"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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