Pages

Monday, March 26, 2018

Good Morning, Midnight - a review

One thing I love about a vacation is that I read a lot. I finished one book while I was in Sanibel, read two more, and started a fourth. Last week I told you about the book I finished. This time I'm going to tell you about the second book I read, Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton.


This book was compared to Station Eleven (which I really liked), prompting me to buy the kindle version. The story is focused on two characters, Augustine, a brilliant astronomer posted at a research center in the Arctic, and Mission Specialist Sullivan aboard the Aether on its return flight from Jupiter. When alarming news reaches the Arctic outpost, all the scientist evacuate except for Augustine. Not long after he discovers a child and finds that the airwaves have gone completely silent. In space aboard the Aether, Mission Control has likewise gone silent, leaving Sullivan and the rest of the crew wondering if they can still can get home, and what will they find when they get there.

I was very invested in the mystery of what happened. Why has the whole world gone silent? Who is the child and how did she get there? Will Sully get home and find her daughter? The problem was I didn't like the characters enough. Augustine got no sympathy from me. As he considers his youth while he wonders what has happened, it's obvious he was a dick. Brilliant yes, but almost sociopathic in his his dealings with other people, especially women. Sully, on the other hand, was a much more likeable character and I wanted her to get home, but I still didn't love her like I do some characters, like Kell in A Darker Shade of Magic - I'd totally hang out with him, Sully and Augustine? No thanks.

My final complaint is a spoiler so I'm going to be non-specific. Not all mysteries are solved. If they had been maybe I would feel more satisfied. But I also suspect the author felt that that was the whole point because other reviews of the book loved that everything wasn't resolved. 

At any rate, excellent writing and I would still give this book a thumbs up.

Finally, I've heard a rumor of temps in the 50s this week and I'm wicked psyched.



33 comments:

  1. Sanibel Island, Florida?
    I know I'm ready for spring to finally appear!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love the title and love isolated places for mysteries.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's sometimes difficult to give a book "thumbs up" when you don't particularly like the characters. This one must have enough mystery going for it to keep you interested. If all the mysteries aren't solved, maybe there's a sequel in the works?

    I read Shannon Lawrence's collection of horror stories... WOW! Super good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The writing was beautiful, no fault to be found there, and for the characters, that was the end for them. What came next didn't matter even if they lived through it. So, it's hard to give it a thumbs down.

      Delete
  4. 50s? Brrrr!

    Sorry the characters weren't great. I don't mind ambiguous endings in specific cases. The rest of the time I'd like a bit of a resolution. This book doesn't sound like it's for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I noticed the reviews for the book were divided between people who liked the ending, and people who wanted more resolution. But like I said, I think the lack of a complete and thorough resolution was intended by the author.

      Delete
    2. I know, I'm excited by temps in the 50s. Pretty sad, huh? I'd really rather it was a balmy 82F :)

      Delete
  5. Characters matter don't they? I don't have to love them, but they do have to behave in a congruent way. And preferably grow.
    Brilliant title.
    I seem to have been on a non-fiction/rereading kick recently.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, these character definitely changed, which is why I did like the book, and the writing.

      Delete
  6. Interesting review. Nice that you enjoyed it despite the shortcomings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you getting the lovely ice storm weather we're currently enjoying?

      Delete
  7. I have not heard of this one. Maybe I'll give it a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Characters are important to me, too. Doesn't sound like a read I would enjoy much. But I wish the author all the best. Be well!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your review of Good Morning, Midnight has intrigued me enough to download a sample. Being sci-fi is half way there for me. Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So I had that experience with a book recently--getting to the end and all the ends weren't tied up. I met with my book club to discuss the novel, and we actually were able to collectively find all the clues that should have tied up the story for us. But it took the group. LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey, I just read A Darker Shade of Magic last week. Did I get that recommend from you? Starting the second book in the series today.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for the review. Character development can be tricky can't it?
    Sanibel Island, sounds wondrous.
    Love your kitty babies.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like mysteries to be mostly solved. Usually it there's stuff left unsolved it rolls over into another book.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Spring eerrrr winter?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
    No Hidden Fees Loan?
    Funding in less than 1 Week?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Email us:urgentloan22@gmail.com
    Application Form:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....
    Email us (urgentloan22@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice blog, keep it up for more updates. In corporate gifts includes chocolate gifts hamper, sweets, stationery gifts, gift vouchers and many more. For the best Corporate Gift Ideas and Diwali Gifts
    Corporate Gift Ideas

    ReplyDelete
  17. Awesome blog, thanks for sharing with us, visit Dial Web India for the best Website Designing Company in India.
    Top 5 Web Designing Company in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice blog, get the best blower and Power Press manufacturer, suppliers and exporters in delhi, india at Sarswatienterprises.
    Power Press Manufacturer in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good information, thanks for sharing with us. Visit Trippytag for Adventure Activities in Uttarakhand and Magical Manali Adventure Tour Packages in your budget.
    Magical Manali Adventure Tour Package

    ReplyDelete
  20. Nice blog, thanks for sharing with us. Noble IVF is the Best Infertility Clinic in Aligarh for IVF treatment.
    IVF Clinic in Aligarh

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great information...I am happy to find this post Very helpful for me, as it contains a lot of information. We are the Best Mobile app development company UK.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks mate. I am really impressed with your writing talents and also with the layout on your weblog. Appreciate, Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one nowadays. Thank you how to organize a vendor event and vendor event ideas

    ReplyDelete
  23. Feeling good to read such a informative blog, mostly i eagerly search for this kind of blog. I really found your blog informative and unique, waiting for your new blog to read. We offers multipl digital marketing service:
    Digital marketing Service in Delhi
    SMM Services
    PPC Services in Delhi
    Website Design & Development Packages
    SEO Services PackagesLocal SEO services
    E-mail marketing services
    YouTube plans

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wireless LED Lights are designed to increase safety, security and convenience anywhere around the home. Signature features include motion.

    ReplyDelete

If you're interested in my blog I'm interested in your comments.