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This novel takes the cake. I appreciate the humor that is thrown in when the human race is at stake, and the main character is the last one to try to save us. I find myself finishing his sentences... is it because I'm a teacher too? He's so human. I love that. Got a little irritated that he didn't realize something was something or at least wouldn't say it (I'm being vague for spoiler purposes). Great novel.

I liked The Martian, by Andy Weir. I LOVE this one. It still has all of the scientific jargon that bothered me somewhat, as before, but this novel has more personality in it. I'm enjoying the fact that he's a teacher, but also the discovery of his life through his memory returning. Can't wait to see where this is headed. The end of the world and into a new solar system? WOW. I sense a dire ending.

I feel what Nora is feeling. "Looking for a reason to exist" (12). Her favorite philosopher is also MY favorite, the transcendentalists. At this point, the message is that whatever decisions you make, life is what you make of it, and you have to trust those decisions. "They seem so damn happy to have made it, and you don't resent them, but you do resent yourself for not having their ability to work it all out" (60).

This book makes me uneasy. I hate the way everyone seems to be lying and keeping secrets.

I really shouldn't be reading this book. I know too many people like the characters. I know the students who are bullying Addie, I know the teachers... I know Addie. It's appalling and depressing. Unfortunately, this reads like nonfiction, and it's horrific.

I am appalled already. This is probably too close to my life. As a teacher, who is married to a teacher, with whom I have worked for 23 years, who also has had extremely jealous moments... however, I already HATE Nate. I'm sure that's intentional. And right now, I want to know what exactly went down with Addie and Tuttle. However, right now, I feel I've lived this story with other coworkers... I'm very nervous.

So far, I enjoy the book. I'm glad some relationships exist, and there are new characters. I think this will be another fast read.

I will admit, I love the storylines of The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret. Her writing is elementary and she repeats things she doesn't need to, but that doesn't take away from the entertainment of the books. I can't believe how much bad luck this woman has. It's horrible!

You have GOT to be kidding me. This is a crazy story. I knew it was too good to be true. I also feel like I know this person. That's even scarier.

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME. I really thought I knew what was going on, but apparently I don't. Are they both insane? Why does everyone know about Nina but still let her do the things she does?

Well, it's obvious the woman is out of her mind. Since it's too obvious, I'm sure I'm wrong. This is a fast read. I can't wait to see what is going on with the main characters. Something sure doesn't feel right.

The writing is beautiful. I'm in the woods with Addie, I'm in the city with her, I'm lost in her head. However, I'm at the point where I'm wondering where this story is going... I see she is invisible and the sadness that accompanies her isolation. I'm ready to see where the story takes me. I hope it doesn't take much longer.

I'm afraid to finish the book. I'm afraid I will cry. I'm afraid that everything that I thought was going to happen went south, and it's not the ending I envisioned all along. I'll finish tonight. I can't risk reading it at school.

The last chapter hit me really hard. Trying not to cry in front of the students is hard... if I'd have been home, I'd have probably sobbed. This is a book that I think I'll keep on my shelf at home. It can definitely be read multiple times, and different thoughts and feelings will come with it. Backman's books are real life. I may need to read his over and over again to escape mine.

I absolutely, positively love this story. I love the characters. I love how REAL it is. I love the characters that flit in and give good advice. I love how I can put the book down, read another one, and pick it back up right where I left off without a beat.

This journey is breaking my heart. Such terrible things happen and I fear some things are dangerously coming true and close to being a reality.

The story took the weirdest turn. Now I'm not even sure I like it. The characters have changed, and the sadness I feel for Rainy is long... not unlike the journey he is on. I hate that he is being hunted, and I wonder where the story will go from here.

My heart is so heavy. I had no idea what was about to happen. I feel like I was duped by Leif Enger and had me thinking that something else was supposed to happen. His grief is described so realistically that I felt every moment. This is going to be a very rough journey.

Up until this chapter, I was completely in love with the story. I love the allusions to classics (mentioning Billy Pilgrim and Odysseus) as well as the set up of what may happen. However, I will not spoil it. I DID NOT see this coming.

I'm sad with this book. It is too close to what I feel is happening in America with the immigrants right now. I know it's not the same, but it is close. The mistreatment and the necessity of fighting back... I wish I was as brave as Bina. How she came to be a movie star is beyond me so far, but I'm excited to find out.

I love every one of these characters, and I am so frustrated that I cannot figure out the ties between them yet! I know that they are somehow because of some of the very clever foreshadowing lines that the author has written. I just found out there is going to be a movie about this book and it makes me so excited! I can't wait!

I had no idea what this was about and when I discovered one of the characters is an octopus I am excited about it! Tova, the other main character, is also interesting and is in a club that has the same name that one of my clubs used to have! I feel for her and the loss of her son. I'm not sure where the story is going to take me but I'm intrigued!

I love Backman’s writing and this does not disappoint. It is so poetic. Every line makes me pause and take it in. I never usually read what books are about when they are by my favorite authors; I let the writing take me there. The storyline here is bleak and the characters’ lives and situations are so realistic yet heartbreaking. I can’t wait to see where it’s going.

Not sure where this is going yet. Had a PTSD moment, a memory, meeting characters but no connection yet.

It’s easy to see why this is a top contender for Book of the Year 2024. The writing is completely immersive—it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I especially loved experiencing the story through multiple perspectives, which is something I always appreciate in a good mystery. I found myself resenting every chore that made me put it down. An absolutely gripping read!

Great mystery! Every single character has a secret, the foreshadowing is making me turn the pages faster, and I love that the past is a character itself.

This is a page turner. I know now that everyone is connected somehow, and I I have a theory but I don’t want to ruin it for you. If not finished tonight I’ll finish it tomorrow!

Lovin the writing style. Easy flow and typical story although felt like Walking Dead, etc she’s