Fuzzy Nation is a modern take on the classic tale of a large corporation exploiting natural resources for profit, destroying the environment in the process, and then running into an environmental snag. In this case the exploitation happens to be occurring on a distant planet and the snag is the discovery of a new life form that mucks up the works. Because these new creatures are small and furry they are given the name "Fuzzies" and the bulk of this story is the ensuing legal battle between scientists and lawyers over whether or not the Fuzzies are sapient. Of course if they are deemed sapient then interplanetary law dictates that the corporation must stop exploiting their home world and leave it to them, so vast sums of money are at stake on the outcome. Don't be fooled into thinking that a legal battle must be boring as John Scalzi injects his usual amount of humor into the tale and makes this a fun short story that doesn't outstay its welcome.

It turns out that this book is actually a reboot of an older story named Little Fuzzy which was originally written in 1962. Scalzi modernizes the tale quite well but there are still times in the book where it is obvious that the original story is from a simpler time; however, Scalzi does add depth as the main characters consider both the legal and ethical sides of the battle and look within themselves to decide what kind of people they really are.  If you are looking for a short, light science fiction story then Fuzzy Nation will serve you well. It makes a great book for reading on a trip where you know you won't have a lot of time for anything deeper or longer. If your trip is a long car ride then consider picking up the audiobook instead where Wil Wheaton does his usual solid job as the narrator, with the entire book clocking in at a mere 7 hours.