IStWATBBoD: January 2026 pick - I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin > Likes and Comments

Our January pick is I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin

Let us know what you think

I read this for a reading challenge last year, and I really, really liked it. You wouldn't think long segments of dialogue are engaging, but this book somehow made it so.

...Not sure it is actually science fiction though.

Are we no longer avoiding duplicating authors?

Yes we have read this author before when he had a pen name of Ben Wong, But I did like Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits and I am #1 on the library wait list, so there that. Guess M.R. Carey has to wait some more, Mr Carey is every bit as good as Robert Jackson Bennett , in my humble opinion.

Or Mike Carey in the comics.

Trike wrote: "Are we no longer avoiding duplicating authors?"

I think Tom explained on Discord that he didn't realize it was the same guy because of the pen name.

So for the next two months we'll have Seanan McGuire and Mira Grant.

Tamahome wrote: "So for the next two months we'll have Seanan McGuire and Mira Grant."

And Claire North, Catherine Webb and Kate Griffin. Maybe some Richard Bachman. 😜

Speaking of Richard Bachman, I actually bought this without knowing it was Stephen King, just because of the cover:

Stephen wrote: "Yes we have read this author before when he had a pen name of Ben Wong, But I did like Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits and I am #1 on the library wait list, so there that. Guess..."

Thank you! I was debating if I was going to read this book since I generally don't like dark humor, but since I hated that book, I think I'm not going to give the author a second chance with something I was already unsure about whenI already have a pretty tall reading stack to get through.

The humour isn't that dark. It is a little edgy at times, but not dark.

I have finished it and it is way better than FV&FS which I hated.

It's no classic. I'd rate it about 3.5/5.

My only gripe is (Minor spoiler) (view spoiler)[ that it is not sci-fi or fantasy. Nothing happens that couldn't happen now. It is an action thriller (hide spoiler)]

^ True, but it is deliciously sarcastic. About...well...everything.

I liked the Charles Darwin quote that started the book. Gives me hope.

It is strange,quirky and hilarious. At the same time it is a masterful dig at American culture and politics. I really really liked it. Masterful Audiobook narration by Ari Filakos

I liked "I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box Of Doom", and the characters are so well done that I wanted to slap the mud out of them sometimes. At first, I was thinking this isn't a good time for me to read this, but I fell right into step with it and really didn't like having to put it down for real world tasks. Readers might be familiar with some of the personalities. I'm guessing the arguements, debates, and confrontations can test a body's tolerance, and the black box of doom takes a lot of detours toward it's finally, so it's challenging; in that frame, I assume that's why some readers dislike the book, but I think the challenge is worth it, and there is a clear definition about what the black box of doom is. Definitely a keeper, it has a classic feel, I did go back and buy the audiobook version, but I hope the powers that be don't make a movie out of this one because it needs to slow cook the mental stew.

I read this in 4 days. I think i highlighted 30% of the book, Loved the tale,

Lemmed at Chapter 10. Not really sure why a guy who makes a living on the glass house of Tiktok wants to start throwing stones at Reddit, but the detour in Chapter 9 to dump on the MeToo movement and calling a woman a goblin, a horse and too ugly to offer assistance in Chapter 10 was too much for me.

Not particularly liking this one. I'll give it a little more; might Lem it.

this book is most definitely not science fiction or fantasy don't take me wrong I enjoyed it but it's not one of those

On the topic of lemming, while everyone have their own set of red lines that they are not happy for a book to cross (my memories of Brightness Falls From The Air still haunt me), I do think we should be careful not to confuse a character's thoughts with those of the author. In this case, I think it is fair to say, without spoilers, that we are meant to find some of Abbott's thoughts objectionable, or at least contentious. What makes the book really interesting are the discussions that evolve from these thoughts. The meat of the book comes after it becomes clear that Abbott has a very particular view of the world; one which can be very confronting - and is intended to be so.

Tamahome wrote: "So for the next two months we'll have Seanan McGuire and Mira Grant."

As long as the book doesn't contain the word "bemused" like the 1st 7 or so October Daye books (I think I quit reading after the 7th one).

I'm at 90% listening on Libby & still riveted!

Struggling to find a Sword or Laser connection.