Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize? National Book Award Finalist? Really? I'm a fan of apocalyptic fiction. I've read Wasp Factory, Riddley Walker, Parable of the Sower, Good Omens, The Road, on and on and on. And I am a fan of allusions and metaphors -- all good fun. But this book was so crammed with Christian biblical allusions that seemed so sincere it was a chore to read. First of all, books about how boring the apocalypse is are boring to read. I am sure the apocalypse would be boring; I don't need to be convinced or read about it. Secondly, this book was so unclear about what precisely was going on. Generic climate disaster accompanied by non specific plague and unexplained mass societal breakdown. You really have to give me more than that to end the world as we know it. And, finally, and I think worst of all, the characters were too generic. The parents were all drug addicted alcoholics unfit to raise their children and so interchangeable they didn't have names. The children were all brave and resourceful and more righteous and wiser than their own parents. Every one of them.
There were angels called angels in case you'd miss the reference. Deus ex machina (a black helicopter). Old testament rules not to be broken. Eden as a farm. A christ like angel guy who bore the burden of a lot of symbols all rolled in one. A child interprets the bible to make it relevant -- a tall order. And of course the apocalypse from revelations. I guess the problem is that I'm not really interested in that much biblical symbolism and I don't like to be hit over the head with symbology. Parable of the Sower was my limit. At least Handmaid's Tale turned the symbology on its head.
There were angels called angels in case you'd miss the reference. Deus ex machina (a black helicopter). Old testament rules not to be broken. Eden as a farm. A christ like angel guy who bore the burden of a lot of symbols all rolled in one. A child interprets the bible to make it relevant -- a tall order. And of course the apocalypse from revelations. I guess the problem is that I'm not really interested in that much biblical symbolism and I don't like to be hit over the head with symbology. Parable of the Sower was my limit. At least Handmaid's Tale turned the symbology on its head.
This book was so strange and disturbing... I was not a big fan.
climate change destroys environment. forces people to protect themselves. leads to conflict, violence, danger. generational divide
Interesting! I need to collect my thoughts. Lots of philosophizing to be done here
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
At times this book had an impact on me, reflecting thoughts and feelings most of us have had as youths (about parents and each other and life) and others from adulthood (deep concern for those coming after us into a destroyed world). The idea behind the book was promising but not fulfilled for me. Less than successful ties to bible stories. A Hollywood distraction. The last bits felt far too rushed. Odd miracles. And although it might have somehow needed to be that way, I’d prefer hearing about less privileged people in this scenario.
But its portrayal of the impact of impending climate doom on the young is powerful and sad, so an extra star for that. My generation faced nuclear Armageddon and that possibility is not gone, either, but this book dismisses it as chopped liver compared to climate change. I’m not so sure about that. What I am sure of is that it’s past time for a generation to get a chance to grow up in a calm and peaceful world. How about it, humans? Isn’t it about time we practice some Jesus-science and get along and solve problems instead of creating them?
Otherwise it’s time for the perps to fade away and the young to take over. So says this author.
But its portrayal of the impact of impending climate doom on the young is powerful and sad, so an extra star for that. My generation faced nuclear Armageddon and that possibility is not gone, either, but this book dismisses it as chopped liver compared to climate change. I’m not so sure about that. What I am sure of is that it’s past time for a generation to get a chance to grow up in a calm and peaceful world. How about it, humans? Isn’t it about time we practice some Jesus-science and get along and solve problems instead of creating them?
Otherwise it’s time for the perps to fade away and the young to take over. So says this author.
Well written, but horrible storyline where parents are useless, cowardly, selfish asshats and kids are the mature ones. A cross between lighter version of “The Road” and “Lord of the Flies.” I think it’s meant to be a wake-up call for adults living comfortable lives and don’t prioritize fighting climate change or addressing other society issues. Don’t read right before going to sleep at night.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.75
this book was not unique by any means premise wise but the writing style was super riveting. there were a few times where it seemed like it was going to veer into standard YA dystopia but it didn’t.
glad i read it
this book was not unique by any means premise wise but the writing style was super riveting. there were a few times where it seemed like it was going to veer into standard YA dystopia but it didn’t.
glad i read it