I was really excited about reading this. It’s been on my forever growing ‘to read’ list for, well, forever! Reading the blurb, doesn’t really give much away, but I could tell it was my kind of book. So, with anticipation I embarked on a journey that I was not expecting! Unpredictable is the word I would use to describe this book, if I could chose just the one. Every turn of the page brought something I hadn’t seen coming. I don’t enjoy predictable stories about everyday life, so I loved how I really had no idea where this book was going. On the other hand, this did, at times, create quite a confusing plot where I was left wondering what the point was. It also lacked suspense in places as events just happened out of nowhere. But the hilarity and fast pace that David Wong uses to deliver this tale is definitely worth a bit of head scratching and wtf moments! Before you read any further, I just wanted to reassure you that there are likely to be no major spoilers as the plot jumps around quite randomly, trying to retell this story would be tricky! Not everyone will like the jumbled up way Wong tells his tale, but I think it’s pretty amazing how he managed to keep track of what was going on when he was writing! What I can say, however, is that mostly all lose ends get tied up by the end. Although, I’m not sure I’d be able to remember any untied ends anyway! After reading this book, I’m not sure I could even tell you what the point was. Our protagonist, also David Wong, seems to stumble through this story without really meaning to be there. He has no conflict, no goals or aspirations. He does eventually stumble into a relationship, but this is just one of the many side tracks this story takes. This is not to say I didn’t enjoy it. There were moments where I laughed out loud and times where I couldn’t put it down. And after wondering what the point was throughout most of the book, I have come to the conclusion that I don’t think it matters. The complete and utter random occurrences that still seemingly merge together into an entertaining out of this world adventure, is more than enough. I also love the fact that David and John, the hero’s of this story if you had to designate a character trait, don’t seems to know what’s going on either. So, if you like a story to have a clear end, beginning and middle and what you characters to beat their enemies and achieve their goals, you are unlikely to like John Dies at the End. However, I would explore you to give it a go, stick with it and except that you won’t be in control! I hope, like me, you find yourself wanting more, and enjoying the confusing, random hilarity that fill the pages of this book. I guarantee that you couldn’t begin to imagine where this book will take you! Incase you have seen it, or want to see it, a film has been made based on this book. I haven’t seen it as I wanted to read the book first. I am glad that I did, because I’m sure there are many parts that wouldn’t have made it into the film. I will also be interested to see if they have kept the timeline in the same order as the book, not an easy feat if they have!
If you have seen the film and thought you’d give the book a miss, then you are missing out! So, in conclusion, I highly recommend John Dies at the End, but be prepared with and open mind. You can expect, however, to laugh out loud and find yourself rooting for the main characters regardless of the fact that the just seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time! Happy Reading! Jeni Bee 🐝
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