mudder17 's review for:

You Have Arrived at Your Destination by Amor Towles

3.0

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I would say 3.5 stars would be a good rating for this short story. Having read two of Towles novels this past year, I knew I would have to physically read the story, or listen and read simultaneously. I tested this theory out by listening to the first two minutes without looking at the text and I just couldn't focus well enough. This was not at all similar to Towles other novels as it is speculative science fiction, so I had no idea what to expect. The premise actually seems pretty realistic as parents/scientists/doctors have a little more control over the genetics of their babies, though of course, not to the extent that is in this novella. Still, this story brings up the idea that just because you can, should you? The whole predictive contours part of it was kind of silly, but it did kind of poke fun at the glitz and glam of those types of clinics. I liked Nick and Beezer, but Sam himself was a bit of a jerk, although I suppose the idea is that he has learned with this experience. The ending is somewhat final in that he apparently makes a decision, but it's hard to tell if that's what Annie wanted or if it's the right decision. The story was well written overall and I'm glad I chose to read it.