Regarding Ducks and Universes

by Neve Maslakovic, Alexander Cendese (Reading)

On a foggy Monday in 1986, the universe suddenly, without warning, bifurcated. Fast-forward to 35 years Felix Sayers is a culinary writer living in San Francisco of Universe A who spends his days lunching at Coconut Cafe and dreaming of penning an Agatha Christie-style mystery. But everything changes when his Aunt Henrietta dies, leaving Felix a photograph of his father and himself--dated ten days before Felix was born. It can only mean one Felix has an 'alter' in Universe B. Panicked that his mystery novel may exist already, Felix crosses to San Francisco B and proceeds to flagrantly violate the rules of both worlds by snooping around his alter's life. But when he narrowly escapes a hit-and-run, it becomes clear that someone knows he's crossed over... and whoever it is isn't happy about it. Now Felix must uncover the truth about his alter, the events of one Monday, and a wayward rubber duck before his time in both worlds runs out.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Ebooks, Humor, Audiobook

MP3 CD

First published February 22, 2011

About the author

Neve Maslakovic writes stories set in the corner where mystery meets science fiction. She is the author of five novels, including Regarding Ducks and Universes (“Inventive… a delight.” — Booklist). Her life journey took her from Belgrade, Serbia to a PhD at Stanford University’s STAR Lab to her dream job as a writer. She lives with her husband, son, and very energetic goldendoodle in the Twin Cities.

Find out more at www.nevemaslakovic.com

Reviews

[Lost Planet Airman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent alternate-universe with a little romance, a little mystery stirred in.

So, there is a plot device that the author used, that I didn't like. Well, not even quite a plot device, maybe just a narrative technique. If you can take minor spoilers ahead, you be the judge:
We meet Felix, queued with some fellow travelers, to use the commercial dimension-switching equipment to visit San Francisco B, an alternate-dimension version of his town. The A and B universes split about 35 years ago and have had some changes.
Through some adventures, we gradually learn that Alternate A and Alternate B are neither one just like our own Earth Prime. My complaint is, this news is released in slow drabs that make this more annoying than creative -- I have enough to balance, thank you, reading about branching universes, that it would be okay to make it obvious that we aren't in Kansas anymore, and not a side-game for the author.

End of Rant. Still, pretty good book, just annoying in this occasional occurrence.

[YouKneeK · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been curious about the title of this book since I first saw it. I tend to like the odder titles that make me speculate about the contents of the book. By the end of the first page, the “Universes” part is clear. The story is about two alternate universes that, as a result of a scientific experiment that happened several years before the book began, have become linked together. It’s even possible for people to travel between the universes. The “Ducks” part of the title doesn’t really become clear until maybe halfway through the book, so I won't talk about that.

I think I’m somewhat predisposed to like alternate universe stories, and it’s been a while since I’ve read one. I was a little iffy on the main character, Felix, who seemed a bit contradictory. On the one hand, we begin the book with him essentially taking a vacation to the other universe with the intent of breaking the law. On the other hand, he seems a little too passive as events unfold.

I thought the author could have done more with this interesting setting than she did. For example, we have two universes that, over time, have developed some significant differences. There could have been many interesting differences to explore, but guess which one got the most page time? E-books versus paper books. Although I find it easy to get drawn into a conversation on the subject, because I have definite opinions on the matter, it’s not really something I want to read about in a book, especially when it doesn’t add anything new to the many discussions I’ve already seen over and over.

At the beginning of the book, Felix’s main motivation is to spy on his “alter” (the version of himself in the alternate universe) who he’s afraid might become a successful author before he does. I found it difficult to connect with his attitude, but it was fun to consider how I might react to my own alter and her failures or successes as compared to my own. It couldn't really relate to Felix’s fear that his alter might be “better” than him. Any rational person goes through life knowing that, however good they are at something, there will always be somebody else out there who is better at it. If you can’t handle that…?? I would love the chance to collaborate with somebody who was so similar to me, with similar aptitudes but possibly different experiences and skill sets that we could share and learn from to improve both of ourselves. Who better to learn from than somebody who shares your communication and learning style, and somebody who can understand better than anybody else what motivates you?

