John Farrell is about to get "The Cure."
Old age can never kill him now.
The only problem is, everything else still can . . .
reviews
Aug 29, 2011
Kristin
rated it: 
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/08/rev...
The Postmortal is told from John Farrell’s POV,from 60 years of collected text files that were recovered in 2093. John,a divorce lawyer,decides,after much though,that he’s going to get “The Cure.” The cure in question is the cure for aging,oddly discovered while trying to isolate the gene for hair color during a rather frivolous experiment by a scientist at the U. of Oregon. The problem is that the cure has b More...
The Postmortal is told from John Farrell’s POV,from 60 years of collected text files that were recovered in 2093. John,a divorce lawyer,decides,after much though,that he’s going to get “The Cure.” The cure in question is the cure for aging,oddly discovered while trying to isolate the gene for hair color during a rather frivolous experiment by a scientist at the U. of Oregon. The problem is that the cure has b More...
Jan 19, 2012
Thomas
rated it: 
Over the weekend, I discovered The Walking Dead on Netflix. My wife and I watched the entire first season — all six episodes — back-to-back, and are now officially hooked on it. I’m still thinking about it, and considering reading the graphic novel series, but I don’t want to spoil anything about the series. But I found it kind of jarring that I was watching the show while I was also reading The Postmortal, because while The Walking Dead is about a small group of survivors in a world where ne
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Dec 02, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
I've been reading Drew Magary on Deadspin and other sports blogs for a long time, and have become pretty familiar with his writing style and the topics he most likes to write about. If you're like me, put all of that kind of stuff aside before you read the book, because this couldn't be a bigger departure. I mean that as a compliment too, because I thought this was an excellent book, smart, clever, and yet horrifying all at once.
It is the story of mankind stumbling across the cure for More...
It is the story of mankind stumbling across the cure for More...
Nov 07, 2011
Tony
rated it:
THE POSTMORTAL. (2011). ****.
In this first novel from this author, we are carried into the future, year 2090, when a manuscript is found and downloaded from cloud storage. It is a remarkable record written by a man named John Farrell. His record starts in the year 2019 and ends in the year 2079. Officials of the day have edited this long record and present it to the reader. We now have a novel that is reminiscent of novels where manuscripts are found – somewhere – and offered to the More...
In this first novel from this author, we are carried into the future, year 2090, when a manuscript is found and downloaded from cloud storage. It is a remarkable record written by a man named John Farrell. His record starts in the year 2019 and ends in the year 2079. Officials of the day have edited this long record and present it to the reader. We now have a novel that is reminiscent of novels where manuscripts are found – somewhere – and offered to the More...
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Nov 02, 2011
Frank
rated it:
Thought provoking and well-written, Magary imagines a near future where a cure for aging (but not death) has been discovered and is eventually made available to all. The author uses the trope of found records to recreate a story. Other reviewers have compared the storytelling to Handmaids Tale but to be honest, I instantly thought Dracula. The author uses this plot device to good ends though and moves things along at the right pace.
While I don't agree with a few of the speculation More...
While I don't agree with a few of the speculation More...
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Oct 28, 2011
Schnaucl
rated it:
Four and a half stars.
In many ways this was a good look at some of the problems that would arise if a cure for aging were discovered. It would cause all kinds of social upheaval.
I was interested in the main character and his problems and I think it was good that the story spans so much time.
Magary employs a technique that I think is becoming more common. The main story is a "found" document many years later that's supposed to put things in historical More...
In many ways this was a good look at some of the problems that would arise if a cure for aging were discovered. It would cause all kinds of social upheaval.
I was interested in the main character and his problems and I think it was good that the story spans so much time.
Magary employs a technique that I think is becoming more common. The main story is a "found" document many years later that's supposed to put things in historical More...
Sep 27, 2011
Tarran
rated it:
This book was interesting.
It is the year 2019. The cure for ageing has been discovered. If you get the cure, you will never suffer from the ache and pains of the old, you will always retain your youthful looks and you will never leave your loved ones behind. Do you get the cure?
The book opens with a warning. Recordings have been found about the years when the cure for ageing was discovered. In this world, you can still die of disease, murder etc - just not old age. Unsee More...
