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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
I requested this book from the library after being absolutely charmed by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor at Nerd Con: Stories in Minneapolis last October. I liked this--it made me think of the Wayside School books by [a:Louis Sachar|6569|Louis Sachar|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1215290291p2/6569.jpg] that I adored when I was a kid, but, you know, for grown-ups. So delightfully absurd and grotesque. The ending felt a little rushed? I think I need to listen to the Podcast.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Extremely quirky and odd, but so much fun and entertaining to read. It's amazing how well the podcast's concepts work as a novel. A great plot and great characters.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
I guess I prefer this in podcast form rather than book form.
emotional
slow-paced
A fascinating read in the year 2025 but so, so slow paced. Quite a few small beautiful moments up until they actually reach King City, and the book takes off. I LOVED the King City part and found it very moving, but it's only the last 70 pages of a 400 page book.
Not a good choice unless you've enjoyed the podcast before. I think the radio show sections of the book should have been cut--it does make you appreciate the great sound design and voice acting of the podcast, though. Recommended if you're willing to be patient for the payoff.
Not a good choice unless you've enjoyed the podcast before. I think the radio show sections of the book should have been cut--it does make you appreciate the great sound design and voice acting of the podcast, though. Recommended if you're willing to be patient for the payoff.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It was weird and strange, and kind of exhausting to read because it was so nonsensical. But also, somehow, very good in ways I can't quantify.
This is not a book for everyone, especially those who are irritated by lack of logic and reason in storytelling.
Basically, before you go buy or check out this book, go listen to an episode of the the Welcome To Night Vale podcast. If that annoys you, the book will do the same. If you love it, you'll love this book.
Some knowledge of the podcast might be helpful, as it refers frequently to already existing characters. However, I've only listened to about 7 episodes and I did okay with keeping up.
This book is basically Lovecraft with a sense of humor and a fondness for existential crisis.
As far as I'm concerned, I'm both glad I read it and glad I didn't buy it.
This is not a book for everyone, especially those who are irritated by lack of logic and reason in storytelling.
Basically, before you go buy or check out this book, go listen to an episode of the the Welcome To Night Vale podcast. If that annoys you, the book will do the same. If you love it, you'll love this book.
Some knowledge of the podcast might be helpful, as it refers frequently to already existing characters. However, I've only listened to about 7 episodes and I did okay with keeping up.
This book is basically Lovecraft with a sense of humor and a fondness for existential crisis.
As far as I'm concerned, I'm both glad I read it and glad I didn't buy it.
The most wonderfully weird book that I have ever read. And, most likely, will ever read.
P.S. Download the podcast. Seriously.
P.S. Download the podcast. Seriously.
3.5 I enjoyed it, but it took me forever to finish because I just couldn't focus on it for more than an hour or so.
Wonderful voice acting and the story is pretty engaging as you get farther along into the story.
Wonderful voice acting and the story is pretty engaging as you get farther along into the story.