They Walked Like Men

Like bob_c, this was my first introduction to Simek and one of the first SF novels that I ever read. The hard drinking, on the edge reporter image is classic '40s-'50s style and the addition of a SF element make for an interesting storyline. An enjoyable afternoons read. To this day I regret not taking my uncle's offer to introduce me to the author (they worked together at the Tribune), I was young and ignorant. steve_is

In _They Walked Like Men_ Simak takes on material slightly different from his usual fare. Aliens have invaded the earth, but instead of using weapons to take control, they're using commerce.Full of many of the standard Simak elements-- friendly aliens in odd shapes, journalists, philosophical musing and old-timey assistants. Perhaps not his best book, but I have to agree with the reviewer who said that he didn't think Simak was capable with writing a bad book.

This book was my introduction to Simak, and somehow the 1950s pulp-style feeling that other reviewers have mentioned really "did it" for me. The story is interesting, but even more so, the writing style brings back quite a feeling of nostalgia for me. It's not flashy, but it is riveting. Characters are not heavily detailed, Simak usually spends more time advancing the plot. You won't be sorry if you pick this one up, provided you can find it.

When reading this book under the harsh light of year-2000 sensibilities, be prepared for a very 1950s pulp feel. Some of you may find this to be part of the charm of the book, but others might be put off. Still, even if you are put off by the slightly chauvanist style, Clifford Simak's "They Walked Like Men" is worth reading through.Clifford's premise is actually rather unique for the science fiction books I read. Aliens arrive who want to take over the Earth -- by buying it. A series of covert transactions, each with closing dates close to one another, designed to defeat the human race by causing an economic collapse. Since when have aliens gone at it this way? The book may feel like 1950s fiction, but there are no flying saucers shooting off lasers, here.Clifford Simak has a very readible writing style. The book is told in the first person and Simak gets you into the head of the lead character, who is a journalist covering the story of the alien's hostile takeover. Simak was himself a journalist, so he seems to know of what he writes. The other characters, the love-interest Joy, his caustic boss, down to the aliens and the strangers on the street, all come across as three-dimensional and interesting. It's a charming read, both because of its dated feel, and because of its original premise.