Reviews

You Feel It Just Below the Ribs by Jeffrey Cranor, Janina Matthewson

katuoo7's review against another edition

4.0

The title is a euphemism for heartache. The Society's efforts to improve the world by providing different agencies and programs to meet the needs to the population, severing nearly all family and tribal ties (marital and relationships after 10YOA are allowed), as well as the use of the Watercolor Quiet (aka hypnosis aka mind control) made heartache ubiquitous. The use of mind control or memory reprogramming took away the information, experiences or memories people need to process their pain, or continue growing as individuals. The Society discovered that through reprogramming they were able to change the memories (et al.) of individuals but could not 'delete' the underlying heartache so instead of being able to mourn or process trauma people were left with the pain and no ability to understand or move past it.

To combat this psychological heartache, The Society then secretly implants a device into the abdomens of these problem individuals which further transitions people into emotionless husks. VERY CYBERMEN-ESC #DOCTORWHO

I would have loved more details on the physiological changes of individuals or research into this mystery device. Instead it's only hinted at and briefly mentioned towards the solution of the novel.

I also am about 5 episodes into season one of the companion podcast which is super strange but making neat connections to the novel. I can only commit to season one but there are more seasons so hopefully they will describe the device more but I doubt it since we're focusing on escaping The Institute. (also giving me Stephen King vibes "The Institute" 2019).

imsam's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

4.0

stevensays's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

isirla's review

4.25

Great story!! Loved it even though it was a bit dry. I think that was the point given the protagonist's personality. I just don't understand how it doesn't have an LGBTQIA+ label on it!!

bubbeleh's review

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sagewa8's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lottie1803's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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

3.75

blergness's review against another edition

dark sad tense

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

linzertorte's review

dark mysterious medium-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? Yes

4.0

lijennyt's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0