[Subdue] The Nix by Nathan Hill - 5 stars

[Jen K]

Samuel is a lackluster professor of English, escapes real life through a World of Elfscape computer game, and completely misses his mother becoming viral for throwing gravel at ultra right wing presidential candidate. As his mother left him while he was still kid, over 20 years earlier, this sets off a chain of events as he searches to understand his mother and why she left. The timeline alternates between the present and key moments of their past in the 60's and 80's.

I really loved Hill's writing so relatable, slightly humorous but capturing the humanity in every character. The inner thoughts and turmoil as the characters try to be different and eventually do mental acrobatics to justify choices, the yearnings and the simple vulnerability to be chosen. While I enjoyed Samuel and his mother's journey, I really appreciated the side characters especially Pwnage and Laura. They were so flawed but also so true.

I look forward to and hope to pick up his newest book soon.

[Joy D]

I loved this book! Glad to see you enjoyed it too. I am currently reading Wellness. His writing is such a pleasure to read.

[Jen K]

I have Wellness on hold. Excited to see your thoughts and really hoping it will be just as good!

[Amy]

I love this one!!!

[Holly R W]

Jen, I decided to try reading the book again after your glowing review. (I remember trying it some years ago and not getting through it.)

I'm finding that Samuel's playing Elfscape has brought back unpleasant memories for me of my son's teen-age years. So, my question to you is "Do descriptions of Samuel's playing the game take up a major portion of the book?" I'm unsure whether to continue reading.

[Jen K]

Holly R W wrote: "Jen, I decided to try reading the book again after your glowing review. (I remember trying it some years ago and not getting through it.)

I'm finding that Samuel's playing Elfscape has brought bac..."

@Holly, shame on the trigger. Samuel only plays that initial chapter and then does not go back to the game BUT one of the side characters, Pwnage, does play again near the end of the book and it wasn't a healthy choice. I would say maybe no more than 40 of the 640 pages relate to the computer game. I can be more specific in a private message if that would be helpful!

[Holly R W]

Thanks, Jen. It's good to know that descriptions of the game don't permeate the entire book. The author's writing brought it all back to me - what living with a teen aged boy who is wrapped up in the virtual gaming world is like. (Don't want to relive those days!)

I think I can keep reading, knowing that the novel encompasses so much more.

[Robin P]

I didn't care for this book - Samuel was rather pitiful. But mainly as someone who remembers the 1968 Chicago convention, I felt it was badly depicted. Hubert Humphrey was made to look bad and I don't think that's accurate. I've blocked out the details since it was about 5 years ago that I read this.

[Jen K]

Holly R W wrote: "Thanks, Jen. It's good to know that descriptions of the game don't permeate the entire book. The author's writing brought it all back to me - what living with a teen aged boy who is wrapped up in t..."

Definitely more than the computer game. My brother definitely went through that phase and wasn't even fun the first time around.

[Jen K]

Robin P wrote: "I didn't care for this book - Samuel was rather pitiful. But mainly as someone who remembers the 1968 Chicago convention, I felt it was badly depicted. Hubert Humphrey was made to look bad and I do..."

Samuel was a bit woebegone and pitiful. I did want to shake him a couple of times. The convention and Hubert Humphrey bit was fascinating but I have to admit it was all pure fiction to me. Now I'm intrigued to learn more of the actual history.

[Holly R W]

@Jen, there is a movie called "The Trial of the Chicago 7" which deals with a portion of the history, although not with Hubert Humphrey. It was fascinating to watch. It had been on Netflix - it may still be streaming.