A Thinker's Book

This is a fairly heartwarming story that pulls few punches. As with many books though while the start builds up the situation nicely it then trails off a bit and is very slow burning. The main protagonist Ish develops strongly throughout the book from the bravado of youth through to the passive vulnerability of the very old.

My problem with the book was that it was just a bit too slow. Ish ponders at great length about many of the developments and by modern standards this slows the story down considerably. There's nothing wrong with that per se but some of the "ponderings" really did amount to little more than listing the possible explanations behind events that had occurred rather than adding anything interesting or useful.

Overall though I'd still recommend this book. It's an interesting look at the social aspects of a post apocalypse world and the author reveals a lot of thinking about base human nature. A good book, but no roller coaster ride!

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15 people found this helpful

Amazing

What made the experience of listening to Earth Abides the most enjoyable?

The easy going pace and the excellent warm narration

What other book might you compare Earth Abides to, and why?

The Day of The Triffids. It is dated but written in a way that totally immerses the listener.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scene where after 20 years they manage to get a Jeep running to go exploring.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

It's time for a change

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1 person found this helpful

One of my favourite books!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to anyone liking post-apocalyptic stories and even to someone who wouldn't usually read these.

What did you like best about this story?

This story has stayed in my mind since I first read it, I even bought the book earlier this year, but Audible beat me to reading it! What a treat. Just like the whole story and long view.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis and Connie Willis ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Ish meets Jack. Won't say more as it could be a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

For anyone who hasn't read the book before, please do you best to work through the prologue...I hadn't expected this unwanted interruption to the start of this great story and if I hadn't already read the book, could have been put off listening altogether.

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5 people found this helpful

Disappointed that I have finished it

An excellent thought provoking novel especially during the current Covid virus. I will re-read it

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"Read" because of ties to The Stand

I read somewhere that Stephen Kind read this back in college and that it started him thinking about writing The Stand. I had to give it a listen. Really enjoyed the story , it's a hard slog at times but the overall premise of it is great. Any "end of the human race" genre fan should enjoy this one.

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Interesting concept

No real memorable moments but an interesting look into how the world would work if almost all humans where removed from the planet.

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Loved it...real thinker of a novel

What made the experience of listening to Earth Abides the most enjoyable?

Great narrator....excellent thought provoking pieces to a standard recipe. Liked him....disliked him..

What other book might you compare Earth Abides to, and why?

I am legend. The girl with all the gifts.

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Stewart’s covid imagination

No dislikes really. It has some old fashioned language , however it is over 75 years old

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Amazing…

Would you listen to Earth Abides again? Why?

Yes. This is one of the best books I've ever experienced. The writing is brilliant, the story incredible. I've told everyone I know about this book.

It's far more about the life after the event, the social aspect. Then the event itself.
The turn of phrase / style of writing is something I'm putting down the time when it was written, it so much more credible than half-baked novels from modern authors.

What other book might you compare Earth Abides to, and why?

I haven't read any others in this genre, so can compare.

What about Jonathan Davis and Connie Willis ’s performance did you like?

Connie Willis was very annoying, I skipped through her intro. Jonathan Davis was perfect, 10 out of 10. Would look out for things he's narrated.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes… but it's an epic so it's impossible.

Any additional comments?

It was such a good book I didn't want it to end but there were things I would've changed, just some elements I would've liked more detail about. Quick years were too quick for me!

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3 people found this helpful

Excellent listening

Really enjoyed this book
A story of mankind going full circle i book i will surely recommend it

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