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The Everything
First edition paperback (2013).
- GenresScience FictionFiction
297 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2013
3 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Richard C. Cox
1 book58 followersI grew up on a planet as different from this one as you could imagine. It was a place where books were more important than anything else (even our tiny village had a special building full of them called "The Library"), there were no responsibilities whatsoever and as much time for reading as you could wish for.
But then, with no warning, disaster: one evening, when I was a teenager, a spaceship appeared in the sky over our house; a shaft of light slanted down and I was abducted, whisked away, to the planet on which I've been stranded ever since. And it's a waking-nightmare of a world: here you have to work for a living (all day), pay "taxes" and do ghastly things called "laundry", "hoovering" and "shopping"—not just once either, but over and over again. So you have almost no time left for reading.
I've been prisoner and slave here for decades now, but have never quite given up hope—of escape, or even rescue, of returning home somehow, some day, to the planet from which I originally came: a world where authors were pin-ups, librarians were gods, and reading the best thing in the universe.
But then, with no warning, disaster: one evening, when I was a teenager, a spaceship appeared in the sky over our house; a shaft of light slanted down and I was abducted, whisked away, to the planet on which I've been stranded ever since. And it's a waking-nightmare of a world: here you have to work for a living (all day), pay "taxes" and do ghastly things called "laundry", "hoovering" and "shopping"—not just once either, but over and over again. So you have almost no time left for reading.
I've been prisoner and slave here for decades now, but have never quite given up hope—of escape, or even rescue, of returning home somehow, some day, to the planet from which I originally came: a world where authors were pin-ups, librarians were gods, and reading the best thing in the universe.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 20, 2022
Experimental mix of stories that are equally thought provoking and funny. Never gets boring and manages to mostly steer away from incomprehensible word salads by maintaining it's own internal logic.
August 28, 2021
This is the kind of book that a writer comes up with when they've got lots of things to say and they feel like it'll be their only time to say it. I'd gladly read more stuff by Richard C. Cox though he doesn't seem to have anything else out... though also glad to have been recommended this and it's great as a rarity.
May 24, 2022
Has the humorous bent of something like Pratchett but without all the standard prolonged character narrative, this is replaced with immersion into the world-building via a series of articles and diagrams; and the universe that's built is thrown at you at a nice relaxed pace, the illustrations being incredibly helpful for me, and takes me back to reading the science text books at school. For me, it's always a real joy to find something different.
March 21, 2015
I picked up this book specifically because I have met the author through Goodreads and was quite curious to know what his writing was like. On several occasions, we have differed on what is considered acceptable deviations from the standard rules of writing and grammar. As such, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was an eccentric and avant garde storytelling structure, certainly, but there was nothing so out there that I couldn't follow along. Mr. Cox has grammar and syntax firmly in his grasp and thus is 'allowed' to break the rules.
The only way I can describe this book is to say that it reads something like the Hitchhiker's guide. Not the *story* but the guide itself. Imagine an interactive wiki about a place you have never been and concepts you have never considered. And much like a trip down the Wikipedia rabbit hole, the story meanders and turns in on itself with so many tangents and anecdotes. I think this is where the true genius lies.
So often, science fiction authors strive for realism and believability. While I would maintain that this is very loosely science fiction, the brilliance is that rather than realism, the concepts in this book are as far from what we would consider normal that I would not be surprised to find that the author has visited the planets that he has written about. Yet at the same time, these alien concepts have an undeniable logic to them that makes our word look bizarre and unstructured by comparison. Either way, I can say with all honesty that I have never considered house paint and concrete to be quite as fascinating and likely never will again.
I must, however warn that within the whimsical and odd there are deep philosophical questions explored in great detail. So much detail and so deeply explored in part 2 that I may have had both a panic attack and an existential crisis or two. For some of us, gazing out into the abyss (or Everything in this case) is pretty frightening. Fortunately, our narrator soon goes out on yet another tangent and the uncomfortable feelings subside.
My only nitpick is the use of graphics. Many of these, due to the formatting required for an eBook, were difficult if not impossible to read. Beyond that, this was an incredibly enjoyable and unique read. In fact, were I the narrator's parent, I would say it was as unique as a unique pencil.
The only way I can describe this book is to say that it reads something like the Hitchhiker's guide. Not the *story* but the guide itself. Imagine an interactive wiki about a place you have never been and concepts you have never considered. And much like a trip down the Wikipedia rabbit hole, the story meanders and turns in on itself with so many tangents and anecdotes. I think this is where the true genius lies.
