Scan barcode
pjn345's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
3.75
tetrootz's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
3.25
jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
The saying "life's a journey" takes on a whole new meaning in The Hike by Drew Magary.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
While on a business trip in rural Pennsylvania, Ben goes on a far greater journey than he anticipated when he takes a hike on the trail in the woods near the hotel. As Ben progresses on his hike, getting further and further from the comfort of the familiar of the hotel, he loses his bearings an encounters odd creatures that don't seem to be of this world. With beings recommending that he stick to the path, Ben journeys onward into the strange and unknown with the company and assistance of a talking crab. As Ben seeks the Producer throughout years on the path in an effort to return home to his family he learns more about his surroundings and how they function as well as some rather important tidbits about life in general.
The concept presented in this novel is quite intriguing and certainly provokes readers into deeper thought about life as it navigates the improbable scenarios with humorous and witty commentary. The tone of the book has kept me thinking for quite some time because though the majority of the story is treated in a fairly lighthearted manner, there are moments, particularly the ending, where the story seems to have developed a deeper, more serious meaning that is a bit at odds with the rest of the narrative. As the story develops it takes whatever disjointed twists and turns it wants, becoming something that readers might have a difficult time anticipating or keeping up with; although there is a good symmetry to the narrative arc (and the causal timeline) presented such that, though unexpected events or actions may occur, the general thread can be relatively easily followed.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
While on a business trip in rural Pennsylvania, Ben goes on a far greater journey than he anticipated when he takes a hike on the trail in the woods near the hotel. As Ben progresses on his hike, getting further and further from the comfort of the familiar of the hotel, he loses his bearings an encounters odd creatures that don't seem to be of this world. With beings recommending that he stick to the path, Ben journeys onward into the strange and unknown with the company and assistance of a talking crab. As Ben seeks the Producer throughout years on the path in an effort to return home to his family he learns more about his surroundings and how they function as well as some rather important tidbits about life in general.
The concept presented in this novel is quite intriguing and certainly provokes readers into deeper thought about life as it navigates the improbable scenarios with humorous and witty commentary. The tone of the book has kept me thinking for quite some time because though the majority of the story is treated in a fairly lighthearted manner, there are moments, particularly the ending, where the story seems to have developed a deeper, more serious meaning that is a bit at odds with the rest of the narrative. As the story develops it takes whatever disjointed twists and turns it wants, becoming something that readers might have a difficult time anticipating or keeping up with; although there is a good symmetry to the narrative arc (and the causal timeline) presented such that, though unexpected events or actions may occur, the general thread can be relatively easily followed.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
wyliecyrus's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me so happy. I loved it so much. It’s weird but it’s so well written and fun.
robynlynn80's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
colourbones's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
4.25
A fever dream through a strange world, and unexpectedly sincere. Definitely weird, but somehow it all works together.
grizelybear's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
This book was a fever dream. It's both humorous and weird as hell. It felt like it was written without an outline in mind, but to be honest, it worked out.
I did think some of the events were way too random, but I enjoyed the imagery of the creatures and setting of the path. I was also floored by the twists and turns at the end - like, for real, I was thinking "what the fuck?" by the last two chapters... but in a good way?
To be honest, I'm not sure if the book has some deeper meaning to it or if I'm just reading too much into it. I thought it was trying to convey that things in life just happen for no reason, and it's literally what you make of it. Even the bad life events can get you something good out of them. I could totally be reading this wrong though.
Regardless, this was a fun, silly, and sometimes horrifying book to read. Think Alice in Wonderland but grittier and more profane.
I did think some of the events were way too random, but I enjoyed the imagery of the creatures and setting of the path. I was also floored by the twists and turns at the end - like, for real, I was thinking "what the fuck?" by the last two chapters... but in a good way?
To be honest, I'm not sure if the book has some deeper meaning to it or if I'm just reading too much into it. I thought it was trying to convey that things in life just happen for no reason, and it's literally what you make of it. Even the bad life events can get you something good out of them. I could totally be reading this wrong though.
Regardless, this was a fun, silly, and sometimes horrifying book to read. Think Alice in Wonderland but grittier and more profane.
jetpackdracula's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death and Body horror
bobbytwangs's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0