2 Stars
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Page Count: 288I HATED THIS BOOK! I don't know if it is because I read this right after a book I consider to be an ideal standard for science fiction but this book was not it, and the fact that it was even classified as sci fi is embarassing. Sci fi as a genre is used as way to explore humanity under a different set of circumstances than what is currently feasible in our real world. This book seems like it set out to explore the human condition in a reality where cloning exists. I don't qualify this as a spoiler because the author goes nowhere to explore this idea. Instead of being clones where their lives are cut short, you could give all the main characters a terminal illness and the story would not change. This story boild down to an annoying love triangle but everyone has a terminal illness. These is virtually NO commentary on what it means to be human vs clone, how the larger society is affected by this development, anything. It is hinted at but the author says nothing about it. The entire book is just this stupid melodrama written in a sad, melancholy way which is why I think people latched onto this. It's just a sad story, nothing revolutionary or award winning here. I am convinced that the writing style confused people into thinking this was a good book.
5 Stars
The Examiner by Janice Hallett
Page Count: 458This book was such a breath of fresh air after the previous one! I like to say there are 2 types of murder mysteries, a Sherlock Homes style, where the mystery is solved via logic and deductive reasoning, and an Agatha Christie style, where the mysterly unfolds through motives and character exploration. Now I will say there is a 3rd style, a Janice Hallett style, where the reader must use logic and deduction, as well as character understanding and insight to solve a mystery happening in real-time! Ha. But really, this is such an entertaining read! I do not want to give ANY spoilers here but if you want to solve a mystery and be SO surprised at every twist and turn then read this book!