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Ostatni pociąg do Babilonu
Pozycja obowiązkowa dla fanów Alice Sebold i Johna Greena. Wspaniały debiut, powieść wypełniona czarnym humorem, inteligentnym dowcipem oraz duża ilością Jacka Danielsa. Aubrey Glass posiada kolekcję listów pożegnalnych, napisanych na wypadek popełnienia samobójstwa. Obecnie, 5 lat po opuszczeniu domu rodzinnego, samobójstwo popełnia jej koleżanka Rachel...
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 27, 2014
You can also read my review and ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE.
My mouth is literally hanging open when I finished this novel and I don't even know what to feel. For real. I was angry, sad.. I wanna cry, and I want to hug someone too. I just don't know!! But one thing is for sure, I was surprised. This book snuck up on me and totally squeezed my heart. It gripped me from the very first chapter and I never thought I'd like Aubrey so much. If you read this, you'll be surprised.
You see, Aubrey is a b*tch. I'm sorry, but she is. According to her,she's incapable of having feelings, which I thought was true until her story started to unravel. We found out that Rachel, Aubreys ex-bestfriend, has committed suicide. Now as Rachel's ex-bestfriend, her mother is obligating her to go.. even if she really don't want to. At first, I was a little confused. I mean, if you don't want to go then don't. But Aubrey still went home, not for Rachel, but for herself.
Aubrey must be one of the most cold hearted protagonist I've ever encountered. But god, my heart breaks for her too. I adore her actually for being so strong and for..surviving her tormentors in her life. I was shocked on how indifferent she feel when she found her Rachel died. And she's so mean! She drinks a lot and yes, she's also having suicidal thoughts, Rachel just beat her to it.
This is also one of the best beautifully written book I've read that deals with dark themes. Charlee Fam's words slays. It literally cuts through you and her words just makes you.. feel. It doesn't even matter what kind of feeling is that, whether its anger or happiness, as long as the protagonist is feeling it and Charlee Fam is describing it, you'll definitely feel it. Charlee Fam is a brilliant author! I can't believe this is her debut novel, it makes me excited for her upcoming books.
Last Train to Babylon is a very gritty and heartbreaking novel. Its about a woman's journey to realizing that your past may not be the most beautiful one out there, but it doesn't have to hold you back. Past mistakes are made to help us shape who we are right now and yes, whether we want it or not, we are gonna lose some people along the way. Especially if those people are the ones holding you back and reminds you of that past. They're not helping, so just let them go.
Its beautiful and sad. Heartbreaking and moving. Last Train to Babylon is a wonderful debut novel!
My mouth is literally hanging open when I finished this novel and I don't even know what to feel. For real. I was angry, sad.. I wanna cry, and I want to hug someone too. I just don't know!! But one thing is for sure, I was surprised. This book snuck up on me and totally squeezed my heart. It gripped me from the very first chapter and I never thought I'd like Aubrey so much. If you read this, you'll be surprised.
You see, Aubrey is a b*tch. I'm sorry, but she is. According to her,she's incapable of having feelings, which I thought was true until her story started to unravel. We found out that Rachel, Aubreys ex-bestfriend, has committed suicide. Now as Rachel's ex-bestfriend, her mother is obligating her to go.. even if she really don't want to. At first, I was a little confused. I mean, if you don't want to go then don't. But Aubrey still went home, not for Rachel, but for herself.
Aubrey must be one of the most cold hearted protagonist I've ever encountered. But god, my heart breaks for her too. I adore her actually for being so strong and for..surviving her tormentors in her life. I was shocked on how indifferent she feel when she found her Rachel died. And she's so mean! She drinks a lot and yes, she's also having suicidal thoughts, Rachel just beat her to it.
This is also one of the best beautifully written book I've read that deals with dark themes. Charlee Fam's words slays. It literally cuts through you and her words just makes you.. feel. It doesn't even matter what kind of feeling is that, whether its anger or happiness, as long as the protagonist is feeling it and Charlee Fam is describing it, you'll definitely feel it. Charlee Fam is a brilliant author! I can't believe this is her debut novel, it makes me excited for her upcoming books.
Last Train to Babylon is a very gritty and heartbreaking novel. Its about a woman's journey to realizing that your past may not be the most beautiful one out there, but it doesn't have to hold you back. Past mistakes are made to help us shape who we are right now and yes, whether we want it or not, we are gonna lose some people along the way. Especially if those people are the ones holding you back and reminds you of that past. They're not helping, so just let them go.
Its beautiful and sad. Heartbreaking and moving. Last Train to Babylon is a wonderful debut novel!
March 1, 2016
I gave up about 1/5 of the way through this thing.
This book is trying REALLY hard, but is falling flat time and again. It's like the nerdy girl at school who desperately wanted to fit in, but her yearning made her that much more unbearable. The main character is supposed to be relatable-yet-damaged, but in overcompensating for her vulnerability, she's actually just an unlikable bitch. She's a sniveling, angsty teen in a grown woman's body without any explanation of when or why she became that way; the author's idea of "building suspense" is to repeat the same three "clues" over and over and over with little variation, and rather than intrigue me, it annoys me.
Beyond that, the author's lame attempts at sounding "cool" are cringe-worthy. The book jacket makes a heavy-handed point of noting that the author is "twenty-something," which leads me to believe she's actually about 36. Her voice definitely isn't that of a young adult: the main character loves SnapChat but still constantly uses a Blackberry? She is 24 in 2014 but her "Angry Chick Music" mix is "Jagged Little Pill tracks and some Tori Amos," neither of whom have made hit albums for 15 years? She's mad because she paid $20 for a manicure that is only beginning to chip after a full week, because she considers a $20 manicure "expensive?" What era is this woman living in?! These shoehorned references are inconsistent and distracting.
This book is trying REALLY hard, but is falling flat time and again. It's like the nerdy girl at school who desperately wanted to fit in, but her yearning made her that much more unbearable. The main character is supposed to be relatable-yet-damaged, but in overcompensating for her vulnerability, she's actually just an unlikable bitch. She's a sniveling, angsty teen in a grown woman's body without any explanation of when or why she became that way; the author's idea of "building suspense" is to repeat the same three "clues" over and over and over with little variation, and rather than intrigue me, it annoys me.