It is the year 2019. The cure for ageing has been discovered. If you get the cure, you will never suffer from the ache and pains of the old, you will always retain your youthful looks and you will never leave your loved ones behind. Do you get the cure?
The book opens with a warning. Recordings have been found about the years when the cure for ageing was discovered. In this world, you can still die of disease, murder etc - just not old age. Unsee More...
Sep 27, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
Read my full review here: http://virtualmargin.blogspot.com/2011/09/postmortal-46100.html
The Postmortal is pure speculative fiction. "So," it asks, "what would happen if there was a cure for aging?"
Magary takes the idea and runs with it, crafting the story of a man living in the near future who, along with millions of others, receives the "the Cure"; halting permanently the aging process. The author covers nearly every consequence that could pre More...
The Postmortal is pure speculative fiction. "So," it asks, "what would happen if there was a cure for aging?"
Magary takes the idea and runs with it, crafting the story of a man living in the near future who, along with millions of others, receives the "the Cure"; halting permanently the aging process. The author covers nearly every consequence that could pre More...
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Sep 27, 2011
Ryandake
rated it:
on the whole this was an enjoyable read--a well-painted main character, an interesting setup, a good clip to the plot line.
i really appreciate what the author attempted (and largely succeeded at): investigating the societal- and personal-level ramifications of the end of aging. what would a society made up largely of eternally 20-somethings look like? and how would we get from here to there? the author really walks the reader through the changes without devolving into a lot of expositi More...
i really appreciate what the author attempted (and largely succeeded at): investigating the societal- and personal-level ramifications of the end of aging. what would a society made up largely of eternally 20-somethings look like? and how would we get from here to there? the author really walks the reader through the changes without devolving into a lot of expositi More...
Sep 17, 2011
Cheryl
rated it:
The year is 2090.
A worker for the Department of Containment was conducting a routine sweep of an abandoned collectivist compound, when the worker came upon a WEPS.8 device. These devices were thought to have all been destroyed in 2079. The device contains journal entries by a John Farrell. John worked for the government.
Flash back to 2019.
John has just seen a doctor about “the cure”. The cure though may cure you but you can still die from a car accident, a k More...
A worker for the Department of Containment was conducting a routine sweep of an abandoned collectivist compound, when the worker came upon a WEPS.8 device. These devices were thought to have all been destroyed in 2079. The device contains journal entries by a John Farrell. John worked for the government.
Flash back to 2019.
John has just seen a doctor about “the cure”. The cure though may cure you but you can still die from a car accident, a k More...
Sep 12, 2011
DBC|READS
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Sep 06, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
There's a lot to really like about this book. Most reviews mention this book's ability to dismantle the concept of immortality down to its absolute bare bones and explore every possible negative outcome, and that is really true: Peter Pan babies! Cycle marriages! Meaninglessness of professional sports records! Birth date tattoos!
What's funny is that the narrative device (the text is a blog kept by the narrator recovered at a later future date) reminded me a lot of The Handmaid's Tale. More...
What's funny is that the narrative device (the text is a blog kept by the narrator recovered at a later future date) reminded me a lot of The Handmaid's Tale. More...
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Aug 31, 2011
TEOTU
rated it:
What would you give to be able to never grow old? Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.
In Drew Magary’s first novel, The Postmortal, he wonders what the world would be like if someone discovered a cure for aging. It sounds like it would be a great thing, but as the story unfolds, the reader quickly discovers it would be a nightmare.
In the opening chapter, we meet our hero, John Farell, a lawyer who is paying a black-market doctor to have three simple injections wh More...
In Drew Magary’s first novel, The Postmortal, he wonders what the world would be like if someone discovered a cure for aging. It sounds like it would be a great thing, but as the story unfolds, the reader quickly discovers it would be a nightmare.
In the opening chapter, we meet our hero, John Farell, a lawyer who is paying a black-market doctor to have three simple injections wh More...
