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A review by popsiclerainbow
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Favorite moments:
- THAT CLIMAX OOF we love to see it
- Idk that's the only part of the book that really stood out to me to be honest
- This sounds negative I promise I feel anything but negative towards this book
- Except the romance, THE ROMANCE CAN GO FUCK ITSELF
Why I thought it was 4 stars:
It's 4 stars because the book was very good and very fun but I didn't cry that's basically what all my 4 star ratings mean.
I don't know, I just honestly can't think of many moments to gush about in this review. No particular event, save for the sinking of Endura and the mass death/gleaning of Scythes was very memorable. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not every book needs to leave a lasting impression, sometimes it just needs to entertain you in the moment and Thunderhead does that wonderfully.
Frankly, I'm more interested in discussing the philosophical questions that arise in this story, particularly this notion of a perfect world. While reading this book, hell this series, one matter I had always pondered on was whether or not a perfect world was really what we needed/wanted. Don't get me wrong, seeing all the injustice, inequality and grief in the world is utterly terrible and yes I would do anything I can to ensure that never exists again. But would life have any meaning once those things cease to exist?
Most would probably say it wouldn't, but would also say that they'd rather have a meaningless life than a life full of suffering. And I'd be inclined to agree to that too. But are we saying that so easily because we currently live in a world with suffering and loss? If we were to live in a world with the Thunderhead, would we be saying the same? Maybe for some of us, yes, but for others... maybe not.
To me, this speaks a lot about the human psyche and how we will never be satisfied with anything. Even if our current conditions are objectively better than any of the situations we were in previously, we will always find flaws and yearn for change, even if that change is facetious and regressive. Or maybe that's my inner insecurity demon talking but we'll just ignore that for now.
Anyways, read the Scythe series, it's great, it's fun, it's cool. Just don't expect titillating romances.
- THAT CLIMAX OOF we love to see it
- Idk that's the only part of the book that really stood out to me to be honest
- This sounds negative I promise I feel anything but negative towards this book
- Except the romance, THE ROMANCE CAN GO FUCK ITSELF
Why I thought it was 4 stars:
It's 4 stars because the book was very good and very fun but I didn't cry that's basically what all my 4 star ratings mean.
I don't know, I just honestly can't think of many moments to gush about in this review. No particular event, save for the sinking of Endura and the mass death/gleaning of Scythes was very memorable. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not every book needs to leave a lasting impression, sometimes it just needs to entertain you in the moment and Thunderhead does that wonderfully.
Frankly, I'm more interested in discussing the philosophical questions that arise in this story, particularly this notion of a perfect world. While reading this book, hell this series, one matter I had always pondered on was whether or not a perfect world was really what we needed/wanted. Don't get me wrong, seeing all the injustice, inequality and grief in the world is utterly terrible and yes I would do anything I can to ensure that never exists again. But would life have any meaning once those things cease to exist?
Most would probably say it wouldn't, but would also say that they'd rather have a meaningless life than a life full of suffering. And I'd be inclined to agree to that too. But are we saying that so easily because we currently live in a world with suffering and loss? If we were to live in a world with the Thunderhead, would we be saying the same? Maybe for some of us, yes, but for others... maybe not.
To me, this speaks a lot about the human psyche and how we will never be satisfied with anything. Even if our current conditions are objectively better than any of the situations we were in previously, we will always find flaws and yearn for change, even if that change is facetious and regressive. Or maybe that's my inner insecurity demon talking but we'll just ignore that for now.
Anyways, read the Scythe series, it's great, it's fun, it's cool. Just don't expect titillating romances.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Murder