findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
3.0
This is a weird little book (although not so little; it could use some editing). But I enjoyed reading it all the same. It was a bit all over the place, but I found myself looking forward to reading it. But it's...weird.
katieegzim's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bellwetherdays's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
littlelarks's review against another edition
4.0
The Afterlife dug its way deep inside of my bones & took residence, and I think it’s going to stay there for quite a while.
It’s marketed as part romance part paranormal mystery part metaphysical treatise on death and alternate dimensions – all of which instantly hooked me. I can easily see this being a lesser book - it could be too cynical or analytical or too clever - and it’s true genius lies in the fact that it’s NOT. Pierce’s prose always stays earnest and rooted in emotion and it’s that balance that created such a wonderful surprise. And honestly, calling it a romance sells itself short... of course the love story between our two main characters is prevalent but it’s also a love story TO humanity, to family and our inner selves.
It’s marketed as part romance part paranormal mystery part metaphysical treatise on death and alternate dimensions – all of which instantly hooked me. I can easily see this being a lesser book - it could be too cynical or analytical or too clever - and it’s true genius lies in the fact that it’s NOT. Pierce’s prose always stays earnest and rooted in emotion and it’s that balance that created such a wonderful surprise. And honestly, calling it a romance sells itself short... of course the love story between our two main characters is prevalent but it’s also a love story TO humanity, to family and our inner selves.
sxtwo's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I'm not sure what I think about this book. I obviously liked it because I finished it in two days, but I thought the premise held more promise than the story delivered. I would have preferred if the author spent more time developing the characters, especially Annie, and less time on the particulars of the stories from the past.
Three things:
--I just finished Pollan's How to Change Your Mind, and I couldn't help but notice the similarities between a psychedelic trip and Pierce's Reunion Machine.
--"The soul abides, I tell her. Some aspect of you does. You're like a though. Or an idea. An echo. An echo in search of other echoes. You do not end here, on this planet, but then again, neither does the questioning. Neither does the doubt. The search for meaning, unbearable as it sounds, might not end with our death." (p351)
--I'm confused about the end. Please some read it and help me :)
I'm not sure what I think about this book. I obviously liked it because I finished it in two days, but I thought the premise held more promise than the story delivered. I would have preferred if the author spent more time developing the characters, especially Annie, and less time on the particulars of the stories from the past.
Three things:
--I just finished Pollan's How to Change Your Mind, and I couldn't help but notice the similarities between a psychedelic trip and Pierce's Reunion Machine.
--"The soul abides, I tell her. Some aspect of you does. You're like a though. Or an idea. An echo. An echo in search of other echoes. You do not end here, on this planet, but then again, neither does the questioning. Neither does the doubt. The search for meaning, unbearable as it sounds, might not end with our death." (p351)
--I'm confused about the end. Please some read it and help me :)
ellieafterall's review against another edition
4.0
what an odd, completely wonderful book. thoroughly enjoyed it :)
cameronbcook's review against another edition
Lots to think about. Probably really good. I wish it had focused on different priorities, but I guess I could just write my own book
jess_zf's review against another edition
4.0
I gotta say – it's swell to read a book that makes you think, about life, oh, so much.
elmgregg's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely hands down the most interesting book I’ve ever read! One part love story, one part ghost story, one part futuristic look, the story of Jim Byrd will be with me for a while. I thought the narration was outstanding, helping what may feel like a borderline sci-fi story line come off as warm and lovely.