Duncan M.

Lots of "teen" elements, but an intriguing book

Revisado: 07-16-18

This books was interesting. A world in a hopeful post apocalyptic utopia where everyone (who can afford it) is born perfect through genetic modification, and can live forever through advanced robotics.
The protagonist spends the first third of the book lamenting on her loss of social status, something I could not identify at all with, but eventually goes on to meet some interesting people who want to show her the capabilities of her newfound form, and one character who treats her like a bit of a curiousity. I enjoyed the rest of the book. It told a tale of the problems with living among mortal life when one is immortal. If it were not told through the eyes of a spoiled rich kid, I'd probably have liked it more.

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Dated, But Eternal Messages Within

Revisado: 04-19-18

If you could sum up Earth Abides in three words, what would they be?

This book initially had me completely enthralled with the immediate happenings after the apocalypse. The desperation, the horror of seeing people die around Ish, some by their own hand, some from accidents after the apocalypse, and some dying from overdose as they tried to combat the pain they felt living in the ruined world. I grew a lot less interested in the immediate problems the world faced and more in the community that would rise from the ashes as the story went on, and that was definitely the point. I read in one review that this book was "a character study, and not of a very interesting character at that." but I think that there was a point to Ish being so disconnected from everything. The reader could read his observations and put themselves in his shoes. I thought it was stupid that he hadn't made preparations such as taking canned food to a single location, or maintaining vehicles and weaponry. He didn't learn any new survival skills except by immediate necessity. Later though, I realized that this is just about how the average person would act in that situation. Comfort led to inaction which led to pain and suffering later on. The ending was interesting. It had a very interesting message. Humanity has made much progress throughout its existence, but we have caused much pain and suffering, and we do not coexist with our environment. We shape it and destroy it for our benefit. But when society collapses and man doesn't have the manufacturing power to do so anymore or the constructs necessary to put it to use, nature takes over. The Earth abides. I'm happy I read this novel on a whim and I'm looking for more similar post apocalyptic fiction now.

What did you like best about this story?

The overarching message that upon the destruction of society, we cannot suddenly and perfectly rebuild it. The Earth has other plans for our cities and materials, and we can only hope to survive and begin anew.

What about Jonathan Davis and Connie Willis ’s performance did you like?

Jonathan Davis was a fantastic voice to put into speech the dated writing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I spent many nights staying up far too late because I was so interested in what would happen next.

Any additional comments?

There were some parts of the book I didn't like, and many dated societal themes, such as the disenfranchisement of people of color, and of the mentally ill and handicapped. It was apparent this book came from a different time and place. (If I had to hear one more time how Ish thought he should have killed the "half-witted" girl long ago, I was going to stop listening)

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Not what I expected

Revisado: 04-12-18

Not what I expected. Instead of being a delve into the character of a man who has to live lifetime after lifetime, this became a morality play about a man coming to terms with his mistakes in life and realizing he had time to make changes to the future instead of focusing on his past. The main character seemed almost autobiographical and reflected on events from the author's life. This book was written for him and not for me.

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