shannonmiz
Written on Oct 30, 2016
4.5*
This book has so much of everything that I love packed inside. Multifaceted and engaging characters? Check. Morally complicated situations? Check. Family dynamics, humor amidst tragedy, and an eerily plausible situation... yep, they're here too. There are quite a few POVs, but it works. I didn't get super connected to any one character, but I don't think that was the point. Of course, I cared about Jackie's plight most, as the main character, but the side characters were really well fleshed out, each with their own firm beliefs (or in some cases, lack thereof). Like I said, it worked.
When I first read the synopsis I thought "this will either be really awesome... or not so much." Because it is a pretty bold idea, no? Selling the rights to one's life? But the magic of this book lies in the author making you believe the premise- and even understanding why someone would do it. The moral complexity blew my mind, and had me questioning what I would do throughout the book- how I would react in each character's shoes.
The author had me caring about each character, and each issue that arose. The tumor itself was even personified, and it was kind of genius. Because I'll be damned if by the end of the book I didn't care about the tumor, too. Life in a Fishbowl explores so many important themes, like family, euthanasia, media deception and intrusion, and ultimately, the lengths we will go to to protect our beliefs and our loved ones. Quite thought provoking while being emotive and entertaining, this was a total win for me.
**Copy provided by publisher for review