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bobmcbobson's review against another edition
4.0
A well written story about a group of people connected to each other by family, work, or circumstance finding ways to live and survive against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I really liked how the complex interconnections between the characters mirrors the various random connections that impact the way a virus can spread, and how the characters connections to each other are a source of strength, while at the same time everyone is aware that the amount of time one spends in contact with/connected to others can ultimately make you more vulnerable to catching the deadly illness.
bimmbles's review against another edition
3.0
Like so many other reviews of this book, I think it's hard to separate out my feelings about the story and the times into which it was released. Parts of this were really gorgeous and hopeful, and for that I am grateful.
electricjuicebox's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mrshood's review against another edition
DNF'd after page 115 plus some skimming of the rest of the book (especially the other formats different from the regular narrative, like the blog posts and articles). Less post-apocalyptic than I expected, more interpersonal daily events and emotions.
If you like slice-of-life stuff, this is for you, not me. I usually like the timeline flipping, and the multiple perspectives. There are a lot of different main characters all intertwining with their lives and relationships, to a masterminded degree, but I had trouble with the infidelity of one and keeping track of who each character was from other parts of the book.
This novel was published in April 2020 after 7 years of writing, and centers around a coronavirus pandemic and one character, Owen, writes a novel about a pandemic before it happens in his world. Much like Saleema Nawaz, Owen gets interviewed about the similarities and differences between it and the reality of the book. Very meta. Like so meta. Wonky.
In the end I couldn't get over the unlikable Owen, and the overall focus on interpersonal relationships. Not my thing. The writing is really good, too. Enjoy!
If you like slice-of-life stuff, this is for you, not me. I usually like the timeline flipping, and the multiple perspectives. There are a lot of different main characters all intertwining with their lives and relationships, to a masterminded degree, but I had trouble with the infidelity of one and keeping track of who each character was from other parts of the book.
This novel was published in April 2020 after 7 years of writing, and centers around a coronavirus pandemic and one character, Owen, writes a novel about a pandemic before it happens in his world. Much like Saleema Nawaz, Owen gets interviewed about the similarities and differences between it and the reality of the book. Very meta. Like so meta. Wonky.
In the end I couldn't get over the unlikable Owen, and the overall focus on interpersonal relationships. Not my thing. The writing is really good, too. Enjoy!
judebugs's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
bethmalena's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really loved the writing. Some beautiful moments. I thought the characters could have been more diverse… including some less privileged voices would have been interesting. But the characters who were there felt real to me.
ambergamgee's review against another edition
3.0
This is a pandemic novel, written 2013-2019, published early 2020
rhaberle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
It is a trip that this was written before Covid took place. Beautiful characters.
mghill40's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5