Beyond that, the author's lame attempts at sounding "cool" are cringe-worthy. The book jacket makes a heavy-handed point of noting that the author is "twenty-something," which leads me to believe she's actually about 36. Her voice definitely isn't that of a young adult: the main character loves SnapChat but still constantly uses a Blackberry? She is 24 in 2014 but her "Angry Chick Music" mix is "Jagged Little Pill tracks and some Tori Amos," neither of whom have made hit albums for 15 years? She's mad because she paid $20 for a manicure that is only beginning to chip after a full week, because she considers a $20 manicure "expensive?" What era is this woman living in?! These shoehorned references are inconsistent and distracting.
September 30, 2016
Last Train to Babylon was one of the worst books I've read in a while. I usually reserve one star reviews for books that I can't bear to finish, but this one I actually did make it through, and I regret it.
The main character is so appallingly unlikeable that it's hard to get through it. For the first half of the book I sincerely hoped that whatever it was that Rachel had done was traumatic enough to warrant this unabashed hatred. So much hatred that Aubrey can't even muster a shred of sadness when her former best friend commits suicide. Aubrey was not remotely sympathetic. She lives off her father's money while her boyfriend pays the rent. She calls her mother by her first name. Oh, and her mother's biggest crime is not being completely in tune with her daughter. She comes off as spoiled beyond belief. There is no depth to this character. She's a two dimensional cutout of pure anger. No other emotions exist in her, to the point of it being completely unrealistic.
I almost stopped reading about 50 times and I wish that I had.
I understand that the author is trying to make a point about rape culture and how it can affect someones life, but I truly found this book unbearable.
The main character is so appallingly unlikeable that it's hard to get through it. For the first half of the book I sincerely hoped that whatever it was that Rachel had done was traumatic enough to warrant this unabashed hatred. So much hatred that Aubrey can't even muster a shred of sadness when her former best friend commits suicide. Aubrey was not remotely sympathetic. She lives off her father's money while her boyfriend pays the rent. She calls her mother by her first name. Oh, and her mother's biggest crime is not being completely in tune with her daughter. She comes off as spoiled beyond belief. There is no depth to this character. She's a two dimensional cutout of pure anger. No other emotions exist in her, to the point of it being completely unrealistic.
I almost stopped reading about 50 times and I wish that I had.
I understand that the author is trying to make a point about rape culture and how it can affect someones life, but I truly found this book unbearable.
October 14, 2014
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
4.5 stars
I received an ARC from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I don't even know how to begin describing this book. The first few pages gave me a fairly good idea that I was in for an extremely interesting and dark story. In fact, it was so powerful that it's what kept me glued to the pages because I wanted needed to know how Aubrey got to that point.
This is a story of relationships both past and present and how they define Aubrey as a person. It weaves back and forth between past and present to tell the story and explain the complex relationship she had with Rachel. I knew that something big happened that would explain the broken friendship and Aubrey's obnoxious behaviour but I didn't know what. Each chapter brought me a little closer to answers and kept me turning the pages.
Before I say anything else I do need to make one thing clear. The characters are not very likeable in this book. At times they are down right discusting and hard to take. Normally this would turn me off a book but in this case I think it made the story stronger. In life when terrible things happen to us, our behaviour is not always acceptable or pleasant and this was the case with Aubrey. She was not an overly nice person, did terrible things and was cold and distant. Her behaviour actually made me want to read more because I knew that there had to be a story to explain it or make me understand it even if I didn't approve of it.
Ultimatley this is a story of choices, mistakes, events and misunderstandings that happen during an impressionable time in a Aubrey's life that lead her on the path she takes. It is dark and gritty in a honest and heartbreaking way. I think the story would not have been so compelling had Aubrey been more likeable. It would have seemed fake and feel like an after school special. I applaud Fam for penning a realistic and not so pretty angle of what can happen to someone in her situation.
This was an extremely well written, engaging and easy to read book and it is hard to believe that it is Fam's debute novel. I anxiously await what she will come out with next.
4.5 stars
I received an ARC from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I don't even know how to begin describing this book. The first few pages gave me a fairly good idea that I was in for an extremely interesting and dark story. In fact, it was so powerful that it's what kept me glued to the pages because I wanted needed to know how Aubrey got to that point.
This is a story of relationships both past and present and how they define Aubrey as a person. It weaves back and forth between past and present to tell the story and explain the complex relationship she had with Rachel. I knew that something big happened that would explain the broken friendship and Aubrey's obnoxious behaviour but I didn't know what. Each chapter brought me a little closer to answers and kept me turning the pages.
Before I say anything else I do need to make one thing clear. The characters are not very likeable in this book. At times they are down right discusting and hard to take. Normally this would turn me off a book but in this case I think it made the story stronger. In life when terrible things happen to us, our behaviour is not always acceptable or pleasant and this was the case with Aubrey. She was not an overly nice person, did terrible things and was cold and distant. Her behaviour actually made me want to read more because I knew that there had to be a story to explain it or make me understand it even if I didn't approve of it.
Ultimatley this is a story of choices, mistakes, events and misunderstandings that happen during an impressionable time in a Aubrey's life that lead her on the path she takes. It is dark and gritty in a honest and heartbreaking way. I think the story would not have been so compelling had Aubrey been more likeable. It would have seemed fake and feel like an after school special. I applaud Fam for penning a realistic and not so pretty angle of what can happen to someone in her situation.
This was an extremely well written, engaging and easy to read book and it is hard to believe that it is Fam's debute novel. I anxiously await what she will come out with next.
August 22, 2014
This is the best book I've read this year. I would give it 6 out of 5 stars if I could. Do yourself a favor and pre-order this brilliant little novel before October 28, because it is worth it. Charlee Fam has created a tragic story of broken friendships and traumatic choices and misunderstandings that define a lifetime. I fell in love with Last Train during the prologue, not simply for Fam's very real and honest voice of a lost and anxiety-ridden 23 year old girl, but because the story was about a friendship and a lost childhood rather than an easy fallback to romance. Dark and devastating, Last Train gripped me the way a book hasn't in a very long time. From the flashbacks to the cliff-hangers, I didn't want this story to end. Charlee Fam has some serious talent, and I can't wait to see what's next.
