we don’t get to hear about most of it. When we do learn about them, it’s always Wade coming in from another room to explain what he just heard to Francie, which I didn’t find engaging.
I also found the romance to be very quick with little development, but I’m not the best judge of that. It was cute, overall, and I laughed a couple times.

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