In infancy, Junior Thibodeaux is encoded with a prophesy: a comet will obliterate life on Earth in thirty-six years. Alone in this knowledge, he co...
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Sep 22, 2010
Joel
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Picking up a book called Everything Matters! (a book shouted Everything Matters!) turns out to be both a challenge to you, the reader, but also a trap, and a bit of a spoiler.
Because you are being told, nay, implored to Pay Attention! to everything. You don't think that's asking too much of you because the book has such a great premise, which is: what if you (this time I am not referring to you the reader, but the hypothetical you, but specifically, the main character) were born wit More...
Because you are being told, nay, implored to Pay Attention! to everything. You don't think that's asking too much of you because the book has such a great premise, which is: what if you (this time I am not referring to you the reader, but the hypothetical you, but specifically, the main character) were born wit More...
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Nov 05, 2011
Ryan
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One thing I'll say about Everything Matters is that its plot messed with my expectations. Not that I had a lot of expectations about a novel that opened with disembodied voices telling a developing fetus that the world would end in 36 years, but Currie's story of a typical American life with a few very untypical things about it dodges easy categorization. It's neither magic realism, nor science fiction, nor a supernatural tale, but more of an earnest existential drama about the choices people ma
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Aug 15, 2011
Kristi
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I thought the premise of this book was really interesting: from the time that he's in the womb, the main character (Junior) knows the exact date and manner in which the world will end, informed by a semi-omniscient voice that continues to talk to him throughout his life. Indeed, one of the most interesting sections of the book was the opening, which chronicles Junior's experiences in the womb and as a young child, spelling out those experiences and impressions often lost to adults. The book foll
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Mar 12, 2011
Greg
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Ron Currie Jr. would probably take umbrage with a Bud Light commercial making the rounds these days. In it, scientists spot a meteor heading toward Earth, realize that death is imminent, and commence partying as if nothing matters anymore. But Currie takes a rather unconventional route toward trying to convince you that, even when you know you're going to die, everything in fact, DOES matter.
When our protagonist, Junior Thibodeau, is born, a mysterious voice, which stays with him his More...
When our protagonist, Junior Thibodeau, is born, a mysterious voice, which stays with him his More...
Sep 12, 2010
Jake
rated it:
I really appreciate the author's sincere effort to directly address the biggests among the big questions. A lot of the writing is also very good in my humble estimation, particularly the stories from the hero's youth; which is also the time when the voice of the little gods-outside-the-machine who speak to the hero is at its most pleasant and endearing. I think one could guess from early in the book, however, that there's going to be a certain amount of narrative and philosophical tension missin
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Sep 08, 2010
Daniel
rated it: 
This book came as a recommendation from the sages at Amazon.com. After analyzing my browsing and purchasing history, they decided this book would be right up my alley. I was definitely intrigued by the synopsis, which states that the book's protagonist knows the exact date of the end of the world. With such a premise, the possibilities, both thematic and philosophical, would be plentiful and surely intriguing.
You'd think, right?
Unfortunately, this novel is all style and sh More...
You'd think, right?
Unfortunately, this novel is all style and sh More...
Sep 04, 2010
C.E.
rated it:
This is a strange book--interesting premise--Junior, the main character knows from birth that the world will end 36 years after his birth, more or less. How does he live his life? I thought this was the set up for a modern take on Camus' "The Plague" instead it unfolded as one of the weirdest meditations on life and love and family I've encountered. There's a lot that flat out doesn't work and some parts are so ridiculous as to be off-putting (for me the fact that Currie obviously di
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Mar 24, 2010
Thebookchubi
rated it: 
I read Ron Currie, Jr.'s Everything Matters! after reading the book recommendation from Greg over at The New Dork Review of Books. He gave it a thumbs up and I must say that I fully concur. The story is fantastic and the writing is in a very modern style. Although I don't know what most bookstores would classify this book as, I tend to lean toward Sci-Fi (but not fan fiction sci-fi, just dealing in elements that are "other worldly").