June 26, 2017
My Take
I thought this was an “okay” book, but it had a quite few issues that hampered my enjoyment of it.
Let’s start with the plot.
I understand that this is supposed to be an emotional novel that really explores the protagonist’s psyche, but even so, I found the narrative too drawn out and repetitive. The actual plot of the story is quite short, but the execution consists of a bunch of flashbacks interwoven with brief snippets of Aubrey’s sessions with a therapist.
I thought a great deal of Aubrey’s conversations with the therapist didn’t really advance anything, characterization-wise or plot-wise. And the flashbacks, which told the main story, could have been condensed, as they often spent a lot of time discussing some of the same issues as the therapy sessions (sometimes, they even included similar, almost identical thoughts, which became kind of annoying after a while).
Another issue I had with the story was the issues—the social issues discussed throughout the book. Almost all of them, from teen drinking to rape and slut shaming, were left unresolved in the sense that a definitive answer on the story’s viewpoint was never established from Aubrey’s perspective.
The therapist, clearly, is supposed to be the logical and moral compass of the story, who spends some time explaining the nature of the social issues in question and how Aubrey should feel about them—but Aubrey never seems to buy into any of it. And by the end of the book, I don’t really get the sense that Aubrey has developed at all, as her thoughts about the issues appear to remain fairly consistent throughout. This sort of “muddled” handling of such sensitive issues bothered me a bit—largely because this was a first person novel told from Aubrey’s perspective, and her thoughts on these issues were self-destructive and fairly damaging. The fact that her thoughts and feelings were never resolved in any real way made me a little uncomfortable.
My next problem with this book was the writing style. I’ve mentioned it was often repetitive, and that was the biggest problem. Reading incredibly similar thoughts (down the word choices) over and over irritated me a bit. Plus, I found the actual style of the prose to be a bit juvenile given the age of the protagonist.
I suppose the author might have been going for a sort of “delayed development” thing—showing that Aubrey hadn’t really matured past her teenage years due to her trauma—but it didn’t really come across that well. The descriptions weren’t that interesting. The dialogue wasn’t that compelling. The characterizations were a bit flat because of how the narrative handled conversations between Aubrey and others. It just didn’t work well for me, the style.
Overall, I found this book a bit lackluster. The ideas were there, sure, and the flashback-structure was well thought out, but the execution left a lot to be desired. The prose fell flat. The thematic issues weren’t resolved. The skimpy plot was too padded. It wasn’t a terrible book, by any means, but it was nothing to write home about.
_____
Is It Worth Reading?
It’s not something I’d pick up again if I had other books on my to-read list (and I always do). I was left frequently bored by the book’s repetitive nature and drawn-out storyline. So I’d say no unless you’re super interested in the type of plot described above.
_____
Rating
2.5/5
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... // Disclaimer
I received a free paperback copy of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2014
This book was pretty dark, but in the best way possible. I initially picked it up because I'm from Long Island and was drawn to the title, but I'm so glad I did. The writing was excellent, and I'm impressed this was by a debut author. It was very Girl Interrupted meets Brett Easton Ellis.
The characters were unlikable, yes, but in my opinion that's a prerequisite for a truly compelling story. It definitely hit the nail on the head with Long Island culture. Even though some of the town names were changed, it was pretty obvious that it was supposed to take place on South Shore, Nassau County, somewhere along the Babylon line. I kind of like that it was vague.
I sort of wish the author went deeper into the psyche of Rachel, and why she did what she did, but also appreciated the ending. It was simple and true to life. We never really have the answers in, so I respect the story's ending.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction who are looking for something a little more gritty than your average YA read.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were unlikable, yes, but in my opinion that's a prerequisite for a truly compelling story. It definitely hit the nail on the head with Long Island culture. Even though some of the town names were changed, it was pretty obvious that it was supposed to take place on South Shore, Nassau County, somewhere along the Babylon line. I kind of like that it was vague.
I sort of wish the author went deeper into the psyche of Rachel, and why she did what she did, but also appreciated the ending. It was simple and true to life. We never really have the answers in, so I respect the story's ending.
I'd definitely recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction who are looking for something a little more gritty than your average YA read.
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2014
Oh wow, I think I'm in the minority, which is good for Charlee Fam. Aubrey is at best a two-dimensional character. She has two speeds - indifference and rage. Sure, some may argue that her circumstances forced her to build a wall and so in reality we're only being shown these two emotions, but I call BS. I don't have to like Aubrey, I don't even have to agree with her, but I do have to at least have some comprehension of why she does what she does. And I don't. The root to her problems (and I won't add a spoiler here) seems like it was added after the book was already written in order to give Aubrey some more heft as a character. But all it felt like was a convenient way to move the story along.
There were a host of characters we're introduced to and all of them are superficial. The mom, the ex-boyfriend, the best friend, the groupies. Not a single one - including Aubrey - are defined by anything other than their flaws.
I might be too old for this book. In which case, consider this a review for the old farts of goodreads.
There were a host of characters we're introduced to and all of them are superficial. The mom, the ex-boyfriend, the best friend, the groupies. Not a single one - including Aubrey - are defined by anything other than their flaws.
I might be too old for this book. In which case, consider this a review for the old farts of goodreads.
December 2, 2015
I read this book with an open mind knowing this was the authors debut novel....and I was pleasantly surprised!! I enjoyed the narrative style and thought this young author has what it takes to become a best selling novelist!! I can't wait to see what she publishes next... This book brought out such feelings in me regarding the characters I found myself connecting with some and hating others. I thought Miss Fam really captured today's youth, the problems they face and the main character's Aubrey's inner struggles. I highly recommend this book, it will be well worth your time and the ending will leave you contemplating what ifs.
June 10, 2015
A whiny asshole complains about other whiny assholes. AWFUL.
