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emilybryk's review against another edition
2.0
It's fine. But it's really an amalgam of a lot of better books.
ashlynbv's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nick_jenkins's review against another edition
5.0
Superb as a piece of contemporary criticism, engrossing as a narrative, moving as an attempt to say something true and difficult about both society and the individual, this novel convincingly achieves everything it sets out for itself. I hope many people read it.
tonythep's review against another edition
3.0
Great quirky premise, good main character. But he kind of lost me in the end. The traveling from place to place in the end seemed kind of random. Rich's first novel, "The Mayor's Tongue" was more daring and more fun.
itsmytuberculosis's review against another edition
4.0
The terrifying thing about this book is that it is labeled 'science fiction' yet could realistically happen at any moment. It keeps you absorbed in the realistic and haunting idea of a dystopia not created by dictators or vague yet menacing science companies but by our own sheer ignorance.
That, in my opinion, makes it realistic fiction.
That, in my opinion, makes it realistic fiction.
falseprophet's review against another edition
4.0
Had to read this for a college class. I, despite looking at the reviews beforehand, actually really liked this book.
Mitchell, at least in the first and part of the second act, reminds me a lot of the Narrator from Fight Club. I can only imagine Charnoble being played by Willem Dafoe if this were ever adapted.
My only complaint is that Elsa ended up being alive. Something about that didn't sit right, as Elsa didn't feel like a person to me, rather a part of Mitchell's "old life" that should have been taken away from him during the flood.
Also, all the hobo-Mitchell haters need to get over themselves, he's just having a hot girl summer*.
*he's gone completely crazy and doesn't care anymore, man's traumatized
Mitchell, at least in the first and part of the second act, reminds me a lot of the Narrator from Fight Club. I can only imagine Charnoble being played by Willem Dafoe if this were ever adapted.
My only complaint is that Elsa ended up being alive. Something about that didn't sit right, as Elsa didn't feel like a person to me, rather a part of Mitchell's "old life" that should have been taken away from him during the flood.
Also, all the hobo-Mitchell haters need to get over themselves, he's just having a hot girl summer*.
*he's gone completely crazy and doesn't care anymore, man's traumatized
wenwe's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to like this book. I heard an interview with the author on NPR. Interesting. Turns out I absolutely don't identify with any of the characters. I found no motivation to pursue the ending. I don't know how it ends. I don't care enough to find out.
skiracechick's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating tale and an enthralling concept, although rather creepy to think about. Because the book is so current and mentions current occurrences, it seems even more realistic. I'm interested to check out what else this author has written.
radagast_the_brown's review against another edition
4.0
Right up my alley of interests, I suppose. Risk perception always makes for fear-inducing fare. A good reminder to get out of my own head. Classic white boy protagonist with a sullen apathy though.