So often, science fiction authors strive for realism and believability. While I would maintain that this is very loosely science fiction, the brilliance is that rather than realism, the concepts in this book are as far from what we would consider normal that I would not be surprised to find that the author has visited the planets that he has written about. Yet at the same time, these alien concepts have an undeniable logic to them that makes our word look bizarre and unstructured by comparison. Either way, I can say with all honesty that I have never considered house paint and concrete to be quite as fascinating and likely never will again.
I must, however warn that within the whimsical and odd there are deep philosophical questions explored in great detail. So much detail and so deeply explored in part 2 that I may have had both a panic attack and an existential crisis or two. For some of us, gazing out into the abyss (or Everything in this case) is pretty frightening. Fortunately, our narrator soon goes out on yet another tangent and the uncomfortable feelings subside.
My only nitpick is the use of graphics. Many of these, due to the formatting required for an eBook, were difficult if not impossible to read. Beyond that, this was an incredibly enjoyable and unique read. In fact, were I the narrator's parent, I would say it was as unique as a unique pencil.
July 22, 2021
Should a review reflect personal taste or some empirical standard decided by literary geniuses where one star equals 'total rubbish - I would give it none if that was an option', and five stars elevates it to realms of a classic work? I would suggest what really matters is how well the book reflects any expectations set by its description and category. In this respect, 'The Everything' may garner negative reviews from those who would not normally enjoy its unique style, and who didn't bother to read the description.
If you have been reading a string of conventional novels with characters and plots, 'The Everything’ requires some mental adjustment. It took me 29 pages of disorientation before it really sunk in that my confusion wasn't due to a lack of meteorological and botanical expertise; I was reading an almanac from an alternative reality.
I don't buy into the idea that readers should grapple with obstacles in order reach the literary merits of a work, and those first pages could have better eased me in. However, once through, there was no turning back. I let go of my usual taste for characters and plot and surrendered to the 'Douglas Adams' narrator's voice in my head as I journeyed through, what we might call strange and unfamiliar terrain - and others might call home.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of literature is the use of metaphors and these were in plentiful supply; some profoundly philosophical, others laugh-out-loud hilarious. 'The Everything' challenges our self-congratulatory confidence that we are close to the pinnacle of scientific knowledge, it reframes the givens by offering 'Aunt Sallys' to prise open our minds and it does so in a most enjoyable way.
If you have been reading a string of conventional novels with characters and plots, 'The Everything’ requires some mental adjustment. It took me 29 pages of disorientation before it really sunk in that my confusion wasn't due to a lack of meteorological and botanical expertise; I was reading an almanac from an alternative reality.
I don't buy into the idea that readers should grapple with obstacles in order reach the literary merits of a work, and those first pages could have better eased me in. However, once through, there was no turning back. I let go of my usual taste for characters and plot and surrendered to the 'Douglas Adams' narrator's voice in my head as I journeyed through, what we might call strange and unfamiliar terrain - and others might call home.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of literature is the use of metaphors and these were in plentiful supply; some profoundly philosophical, others laugh-out-loud hilarious. 'The Everything' challenges our self-congratulatory confidence that we are close to the pinnacle of scientific knowledge, it reframes the givens by offering 'Aunt Sallys' to prise open our minds and it does so in a most enjoyable way.
June 1, 2015
I so loved the world of this book that here I am, months later, still wanting to visit this vivid, remarkable place, where naturally occurring fireworks make for spectacular weather and the perfect form is not the sphere, but the potato. (I'm also wishing for a travelog companion volume, with large glossy illustrations on every page.) In fact, "the world of this book" IS this book, which reveals the geology, physics, and chemistry of its universe, along with the philosophy, history, and pop culture of its inhabitants. The book is long and detailed, and I did get restless at times - I'm a traditionalist, I like plots and characters. (I clung to the radio dramas because they provided traditional fiction elements.) Oh, there are hints of character - the narrator is a teen boy with a dry wit and a quirky family - and whiffs of story, particularly in the history of space exploration. Clearly, Cox could craft a traditional narrative if he wanted to, but he made very clear from the outset that that was not his intention here. And so I went along for the ride, and I am quite glad I did. Now, when I encounter one of the givens or the absolutes of my universe, I think, hmm, might not be true everywhere. I look forward to reading whatever Cox writes next, and I won't hazard a guess what that might be.
