Oryx & Crake (MaddAddam #1)

[Shareen]

Thank you, thank you! Excited! I love it so far.

[Shareen]

Oh, good! Okay, so I am around page 75, and am enjoying the futuristic concepts; things that are not (yet?) real, but very well could be one day.

Kristin wrote: "I'm so happy you do! I read this one a LOOOOOONNNGG time ago and really loved it then, but hadn't been aware that it was part of a trilogy. Looking forward to reading it again and continuing on wit..."

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

I am not part of this buddy read, but wanted to say that I read this many many years ago and so many details have stuck in my mind ever since. Such a great book. I hope you all enjoy it just as much.

[Shareen]

YES ON DETAIL! I am loving it so far, and happy that there are two that follow. Have you experienced the entire Trilogy?

Marc wrote: "I am not part of this buddy read, but wanted to say that I read this many many years ago and so many details have stuck in my mind ever since. Such a great book. I hope you all enjoy it just as much."

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

I started this last night. I'm only about 50 pages in. I really enjoy how Atwood unveils the story in bits and pieces instead of all at once. This is the 4th book I've read by her and it's the same style. Really enjoying it, although if I find myself in a place where I can't concentrate well, I have to go back and re-read paragraphs to make sure I don't miss any minor details that will turn out to be really important later.

[Shareen]

Same on re-reading paragraphs, and this is my 3rd Atwood. She has NOT disappointed!

[Sathish.K]

Just found this Book today morning and got a EBook. its 7 PM Local time and ill update later at night about how much I am through

[Trisha]

Starting tonight!

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Finished chapter 4. Not sure if "like" is a good word; especially for this chapter. It sort of took a turn (or more of a turn) to the disturbing. But I am intrigued, and I love Atwood's writing.

[Shareen]

Yes regarding that chapter. I was caught off guard, but I still love the writing.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Atwood is hard to discuss mid-book because it takes so long to even really get what's going on. Here's some random wonderings and thoughts I've had... possible spoilers up through chapter 7

(view spoiler)[Are Snowman/Jimmy, Crake, and Oyrx the only non-modified humans left? For that matter, are Oryx and Crake still alive? I want to know how this came to pass if it's the case. It seems like Snowman believes this to be the case when in chapter 7 he says "Why am I on this earth? How come I'm alone? Where's my Bride of Frankenstein?"

Snowman is a really interesting character because I can't tell if he's just nuts or what. It's hard to figure out what parts of his narration are valid observations of the actual world and psychotic episodes; particularly the many voices that talk to him.

Where exactly IS Snowman? I feel like he's on an island, but maybe that's just because the book has sort of a castaway-in-an-unfamiliar-place kind of vibe. It's even possible there's been evidence in the book to reject this idea of mine. But I can't stop picturing it. (hide spoiler)]

[Shareen]

You and I read at the exact same pace. Opening your report right NOW! THANK YOU!

SarahKat wrote: "Atwood is hard to discuss mid-book because it takes so long to even really get what's going on. Here's some random wonderings and thoughts I've had... possible spoilers up through chapter 7

Are Sn..."

[Ilona]

I am starting this book today

[Shareen]

I just got to the end of the Extincathon Chapter. Last paragraph (page 218). If anyone is there, or past it, what does that part MEAN?! Thanks, lol.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Shareen wrote: "I just got to the end of the Extincathon Chapter. Last paragraph (page 218). If anyone is there, or past it, what does that part MEAN?! Thanks, lol."

I just read that part today. (view spoiler)[To me it means that whatever world Snowman is living in currently, it was dreamed up Crake back when the world was still functional. Crake had nightmares that he doesn't remember, but "created" a world, not necessarily from those nightmares, but that IS a nightmare for those living in it (which seems like may only be Snowman and a bunch of modified humans) (hide spoiler)]

[Shareen]

AWESOME, and thank you. I slept on it, and reached a very similar conclusion. It sure is an easy read, I love how we are flying through it.

SarahKat wrote: "Shareen wrote: "I just got to the end of the Extincathon Chapter. Last paragraph (page 218). If anyone is there, or past it, what does that part MEAN?! Thanks, lol."

I just read that part today. [..."

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

Shareen wrote: "YES ON DETAIL! I am loving it so far, and happy that there are two that follow. Have you experienced the entire Trilogy?

Marc wrote: "I am not part of this buddy read, but wanted to say that I rea..."

No, I never read the sequels. Should I?

[Shareen]

We are buddying on the sequels in February and March, but I bet that I will recommend reading them!

