Reviews

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

bgmaple's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A

3.25

all_the_glitter's review against another edition

4.0

It's hard to rate this book. It was captivating, very sad and also confusing with its trillion points of views and storylines at times. However, I really liked how all these different small stories were interwoven and so very different! I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this one!

caitlynslane's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

inesbegucho's review against another edition

dark hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

There are certain stories that I liked, but if felt that at it's core it was a book about humanity but the last chapter completely ruined it

tammyanne's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

mjturnsthepage's review against another edition

5.0

I was listening to this book on Audible but after finishing, I will definitely be purchasing so I can have a physical copy. I listened to this during my drive to and from work and there were times I was sobbing so consider yourself warned if you listen on Audible.

How High We go in the Dark is full of intimate stories that subtly weaves together the different lives of people we follow while they navigate the after affects of a world wide pandemic. The stories we read so beautifully and personal that you almost feel invasive for following along.
I will admit that I wasn't attached to every story, but they were all memorable.

reallyintoreading's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

pwesterfield's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sammichaan's review against another edition

4.0

A beautiful and heartbreaking ride through a not-so-distant future where our world is ripped apart by a deadly virus, which hits almost a bit to home so soon after COVID. This book does not shy away from grief, disappointment, loneliness, controversy. It dives head first into all of them and more. Each short story is so unique and original, yet feels completely conceivable because it is based on current trends and technological advancements. A lot of these stories allude the deterioration of the planet due to climate change, but it never feels preachy or heavy handed. The best part of all of it is the interconnectivity. The weaving of story lines and characters from previous chapters is so well done, and rarely feels forced. The world flows, and time passes, and you get a nice little call back every so often to remind you how far we have come. Bittersweet in all the best ways, I loved so much of this book. I would give it 4.5 if I could. Some chapters dragged on and didn’t resonate, but for the most part, it is a triumph!

ariellediaz1227's review against another edition

emotional 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? No

4.25