Broody and academic, similar to A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. The book starts off with a jolt and then I slowly got to know the three main characters. Part of the appeal is waiting for when their storylines intersect, and once they do, the book is a wild ride that I couldn’t put down.

The book is more philosophical than speculative and poses questions about the basic human experience. Is someone truly human if they haven’t danced or appreciated art? What does it mean to experience and to know something? Where is the line between existing and living? So simple yet well done. 

I think your reaction to this book is probably indicative of your personality to some degree. It frustrated me to no end. And yet the book is compelling for the way it characterizes the committee members and how their arguments are written.