Thaddeus Thomas

A powerful book. I want to go back and read sections of it again, to relive horrible moments that feel so vivid, real, and raw. It had me so conflicted, loving and hating the same characters at different times of the lives. It took me a while to decide what I thought about this one, but it's a modern classic about the end of the west.

This is my favorite read so far of 2024. It was fun, funny, and wild and left me up to my armpits in history. I totally understand anyone who feels otherwise, though. I loved aspects of this book that, when I talk about them, sound like reasons to dislike the book. I loved it, potential to be an all-time favorite.

This would have been a 4-star when I first finished the audiobook, but I've been reading the stories again, both as text and audio, in order to analyze them for my website, thaddeusthomas.com. I couldn't really follow them in audio the first time through, and only is repeat reading (and listening) did the stories open themselves up to me. I'm glad I've had cause to slow down and take the time to really examine each tale.

This is a review of the 2014 audiobook which has its own translation, apparently. I was a little reticent to start this book, thinking the experience of having seen both movies would destroy any mystery it once had, but whether I'd waited long enough or it was just that good, I loved it. In some places you know you're reading mid-century science fiction, but often its fresh and insightful. Painful, even.