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 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.

I'd attempted this book before and was determined to finish it now. Your mileage with this book will all depend on how well you can handle Holden, and I can't stand him. I respect the book, but it too all my will to get through it. Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar is very much a response to this book, and I love that one. Read it... I was going to rate this 4-stars out of respect, but I just can't do it.

I was an evangelical, not Catholic, but my goodness did I identify with this book. There were moments where I cried out, Enough Already, but the length to which he explores exactly the religion he turned his back on is so much of its power.