I got this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I got this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2021
Great stuff. The kind of experimentalism that I really like. Seems like all the best books are being written now. My only criticism is that at times it can be a little too sciencey, which isn't much my kind of thing, there were some sections I had to read back twice for comprehension reasons.
June 8, 2015
This book is, to be frank, really rather cool. I found myself loving the world the author created, and imagining all the wonderful and quirky traits of this world, and those surrounding it. What I liked most about this book was how real it felt; it really did feel as if this strange world was a real place, because it was explained in such fascinating detail. It was interesting, mind-bending, and in a way quite plausible; after all, one day humanity might indeed leave our planet and move to someplace new, and our lives will certainly be different in numerous ways.
In short; this book is definitely worth a read.
In short; this book is definitely worth a read.
June 26, 2022
This is a truly original work of speculative fiction that breaks all the rules and yet, for me, ticks all the boxes. It is not a novel in the traditional sense of the word. The author uses the term 'Justplainweird Fiction' or JF in a tongue-in-cheek self-description of the writing style: 'there's no plot, characters, dialogue or action. What we get instead, in this case, are lots and lots of fictional excerpts: from magazines, from books and summaries of books, from essays, stories, scientific papers ...'
Instead of a traditional novel structure, the reader is instead invited to sift through fragments of documents that, together, start to form a picture of an alternative 'Everything.' This is a world of potato-shaped worlds, each with its own characteristic geography and culture, drifting through space. The medley of documents touches on daily life, fiction, education, weather, landscape, art, philosophy and 'everythingography,' while mixing in an incredible treasure chest of ideas, from distance paint, radio signals captured in jam jars and sky maps to multiple interpretations of existence and mythology (some of my favourite ones were the discussion of the 'microworld' and the worlds as an alien space ship theory).
The one voice that comes through very strongly is that of the narrator, or perhaps I should say 'the curator' of the documents. This is a voice suffused with sense of humour and a sense of wonder. I started making bookmarks along the way when some quote or thought really captured the imagination and I ended up with a very long list. My favourite moments came from philosophical discussions and quotes around the nature of theories, but I particularly enjoyed the way our own everyday world starts to feel quite alien by the end of the book.
This is not a book that should be read in one sitting - it is best enjoyed a bit at a time, allowing the new ideas to envelop the imagination. A fantastic read for lovers of sci-fi and philosophy.
Instead of a traditional novel structure, the reader is instead invited to sift through fragments of documents that, together, start to form a picture of an alternative 'Everything.' This is a world of potato-shaped worlds, each with its own characteristic geography and culture, drifting through space. The medley of documents touches on daily life, fiction, education, weather, landscape, art, philosophy and 'everythingography,' while mixing in an incredible treasure chest of ideas, from distance paint, radio signals captured in jam jars and sky maps to multiple interpretations of existence and mythology (some of my favourite ones were the discussion of the 'microworld' and the worlds as an alien space ship theory).
The one voice that comes through very strongly is that of the narrator, or perhaps I should say 'the curator' of the documents. This is a voice suffused with sense of humour and a sense of wonder. I started making bookmarks along the way when some quote or thought really captured the imagination and I ended up with a very long list. My favourite moments came from philosophical discussions and quotes around the nature of theories, but I particularly enjoyed the way our own everyday world starts to feel quite alien by the end of the book.
This is not a book that should be read in one sitting - it is best enjoyed a bit at a time, allowing the new ideas to envelop the imagination. A fantastic read for lovers of sci-fi and philosophy.
July 12, 2024
I embarked on a captivating journey with "The Everything", a unique and comprehensive guide that delves into the essence of existence, reality, and the cosmos. This extraordinary book is a treasure trove of knowledge, weaving together diverse perspectives from creation myths to scientific theories, artistic interpretations, philosophical insights, and imaginative fiction.
January 2, 2024
This book has no plot, but it's surprisingly entertaining. The Everything doesn't really fit in a genre - speculative science fiction maybe? As I was pondering that, I read a "chapter" that named it. "Justplainweird Fiction" or JF. Yep, that fits it perfectly!
Though there is no plot, there is a direction and a purpose -- a beginning and a conclusion. Reading this caused me to think deeply, shake my head, smile a lot, and at times laugh out loud. It tended to drag a bit here and there, but the majority was a fun and different kind escape from our reality. (I'm betting that the author is from Erogos)
Though there is no plot, there is a direction and a purpose -- a beginning and a conclusion. Reading this caused me to think deeply, shake my head, smile a lot, and at times laugh out loud. It tended to drag a bit here and there, but the majority was a fun and different kind escape from our reality. (I'm betting that the author is from Erogos)
July 7, 2021
A collection of wierd
In the 26th century, Humans live on a collection of planets called the twelve. Some are normal shapes, others are shaped like potatoes. This book is a collection of articles and essays from various magazines and scientific journals. Even children's collectable cards are included.