Overall, I liked the premise and the book was a quick read. The story was light and uncomplicated, but it did make me think a little bit. However, sometimes the story got tedious, and I was never very attached to the characters. Although the main premise was interesting, the story was stretched a little thin and could have taken better advantage of the interesting setting.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when this came up as a monthly read for the Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club. I'd never heard of the book or author. But I'm always interested in trying new things and though I'd give it a try. And I'm really glad I did.

Set in an alternate-history where a science experiment duplicated the universe with the two universes being connected and people able to go between them. People born after the split were unique but those from before have an alter, an identical person in the other universe. When Felix A crosses to universe B in hopes of seeing if his alter is working on the same life goal he finds himself in the middle of a race to discover if he was the cause of the incident.

A really fun, enjoyable story, though I wouldn't call it laugh out loud funny, it was at times deep and philosophical, at others fun and light-hearted. I hope the author revisits this universe(s) as I could see a lot of potential for more. Plus I want to know what happens with Bean.

I recommend this to anyone who wants a light adventure with a hint of something deeper behind it.

[Chip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too much to say about this one. It was one of the first books I ever got for the kindle and quickly got lost in the shuffle. Much like a (insert major plot device from the story here), the idea of it has been resurfacing since November 4, 2011.

Yes, it has been in my queue for 5 1/2 years and I just now read it. That said, due to the long wait, I feel that I owe this book at least a short review.

Characters: 4.2*
Plot: 3*
Universes: 4*
Ducks: 5*
Overall: 4*

This was a fairly quick, light, and engaging read. A great book to relax on a hammock and read (I did).

The characters were reasonably well developed for a short story. They were likable, relatable, enjoyable, and probably a few other positive -able words. They contained some depth and grew throughout the story. They did fit certain stereotypes for the types of characters that they were, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

The plot(s) were fun and able to be followed. Frequently in multi-universe books (especially ones with body doubles), it is soooo difficult to track which person you are reading about. This book does not suffer that problem. Additionally while what is stated to be the main plot is well written, it is actually the plot of character growth and the relationship of the protagonist to the other characters that draws the most interest from me.

The universe. As I repeatedly say, I love a book where world-building takes center stage. A book that has the word universe in the title and is about multiple universes is daring me to be skeptical. Perhaps that is a reason it has been on my "to read" list for so long. This universe (ummm...these universes?) of the book is front and center to the integrity of the story. While not nearly as complex as the world-building of Sanderson, Martin, or Sullivan, it is also not same type of story as those authors so I can't really fault the book for that. It would be like complaining that my milkshake didn't take like chai; I ordered the milkshake so I knew what I was getting. After that twisted analogy, I'll just say that I liked this universe. It was extremely appropriate for this story and setting.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars



Regarding Ducks and Universes by Neve Maslakovic was an unexpected surprise that I owe all to Goodreads and their exploration section. This is a story that starts in 1986 when a professor creates and links an alternate universe. Universe A and Universe B are linked and travel between the two ensues.

Our story centers on Felix A, a cookbook and kitchen gadget writer. Without spoiling anything the plot revolves around Felix A traveling to Universe B in hopes to spy on his alter version of himself.

The story is filled with privacy issues, government spying, and way too many laws. Maslakovic has filled this book with witty humor and satire. It is a perfect read in today's connected world. Couple the fun with some light physics and science and you have a real page turner. I loved this fast read.

A funny debate on the creation of a new Universe:



"I put the last of the books aside and peered into the now-empty box. “So how do we know that a duck didn’t—?”

