My Idle Ramblings

Of late, I’ve been in a dystopian mood. No doubt since I’ve read three post-apocalyptic books back-to-back. Two for Book Club, the other was the recent release of a writer friend’s debut novel.

My adventure started with The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson. As expected, a bleak world with a protagonist who mirrors the dystopian world of resource scarcity, the abusive relationships between the haves and have-nots, and extreme weather and environments. The linear timeline worked for me, but I struggled with the present tense. 4-stars.

Next up, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Half of the story is set in a world post-pandemic, eerily reminiscent of our recent COVID-19 experience. The difference – the fictional Georgia Flu decimated 99.6% of the world population. The other half of the story takes place pre-pandemic. I connected with the story because much of the past is set in Toronto, and the present in Michigan. As a native Michigander, both places are near and dear to my heart. Usually, I’m not a fan of non-linear narratives, but it worked well to contrast the difference in what was important in the before and after worlds. Quite poignant to say the least. 5-stars.

The other book I’m reading at the moment is All Things Lost by DL Bunch, my friend’s pen name. Like Station Eleven, it’s a non-linear narrative including several different time periods in the past of the various characters. There are at least four of them, which is hard for my logical mind to get a handle on the sequence of events. The non-linear format has always been a preference of my friend. It’s just not mine as reader. 4-stars despite the multiple timelines.

This novel has special significance because I critiqued the first draft, and even got a shout-out in the Acknowledgements. Most of the parts in the initial draft are included but further developed as expected. This book is her baby and getting it on the market was very important to her. I’m happy she accomplished her goal and wish her nothing but success!

Until next time…