Aug 28, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
This is one of the most thought provoking books I've read in a long while. The premise of the book is that it's part of a long lost digital diary of one man shortly after the cure of aging has been discovered and goes through 75ish years, skipping around a bit. I found it absolutely fascinating, not just because the writing is good (it is), but because of all the issues it brought up. I had to stop and ponder so many things. Things like: If no one dies of old age, where are we going to put a
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Aug 23, 2011
Donna
rated it: 
What if a group of scientists found a cure for aging? Would you want it? This cure doesn't encompass any diseases like cancer, AIDS, or even the common flu. So, while anyone receiving the “cure” would not age, they would still be susceptible to illness or injury. As the book explains, you would only be assured that when you do die, it would not be peacefully in your bed of old age, you pretty much are guaranteed that it will be nothing so easy. There are plenty of other ways to die, and plenty o
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Aug 02, 2011
Sharon
rated it:
The Postmortal by Drew Magary is a fascinating piece of fiction that is due to be released on August 30 2011. It is a frightening glimpse at humanity, including the capacity for good and evil inside us all. The novel is fast-paced, endearing, and one that stays with you long after you finish the book. I finished reading it a week ago, and am still dreaming about the details and characters within the story. The novel is a dystopian vision, a cautionary tale, a witty morality tale, a revenge fable
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Apr 20, 2011
the golden witch.
rated it:
Synopsis: Called "dark, funny, and terrifying" by New York contributing editor Will Leitch, THE POSTMORTAL, by Deadspin writer Drew Magary, documents what living forever might look like.
The year is 2019 and a cure for aging has been discovered. After much political and cultural debate "The Cure" is made available to populations worldwide. Through fast-paced journal entries and blogger-style news story roundups compiled by an ever-watchful New York lawyer, John Far More...
The year is 2019 and a cure for aging has been discovered. After much political and cultural debate "The Cure" is made available to populations worldwide. Through fast-paced journal entries and blogger-style news story roundups compiled by an ever-watchful New York lawyer, John Far More...
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Dec 10, 2011
Darren
rated it:
what a great book - a great read for anyone who was a fan of "i am legend", "world war z", or "robopocalypse". this definitely had more depth to it, and came to some really clear conclusions about where man's depravity would lead him given a 'cure for aging'. no easy breaks or fantasy island, just a very quick descent into hell on earth and ultimate.. well you'll just have to read it.
very well written and written in the same vein as those books like WWZ/ More...
very well written and written in the same vein as those books like WWZ/ More...
Nov 19, 2011
Jasmine
rated it:
I give this book 3 stars for bad marketing. Look at the cover it looks like the The Sheriff of Yrnameer, The Color of Magic, A Dirty Job, Another Roadside Attraction, or The Portable Door. Now don't get me wrong this is a great book, but the cover is playing a role it's saying come over here and laugh at me, but the book doesn't agree, this is a serious topic. I don't know if I would have read this if I'd known it was serious, I thought it was going to be a humorous book, but it really was all m
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Aug 11, 2011
Grace
rated it:
This review originally appeared on my book review blog Feeding My Book Addiction: http://feedingmybookaddiction.blogspot.c...
Finally! There's a new dystopian novel coming out that isn't a young adult book and it's good! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good YA dystopian novel, but I need a change. Drew Magary's The Postmortal is just the change I needed too.
Magary's novel has an intriguing premise: a scientist discovered the cure for aging and now the citizens of the world ar More...
Finally! There's a new dystopian novel coming out that isn't a young adult book and it's good! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good YA dystopian novel, but I need a change. Drew Magary's The Postmortal is just the change I needed too.
Magary's novel has an intriguing premise: a scientist discovered the cure for aging and now the citizens of the world ar More...
Oct 14, 2011
Rachel
rated it:
I tend to enjoy this sort of postmodern-collage take on the epistolary novel, so this book sucked me in. It's not without its first-novel flaws but i still got really invested in reading it.
Perhaps because of the form, it's light on descriptive passages but heavy on the kind of navelgazing reflection of its protagonist/narrator, but he's blogging so ok, fine. I was disappointed that a lot of the artifacts included in the first part of the book--headlines, news stories, lists, etc--k More...
Perhaps because of the form, it's light on descriptive passages but heavy on the kind of navelgazing reflection of its protagonist/narrator, but he's blogging so ok, fine. I was disappointed that a lot of the artifacts included in the first part of the book--headlines, news stories, lists, etc--k More...
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Feb 13, 2012
Kari
rated it:
When I saw the audio book for The Postmortal on the shelf at my library, I was intrigued. I will admit that I almost gave up on this book halfway through. I thought I was a bit slow in the beginning. But it eventually picked up. After a scientist mistakenly discovers the gene for aging, he develops a "cure" that will cause humans to never age. They can still get sick and die, but they will never get old. Sounds good, right?
