Book Review: The Road

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The first three things you notice about The Road are that Mr. McCarthy shuns punctuation, that nothing much is happening, and that you can't put down the book. In his telling of a relatively simple story, the author quickly grabs your aching heart and won't let go.

The story follows a father and his young son on a journey through a post-nuclear war America that could be next week. Most of the population has died, all of the plant and animal life lies dead on the scorched landscape, and nearly all hope has been crushed. The father and son cling to one another against the lawless world, journeying toward the sea where they hope to find others of like mind and purpose. Along the way they fight cannibal clans, deep hunger, and crushing despair. The man does his best to hide the despair from his son, and to infuse the boy with what little hope he has left. He repeatedly reminds the boy, "We are the good guys." This becomes one of the central themes of the book - holding onto the greater aspects humanity when the whole world has abandoned its soul. Their journey becomes a symbol of noble survival, and the fight to maintain what is good in a man when only darkness remains.

This novel is not expressly for teenagers, and it is definitely not for everyone. It does not resolve in a satisfying conclusion. It is not uplifting save for brief, shining moments. It does not leave you smiling. However, it will shatter your heart, and leave you pondering its meaning for days. This will be one of those stories you remember always. If you want happily-ever-after, avoid this book. If you want to be moved to your core, then this novel is mandatory reading.

Book Review: Maze Runner

Maze Runner by James Dashner

Have you ever awakened in a strange place and lay wondering for a moment "Where am I" before remembering? What if you didn't remember where you were, or who you were, or anything about yourself other than your first name? This is the opening premise of "The Maze Runner", and the mystery only deepens from there.

Teenager Thomas finds himself in a glade surrounded by a massive maze, and in the company of dozens of other teenage boys who share the same memory loss. The boys work together to survive in the glade while searching for a way of escape without falling prey to the murderous Grievers. The arrival of a teenage girl signals a game change, forcing desperate decisions by Thomas and the others to escape before the Grievers take them all.

The book is constructed in the style of game-playing mysteries. The teens find themselves part of a diabolical game, and to survive they must determine both the rules and a way to win the game. Although the character relationships are a bit simplistic, the friendship between Thomas and the hapless Chuck is touching. Nevertheless, it is not the characters that drive the story, but rather the mystery and the inevitable action that follows.