Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

[Jean]

Atwood has a way of describing the future that is horrifying and at the same time very plausible and even (here's where it gets really horrifying) inevitable. Calling this an enjoyable read probably isn't accurate, but it had my attention from beginning to end. Jimmy (aka Snowman) may be the only human left on earth after a terrible plague wipes out everyone -- except Snowman himself (who received immunity shots) and the genetically designed creatures that live in the sealed dome where Snowman worked with his brilliant but dangerous best friend Crake. Snowman is left to figure how things got so out of hand, and how he is going to survive. However, I didn't realize when I picked this up that it is one of a series and at the end there is no resolution, just an introduction to the next stage of the story. But I believe I'm hooked. I'm going to have to find out what happens next.

[Samantha]

Hi Jean, I was thinking about this series for my trilogy. I have never read anything by Margaret Atwood before and have heard that some of her books are hard work. Had you read her books before? As it is for a trilogy I don't want to start it if it is going to be a struggle.

[Jean]

Samantha wrote: "Hi Jean, I was thinking about this series for my trilogy. I have never read anything by Margaret Atwood before and have heard that some of her books are hard work. Had you read her books before? ..."

Samantha wrote: "Hi Jean, I was thinking about this series for my trilogy. I have never read anything by Margaret Atwood before and have heard that some of her books are hard work. Had you read her books before? ..."

I've read several of her books and consider her one of my favorite authors. But she definitely has a dark tone to her stories As far being a struggle -- I wouldn't say so at all. The story lines move right along and keep your attention. This one and The Handmaid's Tale** are about the future. Neither paint a picture of sunshine and roses, that's for sure. Alias Grace is about a woman facing execution for murder who may or may not be guilty. So definitely not light reading but certainly thought provoking.

**Handmaid's Tale is a cautionary tale about a future in which women lose the right to read and are valuable only as long as they are able to reproduce. Frightening indeed.

So as you can see, you kind of have to be in the mood for something dark but I always find I enjoy them. Best of luck in finding your trilogy!

[Samantha]

I decided to give this book a go and if I was enjoying it would continue to read the series. I am actually really surprised at how much I am enjoying it but have decided 3 books one after the other would be too much.
I may return to the final 2 at a later date. I definitely think I will try some of the other Margaret Atwood books.