What’s Wrong With 1961: Every Choice Has A Consequence

by Ariel Palenik

Room 1961 holds untold secrets and echoes of the past. As the protagonist explores the enigmatic history of this peculiar hotel room, a tapestry of stories emerges, weaving a narrative of love, loss, and redemption. Within the confines of Room 1961, the protagonist unravels the intertwined lives and destinies that have left their mark on this space. Every detail, from flickering candlelight to faded photographs, hints at a puzzle waiting to be deciphered. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mysteries of Room 1961, they are immersed in a world where past and present collide, creating a symphony of memories and emotions. "What's Wrong With 1961" beckons you to uncover the hidden truths of Room 1961, where the past whispers its secrets and the present yearns to be understood. Will the revelations within this room illuminate the world with the stories begging to be told, or will they remain veiled in secrecy? Dare to step into Room 1961 and unravel the captivating stories that lie within its walls

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*
This story has a very interesting concept. All linked to one certain room within a hotel. This starts by telling us about the lady we see on the cover ,about how she ended up as she has and how she got involved with the hotel. We then go on a journey of different type short stories. Each telling the story of the residents within this hotel room.

I found this clever and I really enjoyed the twists And turns within it. Some of the end results and the individual characters I also enjoyed separately. It is a story I could re read as I think I would get more out of it a second time round.

Many thanks to Ariel Palenik

[Linda Riedle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is like The Sixth Sense movie when you read/see it the first time. At the finale of The Sixth Sense, you're left bewildered, having been presented with a reality that was different than the one you had presumed. It is the same with Ariel Palenik's first novel. As the characters' stories begin to intertwine and come full circle, the reader is left with the feeling that they would like to re-read this engaging book examining it for the second time through a new lens.

[Padmapriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The protagonist is a woman who works in a hotel after a tragic accident leads to the loss of her legs. A new work in a new place with a huge lump of pay, what could go wrong? That is where the mystery begins, the protagonist faces strange experiences during her work, and there is no one she could share all of this about. In particular, everything is connected to the room 1961. There have only been 4 individuals who have stayed in that room so far, and something strange happens to each one of them. What’s wrong in 1961? How are they selected to stay in the room? Are they connected to each other? Why is the protagonist paid high?

It is such an interesting read from a debut author. The way that the story is woven is amazing. The author has put in effort to weave around an ample amount of suspense and thrill that holds the reader intrigued with the narrative. Some of the conversations and instances would make the reader think about life. As the title suggests every choice taken by the characters leads to their consequences. This is not a normal mystery where the author solves any crime or investigation, but this is no less of a thrill read. As readers we could also have a choice with the stories (you can understand this only if you read). I chose to read this book. As a consequence, I had an enjoyable read.

[Daniel Kowalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘What’s Wrong With 1961’ could fall into the very niche genre of ghost-mystery, but it’s more than just that. It tells the story of five different people and how they’re lives have intersected at a remote hotel in Alaska in room 1961, which also happens to be a pivotal year for each character. Aside from the mysterious hotel room, the only thing they have in common, unknown to any of them, is that they have all interacted with a mysterious man named Van Wert who has subtly directed them in their life choices.

At times the book feels creepy, especially at the hotel, while other times the themes are sad as the author explores each character’s loneliness. What I particularly enjoyed was how the four” guests” all had unique stories that interacted with the others on some level. Two of these characters are the heroes in their own stories with the other being the villain and it’s fascinating to see how our perspectives justify the choices we make and how we see ourselves and others.

Ariel Palenik’s debut novel is a well crafted masterpiece that is a pleasure to read and I highly recommend it.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debut novel, What’s Wrong with 1961 (2024) by Ariel Palenik is a mysterious tale of the the lives of four people who stayed in Hotel Room 1961. An unnamed narrator who works nights in a hotel in Alaska with few customers, recounts the eeriness of room 1961 and the dark, mysterious Mr Van Wert, the hotel owner. The revelations that follow reveal each of the lives that lead to the guest being there and their secrets, love, loss and tragedies. There is a psychological astuteness and almost melancholic feel to the book, with a depth of character and subtly powerful observation of people’s lives. An enjoyable speculative fiction read with a sophisticated interwoven plot that has a four stars rating. With thanks to the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.

[EDUTOX BOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Wrong With 1961 is a gripping story filled with secrets and surprises. It kept curious till the end with its mix of mystery and emotions. A good read for anyone who loves a bit of suspense.