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grace_edwards's review against another edition
4.0
Such a clever name.
The shimmering state referring to both the effects of the drug and the magical appeal of Cali masking a more shallow reality of the city of stars. These characters all seemed to be in search of something, using artificial means to get it. That same idea, I think, also applies to the lure of LA. I lost the story in the middle, but it picked back up again at the end. The writing was beautiful especially with the imagery during the characters' dream states. It's a slow-paced read but the message is genuine so I give it 4 shimmering stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The shimmering state referring to both the effects of the drug and the magical appeal of Cali masking a more shallow reality of the city of stars. These characters all seemed to be in search of something, using artificial means to get it. That same idea, I think, also applies to the lure of LA. I lost the story in the middle, but it picked back up again at the end. The writing was beautiful especially with the imagery during the characters' dream states. It's a slow-paced read but the message is genuine so I give it 4 shimmering stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
fonkun's review
5.0
THE SHIMMERING STATE revolves around two artists, Lucien, who is a photographer, and Sophie, who is a ballet dancer. Lucien and Sophie meet at The Center, a recovery center founded by Dr. Sloane to treat patients who’ve abused Memoroxin, an experimental memory drug.
THE SHIMMERING STATE is a masterfully interwoven piece alternating between the POVs of Lucien, Sophie, and Dr. Sloane. Westgate’s beautiful prose immersed me in the highs and lows of the characters’ lives at The Center and beyond it.
THE SHIMMERING STATE is a masterfully interwoven piece alternating between the POVs of Lucien, Sophie, and Dr. Sloane. Westgate’s beautiful prose immersed me in the highs and lows of the characters’ lives at The Center and beyond it.
loneal5's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
kyrabubbles's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Favorite book I've read so far this year! ♡
Reminded me a bit of the Netflix mini series Maniac with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, so that may have contributed to why I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Kinda bummed so many reviews say they didn't enjoy this book because of the pacing and multiple POVs - I definitely recommend the audiobook if you're a person that struggles with reading stories told from multiple perspectives.
This audiobook has four narrators for the different character perspectives and it felt like they were selected very well for each individual person!
Reminded me a bit of the Netflix mini series Maniac with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, so that may have contributed to why I enjoyed it as much as I did.
Kinda bummed so many reviews say they didn't enjoy this book because of the pacing and multiple POVs - I definitely recommend the audiobook if you're a person that struggles with reading stories told from multiple perspectives.
This audiobook has four narrators for the different character perspectives and it felt like they were selected very well for each individual person!
aubgerheart's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Drug abuse, and Sexual harassment
tonimarie_p's review
4.0
It took a while to build up, but the story was really engaging and there were tons of interesting plot points. Some parts were a lot to process, but I really enjoyed it!
rmwh's review
3.0
I enjoyed the (expected) similarity to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but found the book hard to read. Be mindful of triggers for self-harm, suicide, and what I can only describe as extremely violent intrusive thoughts.
yammmw's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Mental illness, Death, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
marykillian_'s review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A very slow start because the present day chapters are intentionally disorienting. A very intriguing concept of a plot which ultimately left me with more questions about how Memoroxin works rather than what was going to happen next to the characters. I think I needed either more of Dr Sloane's backstory or none at all.