August 17, 2015
Last Train to Babylon is a coming-of-age story in which the protagonist journeys from the post-trauma agony (and not just the physical kind) of a hospital bed to a woman more certain of herself and more in control than ever before, ready to take her own best shot in the ever-uncertain and uncontrollable world in which we live. While it lacked the artistic merits of what I think are truly great novels, Last Train to Babylon was a memorable read distinguished by unusual strengths -- most notably a sharply insightful as well as personally relatable narrative voice. I would personally recommend this book to other readers because I think it's a compelling page-turner that takes on substantive social and emotional issues successfully. Thematic depth, multi-dimensional character development and a well-paced plot that quickly engages one's sympathy and interest distinguish this book from the pack. Charlee Fam is definitely a writer to watch, IMHO. Please be advised I received a free review copy of this novel from www.20somethingreads.com
September 15, 2014
A riveting teen angst super drama that kept me up reading all night! It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion, unable to turn away, yet not wanting to see the end results. It's fast-paced and full of suspense. And, although I am sure I am much older than the targeted audience, I still enjoyed reading it. Not for under 18 years old; excessive drugs, sex and alcohol use.
October 4, 2014
I loved this book! This is a dark tale of a friendship between two girls Aubrey & Rachel. The story alternates between past & present building suspense. While it seems like Aubrey is an unlikable character she is dealing with a very major problem. This book reads like an express train on it's way to a train wreck. I could not put this book down until I finished it!
September 23, 2014
Awesome first novel from Charlee Fam! I'll have an official review coming soon to forevertwentysomethings.com. Stay tuned!
September 6, 2020
Like many in the review section, I'm torn about how to rate this book.
I'll start with... I finished it in under 24 hours. I'm not sure how long I've owned this book, but I've had it a while... at least six months. I'm not sure what I expected when I bought it, much less when I started reading it last night.
Many reviews say the main character?... protagonist?... Aubrey is extremely unlikeable. I can see that, but it also makes me wonder just how accurate the P.S. Notes are: "those who can't relate, often refuse to relate."
And dear Lord, can I relate.
I don't know if this book is for everyone. I'd say it's probably not for the YA crowd, but maybe it is. But it serves as a dark tale, and a window into the unhealthy, irrational, and yes unlikeable, but also realistic ways that people cope with this beautiful, maddening, painful thing we call life.
I'll start with... I finished it in under 24 hours. I'm not sure how long I've owned this book, but I've had it a while... at least six months. I'm not sure what I expected when I bought it, much less when I started reading it last night.
Many reviews say the main character?... protagonist?... Aubrey is extremely unlikeable. I can see that, but it also makes me wonder just how accurate the P.S. Notes are: "those who can't relate, often refuse to relate."
And dear Lord, can I relate.
I don't know if this book is for everyone. I'd say it's probably not for the YA crowd, but maybe it is. But it serves as a dark tale, and a window into the unhealthy, irrational, and yes unlikeable, but also realistic ways that people cope with this beautiful, maddening, painful thing we call life.
February 27, 2022
Aubrey was basically unlikable, even after you found out what drove her. A lot of teenage angst and characters that never really grew out of it, even 5 years later. I had a lot of problems with the mother, who was a social worker/guidance counselor and still couldn't figure out her daughter was suffering.
November 7, 2014
Last Train to Babylon is written from the point of view of Aubrey Glass, a twenty-three year old journalist, whose seemingly carefully controlled life is revealed to be hanging by a thread when she learns of her former best friend's suicide. Charlee Fam takes her characters back and forth between the present and past as Aubrey relives what she has tried so hard to block out and pretend didn't impact her. Aubrey returns home with every intention of not attending the funeral. Running into old friends and her old boyfriend, Adam, brings it all back . . . every painful detail.
It is is clear from the beginning that Aubrey is suffering; the multitude of suicide notes, her detachment from those closest to her, and her heavy drinking give her away. I admit to not being particularly fond of Aubrey initially. She and her friends, particularly Rachel, her former best friend, make several bad choices. Perhaps it was hard for me to relate to them because I was a different type of teenager. My focus was always on academics, whereas these girls were much more into the party scene, including drinking and sex. I can't tell you the number of times in this book I worried for the girls, especially Rachel, going off with boys, many of them older, after having had too much to drink, her cell phone turned off.
As the novel progressed, Aubrey grew on me, and I really came to care about her. At times she came across as self-centered, but, really, what teenager isn't, at least some of the time? Even as an adult, Aubrey was not the nicest person to those around her--and I think that had, in part, to do with what she was dealing with--not to mention the excessive drinking. It was difficult to see her on her downward spiral, and yet, it was something she had to go through in order to get to a point where she could face her past, face her pain. I hurt for her. I cried for her. Her emotions and suffering were raw and authentic. The author did an amazing job with that.
I have mixed feelings about Rachel, Aubrey's former best friend, although mostly I did not like her. Aubrey painted a very negative picture of Rachel, about how controlling she was and how manipulative. There were aspects of her character I wanted to know more about to better understand where she was coming from. I wish the author had gone one step further in that regard. But I do understand why she did not. This is not Rachel's story. It is Aubrey's, about her coming to terms with events from her past. What we do learn about Rachel is a lot, just the same. While I never warmed to her, I did feel sorry for her in some ways. She was a train wreck waiting to happen. Yes, she could be manipulative and cruel. What I saw beneath that, however, was a girl who was trying too hard, and who, on the outside, appeared to have it all together, but was struggling with her own issues.
Last Train to Babylon would make a good book club pick, I think. There is so much in the book worth discussing; relevant issues for today dealing with post traumatic stress, the complexities of friendship and young love, date rape, and underage drinking and sex, just to name a few. Charlee Fam has proven herself to be a talented author, taking such difficult subject matter, weaving dark humor into it, and giving voice to young women everywhere who have shared similar experiences with those in this book. The Last Train to Babylon was an emotional read, and one I am glad to have read.
Review copy published by the publisher. Review originally posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty.