Think of your doctor office and the random magazines there, this is like a random excerpt from them. No clear plot or anything you would expect in a regular book. As such, this was possibly the strangest book I've read in while. I wouldn't read this book again, I enjoy traditional plots too much i suppose.
In the 26th century, Humans live on a collection of planets called the twelve. Some are normal shapes, others are shaped like potatoes. This book is a collection of articles and essays from various magazines and scientific journals. Even children's collectable cards are included.
Think of your doctor office and the random magazines there, this is like a random excerpt from them. No clear plot or anything you would expect in a regular book. As such, this was possibly the strangest book I've read in while. I wouldn't read this book again, I enjoy traditional plots too much i suppose.
May 5, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author and I promised to give it an honest review, so here it goes... (Reseña en español más abajo)
I'm not sure if Richard C. Cox is a total genius or just plain old crazy. For now, I'll go with the second one. The Everything is the weirdest and most elaborated book I've ever read. At the beginning I had no idea what to expect from it (seriously, the excerpt told me NOTHING!) but I was open-minded and ready to unravel its story. The only problem is that, once I finished reading it, I still had no clue what the story was all about. The narrator claims that "[...] it isn't a novel, but an attempt at something more experimental [...] and the subject is reality itself [...]" Sooo... yeah.
The idea is very original and well thought, but there's no real storyline. The narrator is a fifteen-year-old kid I know nothing about (I mean, not even his name) who tries to explain everything about his world, the others planets around it and the Everything that contains them all, and to do so he presents a long list of theories, leyends and ideas that are all fascinating but very complicated.
I have to confess that I got really stuck at some point and had to force myself to finish reading this book. I think if this kid (and his dog) would have actually travel to all these worlds and described them in a simpler way, the story would have turned out to be a lot more likeable and memorable.
Still, it's original, unique and well written, with a handful of genius moments, like:
That last one really cracked me up! So, you see, this book does have its brilliant and funny moments, but I don't think the overall story was. Or maybe it just wasn't for me... who knows? Perhaps all you need to do is read it yourself and prove me wrong. The question is: Will you dare to?
Y ahora en español:
Recibí una copia de este libro de parte del autor y prometí darle una reseña honesta, así que aquí va...
No estoy segura respecto a si Richard C. Cox es un genio total o si simplemente está loco de remate. Por ahora, me quedo con la segunda. The Everything es el libro más extraño y sobre-elaborado que jamás he leído. Al principio no sabía qué esperar de él (en serio, la sinopsis no me dijo NADA!) pero mi mente estaba abierta y me sentía lista para descifrar su historia. El único problema es que, una vez que terminé de leerlo, seguía sin tener la menor idea de cuál era la trama. El narrador dice que "[...] no es una novela, sino el intento de algo más experimental [...] y su argumento es la realidad en sí misma [...]" Así que... ahá.
La idea es original y bien planeada, pero no hay una verdadera trama. El narrador es un chico de quince años del que no sé nada (o sea, ni siquiera su nombre) que intenta explicarlo todo acerca de su mundo, los otros planetas que lo rodean y The Everything (El Todo) que los contiene; y para hacerlo presenta una larga lista de teorías, leyendas e ideas que son fascinantes pero muy complicadas.
Tengo que confesar que me estanqué en algún punto y tuve que obligarme a terminar de leer este libro. Creo que si este chico (y su perro) en realidad hubieran viajado a todos esos mundos y los describieran de una forma más simple, la historia habría resultado mucho más querible y memorable.
Aún así, es original, única y bien escrita, con un puñado de momentos geniales, como:
Esa última me hizo morir de risa! Así que, ya ves, este libro tiene sus momentos brillantes y muy graciosos, pero no creo que la historia en general lo sea. O tal vez simplemente no lo es para mí... quién sabe? Quizá todo lo que debas hacer es leerlo tú mismo y probar que me equivoco. La pregunta es: Te atreverás?
I'm not sure if Richard C. Cox is a total genius or just plain old crazy. For now, I'll go with the second one. The Everything is the weirdest and most elaborated book I've ever read. At the beginning I had no idea what to expect from it (seriously, the excerpt told me NOTHING!) but I was open-minded and ready to unravel its story. The only problem is that, once I finished reading it, I still had no clue what the story was all about. The narrator claims that "[...] it isn't a novel, but an attempt at something more experimental [...] and the subject is reality itself [...]" Sooo... yeah.
