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shayhg's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
vlafreek's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
TW: suicide pact
jess_mango's review
4.0
This book had an interesting premise, that may not sound "heart-warming" at first blush, but it did end up being a warm read, for me. Mark is a failed writer, who as he nears 30 decides to buy an old tour bus, hire a driver and start recruiting via ads for other like-minded souls who have had enough of this life. The bus wanders across the US, picking up this diverse and disparate group, each with their own personal issues that make them feel like they don't want to go on with life. There's a young woman with chronic pain, another young woman with weight and body issues, others with health issues etc. We get to know all of them on their journey through an epistolary narrative comprised of texts, voice recordings and digital journal entries.
This was one of those books that had a quiet, subtle warm brightness to it despite being full of characters with suicidal thoughts. We get to know and care for these people. It was a read perfect for fans of books like A Man called Ove.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy!
This was one of those books that had a quiet, subtle warm brightness to it despite being full of characters with suicidal thoughts. We get to know and care for these people. It was a read perfect for fans of books like A Man called Ove.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy!
okevamae's review
4.0
I’ve loved J. Michael Straczynski’s writing ever since I was a 12-year-old sci-fi nerd obsessed with Babylon 5. (If you’ve never seen it, check it out – the 90s styling and visual effects might look a bit dated now, but the storytelling 100% holds up.) When I found out he had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. And I was even more excited to see it on Netgalley!
I’m going to come out in the very beginning and announce Content Warning: Suicide for this novel. If this is a topic that triggers you, you should probably skip this book.
The premise is a strange but compelling one: depressed writer Mark puts out an ad on the internet, looking for individuals across the United States who are set on ending their lives to come together for one last epic party/road trip, culminating in a pleasant but final act of mass suicide. As the group comes together, we learn what has brought them all to this decision.
The narrative is told in an interesting format – a mix of journal entries, emails, audio transcriptions, text messages and internet postings that come together to tell the story. The book is very thoughtful about its central conceit, exploring the idea of suicide from a lot of different angles. It doesn’t glorify the act, but it also doesn’t shy away from the real and varied reasons why people choose to make that decision. Also, despite its deep and dark subject matter, it really is beautifully written. It's full of little moments of humor, reflections on the beauty of life, and moments of pure human connection. The characters are vivid and the relationships that develop between them are profound.
Again, if you’re triggered by discussion of suicide, this isn’t the book for you. But if you can stomach an exploration of this sensitive subject, give this book a try.
TW: suicide, fatphobia, rape, drug use
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m going to come out in the very beginning and announce Content Warning: Suicide for this novel. If this is a topic that triggers you, you should probably skip this book.
The premise is a strange but compelling one: depressed writer Mark puts out an ad on the internet, looking for individuals across the United States who are set on ending their lives to come together for one last epic party/road trip, culminating in a pleasant but final act of mass suicide. As the group comes together, we learn what has brought them all to this decision.
The narrative is told in an interesting format – a mix of journal entries, emails, audio transcriptions, text messages and internet postings that come together to tell the story. The book is very thoughtful about its central conceit, exploring the idea of suicide from a lot of different angles. It doesn’t glorify the act, but it also doesn’t shy away from the real and varied reasons why people choose to make that decision. Also, despite its deep and dark subject matter, it really is beautifully written. It's full of little moments of humor, reflections on the beauty of life, and moments of pure human connection. The characters are vivid and the relationships that develop between them are profound.
Again, if you’re triggered by discussion of suicide, this isn’t the book for you. But if you can stomach an exploration of this sensitive subject, give this book a try.
TW: suicide, fatphobia, rape, drug use
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
phloon's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I found this book to be beautifully creative. All the main characters feel whole and realistic, having flaws and strengths. Many passages in this book speak to me. They put feelings that I had but couldn't verbalize into words. A powerful and moving book.
clario6372's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
mckayla_haesch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thought-provoking book that provides insight into the many factors that can contribute to the decisions so many people make; that what they’re experiencing and feeling is too much and life isn’t worth it. This is the best audiobook production I’ve ever listened to. Every character had their own voice, there were different audio effects for the recordings and newscastings, and these different elements brought the whole book together and made it an experience.
Like a lot of the reviews mentioned the first half started off strong by providing the readers with well-developed, well thought-out characters. However, the more people that were added in, the less intentional the writing felt. It got a little bit murky about 70% of the way through, and I felt like the author was rushing to bring the story to completion. I wish more care was given to the conclusion, and that each character got the attention and love they deserved for their endings. Overall this is very touching and insightful, and I would recommend listening to the audiobook if you want to give this one a try.
chapterswithcheincle's review
5.0
Together We Will Go
by J. Michael Straczynski
5/5 ⭐️
Mark Antonelli feels he has failed at writing, life and all things. He attempts to plan one last adventure by buying an old bus and hiring a driver to get him across the country. He places an online ad for passengers to join him on this final adventure. Once in San Francisco, the bus will drive off into the sunset (literally) and over a cliff. This bus is a one-way ticket to ending the passengers’ lives.
Hopeless and destructive, each passenger tells their background and why they want to end their lives as they board the bus. Through texts, emails, phone calls and journal entries, the characters disclose their thoughts and feelings. These journal entries are saved to a server and are part of Mark’s admittance to the bus. He wants to leave a written explanation of their adventure. The characters range from a young woman in chronic pain to an addict who knows the only thing keeping him alive is his sick cat.
Traveling across the country, this unlikely group finds comfort and acceptance with each other. Strangers turn into friends and hatred turns into affection. Mischief and complications create a few detours for the bus. Mark and his passengers are forced to make the hard choice to stay the course or ditch the bus.
I read Together We Will Go because of @megbooks02 ‘s recommendation. In one word: WOW! This book sounds depressing but it is just the opposite. It is a humorous yet heartwarming book about unlikely friendships and letting go of limitations. I loved every character, especially Karen, Tyler and Sunny Shanelle. If you like his books, the writing style is similar to Fredrik Backman’s. The audiobook was fabulous as a full cast reads it! It may not be for everyone because of the sensitive content of suicide and assisted suicide but I highly recommend this book.
by J. Michael Straczynski
5/5 ⭐️
Mark Antonelli feels he has failed at writing, life and all things. He attempts to plan one last adventure by buying an old bus and hiring a driver to get him across the country. He places an online ad for passengers to join him on this final adventure. Once in San Francisco, the bus will drive off into the sunset (literally) and over a cliff. This bus is a one-way ticket to ending the passengers’ lives.
Hopeless and destructive, each passenger tells their background and why they want to end their lives as they board the bus. Through texts, emails, phone calls and journal entries, the characters disclose their thoughts and feelings. These journal entries are saved to a server and are part of Mark’s admittance to the bus. He wants to leave a written explanation of their adventure. The characters range from a young woman in chronic pain to an addict who knows the only thing keeping him alive is his sick cat.
Traveling across the country, this unlikely group finds comfort and acceptance with each other. Strangers turn into friends and hatred turns into affection. Mischief and complications create a few detours for the bus. Mark and his passengers are forced to make the hard choice to stay the course or ditch the bus.
I read Together We Will Go because of @megbooks02 ‘s recommendation. In one word: WOW! This book sounds depressing but it is just the opposite. It is a humorous yet heartwarming book about unlikely friendships and letting go of limitations. I loved every character, especially Karen, Tyler and Sunny Shanelle. If you like his books, the writing style is similar to Fredrik Backman’s. The audiobook was fabulous as a full cast reads it! It may not be for everyone because of the sensitive content of suicide and assisted suicide but I highly recommend this book.
kasmi2020's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0