It is is clear from the beginning that Aubrey is suffering; the multitude of suicide notes, her detachment from those closest to her, and her heavy drinking give her away. I admit to not being particularly fond of Aubrey initially. She and her friends, particularly Rachel, her former best friend, make several bad choices. Perhaps it was hard for me to relate to them because I was a different type of teenager. My focus was always on academics, whereas these girls were much more into the party scene, including drinking and sex. I can't tell you the number of times in this book I worried for the girls, especially Rachel, going off with boys, many of them older, after having had too much to drink, her cell phone turned off.
As the novel progressed, Aubrey grew on me, and I really came to care about her. At times she came across as self-centered, but, really, what teenager isn't, at least some of the time? Even as an adult, Aubrey was not the nicest person to those around her--and I think that had, in part, to do with what she was dealing with--not to mention the excessive drinking. It was difficult to see her on her downward spiral, and yet, it was something she had to go through in order to get to a point where she could face her past, face her pain. I hurt for her. I cried for her. Her emotions and suffering were raw and authentic. The author did an amazing job with that.
I have mixed feelings about Rachel, Aubrey's former best friend, although mostly I did not like her. Aubrey painted a very negative picture of Rachel, about how controlling she was and how manipulative. There were aspects of her character I wanted to know more about to better understand where she was coming from. I wish the author had gone one step further in that regard. But I do understand why she did not. This is not Rachel's story. It is Aubrey's, about her coming to terms with events from her past. What we do learn about Rachel is a lot, just the same. While I never warmed to her, I did feel sorry for her in some ways. She was a train wreck waiting to happen. Yes, she could be manipulative and cruel. What I saw beneath that, however, was a girl who was trying too hard, and who, on the outside, appeared to have it all together, but was struggling with her own issues.
Last Train to Babylon would make a good book club pick, I think. There is so much in the book worth discussing; relevant issues for today dealing with post traumatic stress, the complexities of friendship and young love, date rape, and underage drinking and sex, just to name a few. Charlee Fam has proven herself to be a talented author, taking such difficult subject matter, weaving dark humor into it, and giving voice to young women everywhere who have shared similar experiences with those in this book. The Last Train to Babylon was an emotional read, and one I am glad to have read.
Review copy published by the publisher. Review originally posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty.
November 9, 2014
I finished this book months ago and have pretty much let it sit with me whilst I read my way through a huge TBR pile. I finally have a small amount of time between heavy reading, caring for my clan and college coursework to write this review. I received two ARC copies in the mail from Harper Collins and sat down and read it in one sitting before I even knew what I was getting into. At first glance, I thought Last Train to Babylon was going to be less dark than it actually was for some odd reason. I was expecting some sort of fluffy tie in to all this but alas this is not that kind of book. This however did not in any way lessen the amount of love I have for this book. The Darkness is what adds to the realism of it all. What I wasn't ready for, was the realistic portrayal of the characters. I found myself being able to relate to them on a personal level and that is not something that I get to say often. This is by no means a romance or a story that really gets a happy ending because at the end of the day the story is about Aubrey and her journey to "get her shit together", for lack of a better phrase.
Fam does a fabulous job of writing this novel, I was trapped from the moment I opened the book and read the first page. Coming from someone who doesn't usually pick up books that don't have a romantic element, this is saying a lot. I mean there is a bit of romance but well... Spoilers. I loved the story telling and by the end of the book I had only one complaint which I can't write here because once again... Spoilers. This book revolves around Aubrey and Rachel's relationship among other factors that contribute to Aubrey's current state, which can only be explained as a mixture of depression and anxiety. This leads to some less than stellar ideas that often end in dark humor or utter heartbreak.
Aubrey and Rachel's relationship is one that I can personally relate to. Aubrey felt like an extension of myself in a way; like in an alternate reality of sorts. She is much darker and unlikable than me but I could still understand where she was coming from. Maybe it was my own personal experience that led me to like her just a little bit more than other reviewers. Rachel felt like that one friend we all seem to have at point or another in our lives. The one that puts us down to make themselves look better and ultimately breaks our hearts until we decide enough is enough. The story is told in two alternate timelines, the current one and the past, we slowly see how Aubrey and Rachel's' relationship not only develops but tragically ends. Let me not forget to mention Adam who I felt conflicted about. I love him at times and then at others I wanted to run him over with a bus. He was infuriating and all too real; We have all known boys like Adam.
The story is heartbreaking, achingly familiar, and yet infuriating. There was also times where I couldn't help but laugh because Aubrey was just losing it in ways that felt unreal but that I knew weren't. Having suffered from depression and anxiety myself I can totally relate to Aubrey and her Panic attacks and her desire to chase them away with drugs and alcohol. By the end of the book I just wanted to hold her and let her know that everything would be alright.
I recommend this book to anyone who has had a tragic friendship and even to those that haven't. The writing is true to life and really captures the essence of what its like to survive a personal tragedy but not really living past it.
Fam does a fabulous job of writing this novel, I was trapped from the moment I opened the book and read the first page. Coming from someone who doesn't usually pick up books that don't have a romantic element, this is saying a lot. I mean there is a bit of romance but well... Spoilers. I loved the story telling and by the end of the book I had only one complaint which I can't write here because once again... Spoilers. This book revolves around Aubrey and Rachel's relationship among other factors that contribute to Aubrey's current state, which can only be explained as a mixture of depression and anxiety. This leads to some less than stellar ideas that often end in dark humor or utter heartbreak.
Aubrey and Rachel's relationship is one that I can personally relate to. Aubrey felt like an extension of myself in a way; like in an alternate reality of sorts. She is much darker and unlikable than me but I could still understand where she was coming from. Maybe it was my own personal experience that led me to like her just a little bit more than other reviewers. Rachel felt like that one friend we all seem to have at point or another in our lives. The one that puts us down to make themselves look better and ultimately breaks our hearts until we decide enough is enough. The story is told in two alternate timelines, the current one and the past, we slowly see how Aubrey and Rachel's' relationship not only develops but tragically ends. Let me not forget to mention Adam who I felt conflicted about. I love him at times and then at others I wanted to run him over with a bus. He was infuriating and all too real; We have all known boys like Adam.
