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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
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
I can't say I liked it much but it kept me intrigued enough to finish it. I wasn't a huge fan of the non linearity as it felt far too jumbled in it's timeline but I was able to place things near the end. I just felt it wasn't really satisfying to read and I found that outside it's non linear structure the narrative felt very incomplete and was missing the components of a book that make it enjoyable for me. I did appreciate the attention to detail and the overall message regarding finding escape through media can be a slippery slope but felt the execution left much to be desired.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A freaking masterpiece. A philosophical study of the choices and paths that we all have available, of the infinite possibilities of our lifetime. Like the game Trace Italian, we face dead ends, days of waiting in a holding pattern, and although death is possible, we are more likely to survive. An alternate reality born in the mind of someone with no other place to live, Trace Italian can take over your true existance, but only if you let it. One player is strong enough to take himself out when he realizes this, two others do not have the same willpower. Sean has found a way to connect with others that isn't technological, and gives him some purpose and enjoyment and belonging for many others. An unimaginable life gives us a glimpse down a path we hope we never have to travel. This could be read over and over and layers and layers would reveal themselves.
I think I should read it again sometime. I might rate it even higher?
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i don't love giving 5 star reviews but oh my fucking god. some people said this was an unsatisfying read, but i thought it was very satisfying- i have had thoughts like sean had, and although i've never acted upon them, i think i really relate to his headspace. beautifully blunt writing style (i wouldn't have expected anything less from the lead singer of the mountain goats!) and the reverse timeline/timeline skips are surprisingly easy to understand! i didn't feel lost anytime while reading the book.
i will live i will be at peace > i have caused something terrible to happen > i will make the most of my circumstances > i have done something terrible to my loved ones
i will live i will be at peace > i have caused something terrible to happen > i will make the most of my circumstances > i have done something terrible to my loved ones
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really strange book. I think I was expecting something entirely different because some people have shelved it as sci-fi. I'm guessing they didn't read it first because the "game" in the description is one where he created this world and people would send him their move by mail (with a SASE, of course) and he would look in his filing cabinet to get the corresponding result and send it back using the SASE. Not exactly sci-fi.
The game itself was truly, endlessly fascinating. This was probably my favorite aspect of the story. When I was 7 or 8 I would design my own board games so this really clicked for me. Despite the fact that his world was a million times more involved than my own designs. The exploration of his life was a bit less complete for me because there were unanswered questions. I never once grew bored, though. It was very engrossing.
The game itself was truly, endlessly fascinating. This was probably my favorite aspect of the story. When I was 7 or 8 I would design my own board games so this really clicked for me. Despite the fact that his world was a million times more involved than my own designs. The exploration of his life was a bit less complete for me because there were unanswered questions. I never once grew bored, though. It was very engrossing.