With all this talk about "2012 is up More...
With all this talk about "2012 is up More...
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Feb 26, 2010
Cynthia
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The basic plot is that Junior is born with the knowledge of exactly how and when the earth is going to meet it's ultimate demise: June 15th, 2010, when he is 36 years old. He wonders What Does It All Matter? What does anything matter? If you know there is nothing you can do to stop it.
Clearly the title gives away the answer.
But how the answer reveals itself to Junior makes for a great story. The plot twists are a little crazy at times and if I attempt to describe any of More...
Clearly the title gives away the answer.
But how the answer reveals itself to Junior makes for a great story. The plot twists are a little crazy at times and if I attempt to describe any of More...
Feb 14, 2010
Ningerbil
rated it:
This was a strange story, told in a rather interesting fashion. A boy is born, knowing that in 36 years a comet will strike Earth, ending all life. The story is told from multiple points of view as the boy grows up: the boy (Junior), his sweetheart Amy, his brother, his father and a sort of Greek chorus of nearly omnipotent voices. The story is very character-driven and the characters are interesting and well fleshed out. Especially liked the father, a man with a past who has had his mess-ups -
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Jan 24, 2010
Theresa
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 23, 2010
Annabelle
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Junior is born with knowledge, fatalistic knowledge that in 19 years and so many minutes, a meteor will hit the earth and obliterate civilization. Currie uses the literary technique of shifting voices by chapter. First is the plural “we” voice of the entity or entities that give Junior information. Then there is Junior’s voice, Amy his girlfriend from grade school on, his father, Rodney, Sr., and his brother Rodney, Jr. Addiction is a big theme, Junior’s mom is an alcoholic, Rodney, Jr. and
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Jan 10, 2010
From NPR:
While still in the womb, Junior Thibodeau is informed by a dispassionate and slightly officious voice that the world will end in 36 years, 168 days, 14 hours and 23 seconds. (Find out what else the voice tells Junior while he's in utero.) As the protagonist of Ron Currie's high-wire act of a novel grows to manhood, that fact, and that voice, remain his constant companions. The novel's driving question — can the young genius do anything to forestall or escape doomsday? — is t More...
While still in the womb, Junior Thibodeau is informed by a dispassionate and slightly officious voice that the world will end in 36 years, 168 days, 14 hours and 23 seconds. (Find out what else the voice tells Junior while he's in utero.) As the protagonist of Ron Currie's high-wire act of a novel grows to manhood, that fact, and that voice, remain his constant companions. The novel's driving question — can the young genius do anything to forestall or escape doomsday? — is t More...
Dec 10, 2009
Rachael
rated it:
I am absolutely in love with this book.
While in his mother's womb (and on the first few pages, so don't worry, I'm not ruining the book for you) Junior Thibodeaux is granted the knowledge that Earth will be obliterated 36 years, 168 days, 14 hours and 23 seconds after the moment he is born.
During the next couple of decades, Junior is often granted other tidbits of useful knowledge by the powers in charge of the universe. None of this knowledge makes Junior's life any eas More...
While in his mother's womb (and on the first few pages, so don't worry, I'm not ruining the book for you) Junior Thibodeaux is granted the knowledge that Earth will be obliterated 36 years, 168 days, 14 hours and 23 seconds after the moment he is born.
During the next couple of decades, Junior is often granted other tidbits of useful knowledge by the powers in charge of the universe. None of this knowledge makes Junior's life any eas More...
