Review of Just Die

[Anu Anand]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Just Die" by E Alan Fleischauer.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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"Just Die" by E. Alan Fleischauer is a paranormal thriller. This book is about Jake Silver, a forty-year-old ordinary financial planner. He suffered a mild stroke and was hospitalized. As the rooms in the hospital were already full, Jake got a roommate who had also suffered from a stroke and was coughing non-stop, which caused Jake to lose his precious sleep. Annoyed by this, Jake pointed his finger at his roommate and whispered, ‘Just die’. To his surprise, his roommate’s coughing ceased, and the monitor showing his heart rate went flat. Soon Jake realized that he has some kind of special power that can make someone die, simply by pointing his finger at them and saying, 'Just die.' What's your take on this superpower? Is this a curse or a boon? How could Jake have made use of this power? You will have to read the book to find out.

I enjoyed reading this book, but some aspects of it didn’t quite sit well with me. In this book, Jake says that, when he was young and got angry at people, he used to flip them the bird. But his mother advised him not to do so; instead, she asked him to point his finger at them and say, ‘Just die’. Now, I don’t understand how this is any better. In addition to that, I found it hard to believe that Jake would casually share news of his superpower with a hospital attendant, especially considering they were only acquaintances. Then, as the story progresses, apart from Jake, no one really cares about the intensity of his power or what it means to kill someone. Like, is it under our power to decide something as big as killing someone? It felt unrealistic and didn’t sit well with me morally. I wish the story had deeply explored the implications of such a power rather than treating it like a cool superhero ability. Furthermore, certain elements of the story felt too realistic, such as the MRI scan showing Jake's brain and the reference to real-life figures like North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. While these details added authenticity, they also blurred the line between fiction and reality for me.

Despite these concerns, "Just Die" is a fast-paced, engaging thriller. And it is impeccably edited. Fleischauer's writing style keeps the reader hooked, although there is excessive swearing at times. The plot flows smoothly, albeit with distractions like DC Krueger's (a character in this book) subplot, which, while educational, occasionally sidetracks from the main narrative. Overall, I rate “Just Die” 3 out of 5. I removed two stars because of the issues I mentioned, but it's still a fun and engaging book for thriller fans. Reader discretion is advised due to discussions of drug addiction and unnecessary violence. Happy reading!

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Just Die
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[RJ Reviews]

Ah, I have been seeing this book around for some time now. Your review points out both positive and negative aspects of the book. The rating is justifiable. I wouldn't prefer a book that defies common logic. Thank you for sharing your honest and detailed review. Have a great day ahead.

[Gerry Steen]

This is a well-written review of a book that gives me the shivers. To think that this financial planner could kill me just by pointing his finger at me and saying just die makes me feel powerless. I am not sure I would enjoy this book. Thank you for the great review.

[Jennifer Coxon]

Thanks for your thoughtful review. When I read the book, I don't think I had considered the impact of what it meant that Jake could just kill people. I think the fact the author didn't let it play on his mind (as it was only bad guys) that it seemed removed and a non-issue. However, I do understand his mother telling him not to flip the bird when he was younger as I think it was described as being more subtle to vent your anger without drawing attention to it/you (i.e. under your breath, and not a visible pointing of the finger).

[Seetha E]

The plot summary was interesting until I read the remaining part. Linking parts of it to real-world individuals keeps me curious. I may still give this book a try. Thanks for the caution extended. Thanks for the honest and informative review.

[Jessy Edward]

Thanks for the honest review! The concept of having the power to kill with just a phrase is definitely intriguing but also disturbing. I agree it would’ve been great if the story had explored the moral weight of that power a bit more deeply.

[Etimbuk Eshiet]

Interesting review! I like how you pointed out the moral dilemma of Jake’s power. It really makes me wonder — should any person ever have the power to decide life or death, even in fiction? I agree that the book could’ve explored that deeper instead of just using it as a superpower. Great insight!