This book was chosen for my book club - and it isn't something that I would have chosen to read - so I surprisingly liked the book. When I read the book Gone Girl - I said immediately that it would make a great movie. I feel the same about this book. It is a great book club book because it opens the doors for very good discussion. It's a fast read. By page 6 I had a flag go up why I would be against "the procedure" but it was addressed a few pages later - along with other problems that would arise from "the procedure". I did not get a feel of what John looked like or about his girlfriends. Some details that would bring you in deeper are missing. However - being written by John in a blog - these details may not necessarily have been included. The ending was a bit dramatic - but I still would recommend the book. Working as a SI (supplemental instructor/sort of a TA 'lite') for my university's Freshman English Composition class, we were, along with many other classes, assigned this book to read. At first I thought it would be a 'tap water' read. Quick, palatable, and not being able to leave much in the way of an impression. How wrong I was, and how glad I am.Much like Max Brooks' "World War Z" this book's readability belies its complexity. This surprising amount of depth is evident in author Drew Magary's commendable ability to tease out the central concept of his book in such a way that it feels like most every conceivable issue that need be addressed is addressed. And considering that this book's central concept is the finding of a medical cure for aging, and that Magary manages to touch on religion, war, politics, economics, love, morality, family and a few other key human 'endeavors' and all in under 400 pages, that's a hell of a feat.But in doing this (and this is where I dock Magary a few points) the writer unfortunately sacrifices pacing (most notably towards the end of the novel) and dialogue (it all feels very workmanlike and exposition based, even when the intent is humor or pathos). These aren't major issues and as I commented over the course of my reading I was constantly and consistently surprised by this book's treating of not only its central conceit but also of its readers as an audience willing to deal with the limitations of their own moral and ethical, as well as cultural, horizons. We need more books like this in the US of A, please.
What do You think about The End Specialist (2011)?
Nice but a bit to negative for my taste. It is almost illogical to have such dreadful future.
—andybaby365
One of the best examples of world building I've read in a long time. It's terrifying.
—Elvia
Perfect story, philosophical, deep... I really recommend it
—amanda