[Brittany]

I just grabbed this from the library so I am going to join y'all. I'll start reading today so I can try to catch up some.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Welcome Brittany!

[Shareen]

It is a quick read, very smooth for me.

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

Finished this last night. Really enjoyed it. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Michael]

I didn't get to sign up for the Buddy Read, but I'm reading this one. My library had a bundle of the full set of trilogy, so it's going to be hard to tell how far into this one I am. So far, I've read the first three sections and I am intrigued by the world that is being created and the various hybrid animals.

[Shareen]

Yes, Michael, I like figuring out what the animal is supposed to be, despite the trauma😅

[Abin]

I have finished the book yesterday. Really enjoyed it. Are we doing the sequels?

[Shareen]

Congrats! I love it so far. Sequels are scheduled for February and March, respectively. Excited to have you on board with the books!

Abin wrote: "I have finished the book yesterday. Really enjoyed it. Are we doing the sequels?"

[Brittany]

SarahKat wrote: "Finished chapter 4. Not sure if "like" is a good word; especially for this chapter. It sort of took a turn (or more of a turn) to the disturbing. But I am intrigued, and I love Atwood's writing."

I just finished chapter 4 this morning and I simultaneously am slightly disgusted but need to know more. I’ve never read any of Margaret Atwood’s books before and was sitting there a little dumbfounded, like excuse me Margaret.

[Ilona]

Brittany wrote: "I just finished chapter 4 this morning and I simultaneously am slightly disgusted but need to know more. I’ve never read any of Margaret Atwood’s books before and was sitting there a little dumbfounded, like excuse me Margaret. ."

I also just finished chapter 4 and what the heck.. I have read several of Atwoods books before, but they are very different.

[Shareen]

You will definitely know more. I am not particularly fond of that character as an adult, so it takes the edge off the "ah hem". I have read two other Atwoods, and while they did not feature this kind of conduct, she can still get gross, but wears gross so very well to me.

Ilona wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I just finished chapter 4 this morning and I simultaneously am slightly disgusted but need to know more. I’ve never read any of Margaret Atwood’s books before and was sitting there..."

[Dominique]

Finished the book. I enjoyed it. The mix of animals were freaky! We never know what to expct when we read her books. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Shareen]

Dominique wrote: "Finished the book. I enjoyed it. The mix of animals were freaky! We never know what to expct when we read her books. Can't wait to read the next one."
AMEN! I just bought the next two today, even though I am not yet finished.

[Dominique]

Shareen wrote: "Dominique wrote: "Finished the book. I enjoyed it. The mix of animals were freaky! We never know what to expct when we read her books. Can't wait to read the next one."
AMEN! I just bought the next..."

Great!

[Kelly]

Just starting chapter 4. (view spoiler)[ I read Robin Cook's novel Pandemic last summer which also involves animals genetically modified for human organ growth....hmmm....I wonder if he drew any inspiration from this novel? Very different plot though- nothing alike!! (hide spoiler)]. Atwood writes like no one else! I think I am going to enjoy this one
Chapter 4 keeps getting mentioned as the freaky turn in the novel so I am intrigued!!

[Shareen]

Kelly wrote: "Just starting chapter 4. [spoilers removed]. Atwood writes like no one else! I think I am going to enjoy this one
Chapter 4 keeps getting mentioned as the freaky turn in the novel so I am intrigued!!"
Did not know that was the premise of that other book; I wonder which was published first!

[Trisha]

I finished the book yesterday and now I can’t wait to start the second one. It has certainly left me wanting for more. Also, I totally enjoyed reading this one, though I agree it does get a bit out of hand at times but I think it’s still in line with the subject or the concept of the book.

I studied Genetic Engineering at University so I kinda like the scientific terms she throws in between - brings back all the memories! Also, I did a bit of googling and a lot of her stuff is well-researched, genetic combinations that were tried or planned (or maybe still being tried under wraps) but couldn’t see the light of the day, so not everything is made up. When are we starting the next one? 🧬🧪

[Shareen]

I believe that the following two are officially set for the February and March buddy reads. I am over half way through the first, and love it. Atwood is just so DIFFERENT, love her!

[Dominique]

She does have a way to write books where the possibilities that it could happen in the near furture.

[Shareen]

It is ALL possible, yikes. Just love her, only discovered her LAST YEAR!

[Dominique]

I knew who she was but never attempted to read her books. Started reading her 4 years ago and this one is my 6th book that I've read from her.

[Trisha]

Mine too! I found her last year and I’m thankful to this incredible Reading Group for the same because that’s how I found her for one of our buddy reads last year. She is an incredible writer and her stuff is very well-researched. Agree that the content is disturbing but you can’t deny it’s possibility.