The story is heartbreaking, achingly familiar, and yet infuriating. There was also times where I couldn't help but laugh because Aubrey was just losing it in ways that felt unreal but that I knew weren't. Having suffered from depression and anxiety myself I can totally relate to Aubrey and her Panic attacks and her desire to chase them away with drugs and alcohol. By the end of the book I just wanted to hold her and let her know that everything would be alright.
I recommend this book to anyone who has had a tragic friendship and even to those that haven't. The writing is true to life and really captures the essence of what its like to survive a personal tragedy but not really living past it.
February 10, 2017
"Do you ever feel trapped?" I started, already regretting my choice of words.
"You mean physically, like at home?"
"Well, yes and no. Not just in Seaport. But also in my life.
I touched my temple with two fingers and rubbed. "Sometimes I feel like my life is this perfect little arrangement, in like a snow globe. And it's displayed up as someone else's decoration. I don't know." I said. "Maybe it's God, maybe it's Karen, maybe it's some mean little kid who got it as a gift from a weird aunt. But whoever's snow globe it is, I feel like I'm just in it. And whenever they want, they can just pick it up and shake it, and watch fake snow----what's that made of?"
"Plastic," he said. "It used to be bone chips and porcelain."
"Right," I said. "Anyway, the plastic just floats around the the globe, and it's filled with water, which most people forget about. So, I'm drowning in this snow and water. And nobody cares."
"That's deep," he said.
I feel like this review could be the same as my Hold Still review.
I LOVED this book.
I feel like you meet books along the way that you either, 1.) read and feel moved, or 2.) literally experience. Last Train To Babylon is one of those books you experience. You read it and feel like you come out on the other side a different person. The entire story really stirred my heart. Really, that's all I have to say. I can end the review right here. When I finished the book, I wanted to turn to the first page and reread it again. This was so beautifully and poetically written. The story-line was great, it kept me entertained the whole time. I'm not sure there are words to express just how much this book changed me. If there are words, they are too personal to share. This wasn't just a book to me, it was a lifeline I wasn't aware I was in need of, a way of understanding things I hadn't quite considered before. I started this book with a much different approach than I came out with, but I say that in the best way possible. Most reviews go on to tell you about the book, but you can read that for yourself. These reviews are ways for me to remember just how moved I was by individual novels.
This book and Hold Still fall under the the same subject matter - both different stories // told different ways -- yet both left me completely changed at the end.
This could be one of my favorite stories.
"You mean physically, like at home?"
"Well, yes and no. Not just in Seaport. But also in my life.
I touched my temple with two fingers and rubbed. "Sometimes I feel like my life is this perfect little arrangement, in like a snow globe. And it's displayed up as someone else's decoration. I don't know." I said. "Maybe it's God, maybe it's Karen, maybe it's some mean little kid who got it as a gift from a weird aunt. But whoever's snow globe it is, I feel like I'm just in it. And whenever they want, they can just pick it up and shake it, and watch fake snow----what's that made of?"
"Plastic," he said. "It used to be bone chips and porcelain."
"Right," I said. "Anyway, the plastic just floats around the the globe, and it's filled with water, which most people forget about. So, I'm drowning in this snow and water. And nobody cares."
"That's deep," he said.
I feel like this review could be the same as my Hold Still review.
I LOVED this book.
I feel like you meet books along the way that you either, 1.) read and feel moved, or 2.) literally experience. Last Train To Babylon is one of those books you experience. You read it and feel like you come out on the other side a different person. The entire story really stirred my heart. Really, that's all I have to say. I can end the review right here. When I finished the book, I wanted to turn to the first page and reread it again. This was so beautifully and poetically written. The story-line was great, it kept me entertained the whole time. I'm not sure there are words to express just how much this book changed me. If there are words, they are too personal to share. This wasn't just a book to me, it was a lifeline I wasn't aware I was in need of, a way of understanding things I hadn't quite considered before. I started this book with a much different approach than I came out with, but I say that in the best way possible. Most reviews go on to tell you about the book, but you can read that for yourself. These reviews are ways for me to remember just how moved I was by individual novels.
This book and Hold Still fall under the the same subject matter - both different stories // told different ways -- yet both left me completely changed at the end.
This could be one of my favorite stories.
November 21, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuchforittomenorm...
3.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by this author, I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
This book is not for the faint hearted!!
It’s a dark, uncomfortable, thought provoking tale that will mess with your head and your heart and will spit you out affected.
Aubrey is a walking advert for mental health issues, I don’t want that to sound horrible but the girl is messed up!!!
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about her, I feel a level of empathy for her but I was also incredibly frustrated by her as well.
I get the feeling that this book is possibly semi autobiographical, I may be wrong and I honestly hope that I am. For someone real to feel the way that Aubrey feels is heartbreaking.
I really want to know what Rachel left on Aubrey’s voicemail, I know that this story isn’t really about Rachel but it will eternally bug me that we never know!!
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is mentioned several times in this book, I’ve read it and it’s a harrowing description of someone’s descent into severe depression and ultimately attempted suicide.
This book has a similar vibe to it, it’s been years since I read The Bell Jar but the absolute hopelessness of the story is one that has always stayed with me. Aubrey is obviously extremely depressed and getting a glimpse into her psyche was to be honest quite taxing!
I feel like I’ve been on a real emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this book and being completely honest I now feel a bit depressed.
The book ends with a slither of hope but for not enough to get closure and a reassurance that Aubrey is going to be ok.
As a reader we patiently wait for those books to come along that are deeper and different than the usual fluff we read and this is one of those books. Its not an easy read but the truly interesting and thought provoking things in life are rarely easy.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book it was hardcore but it did affect me 3.5 stars.
3.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by this author, I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes....
This book is not for the faint hearted!!
It’s a dark, uncomfortable, thought provoking tale that will mess with your head and your heart and will spit you out affected.
Aubrey is a walking advert for mental health issues, I don’t want that to sound horrible but the girl is messed up!!!
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about her, I feel a level of empathy for her but I was also incredibly frustrated by her as well.
I get the feeling that this book is possibly semi autobiographical, I may be wrong and I honestly hope that I am. For someone real to feel the way that Aubrey feels is heartbreaking.