“We don’t. As a matter of fact, a duck would be just about the right size, I suppose. From Professor Singh’s old data we know that the warping of space-time that yielded A and B required a prime mover of small mass, around twenty-four libras. Anyone know what a typical duck size is?”"



The story turns into a mystery as Felix A tries to help the Graduate students uncover the clues that point to the creation if Universe B. Exciting stuff...

I loved the end and the philosophical debates.



"One decision after another, that’s what life was.
Soup or salad. Elevator or stairs. Shower or bath...
You never knew what might set off a significant chain of events."


Highly recommended!

[Amy Eye · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all assume from birth that we are one of a kind, but how would we react if we suddenly found out we weren't an original? There is someone out there with your name, your look, your interests running around? This is how Felix feels when he suddenly learns of Felix B. In the world Felix lives in, "alters", are common for older people in his world. But he recently found out he was old enough to have this doppelganger in a parallel universe (Universe B).

As Felix takes a trip to this alternate universe (a commonplace activity), he not only learns about the differences in the worlds but learns there could be more to his history than he ever could have believed possible. Take a wild trip with a could have been actress, a college student, an almost-dog, and the Felixes on a ride through reality that could leave your head spinning. Maslakovic takes a well known theory on multiple universes, adds his own twists and weaves a tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

[Ralph · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has some interesting ideas, and I think the mechanics are competent. But there were 2 really big problems for me with this book: (1) the plot wandered; even though it's not a long book, it seemed to take forever for anything to happen, and (2) the characters didn't come across to me with much depth.

And there was one more problem, which goes back to my statement that author has some interesting ideas: some of the most interesting ideas aren't exploited; the book is full of missed opportunities. Here's an example: What would the experience of meeting your "alter" in a parallel universe be like? I would imagine there would be some emotional complexity. But when Felix meets his "alter" in this book, the event comes across as almost an afterthought.

[Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a novel as the following discription:"A smart and funny tale of a cookware writer, his alter ego, and a wayward rubber duck."one does not know whatto expect!! Happily in the case of Regarding Ducks and Universes by Neve Maslakovic, what one gets is an utterly delightful journey into the absurd and the sublim. Characters pop out and become immedaitely ingrained in the reader's consciousness. The plot, so very unique and inviting clearly puts Neve Maslakovic in the ranks of Adams, Pratchett and other great satire novelists!!!
A MUST READ!!
Rick Friedman
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I liked this book but found the plot a little all over the place. I love the premise about divergent universes because of something odd happening, and being able to move between the two universes to meet your alter is kind of cool. I also loved the references to Agatha Christie books, especially because I had just read Why Didn't They Ask Evans? and that book featured prominently in the narrative. I just wish the book was a bit more put together.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't decide if this is a well thought out story or an overly thought out one that stripped away a bit too much of the playfulness and humour of life.

The idea of alternate realities wasn't enough to draw me in at the start of the book and the protagonists quest to find out if he was competing with his alternate to finish writing a mystery novel was lacklustre. Such dull endeavours require more joviality for me to think them good.

All in all this is a decent and short read that I won't ever come back to.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is a very charming, smart sci-fi mystery. The tone is light and old fashioned, reminiscent of the frequently referred to Agatha Christie. But it also reminded me very much of the old Asimov and Heinlein novels where they were more about the clever and charmingly told story more than about action; for example, I frequently thought of Asimov's The Caves of Steel, a murder mystery originally published in the 1950s but set in the future. The subjects were very different but something about the tone and pace just really reminded me of that book. Anyway, the retro feeling really worked for me, it was deftly done, charming and light without being at all kitchy. In addition to the retro tone, the scientific ideas about multiple worlds were folded into the story beautifully so that it was smart without being heavy or taxing to read, also reminiscent of the fun books of the the masters mentioned above. Somehow, without one big fight scene, no spaceships, or swords or sorcery (my usual fare), I was totally captivated and eagerly turning the pages. This is a great example of why Goodreads is so valuable, I'd never have found this book without it. I hope many more of you guys give it a try and enjoy it, it's a fun one.

