Clarence Young, a.ka. Zig Zag Claybourne has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read Brother Jetstream: Leviathan. That book caught me off guard. It wasn't at all what I expected, but everything I needed. Not since reading the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy had I been so engaged, entertained and amused. So there was no hesitation when the 'sequel', Afro Puffs are the Antennae of the Universe, was announced. The title alone insured that it was gonna happen. And just like before, I wasn't disappointed.
It took me a long time to read Afro Puffs. Not because it's a bad book. It's great. It took me a long time because I only read it when I had time to sit in a quiet place and savor it. Afro Puffs, like Zig Zag's previous book is more than the sum of its parts. Yes, there is a plot, but within this wild narrative and inventive and fascinating prose is contemporary wisdom that enlightens and surprises. Zig Zag delivers these gems so casually that when I came across them they were eye-opening and worthy of sharing. And the names! Who but Zig Zag would name a character 'Hellbilly?' This is a novel filled with great characters, offbeat action, humor and depth. A fitting sequel to The Brothers Jetstream and a book every science fiction reader should experience.