[Shareen]

Amen at you both, D & T! This is my third book of hers; I read Handmaid's and Testaments.

[Shareen]

Kristin wrote: "I started reading this one again a few days ago. For those of you who like the genetically-altered creatures and dystopian-like atmposphere, I highly suggest you join in our buddy read of Jeff Vand..."
When are the Buddies for the Jeff books? I am spoiler-posting-paranoid, but your first couple thoughts on his Mom are what I am thinking... And I, with you, doubt your concluding thought as well. Atwood is deeper than that, in my opinion!

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

About Kristin's thoughts:

(view spoiler)[ I believe his mother left voluntarily to join a cause against what they were doing there because yes, she disagreed with the ethics. I did also think she was probably involved with the downfall, and the father stayed because he did not have such more qualms with it. Those were the impressions I got from it. Could be wrong.

It's possible Snowman isn't a reliable narrator for many reasons. He wasn't kept in the loop leading up to all of the events. He is too emotionally close to both Oryx and Crake. And of course, he's (so far) the last unmodified human left standing, which could drive anyone a little nuts. However, I don't think we have much cause to doubt his version of events. He seems lucid and knowledgeable enough to trust at this point.

I don't think Atwood will go that route with the mother. I think she was probably a high-ranking resistance fighter, or something akin to it. I'm not seeing mental illness play a big part in people's decisions. Except perhaps Crake's. (hide spoiler)]

Shareen, the buddy reads for Jeff Vandermeer's books start in May with Borne.

[Shareen]

SarahKat wrote: "About Kristin's thoughts:
I requested to be signed up on all three; thanks so much for that, I have noted our similar tastes!

[Dominique]

Kristin wrote: "I started reading this one again a few days ago. For those of you who like the genetically-altered creatures and dystopian-like atmposphere, I highly suggest you join in our buddy read of Jeff Vand..."

Thanks kristin, going to add my name for the buddy read.

[Trisha]

Kristin wrote: "I started reading this one again a few days ago. For those of you who like the genetically-altered creatures and dystopian-like atmposphere, I highly suggest you join in our buddy read of Jeff Vand..."

Thanks Kristin for the tip! I’ll add myself to the suggested buddy reads.

Also, since I’ve finished this book, I’m deliberately not responding to your doubts wrt to the book just in case I spill more information than required. Not that everything is answered in this part, it will take a while to have all our doubts cleared.

[Shareen]

Kristin wrote: "Finished through 7:1 Sveltana

I think Jimmy's mom most definitely was involved with the downfall of OrganInc and possibly the genetic engineering firms in general. I did feel a little bad about Ji..."
LOVE THIS.

[Kelly]

As always, Atwood is amazing. Usually I would struggle (view spoiler)[ to read a book even making reference to child porn or captured girls, but her writing is so intriguing that I was fine to keep going- and so glad I did!
I loved the paragraph in chapter 9, "Hike"- "All it takes," said Crake, "is the elimination of one generation. One generation of anything. Beetles, trees, microbes, scientists, speakers of French, whatever. Break the link in time between one generation and the next, and it's game over forever." That is such an accurate thought. Think of how many societies, species, languages, tribes etc have been lost through time because one generation got wiped out.
In the AnooYoo chapter Jimmy gets a new shirt that displays email on the sleeve and gives him a little nudge with new messages- Was Margaret Atwood predicting the invention of the Apple watch or fitbit technologies?!
All the mention of gene splicing and made-to-order babies is eerily similar to current gene technologies. (hide spoiler)]

I can't help but think that with all the mention of gene splicing and the destruction of the planet and human kind as a whole that this book is a warning to what is happening in the world today, and a reminder that sometimes "just because you can doesn't mean that you should"

[Kelly]

looking forward to book 2 in February!

[Brittany]

I'm on chapter 8 right now and am starting to really get into the story. I like how its "real time" and then goes back to the past to help show how we ended up here. One thing I found particularly interesting was (view spoiler)[ the part about the Happicuppa coffee bushes and how they were destroying economies and inducing starvation. I was recently reading a thread (I think on twitter, so probably not the best source of information, but it was very swaying) that brought forth the issues with mainstream veganism and how Americans wanting access to things like tofu and quinoa had caused a rush of income for areas (at the cost taking away sources of food and protein) before big corporations started growing and making these things commercially and poorer areas and countries are no longer making any money. I feel like I summarized that terribly, but my point was how Atwood was writing about issues that are very real even if she is putting in this dystopian type future. (hide spoiler)]