I can say for certain that after reading The P More...
I can say for certain that after reading The P More...
Jan 27, 2012
Abria
rated it:
Composed of blog entries, The Postmortal chronicles the post-cure life of John Farrell, a 29-year-old estate lawyer from New York City. This fact alone is a serious statement about our future–it doesn’t seem unreasonable that this guy’s entire life should be recorded on various devices and on his personal blog. To give the book a wider context, Magary frequently pulls back from John’s limited perspective by including news articles, the blog feeds of others, and transcriptions of political speech
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Jan 26, 2012
Eric
rated it: 
Man, I really wanted to like this. There's a lot going on here that's great in terms of concept. Magary sets up a lot of questions worth asking, and then fails to ask them. The hardest part of the book is that it's a hypothetical "recovered blog" from the time period the book goes through. This makes it very disjointed - some "entries" (chapters) are essentially first person narration, some are faux-cut-and-pasted articles, some are links about what's going on. It hurts the f
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Sep 14, 2011
Eric
rated it:
The Postmortal tells the story of John Farrell, a twenty-nine year old who decides to receive the cure for aging. As “the cure” becomes widespread, John and many of his fellow immortals will live to regret that decision.
For the most part, Drew Magary (@drewmagary), who writes for Deadspin, Kissing Suzy Kolber, GQ, Maxim, and NBC, among other places, does a wonderful job exploring the consequences of “the cure” over four time periods. The first, when John receives “the cure,” is writt More...
For the most part, Drew Magary (@drewmagary), who writes for Deadspin, Kissing Suzy Kolber, GQ, Maxim, and NBC, among other places, does a wonderful job exploring the consequences of “the cure” over four time periods. The first, when John receives “the cure,” is writt More...
Sep 13, 2011
Kara
rated it:
I was so excited to read this book, I guess it was almost inevitable that it would let me down. It was an amazingly quick read. I read it as an ebook so I don't really have an idea of how thick it is in print; I'm guessing rather thin.
The book is written in the form of blog entries discovered long after the death of their author, and that central conceit is both instantly dated and gives the story no space. Because the idea of a blog is short pointed commentary, there's no room for interp More...
The book is written in the form of blog entries discovered long after the death of their author, and that central conceit is both instantly dated and gives the story no space. Because the idea of a blog is short pointed commentary, there's no room for interp More...
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Aug 30, 2011
Justin
rated it:
The tagline for The End Specialist by Drew Magary is, "Who wants to live forever?" My immediate answer is, well, I do. Who would turn that down, right? My review copy from Voyager differed slightly with the words, "Immortality Will Kill Us All (Except for me)." Interesting how a few words could make me reevaluate my answer to the first question. That's exactly what Magary's book is all about. What would happen if we had the cure for aging? Is it really a good thing or
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Jan 28, 2012
Jenny
rated it:
I picked this up because it was nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award, and it jumped into my arms at the public library.
I like the premise of the story, and the overarching storytelling technique. The premise is that an American scientist discovered the cure for aging, and the main narrator in the story had the cure. Most of the book chapters are accounts from his e-mail or the news during the time, and a few break and go into plain narrative.
This isn't just an ide More...
I like the premise of the story, and the overarching storytelling technique. The premise is that an American scientist discovered the cure for aging, and the main narrator in the story had the cure. Most of the book chapters are accounts from his e-mail or the news during the time, and a few break and go into plain narrative.
This isn't just an ide More...
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Sep 30, 2011
Michael
rated it:
It's hard, with some books, to figure out what point on the five star scale to land on. This could have been a 2,3 or 4, so I've copped out a little and ended with a 3. The problem with the Postmortal, or the End Specialist as it is more appropriately named in the UK, is quite well illustrated by its two different titles. It's not quite able to be what it wants to be, which is the Postmortal - a fascinating, pragmatic and restrained deconstruction of a future where no one needs to get old and di
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Feb 06, 2012
Karen
rated it:
Brilliant book and well told story. Enjoyed how the book read with the different styles used to give information. An interesting concept skilfully executed in to a gripping read.
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