mewpasaurus's review against another edition
3.75
Ending felt a bit rushed and was somewhat of a let down compared to the rest of the novel and I wasn't thrilled with the whirlwind (out of place) romance between the two main characters, but otherwise, solid story.
kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
Like Bird Box was about something that could kill you when you looked at it, this is about something that can kill you when you hear it. Can being the operative word here, because the sound doesn't kill Philip. Instead it leaves him broken and in a coma for six months. Ellen has been helping to care for him in a military hospital as he heals. She's become increasingly wary of his treatment and just what drugs he is being give to help him heal.
Parts of this were fantastic. The portions that took place in the hospital, from Ellen's point of view, were my favorites. Because Ellen has no idea what's going on we get to see things unfold unencumbered by facts. One fact I wish I had from the beginning was the year this novel takes place. I don't want to spoil anything, but first I was very, very confused, and then very, very surprised. I don't know if I missed it, or it was purposely hidden, but that year is very important.
Other than the Ellen POV portions, the end was the best part. It didn't make sense and Malerman explained nothing, but the visuals were fantastic! It was heartbreaking and uplifting at turns. I won't be rereading this one as I did Bird Box, but I guess it will stay with me for a while.
I'll be on the lookout for red pianos and I will never forget the succession of notes first taught to children in music. Thanks, Josh!
Parts of this were fantastic. The portions that took place in the hospital, from Ellen's point of view, were my favorites. Because Ellen has no idea what's going on we get to see things unfold unencumbered by facts. One fact I wish I had from the beginning was the year this novel takes place. I don't want to spoil anything, but first I was very, very confused, and then very, very surprised. I don't know if I missed it, or it was purposely hidden, but that year is very important.
Other than the Ellen POV portions, the end was the best part. It didn't make sense and Malerman explained nothing, but the visuals were fantastic! It was heartbreaking and uplifting at turns. I won't be rereading this one as I did Bird Box, but I guess it will stay with me for a while.
I'll be on the lookout for red pianos and I will never forget the succession of notes first taught to children in music. Thanks, Josh!
cdurbzz's review against another edition
2.0
i was wrong about the turn; it was even dumber than the thing i said. malerman writes like he's telling a scary story around a campfire, every sentence so dire like the narrator is shining a flashlight under his chin. as I said, would be forgivable if it didn't take itself so seriously, and if malerman wasn't so primordially compelled toward a happy ending. mostly read on the beach while drunk - beer gets 5 stars
emilyctrigg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
pamseven's review against another edition
2.0
I loved Bird Box. It was original, interesting and satisying. This one, while original, I did not find satisfying or interesting. I found it difficult to follow and kept thinking it would make sense at the end. Spoiler alert, it did not, at least to me.
kboglola's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jenn_the_unicorn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
shrikekali's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed much of this book but it's nowhere near BIRD BOX, a book that still manages to stick with me. 3 1/2 stars is my official rating. I may need to reread this book at some point so as to make sure other things happening didn't affect my judgment during my initial reading.