Mary Tarry
Hardcore fans of MC will notice the science feels a bit light (MC might have drilled down more and closed a few odd loops). Nonetheless, the story is original and fascinating. I am guessing that JP looked at this somewhat like ancient Rome considered unfinished Michelangelo statues. Obviously, JP did some of his own “carving,” but where the science is concerned, he may have thought it best just to leave it. If so, it is to his credit.
Hard to say if MC would have written that ending - I did like that JP hinted at a few alternative resolutions allowing the reader to ponder a couple of speculative outcomes had MC been able to complete. This gives the reader the joy of wonder (a hallmark of MC).
Contains spoilers
This is a sci-fi, medical ethics thriller so well-written it can be compared to Michael Crichton's Andromeda Strain.
The only reason I chose not to give this five stars is that the book is so frightening and disturbing on a spiritual level. This book will challenge (and possibly haunt) the reader on so many topics (essence of life, mercy killing, immortality, artificial intelligence and even the monetization of organ donations). This quote, for example, describes the memories of a formerly comatose patient, “even when I could no longer see, I could still smell death crawling all over my skin.” As much as I admire this author for creating a mind-blowing story, I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone who has trouble sleeping when pondering life's big questions.
Excellent! Every character in the ensemble felt so real and consistent. The plot developed with so many unexpected turns. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, FUNNY and CLEAN read!
Masterful plot. This coming of age story reminded me of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in tone (resigned injustice). Be warned: the book is sad and slow in places. It also contains many instances of strong profanity (f-word; c-word).
Overall, just a remarkable weaving of trauma stories, vigilance and the power of spiritual forces in our darkest hours.
Free on Palace Project.
After 17%, I was so bored with the racist town setup I just gave up. I read a lot of books that examine race relations and I appreciate that DB did some research for this one, but the lazy repetition of homogeneous views from dozens of different white people is tiresome. Where is the nuance this author lauded at the beginning of the book (re Uncle Tom's Cabin)?
Don't miss this self-published book! One of the most cerebral sci-fi plots I have ever read (if you like Michael Crichton, this is for you).
Mild anti-pollution, climate change messages.
Free on Hoopla!
Fikry is a perfectionist whose personality proves self-limiting. While never completely reforming, he grows significantly even marveling at his own changing attitudes. Other characters are interesting and varied. I enjoyed reading, but found a few of the plot points a bit depressing. Well-written with a very satisfying ending.
I was overwhelmed and frustrated when about thirty characters are introduced in the first chapter. Just not my taste at all.
Excellent writing, but this is a gut-wrenching book.
I would not recommend it to victims of crime who wrestle with negative emotions toward the perp.
Love the unpredictability of Liane Moriarty's plot!!
Lauren Oliver is such an amazing linguist, but this story of young people daring death was a little too creepy for my tastes.
VERY well-written romance! For me personally, a bit too steamy and there seemed to be a minor inconsistency in that one character was very closed off emotionally, but was open to a sexual relationship sans commitment. Otherwise, a solid novel with fascinating characters and a compelling plot.
As much as I like Lisa Scottoline, this one was just OK for me. The “mean girls” were annoying without adding much to the plot.
I found this one very tedious and disappointing for three reasons: 1) the “intrusive thoughts” are annoying, 2) the main character has revelations at an unrealistic pace, and 3) the sexual choices of all the women in the book are ridiculous (sexual violence is almost normalized).
Thankfully, Audible allowed me to return this one.
LOVED the unpredictable ending. The narrator did a great job with Dawn (on-the-spectrum), and with the two very different perspectives on Natalie.
Hilarious! Be warned: this book contains some objectionable content including some f-bombs and some slang terms that are pretty offensive.
DNF
No, you cannot take a 1930's Agatha Christie locked room mystery and move it to modern-day East coast aristocracy. Nope; doesn't work.
Words really cannot express how much I hated this book. It's flaws are too numerous to list, but I will try:
Way too long
Ridiculously implausible
Graphic sex with no real purpose (the cheif of staff on the passed-out drunk President)
A career criminal described repeatedly as loyal and trustworthy
The reuse of a Baldacci plot mechanism (glare in the eyes)
Ok, maybe this was actually the first use of the glare trick, but I know I have read that before in a King and Maxwell novel.
Whatever. Baldacci, you lost me with this one!
