Author: Blake Crouch
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Published: July 26, 2016
Publisher: Ballantine Books
View on Goodreads
Date Completed: January 16, 2025
My rating: 
Thoughts
If you’re into mind-bendy sci-fi thrillers that are heavy on the science yet easy to read and understand, have a unique story idea, and a lot of heart to boot, I’ve got news for you – this book has it all!
Blake Crouch is a name I’m seeing more and more lately and after reading this book, I completely understand why. This book is as fast paced as it is willing to take in the tender moments.
Jason Dessen is a man with a family he loves and a career he puts up with after giving up his dreams for his family. One night he is kidnapped and injected with something that puts him out cold. When he comes to, his life isn’t as he remembered it. He isn’t married. He doesn’t have a son. He’s a brilliant scientist that never gave up on his dreams.
From there, this book is a page-turning masterclass in telling a well-balanced science fiction story, incorporating lots of science, without getting too bogged down in the details. This is a story about a character in a crazy situation. It has heart. It has heartbreak. It does not have long, drawn-out explanations of science to make the story seem plausible. Which is nice. It has just enough explanation for the reader to get on board and enjoy the ride.
I really want to stay out of spoiler territory so I’ll conclude by saying that while this is science fiction, it is ultimately a story about a man trying to get back to his family. It’s a journey to find home. Maybe not something we can all relate to, but kind an interesting thought experiment.
This is a 5 out of 5 star read. And try not to watch the trailer for the AppleTV+ show before you read this – it spoils the plot pretty quickly. But I think I’ll have to check out that show; it looks really good!
