A review by reba_reads_books
Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer

2.0

I'm currently reading & loving VanderMeer's "Wonderbook", so giving up on this trilogy half-way through was a real bummer. He's talented with words, but I don't think his surreal style is for me. I enjoyed the movie better because the most compelling plot points are visually stunning and action/horror-packed. However, actually getting to those points in the book takes hours of listening to monotone, unreliable inner monologue. I couldn't process it. Throughout the entire first book I listened on 0.85 speed and still found myself getting lost, distracted, pausing, rewinding... This isn't the first time a book has made me feel flat out inadequate intellectually. If you have ADHD &/or a processing disorder like I do, buckle up for a challenging ride, or just pass altogether.