The idea is very original and well thought, but there's no real storyline. The narrator is a fifteen-year-old kid I know nothing about (I mean, not even his name) who tries to explain everything about his world, the others planets around it and the Everything that contains them all, and to do so he presents a long list of theories, leyends and ideas that are all fascinating but very complicated.
I have to confess that I got really stuck at some point and had to force myself to finish reading this book. I think if this kid (and his dog) would have actually travel to all these worlds and described them in a simpler way, the story would have turned out to be a lot more likeable and memorable.
Still, it's original, unique and well written, with a handful of genius moments, like:
[...] Sometimes, you've found yourself gazing around at your planet and muttering: "Yes... okay. But what is this place and what am I doing in it?" [...] "Why in the world is our world like this? And what —if anything— is this madhouse for?"
Fireworks are my favourite kind of weather.
(The big silver ships descends, a hatch slides open and then the aliens themselves are plodding down the ramp: "We come in peace" / "Take us to your leader" / "Resistance is futile" / "Those curtains with that carpet?")
That last one really cracked me up! So, you see, this book does have its brilliant and funny moments, but I don't think the overall story was. Or maybe it just wasn't for me... who knows? Perhaps all you need to do is read it yourself and prove me wrong. The question is: Will you dare to?
Y ahora en español:
Recibí una copia de este libro de parte del autor y prometí darle una reseña honesta, así que aquí va...
No estoy segura respecto a si Richard C. Cox es un genio total o si simplemente está loco de remate. Por ahora, me quedo con la segunda. The Everything es el libro más extraño y sobre-elaborado que jamás he leído. Al principio no sabía qué esperar de él (en serio, la sinopsis no me dijo NADA!) pero mi mente estaba abierta y me sentía lista para descifrar su historia. El único problema es que, una vez que terminé de leerlo, seguía sin tener la menor idea de cuál era la trama. El narrador dice que "[...] no es una novela, sino el intento de algo más experimental [...] y su argumento es la realidad en sí misma [...]" Así que... ahá.
La idea es original y bien planeada, pero no hay una verdadera trama. El narrador es un chico de quince años del que no sé nada (o sea, ni siquiera su nombre) que intenta explicarlo todo acerca de su mundo, los otros planetas que lo rodean y The Everything (El Todo) que los contiene; y para hacerlo presenta una larga lista de teorías, leyendas e ideas que son fascinantes pero muy complicadas.
Tengo que confesar que me estanqué en algún punto y tuve que obligarme a terminar de leer este libro. Creo que si este chico (y su perro) en realidad hubieran viajado a todos esos mundos y los describieran de una forma más simple, la historia habría resultado mucho más querible y memorable.
Aún así, es original, única y bien escrita, con un puñado de momentos geniales, como:
[...] En ocasiones, te has encontrado a ti mismo admirando tu planeta y murmurando: "Sí... de acuerdo. ¿Pero qué es este lugar y qué estoy haciendo yo en él?" [...] "¿Por qué razón en el mundo nuestro mundo es así? ¿Y para qué —si es que hay una respuesta— es este loquero?"
Los fuegos artificiales son mi clima preferido.
(La enorme nave plateada desciende, una escotilla se abre y los aliens en persona bajan por la rampa: "Venimos en paz" / "Llévennos con su líder" / "Resistirse es inútil" / "Esas cortinas con esa alfombra?")
Esa última me hizo morir de risa! Así que, ya ves, este libro tiene sus momentos brillantes y muy graciosos, pero no creo que la historia en general lo sea. O tal vez simplemente no lo es para mí... quién sabe? Quizá todo lo que debas hacer es leerlo tú mismo y probar que me equivoco. La pregunta es: Te atreverás?
October 8, 2024
So reading this review instead of just looking at the rating is a good idea.
First off, two of my favorite authors are Thomas Pynchon and Philip K. Dick, so be warned that I already have a bias towards the strange and unusual.
Secondly, The Everything is an alternately silly and fascinating thought experiment more than a coherent narrative. A different world, a different universe, as told by a fifteen year old, among other things.
And as a thought experiment it hits among the highest highs I've ever read, but only sometimes. At those "sometimes" it pulled me straight on through, reading about the bizarre logic of a different universe and all its myriad of rules and oddities was absolutely absorbing.
