A review by devin_raquel
S. by Doug Dorst, J.J. Abrams

adventurous challenging emotional funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I’ve used the term “story-within-a-story” before, but no novel truly encapsulates this idea like S does. 
The many storylines and non-linear presentation of these storylines kept my attention throughout the whole story, and I can confidently say this novel is anything but boring. A book that you absolutely HAVE to read a second (possibly a third) time to completely grasp all that’s going on in the text; and, of course, in the margins. 
Abrams & Dorst give the readers information, while withholding just enough, just keep the ending shrouded in mystery and open to the readers interpretation. While the included notes, photos, maps, etc. make the readers feel like they’re helping uncover the mystery along with the characters. All the components of a mystery, fantasy and romance novel rolled into one. 
As a literature major this book touched a special place in my heart with the annotations. While the majority of them where just notes between the two main characters, Jen & Eric, some of these notes have the potential to teach readers how to correctly annotate. Questions in the margins that cause the readers to think, different perspectives of thought, going beyond was literally written down. 
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