From the Bookshelf of Apocalypse Whenever…

Borne (Borne, #1)

Jeff VanderMeer

Start date: October 15, 2018

Finish date: November 1, 2018

Discussion: AW BOOK CLUB (spoilers)

Discussion leader: Gertie

Why we're reading this: Read this by November 1st, at which time the discussion will open. Link to the discussion topic: https://…more
[close] Read this by November 1st, at which time the discussion will open. Link to the discussion topic: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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AW BOOK CLUB (spoilers)

* What is a good book for AW discussion? (Nominations pool)
By Gertie · 65 posts · 218 views

last updated Oct 18, 2025 05:31PM

* AW Book Club: what we've read
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last updated Dec 10, 2019 09:01AM

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What Members Thought

Apr 18, 2017 Zach rated it it was amazing

Shelves: capitalism, post-apocalyptic, science-fiction, environmental-history

"THE SITUATION EXISTED!" I scream at the sky, ignoring bewildered onlookers as I fall sobbing to my knees, protectively cradling my copy of The Situation as it slowly fades from view, unappreciated, unacknowledged, and unremembered. ...more

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Dec 01, 2018 Joshua rated it it was amazing

I almost never give out a 5-star review, but this book was so well written, regardless of the bizarre and often unbelievable physical settings of the story, that I felt it deserved what few other books on my list receive. I was enamored with the characters and how VanderMeer threaded this intertwining plot together. The development of Borne and how it affected Rachel was really unique from a story-telling perspective. Those that don't like scifi will probably be unable to get past the 'world' in ...more

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Apr 01, 2018 Susan rated it liked it

Good but not great. Author's writing style left a bit to be desired. Too much left unexplained, and why on earth was the description of all the life forms at the END of the book. Should have been at the beginning so as to better understand or at least picture them throughout the story. Would have liked more explanation and detail as to how and why this post-apocalyptic world came to be instead of vague references. ...more

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Sep 22, 2020 Joe rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"He was born, but I had borne him."

Jeff Vandermeer - if I may be so bold, the David Cronenberg of storytelling, but with the vision of Stanley Kubrick. Often imitated, but never beaten. ...more

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Jan 18, 2018 Rebecca rated it liked it

Shelves: post-apocalypse

The type of writing style I refer to as “vague”. It’s like trying to watch something through a gossamer veil - I can almost get a clear picture, but can’t quite make out the details.

Rachel finds a biotech thing on a giant bear and forms an instant bond with it in a post-apocalyptic city.

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