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5 stars. It started out interesting, but ended up dragging and I figured out how the story was going to end long before it ended. There were interesting discussions throughout the book, but most of them ended up being so dumbed down that they didn't lead to deep reflection. It's not a story I'd recommend.

[Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I received Regarding Ducks and Universes I really had no idea what to expect. The blurb made is sound like a humorous romp with the feel of Christopher Moore. to a certain extent, it is. But what I ended up getting was a light mystery more in the vein of China Mielville.

When we start the book we are in a transporter that allows individuals to travel from Universe A to Universe B. Neither universe is ours although both have a striking resemblance. However, Universe A relies on computers and has a serious inflation problem and Universe B still contains books and personal motor vehicles. Each universe was unique and I found myself being drawn into both of them without really realizing what was happening. Before I knew it I was hunting for more of the little things to see how they compared to each other and our own universe. I also was looking for clues to the mystery the novel was attempting to solve.

Felix A (from Universe A) is our main character and from the moment we are introduced to him, he quickly comes off as a very real individual with real concerns and feelings. The rest of the characters do a decent job of rounding out the cast and some are a bit wacky but overall they all add to the story. Felix A is a bored to death writer who dreams of writing a mystery novel and hopes to find out more about his double (Felix B) and to see if his double leads a better life than he does and if he has been beaten to the punch about his novel.

Another interesting thing about the two universes was how they came to be and how one could travel and communicate between the two. The two universes have a privacy law that far exceeds anything we have here in our universe and really holds the two universes together and to a certain degree, apart. The whole same yet different concept was explored in Mielville's The City and The City and Regarding Ducks and Universes is similar yet, much easier to take in. The rules are quickly established and then the characters look for ways to turn it to their advantage or in some cases blatantly disregard it.

There are many humorous incidents and observations within Regarding Ducks and Universes, which offer a few light-hearted moments. There are a few science fictional elements that make up the story but the core of the story is a mystery. As Felix A (from Universe A) and Felix B (from Universe B) work with and against each other to help different organizations find out just what event lead to the two (nearly) identical universes to become (slightly) altered. I really had no idea just what to expect when I started reading Regarding Ducks and Universes and found myself enjoying the adventure and mystery found within. It is a light read with a lot of great moments and a decent mystery that leaves you guessing until the end. The brilliance that I found in Regarding Ducks and Universes is that there are a lot of mystery in the book, from our character wanting to write a mystery novel, to his love of Agatha Christie, to the mystery contained within the book. The book itself is an enigma, wrapped up in a puzzle and all of it is down simply and without difficulty

[Stokat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across Regarding Ducks and Universes while skimming book titles on my Kindle. It was $1.99 and involved multiple universes, which is right there at top of my guilty pleasure plots list (along with time travel). I indulged.

Felix Sayers is a culinary writer living in the San Francisco of Universe A. His dream is to one day write a mystery novel. He gets side tracked when he realized that there is, in fact, another Felix Sayers in the other universe, Universe B. Who is this other Felix Sayers? What is his life like, and most importantly, has he already written the mystery novel that our main character has been dreaming about? Felix travels to the other universe to find out for himself, but finds that people in Universe B are looking for him too and believe that he actually played a roll in the link between the two Universes.

This is not a perfect book, but it's pretty good. Chances are, not many people you know will have read it, which gives you something interesting to talk about. It's not a long, time consuming read nor is it a "brain break" book. It's different. And it feels like it only has a touch of science fiction to it, even though it involves multiple universes.

The strength of this book is the setting and the plot. They're both crazy! There are two universes that are almost similar, but different. They both have a San Francisco, but only one universe still has a Golden Gate Bridge. The other universe had to replace their bridge after an earthquake. Only one universe can make sourdough bread, the ingredients to make it don't exist in the other. It's enough to read the whole book just to see the differences.

