Scan barcode
ktjawrites's review
5.0
While some sections could have been integrated more directly or even trimmed a bit, Anthem is still punchy and poignant.
electrostatic's review
3.0
It’s hard to write a review of a book like this: I enjoyed Noah Hawley’s style of writing so much, how he built his characters to be sympathetic (all except one) to a degree where you understood why they made the choices they did. but overall it was such an unpleasant experience reading it because it felt like it was something that wasn’t just highly plausible but also bound to come to pass, perhaps as soon as in 6 months. It’s speculative fiction that didn’t have to go very far in speculation. At the same time, it clearly is set out to do just that: tell you pointedly that this shit is barely fiction because it’s happening now. He even takes a break in the middle of the book, beaks the authorial fourth wall if you will, and preface-style tell you “look man. i didn’t know how to make it more ridiculous than reality already is which is why there’s a random lion that shows up in that chapter”. i’ve never read anything like it nor have I been existentially terrified like this before (more so than reading non fiction about the state the world is in? even the ending which is meant to be hopeful leaves us to wonder how the “protagonists” will actually fare because the world at large has not changed.
lindsaysmeldrum's review
3.0
I really don’t know how to rate this book. At first it really held my attention with his clever social commentary. Then it got weird, and I found myself just wanting to be done. Mostly, it just made me feel depressed thinking about the state of the world and my children’s futures.
debi_g's review
2.0
DNF, but made it to 67%
Appreciated the “author’s note” chapters, for the most part, but not the story nor characters.
This strikes me as a book certain men will really eat up.
Appreciated the “author’s note” chapters, for the most part, but not the story nor characters.
This strikes me as a book certain men will really eat up.
lucasgarner's review
2.0
What do you get when you mix South Park, MSNBC, and Chuck Palahniuk? This mess of a book. It really reminded me of a failed South Park episode that took itself way to seriously. But that’s because Noah Hawley has So. Much. To. Say! And this would be all well and good if he was able to concisely put together all of his thoughts, but instead we are left with an endless regurgitation of preachy liberal nonsense (note: I say this as a proud liberal) that makes any point he is attempting to make sound like a toddler trying to cry his way out of eating his vegetables. It’s just too much. The book is also very condescending, which makes me wonder just who this novel is actually written for. Any self respecting liberal will realize what a bastardization of our logic this novel is, and any conservative will throw this out with the rest of the “woke trash” they don’t want to listen to. I know there a decent reviews for this, but I’m really scratching my head wondering what kind of person would enjoy this novel. Maybe I missed something here.
mhworth's review
4.0
4.5 honestly. This book is so current it hurts- and Hawley’s take on current events is so prescient that he basically wrote about the Jan 6 insurrection in October 2020. Tragic, epic and powerful, but the fourth wall breaking doesn’t pay off like I want it to. Definitely read it- and not just because there is a character named Margot (I listened to the audiobook, so the spelling didn’t affect me) and her husband graduated from my alma mater, although both of those very personal little relatable details made me happy!
justluck's review
3.0
This book had an awesome set up, awesome writing, and awesome characters. But as I approached the end some great plot lines were erased before they could satisfactorily close, the writing became rushed, and the characters didn’t come through for me. I overall had a fun time reading it but the ending ruined it for me
richisdrinkingcoffee's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0