Nov 18, 2009
Deborah
rated it:
Some good writing and an interesting experiment, but the book ultimately fails. The book begins with the premise that a man, from in utero forward, knows the exact moment and cause of the end of human life on earth. Talked to constantly by an inner voice, his life is informed by this ongoing chatterbox. It's not a conversation since he never talks back or engages with the voice. It's less "God" or alien and more the on-going "monkey mind" we all have: hopping around, chastisi
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Aug 18, 2009
Joanne
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This is a hard book to review without giving too much away, so I will just say: read the description on the inside cover. If that seems like your cup of tea, it probably is. I was not disappointed - in fact, I was dazzled throughout much of the book, and I came to really love some of the characters - but I can't give it the full 5 points because the ending wasn't as special and luminous and transcendent as the book deserved. It seemed rushed, which is a total shame because the rest of the book w
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Jul 25, 2009
Padraigh
rated it:
I really, really liked this book. Really. I expected to enjoy it somewhat, though, and how couldn't I? It's about the choices and life of a man who knows, down to the second, the exact time and method of the destruction of all life on our planet. Well, ninety six percent of it, anyway, which seems about the same, being one of the species that would be extinct in that scenario.
That being said, this book is way better than it has any business being. There are a lot of point of v More...
That being said, this book is way better than it has any business being. There are a lot of point of v More...
Jul 07, 2009
Mallory
rated it:
This is simultaneously one of the most uplifting and depressing books I've ever read. Every time I started to feel really joyful--"Yes, everything DOES matter!"--something would come along to make me question the book's themes all over again. That said, this is not a sad read, just a hard one. This is one of those books that does something to your soul, even if you can't exactly pinpoint what that is.
Junior is "gifted" with the knowledge, in utero, that the world More...
Junior is "gifted" with the knowledge, in utero, that the world More...
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Jun 29, 2011
Patty
rated it:
Every time I was about to quit listening to this book something would happen and I couldn't quit. The story is quite fantastic. How Junior could be born knowing the end of the world is baffling and if you can't accept this, you can't read the book.
I thought the characters were well drawn and I wanted to know many of them better. When things happened to them, I felt hurt or scared along with them. Currie has a skewed view of the world, but I would willingly go along for his next rid More...
I thought the characters were well drawn and I wanted to know many of them better. When things happened to them, I felt hurt or scared along with them. Currie has a skewed view of the world, but I would willingly go along for his next rid More...
Aug 12, 2010
Shannon
rated it:
Not often am I blown away by contemporary fiction, but this book struck me profoundly and I now feel it my urgent duty to scream its praises from my rooftop. Memorable. Interesting. Cutting. Humane.
Told with remarkable candor--the style of writing is simple yet poignant. There are neither too few nor too many words. Nor are things overly or underly explained. The story is remarkable and entirely relate-able. The narrative voices were exquisite. I would like to commend Currie More...
Told with remarkable candor--the style of writing is simple yet poignant. There are neither too few nor too many words. Nor are things overly or underly explained. The story is remarkable and entirely relate-able. The narrative voices were exquisite. I would like to commend Currie More...
Oct 28, 2011
Gretchen
rated it:
What a wild ride. I tend to shy away from books with an apocalyptic theme (I get enough depressing news from the real world) but the title of this book grabbed my attention. Maybe because, when I am having a particularly world-weary day, I will sometimes poke a stick at that behemoth of a philosophical question that slumbers in a corner of my mind: "Does anything really matter?"
The protagonist in Ron Currie's book, Junior Thibodeau, really has reason to ask that question. More...
The protagonist in Ron Currie's book, Junior Thibodeau, really has reason to ask that question. More...
Jan 04, 2010
Sterlingcindysu
rated it:
This book is similiar to "sliding doors" that it shows 2 alternative endings (but each true ending is the same, just different routes to get there.) Not as depressing as I thought! Is it better to have a good family life or save the world?
(copied review) Everything Matters! focuses on the immensely consequential life of John "Junior" Thibodeau, "the fourth-smartest person in the history of the world." The narrator of this section is an omniscient Voi More...
(copied review) Everything Matters! focuses on the immensely consequential life of John "Junior" Thibodeau, "the fourth-smartest person in the history of the world." The narrator of this section is an omniscient Voi More...