I really want to know what Rachel left on Aubrey’s voicemail, I know that this story isn’t really about Rachel but it will eternally bug me that we never know!!
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is mentioned several times in this book, I’ve read it and it’s a harrowing description of someone’s descent into severe depression and ultimately attempted suicide.
This book has a similar vibe to it, it’s been years since I read The Bell Jar but the absolute hopelessness of the story is one that has always stayed with me. Aubrey is obviously extremely depressed and getting a glimpse into her psyche was to be honest quite taxing!
I feel like I’ve been on a real emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this book and being completely honest I now feel a bit depressed.
The book ends with a slither of hope but for not enough to get closure and a reassurance that Aubrey is going to be ok.
As a reader we patiently wait for those books to come along that are deeper and different than the usual fluff we read and this is one of those books. Its not an easy read but the truly interesting and thought provoking things in life are rarely easy.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book it was hardcore but it did affect me 3.5 stars.
Read
August 11, 2014What an impossible book to rate! There were certain aspects of the book that I loved and I couldn’t stop reading. But I didn’t like the narrator at all! I’ve read books before with unlikable main characters, but Aubrey took this to a whole different level.
The book had a solid premise. Aubrey returns home because of the suicide of her ex-best friend Rachel. The girls had a falling out five years earlier and during flashbacks readers get to see what caused their friendship to unravel.
The parts I enjoyed the most were the dark humor in the book. I was entertained by some of Aubrey’s observations, especially during her high school years. I also liked the author’s exploration of the complexities of female friendship. Teenage girls can be best friends one minute and worst enemies the next.
It was obvious from the get go that Aubrey has gone through some type of trauma and the event is related back to Rachel. I wanted to feel sympathy for Aubrey, but she was too horrendous for words. Between the slut shaming, awful treatment of her kind-hearted mother, and never ending whining about how horrible Rachel treated her (Aubrey likened their relationship to Stockholm syndrome), I was so over her by the book’s end. There were a few scenes that could’ve packed an emotional punch if Aubrey wasn’t so terrible.
I read the entire book, so I was invested in the story. The ending was very anti-climatic and left too many things unresolved for my taste. Readers who like dark books that delve into topics like death, suicide and depression with wry humor will likely find The Last Train to Babylon appealing.
Rating: ????
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
The book had a solid premise. Aubrey returns home because of the suicide of her ex-best friend Rachel. The girls had a falling out five years earlier and during flashbacks readers get to see what caused their friendship to unravel.
The parts I enjoyed the most were the dark humor in the book. I was entertained by some of Aubrey’s observations, especially during her high school years. I also liked the author’s exploration of the complexities of female friendship. Teenage girls can be best friends one minute and worst enemies the next.
It was obvious from the get go that Aubrey has gone through some type of trauma and the event is related back to Rachel. I wanted to feel sympathy for Aubrey, but she was too horrendous for words. Between the slut shaming, awful treatment of her kind-hearted mother, and never ending whining about how horrible Rachel treated her (Aubrey likened their relationship to Stockholm syndrome), I was so over her by the book’s end. There were a few scenes that could’ve packed an emotional punch if Aubrey wasn’t so terrible.
I read the entire book, so I was invested in the story. The ending was very anti-climatic and left too many things unresolved for my taste. Readers who like dark books that delve into topics like death, suicide and depression with wry humor will likely find The Last Train to Babylon appealing.
Rating: ????
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
July 26, 2016
Last Train to Babylon is an authentic, harsh, and biting look at a damaged young lady forced to come face to face with the ghosts of her past. Charlee Fam's debut is fantastic, a page-turner to the very end.
When we meet Aubrey Glass, she's not too far out of college, working very hard to feel nothing in life; she doesn't care about work, doesn't care about her boyfriend (with whom she lives), and she doesn't care too much about herself. When she gets a call informing her that her childhood best friend has killed herself, she decides leave Manhattan and head home to Long Island for a visit. She refuses to feel anything other than anger because Rachel (the friend) beat her to suicide.
At home, Aubrey's force field against emotions is pierced, forcing her to deaden her pain with alcohol and Xanax in increasingly staggering amounts. Throughout her return home, the reader is treated to long flashbacks to her childhood. As present-tense Aubrey heads for a breakdown, past Aubrey's ghosts show us why.
I think I am older than the target audience, but this book really got to me. Aubrey is a broken creature many of us remember being (if not quite so broken), the girl we hope to protect our daughters from becoming.
Bravo, Charlee Fam. This book is a five-star winner! This is an incredible debut, and I can't wait for more.
When we meet Aubrey Glass, she's not too far out of college, working very hard to feel nothing in life; she doesn't care about work, doesn't care about her boyfriend (with whom she lives), and she doesn't care too much about herself. When she gets a call informing her that her childhood best friend has killed herself, she decides leave Manhattan and head home to Long Island for a visit. She refuses to feel anything other than anger because Rachel (the friend) beat her to suicide.
At home, Aubrey's force field against emotions is pierced, forcing her to deaden her pain with alcohol and Xanax in increasingly staggering amounts. Throughout her return home, the reader is treated to long flashbacks to her childhood. As present-tense Aubrey heads for a breakdown, past Aubrey's ghosts show us why.
I think I am older than the target audience, but this book really got to me. Aubrey is a broken creature many of us remember being (if not quite so broken), the girl we hope to protect our daughters from becoming.
Bravo, Charlee Fam. This book is a five-star winner! This is an incredible debut, and I can't wait for more.
October 28, 2014
Bravo, Charlee! This is by far the best book I have read all year and was shocked when I found out this is Fam's debut novel. Last Train to Babylon is for sure a page turner full of relatable situations, characters you will love to hate and tons of witty, dark humor. Switching from past to present throughout the novel, Fam brilliantly portrays the story of a young girls journey from childhood to young adult hood and all the traumatic situations and toxic relationships that put her where she is today. Fam provokes a range of emotions from the reader as Aubrey's story unfolds, making it a great choice for book clubs! I anxiously await her next novel!
