Week One - Casefiles 1-41

[Rachel]

This post is to discuss anything that occurs in casefiles 1-41.

[Natalie]

I just finished Section One. WOW! I read it, haven't listened to audiobook yet. Thinking about reading it all the way through first and then going back and listening to the audiobook. Anyways, I'm hooked!!!!!!! I must say, I don't read much sci-fi at all but, this is a breath of fresh air!!! I love it! I'm so glad this our November read. I love the layout of the book. One thing about this first section that kept bothering me is, why don't they tell you who the guy/girl is that is doing the interviews and what their role in this project is? I'm not sure I "like" this person especially after they went behind Dr. Rose Franklins back.

[Maria]

This has been on my TBR for at least a year. And why didn’t I read this sooner! I’m reading the ebook but I’m going to make my husband listen to the audiobook with me when I’m done.

I am hooked as well. I love how the storytelling is so concise. Even without the details of what everything looks like, my imagination is quick to fill it in with what I think it’s supposed. For example, the underground complex in Denver. I love in CO, and have been to DIA many time. I remember going from terminal to terminal in subway so it’s easy for me to think about how big that space and what it might look like underground. Or I imagine something from like Neon Genesis Evangalion(sp?).

As for Mr. Warm and Fuzzy. I’m not sure how to feel about him either. But as I read along he’s starting to grow on me.

[Daniel Ramsden]

Read this whole section on my commute home; I was absolutely gripped!

It is a brilliantly simple format that lets you fill in the gaps without feeling lost, but keeps you guessing. The characters are amazing so far, and I cant wait to see where they, and the story, go.

[Colin]

Read the first section. I'm definitely enjoying it, I really like the premise and quite like the characters. I do think I'm going to differ from some of the other comments, though, in that I wonder if this book would've been better if it was a more traditional narrative than the way it's told now. This kind of format can be REALLY effective (I LOVED World War Z) but in this one, I'm not convinced the story is better when told this way.

Sometimes it feels like I'm missing the action and reading about it after the fact this way, and other times I feel like there are things they are struggling to convey because of the limitations of this narrative structure. For example, the developing romance between Kara and Ryan. The interviewer had to Ryan "Do I detect a hint of infatuation in your voice?” This guy has been all-business, no-nonsense up to this point, and I feel like he NEVER would have asked this question, except for the fact that this was the only way to get it into the book.

All that being said, I'm still enjoying the book. And yeah, I wish I had access to the audiobook, because I can tell it would be a lot of fun. This style definitely lends itself very well to an audiobook...

[Linda]

I am already hooked on this book within just a day of starting to read it. It starts off quite light and exciting with this mysterious interviewer who's also "mildly" threatening. And then it develops into something more and more daunting. I have a very distinct feeling I will finish reading it a lot sooner than expected. :D I haven't been this excited and intrigued by a book in a while!

[Alice]

I'm enjoying this book as well. After the first few parts, I suggested my husband read it. He read it all in one night. He seemed to really enjoy it. I'm looking forward to finding out more!

[Alice]

Colin wrote: "Read the first section. I'm definitely enjoying it, I really like the premise and quite like the characters. I do think I'm going to differ from some of the other comments, though, in that I wonder..."

I agree and disagree. It moves more slowly because of the format. I agree with you on that. I think being that far removed from the action is supposed to make the reader feel a particular way about the story. It makes it seem more scientific.
I don't know that we know enough about the interviewer to say for sure that he wouldn't have asked that question. He seems to ask about things I wouldn't have expected elsewhere as well. Also it is not the only way to get it into the book. In fact, a more obvious way to get it into the book would be a journal entry from Ryan. Kara has a person journal entry for her feelings on the project, File 031.
Overall I see your view. It has given me something to consider and think more deeply about. Thank you!

[Miranda]

I'm really enjoying the book as well. I'm listening to the audiobook, and as promised it does not disappoint! The cast does an AMAZING job with this. I'm enjoying the writing style as well. I feel as if everything is being thoroughly described by the interview style set up, but the author still leaves room for you to fill in the gaps of how you want to create this world. Can't wait to read what's next!