But at other times the tone seemed to shift to the metaphorically silly, and it didn't work as well. The entire thing is in multiple parts, written in multiple styles, and depending on what the current part was I was alternately enthralled and rather miffed that I wasn't in a better part.
So then why 4 stars if The Everything has such a plethora of ups and downs? Well for the sheer sake of originality, something I would warn I might value more than others. But if originality is your thing, and thought experiments and the unusual, The Everything might just be right up your alley.
First off, two of my favorite authors are Thomas Pynchon and Philip K. Dick, so be warned that I already have a bias towards the strange and unusual.
Secondly, The Everything is an alternately silly and fascinating thought experiment more than a coherent narrative. A different world, a different universe, as told by a fifteen year old, among other things.
And as a thought experiment it hits among the highest highs I've ever read, but only sometimes. At those "sometimes" it pulled me straight on through, reading about the bizarre logic of a different universe and all its myriad of rules and oddities was absolutely absorbing.
But at other times the tone seemed to shift to the metaphorically silly, and it didn't work as well. The entire thing is in multiple parts, written in multiple styles, and depending on what the current part was I was alternately enthralled and rather miffed that I wasn't in a better part.
So then why 4 stars if The Everything has such a plethora of ups and downs? Well for the sheer sake of originality, something I would warn I might value more than others. But if originality is your thing, and thought experiments and the unusual, The Everything might just be right up your alley.
September 21, 2024
This book was so unique and wonderful. I honestly wonder where he gets all those thoughts from. This book reminded me of The Imaginarium of dr p arnassus. And Mr magorioums wonder imporium. It's just delightful and whimsical.
February 25, 2014
When I received this book, I was amazed at what the author also sent with it: bits and pieces, as he called it, pages of the book before it was published, drawings that never made it to the final version, and a letter, a very funny letter, and I realised that Richard C. Cox is a very smart and funny person.
To comment this book is not an easy job. It's a fiction book, but we keep asking ourselves what part of it is non-fiction. We don't have a story as we're used to, we don't have characters to love or hate, we have nothing; still, we can't stop reading it.
I really liked The Everything, although it is completely frustrating not to know why. Maybe I got lost somewhere in the end, and I couldn't understand it correctly. I will surely read it again, for I have the feeling there were a lot of things I couldn't understand. In that second reading, it will be very likely to receive 5 stars.
As for the author, I just think him brilliant. The way that he shows everything around is genious, and there's no way how to explain it: you have to read it.
This is probably one of the weirdest reviews I've ever written, and The Everything is probably one of the weirdest books I've ever read. But it is amazing, I will read it again, and I highly recommend it!
http://eu-e-o-bam.blogspot.pt/2014/02... [PT]
To comment this book is not an easy job. It's a fiction book, but we keep asking ourselves what part of it is non-fiction. We don't have a story as we're used to, we don't have characters to love or hate, we have nothing; still, we can't stop reading it.
I really liked The Everything, although it is completely frustrating not to know why. Maybe I got lost somewhere in the end, and I couldn't understand it correctly. I will surely read it again, for I have the feeling there were a lot of things I couldn't understand. In that second reading, it will be very likely to receive 5 stars.
As for the author, I just think him brilliant. The way that he shows everything around is genious, and there's no way how to explain it: you have to read it.
This is probably one of the weirdest reviews I've ever written, and The Everything is probably one of the weirdest books I've ever read. But it is amazing, I will read it again, and I highly recommend it!
http://eu-e-o-bam.blogspot.pt/2014/02... [PT]
May 31, 2014
Received this book from the author so I decided to read it a soon as posible... It took me 6 months to finish it.
Not beacuse it was a bad book, or boring, or anything like that. It just happens to be so complicated, I had to put it down from time to time and clear my head every once in a while.
The idea for this book is original but the narration is not quite good. The theories are great as well as the legends (even though some are kinda hard to follow) but I found some of the descriptions unnecesary (or at least longer than they should be).
I'd not say is a master piece, but is worth reading it (a couple of times, so it can be fully understood).
Not beacuse it was a bad book, or boring, or anything like that. It just happens to be so complicated, I had to put it down from time to time and clear my head every once in a while.
The idea for this book is original but the narration is not quite good. The theories are great as well as the legends (even though some are kinda hard to follow) but I found some of the descriptions unnecesary (or at least longer than they should be).
I'd not say is a master piece, but is worth reading it (a couple of times, so it can be fully understood).
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews