Literature(R)

by Guillermo Stitch

• ISBN10: 1987775678
• ISBN13: 9781987775679
• Publish Date: 27 June 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 102
• Language: English

Reviews

[kalventure]

"The road is the page."

Poor Billy Stringer is having a pretty rotten time. His girlfriend broke up with him, he's stuck living with his recluse mother, his only outfit is from his prom, and he botched his first big assignment as a journalist. Oh, and it appears that someone wants to kill him.

I was excited when the author contacted me to ask if I would like to review his book because the synopsis sounded so interesting. A dystopian future where reading is banned? Yes please. Unfortunately while this novella is brimming with promise and a creative premise, I found the story lacking in execution. The novella had a strong start but I soon became lost in a lot of world jargon and I honestly have no idea what really was going on. Something about some kinds of fiction being used for fuel and people lay down while on their commute to work reading? Books are illegal because of the technology? Maybe? And why do text messages look like this in this reality: "bili u cant do dis! I dint evn liv der enimor!"

I didn't understand why fiction became banned in the first place - although reading the synopsis now leads me to believe it is because people need to get to work? okay... - and without that knowledge I found it difficult to care for the backstory as it unfolded and everything tied together. I really did appreciate the appreciation for reading in a world where reading is banned and physical books had essentially been eradicated, as well as lines like "He's lit. Too much Dickens and Dostoevsky and all that other trash."

Looking at the other reviews I seem to be in the minority here, so just because this book wasn't for me doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it. It is a fast-paced read that can easily be devoured in one sitting, and those that enjoy noir-style books and dystopian flair will likely get a kick out of this one.

Many thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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[Quirky Cat]

I received an advanced copy of Literature in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Literature is a novella by Guillermo Stitch, and I love just how unique the concept of this story was. Imagine a world where fiction is illegal. More than that, really. It’s considered almost deviant to enjoy, write, or read fiction. Picture prohibition but for books. That’s the world that Billy lives in, and it is not a world well suited for him (nor me, for that matter, but that’s hardly the point, is it?).
While this novella probably doesn’t fit the strictest definitions of a dystopian story, I’m going to stick that label on there. I mean, who wants to live in a world where authors can’t write what they’re passionate about? Where readers can’t leisurely walk into a bookstore and pick up the latest science fiction or fantasy book of their choice. That’s no world I’d want to live in.
Guillermo takes us on a fantastic ride through this dystopian novella, with Billy at the steering wheel. I don’t envy the man or the position he’s put himself into, but there’s no escaping the events he’s set in motion.
It took me a couple of pages to really get into this story. The trademarks and copyright logos kept throwing me out of the immersion at first. I got used to them though – their point and purpose in this story becomes more clear and defined with time. I think it was by the second chapter I was sold though, eagerly eating up the pages and looking for more.
I would love to see more writing from this world, even if I find the thought of actually living there utterly exhausting. Guillermo is not only a fantastic writer, but they’ve got some creative ideas to back those skills up. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.