In 2019, I want to increase the number of book reviews I produce. In addition to written reviews, I wanted to bring back the video review too. These were something I tinkered with a couple of years ago but they fell away because of time constraints. I now have a bit more experience with making videos, so I figured I’d give video book reviews another shot. I’d use the term “booktubing” but I think I’m about 25 years too old for that.
I’m starting with The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James, as it’s an absolutely fabulous book that deserves to be shouted about from as many different platforms as possible. To be honest, nothing I can say about this book will do it justice. It’s a phenomenal read from start to finish.
Here are my 5 Reasons to Read The Quiet at the End of the World.
1. The Premise.
The book is set in London in the not-too-distant future. Lowrie and Shen are the youngest two humans left alive on the planet. Humanity was made infertile by a virus, and Shen and Lowrie are the last two viable IVF babies. This is a story of slow collapse and, perhaps, redemption and resurrection.
2. The Twist.
One can never say too much about twists as they’re easy to spoil. Either by giving the game away or making it sound so awesome that reality can’t match the hype. Nevertheless, this book features one particular OMG! moment that you probably won’t see coming.
3. The Beginning of the Book.
If modern audiences require immediate immersion in the tale, then Lauren James 100% delivers. The Quiet at the End of the World starts with a short prologue that will knock your socks off. If you’re not hooked and desperate for more after reading the first few pages, it might be time to check in with the undertaker.
4. What Does it Mean to be Human?
This book will make you question everything you think about humanity. What exactly is it to be human? What is the legacy of the human race? Is the planet better off without us? What might aliens make of what we leave behind, should humans become extinct? The Quiet at the End of the World is a brilliant book for a book group as it has so many ideas, themes, and concepts packed into it. There’s just so much to discuss.
5. The Whole Shebang!
This reason is a bit of a cheat, but everything about this book is awesome. Characters, setting, theme, the suspense scenes—all great. It will make you think, it will make you laugh, and it may well make you cry. Everything is nigh on perfect. This is a clever, clever book that marks Lauren James as a storyteller of enormous talent.
The TL;DR:
Read this book ASAP. Share it with your friends, so you can discuss it and marvel together at its splendors. If I read a better book in 2019, I’ll be very surprised.
If you’d like to pick up a copy of The Quiet at the End of the World, you can do so here, in the U.S. and here, in the UK. (You really should, you know.)
If you enjoyed this review, do check out my other 5 Reason to Read posts, here.
If you enjoyed the video review, do let me know, and I’ll almost certainly make more. I’ll probably make more anyway, but it will be nice to know somebody is watching!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review.
