When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi

I love discovering books that take a completely absurd premise and somehow make it work. So when I got the chance to read When the Moon Hits Your Eye early through NetGalley, I couldn’t resist. A story about the moon turning into cheese? It sounded ridiculous in the best possible way - and Scalzi absolutely delivers.

The Premise

What if the moon suddenly transformed into cheese? Instead of diving into the science behind it, Scalzi focuses on the human response - which is where things get really interesting. Governments scramble, billionaires scheme, conspiracy theorists go wild, and society does what it does best: react in completely unpredictable ways. It’s a wild premise that could’ve easily flopped, but Scalzi brings it to life with humor and cleverness, making it all feel surprisingly grounded. The chaos and absurdity come together to create a narrative that feels both outrageous and oddly relateable. You’ll find yourself questioning how people would truly react to something as bizarre as this, and Scalzi’s exploration of those reactions is what makes the book so fun to read.

The Execution

Scalzi’s signature humor shines through, making this book both clever and laugh-out-loud funny. The satire is razor-sharp, and if some of the characters feel suspiciously familiar…well, that’s no coincidence. Certain public figures are clearly being poked fun at, and let’s just say a particular billionaire’s storyline had me cheering… for the moon (or the cheese), not for him. Scalzi has a thing for making sharp social commentary through humor, and it’s delivered in a way that feels both playful and insightful. The absurdity of it all only enhances the message, creating a perfect blend of entertainment and reflection. Every character, no matter how brief their appearance, brings something to the table - whether its a moment of dark humor or a surprising twist.

The Writing & Pacing

Told through multiple perspectives, the story moves quickly, almost like a series of interconnected short stories. While that means we don’t stick with any one character for long, it fits the chaotic, big-picture feel of the novel. Every chapter adds a new layer to the unfolding madness, and I flew through the book in no time. The quick pacing keeps you on your toes, with just enough time to get a sense of each characters perspective before moving on to the next chaotic situation. It’s a whirlwind of events, but Scalzi manages to keep it all engaging from start to finish. The structure helps build the tension, adding a sense of urgency to the chaos while still allowing for some moments of calm.

My only complaint about the writing and pacing is that the constant shift in perspectives makes it hard to connect with the characters - each one is only present for a short moment, and just when you start to feel invested, the story moves on to someone else. The fleeting nature of the character development can leave you wanting more depth and continuity.

Final Thoughts

This book was exactly what I needed right now. In a time when reality feels overwhelming, When the Moon Hits Your Eye is a reminder that sometimes the only thing to do is step back and laugh. If you love sharp satire, absurd humor, and fast-paced storytelling, this one’s definitely worth picking up. It’s a perfect escape from the everyday, offering both laughter and a bit of introspection along the most lighthearted way possible, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for something fresh and fun. If you’re in the mood for something a little absurd, but still packed with sharp insights, this book is a perfect pick.

Rating: 4/5

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Sci-Fi

Release Date: March 27, 2025

Publisher: Pan Macmillan