Scan barcode
elizabeth_its_liz_reading's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars.
HHWGITD follows a number of characters over about a century (I think?) after melting permafrost leads to a global pandemic.
This book was such a journey! I didn’t realize that it’s actually a series of interrelated vignettes, rather than a traditional novel, when I started reading it. I tend not to gravitate towards short stories, but I absolutely loved this book and the unexpected connections between characters. I found the storytelling imaginative and compelling.
HHWGIT is also one of the most emotional reads I’ve read in awhile! A number of the stories brought me to tears. They have themes of love, grief, and human connnection throughout tragedy.
Lastly, I loved the quality of writing and pace of the story. Nagamatsu’s writing is incredible and his storytelling impressive in scope. I am so intrigued by apocalyptic stories that expertly weave together human illness and capitalism, but still somehow manage to incorporate themes of love, and maybe even a bit of hope?
I highly recommend this one to folks who enjoyed Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice, Severance by Ling Ma, or Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
HHWGITD follows a number of characters over about a century (I think?) after melting permafrost leads to a global pandemic.
This book was such a journey! I didn’t realize that it’s actually a series of interrelated vignettes, rather than a traditional novel, when I started reading it. I tend not to gravitate towards short stories, but I absolutely loved this book and the unexpected connections between characters. I found the storytelling imaginative and compelling.
HHWGIT is also one of the most emotional reads I’ve read in awhile! A number of the stories brought me to tears. They have themes of love, grief, and human connnection throughout tragedy.
Lastly, I loved the quality of writing and pace of the story. Nagamatsu’s writing is incredible and his storytelling impressive in scope. I am so intrigued by apocalyptic stories that expertly weave together human illness and capitalism, but still somehow manage to incorporate themes of love, and maybe even a bit of hope?
I highly recommend this one to folks who enjoyed Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice, Severance by Ling Ma, or Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
ebrooks5's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jenurich's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
1.5
It was hard when I realized each character’s section would not come back around. To only listen to each story once, without further connection/development went against my typical expectation. It wasn’t as comfortable of organization for me. Closure was different. Not a fan.
emileesmith's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
funktious's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t think any book has ever made me cry as often as this one did. A stunningly beautiful meditation on grief and regret, the human connection we all yearn for and that which we're not even aware of. A very different pandemic to the one we’ve just been through and an exploration of what might happen afterwards. A lot of loss and sadness but also hope.
It’s not perfect; a few too many of the chapters were narrated by the same sort of voice (aimless young men) and I have some difficulties with the world building (I would expect far more violence, riots and food shortages). Also the last chapter wraps things up in a way that might be too neat, but I’m willing to forgive all of it because this was laser targeted at my heart.
I can see why it was a finalist for the Ursula K Le Guin prize.
(If you’re a parent, be careful of chapter two. I was sobbing and I don’t even have kids!)
It’s not perfect; a few too many of the chapters were narrated by the same sort of voice (aimless young men) and I have some difficulties with the world building (I would expect far more violence, riots and food shortages). Also the last chapter wraps things up in a way that might be too neat, but I’m willing to forgive all of it because this was laser targeted at my heart.
I can see why it was a finalist for the Ursula K Le Guin prize.
(If you’re a parent, be careful of chapter two. I was sobbing and I don’t even have kids!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Pandemic/Epidemic
lraronson's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
jennyoo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
heyyoma's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ele_anorhurt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I found this short story collection to be one of the best ones I have read.
I liked that they have an interconnecting story to them.
The book covers themes of loss, longing, and regret. So it can be a very melan holic and harrowing read but it is not without it's hopeful moments.
It was an interesting blend of sci-fi and reality.
I liked that they have an interconnecting story to them.
The book covers themes of loss, longing, and regret. So it can be a very melan holic and harrowing read but it is not without it's hopeful moments.
It was an interesting blend of sci-fi and reality.