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"If I admit that my freedom has no meaning except in relation to its limited fate, then I must say that what counts is not the best living but the most living."

Unrelated to that — so many sentiments in this that instantly pulled specific moments from The Stranger to mind.

This is fantastic so far, but I've reached the part of this book where I must pivot to a different book... 😈

me every other chapter reading about a new philosophical view like "wait this is so me"

Final two chapters - god I love how this book ends. Orr's dreamed aliens helping him is so touching to me. His subconscious Can make good things. Orr realizing this is so delightful.

Ch 10 - This is such a rewarding reread! I'm enjoying Haber and Orr's dialogs so much more. Orr got me good in the sections where the augmentor was turned on. I love the aliens in this. dang book

Ch 9 - probably the shortest chapter in this book, but Orr's line of "I don't choose. Don't you see that yet? I follow." and Haber, of course, misunderstanding it is golden. Also, the description of the scenery in this is beautiful. Also, Orr dreaming of changing Haber as a person and as a result, Mount Hood erupting is very good.

Ch 7 - I frew up. Heather realizing the weight of the responsibility she now has and then FUCKING IT UP is so good. Everyone struggles so much with the fact that Orr's subconscious isn't something that can be controlled! It just can't!!

Ch 6 - Orr and Haber's post session discussion in this chapter is so good. Heart of the whole novel, I think?

Ch 5 - YUHHHHHHHHHHH. Things go from 0 to 100 to 1,000 so fast. Haber calling the new world "his creation" at the end of this chapter says it all about their dynamic. Orr is his tool just like the Augmentor 😭

Haber realizing he hadn't truly believed in Orr's ability until Lelache experienced it was SO good as well. Haber's not as observant and rational as he thinks he is!

Ch 4 - Reading Lelache's intro Knowing What Happens made me queasy (highly positive). I'm excited for our book club to talk about Orr and Haber obviously but I'm VERY excited to talk about Lelache. I love that she realizes he's serious and "solid" (great word choice IMO) so quickly — he's simple but he's the realest person around!

Chapter 3 - GEORGE ORR the creature that you are.

"He did not see connections, which is said to be the hallmark of intelligence. He felt connections - like a plumber."

He's so dreamlike and Haber is so grounded in reality. Perfect foils. I like that his subconscious is characterizing Haber before he finds the strength to do it consciously.

Chapter 2 - Haber's perspective is so fun to read, especially the way he talks about Orr. what an absolute dickhead.

This chapter opens with Orr telling a story of dreaming his abusive aunt into the shape of a white cat in his dreams. It ends with him dreaming of Haber, who openly admits abusive paternal intent in his narration, as a horse 🤭

Rereading!

Chapter 1 - forgot this world STARTS OFF weird. I love Orr's perspective. The "I can't," quote got me both times.

this book (& december in particular) oscillates so seamlessly between 'beautiful description of birds in motion' and 'intense yearning of a man that simply wants to be a bird of prey so effing bad'

the back to back reviews of "academic decathlons" and "sunsets" made me weep into my coffee!

a little funny, a little sweet, and, of course, surprisingly insightful

this is my first time reading charles dickens and i fear i may need to read more

enjoyable read so far

this is more fun than i expected