Monday, September 15, 2014

Review: The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

From Goodreads: Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite. But they don't laugh. Melanie is a very special girl. 

My Rating: 4 hearts 

Thoughts on the Novel: Considering the synopsis of The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey barely reveals anything, I had no idea what The Girl with All the Gifts was about before reading it. I’m actually really glad that turned out to be the case because had I known Melanie’s secret, I think I would have been reluctant to read this book since I’m not too keen about zombie novels.

Assuming you’re like me and couldn’t resist highlighting my spoiler (but if you haven’t, give yourself a pat on the back), don’t expect The Girl with All the Gifts to be filled with action. Yes, there are action scenes, but for the most part, The Girl with All the Gifts is a slow read with complex characters that make you question, for example, what it means to be a human. Are the young children in this story the monsters as the adults would have you believe, or is it the sergeant who treats the children like shit, the doctor who would do anything to further her research and/or the teacher who encourages the children to dream of a better future, knowing that it can never be? Is there even a clear villain in the story?

In addition to its thoughtfulness, I enjoyed how much neuroscience was incorporated into the novel. It’s not necessary to have a science background in order to enjoy The Girl with All the Gifts, but having a neuroscience background definitely made me appreciate it more.

If it wasn’t for the abrupt ending and that at times the book felt somewhat long (which it is at 460 pages), I would have considered The Girl with All the Gifts to be a perfect read.

The Girl with All the Gifts was released in June 2014 by Orbit. 

Comments About the Cover: I feel that it’s a little too plain looking.

7 comments:

  1. Heh. I definitely could not resist highlighting your spoiler, I don't have that kind of restraint ;-) So glad this was a winner for you (aside from the abrupt ending)!!!

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  2. This one looks soooo good! Great review! Currently loving The Red Sun by Alane Adams, alaneadams.com is her site and this lady can write! There are some great reads and authors out there right now, loving all the great stories!

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  3. I read a review for this one and thought it was interesting. I ordered it for my library but I don't think it's circulated well but I'll have to have it on display for the month of Oct. Glad you enjoyed it!

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  4. There was really no way for me NOT to read that spoiler. That's just how my mind works. But since I'm a huge fan of those books, and I love how this was done, I think I'll be reading it very, very soon.

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  5. *pats self* I didn't highlight it. I can't stand spoilers. I think I do I know what this one is about though. Anyway, I am excited to read this. I love unconventional reads. :)

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  6. I had already read in a few reviews for this one that it was a zombie novel, but I appreciate you for protecting us from it! Pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to resist peeking even if I didn't already know though, ha.

    But yayyy, I'm glad you loved this one just like everyone else seems to have so far! I am in love with how original and unconventional it sounds - not often I get to read something that is so unique! The inclusion of neuroscience is a bonus :)

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  7. I looked. Haha, I had to. I do not deal with temptation well. I am kind of curious about this one. Not sure though. Like you I don't really do (blank) books... I also am not science-y at all. If I were to pick this one up it would be WAY out of my comfort zone, which would be kind of fun.

    Thanks for the review!

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