I could write pages and pages about the wonders of this book. The only reason it did not get 5 stars is because I can’t 100% enjoy a book that is this sad. Just not my ideal 5 star read but I have no doubt others will rate it as such. Another book I would recommend through audiobook because it has a full cast.

Of course this was suppose to be commentary on our own pandemic and I knew that going in. However, I did not expect it to hit so close to home. It was a real eye-opener, reminding me of what we have lost and what could still be waiting for us if we do not get our act together. CW: I don’t know if I could have gotten through this if I had lost someone close to me from Covid-19. So be aware of that.

I loved how Nagamatsu tied the stories together. Some story lines I cared more about than others. The ones I specially liked had talks of finding a new planet to live on and how their pandemic forced them to care about climate change. Some topics I hope will become true for real life.

This could be a great new classic for high schools to use as dystopian commentary on Covid-19 in the future.