Aug 13, 2011
Anita
rated it:
Despite the inevitable sadness (premise being that Junior knows from birth that the world will end in his lifetime), this is a life-affirming novel. The title certainly answers the initial question posed, does anything I do matter? I see this concept as just a super-charged way of exploring our own mortality.
The way the narration shifts among the main characters works well, since it sidesteps any issues resulting from lingering inside Junior's foreboding mind. But, the accompanying chronolo More...
The way the narration shifts among the main characters works well, since it sidesteps any issues resulting from lingering inside Junior's foreboding mind. But, the accompanying chronolo More...
Jul 30, 2011
Sherry
rated it:
This book is magnificent! I picked it up because of the cover, read the back and saw the comparisons to Vonnegut(which are apt by the way) and that was all I needed to buy it. Throw in the fact that it was sci-fi, alternative history, love story, and the main character searching for the meaning of life, I was hooked.
The title Everything Matters is true, and like the physics principle that everything is relative, everything matters. Even the most mundane little thing. It is a story that is More...
The title Everything Matters is true, and like the physics principle that everything is relative, everything matters. Even the most mundane little thing. It is a story that is More...
Apr 21, 2011
kate
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 23, 2011
Vicki
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Wow, this little book is a roller coaster ride of joy and of cataclysmic horror. The quote from the book that sums it up for me is as follows. This quote also is a fitting answer to so many of my friends and family who very compassionately ask me...How are you handling all this with Rich's illness after all of the years fighting for Mark's life.
the quote...
"Everything matters, not in spite of the end of you and all that you love, but because of it. Everything you've got... More...
the quote...
"Everything matters, not in spite of the end of you and all that you love, but because of it. Everything you've got... More...
Jun 11, 2011
Cherry
rated it:
This is a book with such staggering promise that I suppose I couldn't help but be somewhat disappointed. At the moment Junior Thibodeau is born, he learns the exact day and time the world will end - and it will end within his lifetime. Told in turns by an unnamed, omniscient narrator, Junior, and his family, it tracks the world's progress towards that inevitable day, and explores the effect that knowledge of the end (and other knowledge passed on by the 'we' narrator) would have on a person.
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Jun 11, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I almost didn't write a review for Everything Matters! because I'm not sure I have the words to do the book or my feelings regarding it justice.
As I sat reading the denouement, tears cascading down my face, I'd have been hard pressed to explain why I cried. It wasn't so much that the story was sad, though in a way it was, the tears were more of a catharsis. The book touched on so many concepts I ponder all the time, and Currie's deft discussion of topics as diverse as love, alienat More...
As I sat reading the denouement, tears cascading down my face, I'd have been hard pressed to explain why I cried. It wasn't so much that the story was sad, though in a way it was, the tears were more of a catharsis. The book touched on so many concepts I ponder all the time, and Currie's deft discussion of topics as diverse as love, alienat More...
Jan 09, 2010
Carl
rated it:
Started great; a precocious, quirky protagonist/narrator with an odd story. But it really bogged down in the middle. I guess everything does matter; if California governments weren't strapped and the library weren't closed for 2 weeks during holidays, and i hadn't checked this out beforehand, I would have returned it unfinished. I put it down several times in favor of a layman's book on chance, probability and statistics (seriously, and I'll rate that eventually), but forced myself to get thro
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Jan 03, 2012
Meag
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Per my review at http://baltimorereads.wordpress.com/2012...
2012 has arrived and with it all the speculation about the end of the world. While it seems like there are Armageddon predictions every other day, 2012 has long been the year pegged as the culmination of the human race thanks to the Mayan calendar. Whether this apocalypse will actually occur remains to be seen, but one thing can be certain – we will be predicting the end of the world up until it is, in fact, the end.
More...
2012 has arrived and with it all the speculation about the end of the world. While it seems like there are Armageddon predictions every other day, 2012 has long been the year pegged as the culmination of the human race thanks to the Mayan calendar. Whether this apocalypse will actually occur remains to be seen, but one thing can be certain – we will be predicting the end of the world up until it is, in fact, the end.
More...