However, the main character is an Eeyore. By that, I mean he hardly acts and he doesn't really react, just like Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh stories. It makes his character unbelievable. Many of the supporting characters have lots of individuality and nuances, which somewhat makes up for the lack of it in the main character. It feels like the author relates better to Bean, the woman Felix meets when he crosses into Universe B and a character that plays a major role in the book.

Reviews listed the lack of explanation as a weakness for Regarding Ducks and Universes. I think the author tries to explain the link between universes throughout the book by having supporting characters provide helpful analogies to Felix. At a certain point, I started skimming these analogies. Although I don't want a full on explanation of this universe stuff, I would prefer a little more clarification at the beginning and less analogies throughout. Really, the analogies could be replaced with character development for the main character, Felix.

[Dinah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would classify this one as "solid beach read," which is a little disappointing given the high reviews it was given. It was supposed to be solid sci-fi and generally a good read. It was neither. Which is not to say that I regret reading it, after putting in a hundred pages I didn't have any real inclination to abandon the thing.

The sci-fi elements (diverging universes created by moments where decisions or happenstance events set off chains of significantly different events, and the linking of such universes) are used in service of the story, which is generally a good thing. But in this case the story is so reliant on the new rules of science that it's hard to relate the characters' experience back to the real world. This may partly be my bias, since I have no affinity for mystery novels, which is perhaps the better genre in which to classify this bizarre hunk of fiction. But the character development was just plain lousy for a book which relies on the different ways the same "person" turns out in diverging universes.

Also, no romance! Not even good friendship! No matter how interesting the science, it's hard for me to get into a narrative without some juicy inter-personal conflict.

Plus, the prose is pretty lousy on a line-to-line basis. You might call it casual, I call it uninteresting. But I am a snob and you may not be.

Anyway! It's a quick read and despite the author's desire to kind of bury the sci-fi aspects, may leave you with something to think about. Makes me wish Maslakovic had read Garp for reference on how to write an interesting cult into a story well.

[Hank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have not yet, up until now had a less than 3.5 rated book be a success. I am not entirely sure why it is rated so low, even after reading the other reviews.

Multiple universes is a hot topic amongst writers and actual physicists, not coincidentally I think. This book does the idea justice, two universes connected by a random, unidentified event. Connected enough to send objects and people back and forth. I loved the concept of alters, those people who were born before the universes split and then connected, and have (mostly)identical selves in the other universe. It seemed like a fun spin off of a writing exercise. What minor events can happen to your character that shoot them in very different directions? How would your life be slightly or majorly different with a small change of an event?

The mystery was also good and fun, sort of British farse like. The only draw back was the ending felt unfinished. She (Maslakovic) wrapped up all the threads but in a rushed way and not elegant. With that said, solid 4 stars.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not a good sign while reading a story that you continually ask yourself, "Why do I care about these characters?". That is one of many flaws with Maslakovic's first novel. There's a failure to really become emotionally invested in Felix's dilemma because he himself shows only a passing interest in multiple universes and the motives of everyone he runs into contact with. Another flaw is how it fails to really propel itself forward. Instead the reader is beaten repeatedly over the head with science talk on how alternate universes work and little to no action that moves the narrative along. This has the same appeal as a magician telling you how he does his trick over and over again without ever showing you the actual trick. The premise is reminiscent of a quirky Douglas Adams tale, but the result is humorless and dull.

[Dean Macholl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

This is a story of two similar universes, but it isn't thick with sci-fi. Felix goes to the other universe because he's curious about his lady alter and whether or not they had already written a novel he's planning then learns he could be the reason the universes split. This story revolves around the concept that a universe exists for every decision we make or don't make. It's an interesting book to be sure, it didn't get bogged down with the science of everything, and the characters are likable.

