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anatema's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
deluciate's review against another edition
4.0
I read this for book club in record time, starting on a Sunday morning the day before book club and finishing just in time, half an hour before the meeting.
It's a fascinating read... Starts slow, when you're getting to know the world and characters, but the second half of the book feels much faster. We discussed the impression that some aspects of the book feel a little forced, but I'm undecided. I've been told the recurring thematic threads are even more apparent in a second reading, which I'll probably attempt in the near future.
The book touches on the nature of self, the nature of reality, family, loss, race, religion, addiction... Palmer tries to fit a lot into a relatively short work. I'd recommend this for a book club or anyone looking for a thought-provoking read.
It's a fascinating read... Starts slow, when you're getting to know the world and characters, but the second half of the book feels much faster. We discussed the impression that some aspects of the book feel a little forced, but I'm undecided. I've been told the recurring thematic threads are even more apparent in a second reading, which I'll probably attempt in the near future.
The book touches on the nature of self, the nature of reality, family, loss, race, religion, addiction... Palmer tries to fit a lot into a relatively short work. I'd recommend this for a book club or anyone looking for a thought-provoking read.
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
This is not a fast-paced, action-packed read. Instead, it's a deeply meditative and thought-provoking novel about a variety of issues, including racism, sexism, and the ethics of science and technology. It's character-driven and concerned with the psychological effects both technology and humans have on other humans. It's also very funny. I found it engrossing and challenging, forcing me to confront my own thought process at times.
gwillad's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
telerit's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
shareen17's review against another edition
4.0
I went back and forth when reading this book between liking it and really liking it. It would be a good book club choice as there are so many issues raised to talk about. Plus you could have a discussion about what various parts meant/what really happened. At times the world the book takes place in is quite similar to ours, which make the differences extra trippy. Various discussion points in the book: failure to launch, online privacy, alcoholism, faith systems of scientists versus the religious, racism, the role of chance in determining fate - in addition to many others! My least favorite part of the book was how the tone changed from one part and topic to the next.
nderiley's review against another edition
1.0
I am truly surprised at the glowing reviews for this book. Here are the reasons I did not like it:
1. Way too long. It didn't start to get even remotely interesting until page 250
2. Poor character development. I didn't personally care about any of these people
3. Juvenile writing style, which feeds into #2 and #4
4. Gimmicky plot.
I love dystopian fiction but verison control was a total flop!
1. Way too long. It didn't start to get even remotely interesting until page 250
2. Poor character development. I didn't personally care about any of these people
3. Juvenile writing style, which feeds into #2 and #4
4. Gimmicky plot.
I love dystopian fiction but verison control was a total flop!
olivia63096's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
good writing, this book felt like a fictitious introduction to philosophy. The book started off in one direction, but then became very slow with character development, sometimes i felt i was reading a whole different book. then towards the end you’re just SLAPPED with information dumps. not that i didn’t enjoy the book, just felt the pacing to be very awkward. I liked the sci fi aspect but very info-dumpy as said.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infidelity, and Car accident
Moderate: Grief
killyourdarlings105's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
1.0