Liz Selbst

Once the central plot device (hint: the landline) was revealed, I have no honest answer why I kept reading this book.

Parts of this book read like very good science writing and I learned a lot about cancer that I probably never would have chanced to research otherwise.

I was annoyed by Johnson's constant “Look at me, I'm a cancer research outsider!” reminders. Nobody would show up at any scientific research conference in any field and expect it to be accessible to a lay audience.

The epilogue was abrupt and Johnson's subsequent divorce made me mistrust a lot of the narrative that was used to shape the book. I don't know, using your ex-wife's experience of cancer to shape your nonfiction investigation (memoir?) just seems kind of scuzzy.

I love everything Ian Frazier. Unfortunately, I think this book did not age well and it feels quite outdated by 2014.

Six word summary: Google fanboy writes fast-paced “bookstore mystery.”

Over the top in its descriptions of Google's “Big Box” and awe for the power of computing. It's somewhat ironic that this book draws attention to the cult-like secrecy of bibliophile societies but fails to demonstrate any similar awareness of the cult of Google. The scenes at Google read almost like a satire, but they're way too fawning for that.

Trying painfully too hard to make a statement about the future of digital books and libraries. The effort to tie in the protagonist's favorite fantasy series just made me cringe.

The characters seemed promising at first, but I grew tired of them quickly after they failed to develop with any depth. Two stars because the plot did keep me turning pages quickly.

SPOILER: The ultimate reveal of the codex seemed facile - it's just a little too convenient that the Gerritszoon punches end up unlocking the centuries-old message.

Painfully outdated and 200 pages too long. Felt like being in a bad meeting about meetings.