[Terri Weitze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting book. The universe has split into Universe A and Universe B. Everyone knows when it happened, but nobody knows why or how it happened. And who is to blame? Cleverly written, with good characters, the story follows one Citizen of Universe A as he goes to visit Universe B to spy on his alter. A quick and easy read. Fine for older kids, no sex, graphic violence, minimal cursing.

[Afshaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I checked all the right boxes for me in terms of what I expect from a book with such a whacky title.

[molliekay · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the universe split into two in 1986, those who existed already found out they had an alternate being in the other universe. Felix, in Universe A, has just found out that his birthday was altered by his parents, now realizes that he has an alter and is on his way to Universe B to find out if Felix B has achieved Felix A's lifelong goal of writing a mystery novel. Felix soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery of his own; someone is trying to kill him. Add to that a rivalry between research students and a wealthy corporation and a boss that will not let up about sourdough, and you get a mad dash around San Fransisco to find out what happened on the day the universe split.

Regarding Ducks and Universes is a rare breed: a fun, intellectually stimulating, sci-fi mystery. While the mystery aspect of the book doesn't seem fully developed, the philosophy behind the book is intriguing. What if we had alternates in other universes? Would they be just like us, or would they have chosen to pursue other avenues such as career choices, life partners, or hobbies? How much of what we are is in our genes and how much is a product of our environment. Maslakovic attempts to answer these questions in an entertaining way. Those readers who are looking for something new in sci-fi should check this book out.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found out that I was one of the lucky few to win a preview copy of this book I couldn't wait for it to arrive. The title and brief synopsis had me hooked and I'm happy to say that the book lived up to its billing. I loved it. The thought that there could be parallel universes out there, with alternates of ourselves, which are very similar but also subtley different is an intriguing one and in this story that thought is brought to life in brilliant and amusing detail as we follow the adventures of Felix Sayers as he travels from Universe A to Universe B. The idea that an event, that either happened or didn't happen, could split the universe into two reminded me of the film Sliding Doors, one of my all time favourite films and I'm sure that anyone else who enjoyed it would love this book too. It's also one of those books that crosses the boundaries of different genres, so if you like fanstasy or sci-fi or crime/mystery stories then give this book a go. Like I said I loved it and can't wait for Neve's 2nd book to see what she comes up with next.

[Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quirky little story. Parallel universe fiction written by a physicist. A good self-published book? Apparently so. (Though I am not sure that something published by Amazon Encore should qualify as self-published. Apparently it was originally. I refuse to say "indie" in this context, so please don't go there.)

Anyway, this was light and enjoyable. I thought at first that it might be popular science about the toy ducks that fell off a boat bound from China, but no. I admit, the cover sucked me in. And if I'm not mistaken, there was a tiny shoutout to Neal Stephenson's Zodiac. That still makes me giggle. One of the antagonists, who does a bit of undercover type work, is called Granola James. (As in Bond.) Yes, that's a weird name, but it makes sense in context.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

An engaging what-if that fails to leverage its premise to flesh out the characters or the plot. At times it was difficult to discern the difference between grad students Arni and Pak, while Bean's defining characteristics are that she's the female grad student in the group, she drives fast, and our protagonist Felix has a chaste crush on her. Felix himself is a character with dreams and an ambitious spirit, however he displays little drive, motivated primarily by insecurity--his main reason for visiting Universe B is out of fear his alter, duplicate version of himself, Felix B has become a novelist before him. A mystery introduced early is never given proper due, never escalates as a threat, and its resolution is no more satisfying than an episode of Scooby-doo. The rivalry between the grad students and the Past and Future corporation, who both believe Felix is the true reason the universes split, is treated with the same nonchalance. In the end, it's not clear that Felix's trip to universe B was the life changing event that it could or should have been.

[Løuis Frendo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its an intersting book I would recommend it if you like books about mystries and a tinny bit of action

[MB (What she read) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*s. That was different. I enjoyed it. Her writing style made me think of Connie Willis' a bit.