November 8, 2014
This was a DNF for me. I read through the prologue and though to myself WTF is this some book book filled with angsty teenage poetry... The main character was a snarky witch. She comes across as a spoiled, ungrateful, hateful snot who doesn't appreciate anything and is all pity me. I tried to like some of the other characters but it bounces around so much I felt like I had whiplash. After about five chapters I tried to skim through to find a point where I could pick it back up but I never did. I was somewhat curious in the beginning over what happened with Rachel and Adam but by the mid point it was more painful to keep going just to find out.
August 25, 2015
3.5
"Fans of Alice Sebold and John Green will be transfixed by this sophisticated, edgy debut novel packing dark humor, biting wit, and a lot of Jack Daniels"
John Green??? WTF??? Because apparently every new book is either like Gone Girl or The Fault in Our Stars >_<
"Fans of Alice Sebold and John Green will be transfixed by this sophisticated, edgy debut novel packing dark humor, biting wit, and a lot of Jack Daniels"
John Green??? WTF??? Because apparently every new book is either like Gone Girl or The Fault in Our Stars >_<
January 26, 2016
It was ok. Along the same lines as Luckiest Girl Alive and Sharp Objects. Not as good but still interesting and a very fast read - you could easily devour this thing in an afternoon, especially if you're eager to know what happens.
October 14, 2014
Received from 20somethingreads.com and reviewed for them as well.
April 19, 2015
In three words...READ THIS BOOK!!! You will absolutely NOT be disappointed.
January 6, 2018
This is difficult book to rate, as there is so much in this book that I really enjoyed, and so much more that I didn't like at all.
Let's begin with the things that drew me to continue reading this book, because at first, I was almost convinced I couldn't finish it. First and foremost, I loved the Prologue. It was beautifully written, poetic-like. I loved reading stories about young Aubrey and young Adam, as it actually showed a different part of Aubrey, which was almost likeable (but not quite). I didn't want to put the book down because I enjoyed reading these parts so much.
Now the negatives... To say the protagonist, Aubrey, was super unlikeable, is an understatement. She was ridiculously spoiled and cold towards everyone. She had strong opinions about everyone, throwing insults around left and right, without realizing how ridiculous she sounds considering how much of a brat she is (God forbid her manicured nails paid by daddy's credit card start chipping). I couldn't stand the way she spoke to her mom, when her mom didn't DO anything to her. Although I don't believe liking the protagonist should be a deal breaker when judging the book, the way Aubrey speaks and thinks is just plain irritating, and I found it extremely difficult to find the slightest bit of compassion for her. There is also too much of a "Mean Girls" vibe in this book, where certain parts were almost identical to scenes from "Mean Girls." For instance, page 146, when Rachel (aka Regina George) says "You actually have a pretty face. You'd look so much better if you let me do your hair. Right Adam?" The writing just wasn't that good.
The end of the book is unsatisfying. Nothing seems resolved and Aubrey hasn't changed.
The story falls flat near the end with all the therapy sessions. The dialogue between Aubrey and her therapist is extremely repetitive and unnecessary, as all it does is recall memories that have already been discussed. It could have worked, but it just fell flat, and it made me frustrated because this book had so much potential to be better than it was.
Let's begin with the things that drew me to continue reading this book, because at first, I was almost convinced I couldn't finish it. First and foremost, I loved the Prologue. It was beautifully written, poetic-like. I loved reading stories about young Aubrey and young Adam, as it actually showed a different part of Aubrey, which was almost likeable (but not quite). I didn't want to put the book down because I enjoyed reading these parts so much.
Now the negatives... To say the protagonist, Aubrey, was super unlikeable, is an understatement. She was ridiculously spoiled and cold towards everyone. She had strong opinions about everyone, throwing insults around left and right, without realizing how ridiculous she sounds considering how much of a brat she is (God forbid her manicured nails paid by daddy's credit card start chipping). I couldn't stand the way she spoke to her mom, when her mom didn't DO anything to her. Although I don't believe liking the protagonist should be a deal breaker when judging the book, the way Aubrey speaks and thinks is just plain irritating, and I found it extremely difficult to find the slightest bit of compassion for her. There is also too much of a "Mean Girls" vibe in this book, where certain parts were almost identical to scenes from "Mean Girls." For instance, page 146, when Rachel (aka Regina George) says "You actually have a pretty face. You'd look so much better if you let me do your hair. Right Adam?" The writing just wasn't that good.
The end of the book is unsatisfying. Nothing seems resolved and Aubrey hasn't changed.
The story falls flat near the end with all the therapy sessions. The dialogue between Aubrey and her therapist is extremely repetitive and unnecessary, as all it does is recall memories that have already been discussed. It could have worked, but it just fell flat, and it made me frustrated because this book had so much potential to be better than it was.
April 4, 2018
I just finished this book, and I feel all kinds of contradictory emotions over it. On one hand, I deeply related to Aubrey and her experience with PTSD, and I really appreciated finding a book that spoke to me in such a personal way. But on the other hand, the whole thing was so over dramatic, and there wasn't a single character who was likable. As much as I related to Aubrey, I found myself getting fed up with her more often than not. (Maybe that says something about how I view myself?) Rachel could have been so much more interesting if we ever get to see a side of her that wasn't a manipulative, calculating, selfish, horrible person. I never saw any genuine fondness or affection from her for Aubrey, and at the very end of her life, we didn't get to see anything about why she might have killed herself and how her life had ended up the way it had. Rachel's presence throughout the book is like that canker sore in your mouth: you forget it's there until suddenly it's all you can think about, and you just get so angry at it you can barely do anything.
Lastly, I was disappointed that we didn't get to hear Rachel's last voicemail. It felt more like a cop out than anything else. But overall, it was an ok book. Not Gone Girl quality literature, but it was at least an interesting story, even if I'm tired of rape being used as a plot device. Anyway, if you like Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood and/or Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train, you'll probably like this and find it worth a read.
Lastly, I was disappointed that we didn't get to hear Rachel's last voicemail. It felt more like a cop out than anything else. But overall, it was an ok book. Not Gone Girl quality literature, but it was at least an interesting story, even if I'm tired of rape being used as a plot device. Anyway, if you like Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood and/or Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train, you'll probably like this and find it worth a read.
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