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| Source: thelittlebookroom.com.au Thought a different cover would be a good change of pace! |
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: April 8, 2014
Category: Literature/Fiction, Sci-fi, Fantasy
Source: I received this e-galley from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Are you feeling a little feverish? Do people look at you funny when you talk? If so, you need two things - a doctor and a good book! That's right, you have "word flu" and nothing reverses the effects like reading...what are you waiting for? Keep reading!
It took me awhile to read The Word Exchange, but only because life (work) decided to interfere with my reading. Ain't nobody got time for that! I did like this book and think I would have enjoyed it more had I been able to read straight through, instead of days between chances to read.
All I'm going to say is that The Word Exchange plot reminds me of a more modern mix of Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and 1984 all rolled into one. With those titles, a break down in society is a given. The scary part is the involvement of technology (somewhat like what we currently have) in the break down of what makes us human - our words. Author Alena Graedon had some wonderful narration pieces about words: "Words, I've come to learn, are pulleys through time. Portals into other minds. Without words, what remains? Indecipherable customs. Strange rites. Blighted hearts. Without words, we're history's orphans. Our lives and thoughts erased." Couldn't have said it better myself.
But I figured, why write a big ole review when I've been saving up reviews from my most trusted book bloggers for a couple weeks now? I haven't read these myself as of this posting, so they wouldn't affect my opinion, but these ladies are intense readers and great bloggers, so stop by and see what they have to say about The Word Exchange!
April @ The Steadfast Reader
Leah @ Books Speak Volumes
Catherine @ The Gilmore Guide to Books
Rebecca @ Love at First Book
Shannon @ River City Reading
Monika @ A Lovely Bookshelf on the Wall
Also, here's an interview with author Alena Graedon, by wordandfilm.com.
Oh! I really like your parallels with the giants of dystopian novels. I definitely feel the Brave New World/Fahrenheit 451 connection.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely those two. Didn't want 1984 to feel left out though and thought maybe the authors had some of that prediction mode in common.
DeleteThanks for linking to my review! Such a great book :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! It was!
DeleteI love that I can read all of these reviews now that I've read the book and written my own review! Thanks for linking them all in one place! I actually did feel a 1984 vibe from this book, especially when the characters were warned against speaking to each other and when they were paranoid about bugging.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I will stop over and read yours as well.
DeleteThis review is interesting- also like how you included links to other reviewers. Thanks for sharing this great post on #SmallVictoriesSunday!
ReplyDeleteSure! I figure a book getting big attention needs more than just me to speak for it!
DeleteI'm going to have to give this one a read!
ReplyDeleteYes, gotta put your two cents in! I liked seeing the various takes on this one since it hits so close to book-lovers' hearts!
DeleteI loved this book and while I did write a review for this Thursday, I was worried I wouldn't have much to add. It seems like everyone is reviewing this lately and most of us are loving it. Great cover choice! I have a different cover on my copy and I think I like the one you shared better.
ReplyDeleteYea, when I saw so many reviews coming at once, I figured I might as well keep my part brief and offer a variety of perspectives.
DeleteThanks Jennine for sharing with Small Victories Sunday. I've heard the buzz about this book too and I've got to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteSure! Thanks for the link-up fun!
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