[Patrick Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neve Maslakovic's debut novel is a winding, wonderful science-fiction/mystery crossover that manages to keep twists coming and keep the reader guessing while providing enough clues and hints along the way to give those moments of "how did I not notice that?"

The science fiction elements are of a sort of Douglas Adams variety (more Dirk Gently than Hitchhiker's Guide) - a sort of witty look at our own world and the types of people and organizations in it provided through the lens of a universe somewhat, but never quite, like our own. It is a clever way of looking at multiple-universe theory built out into a world populated with oppressive, though inept, bureaucracy; believable worlds (the more environmentally friendly universe-A versus the more freewheeling universe-B feeling almost like two real states in the U.S., or two different countries, each espousing the virtues of their own way of doing things and showing the up-and-downsides thereof); and believable and likeable characters actually worth caring out.

The reader is kept up with the narrator, who catches all the important elements to let the reader try to guess the ending and make conclusions or theories, while also being human enough to, like the reader, come up with ideas that aren't always the right ones and to miss, not the events themselves, but the correct connections between them.

It may not be a perfect book, and at times the "science" may be a bit contrived, but it's a solid, entertaining science-fiction read with plenty to love that absolutely deserves more recognition than it seems to have gotten. Absolutely recommended, without reservation!

[Ixby Wuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a foggy Monday in 1986, the universe suddenly, without warning, bifurcated. Fast forward to thirty-five years later: Felix Sayers is a culinary writer living in San Francisco of Universe A who spends his days lunching at Coconut Café and dreaming of penning an Agatha Christie-style mystery. But everything changes when his Aunt Henrietta dies, leaving Felix a photograph of his father and himself—dated ten days before Felix was born. It can only mean one thing: Felix has an “alter” in Universe B. Panicked that his mystery novel may have been written already, Felix crosses to San Francisco B and proceeds to flagrantly violate the rules of both worlds by snooping around his alter’s life. But when he narrowly escapes a hit-and-run, it becomes clear that someone knows he’s crossed over…and whoever it is isn’t happy about it. Now Felix must uncover the truth about his alter, the events of one Monday, and a wayward rubber duck before his time in both worlds runs out.

"Weaving together physics, philosophy, and wry humor, Maslakovic's inventive debut is a delight." - Booklist

"The story unfolds at a sprightly pace...clever combination of mystery, science fiction and humor gives this title broad appeal."

- School Library Journal

"A witty and light ‘what if’ novel stuffed with an amusing and eclectic cast of characters.” - Publishers Weekly

"Highly recommended." - Midwest Book Review

[Lars Dradrach · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Alternate universe story that could have been so much more.

A story about multible universers where it's possible to travel between two versions, we meet Felix who only recently have discovered that he's born before the split of the two universer and therefore has an alter in universe B, worried that his alter is doing better than him he decides to go and have a look.

The story is trying to be funny in a light, satirical way with a lot of strange fact about the universes thrown in, Camel Cheese, Strange Pets etc. It reminded me a little of The Eyre Affair but less funny. There's also a lot of running about, meeting different people and having endless dialogues in an endless search for clues to the splitting point of the two universes, it's a little like Crosstalk just not so elegant and structured.
In general the story would have benefitted from some editing

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is set it the not to distant future, where science has linked two parallel universes together. In Universe A, San Fransisco has no car traffic, instead it has people movers, bikes, national parks and clean air. Everyone has an "Omni" which is a smart phone/kindle.
In Universe B there are personal cars, (tree) books and pollution.

The main character Felix (A) - to designate which Universe you are from, travels to Universe B for a holiday. The rules are quite specific, not to meet your alter, but who wouldn't want to see what the other version of yourself is doing? Meanwhile, researchers are trying to find the 'point of divergence' that branched the Universes into A and B, and you can bet that Felix (A) and Felix (B) and in the middle of it all.

A good read, and despite sounding all sci-fi and futuristic, at it's heart, this is a mystery story.