Review of Growth
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Venah Gitahi
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Review of Growth
[Following is a volunteer review of "Growth" by Jon Pulli.]
A new, beverage, Lifio, hits the shelves, immediately gobbling up market share. Its competitors want to know why it has such an edge. Thus begins the finale of a chapter of human history: with the machinations of self-regulating capitalism.
Growth explores the potential of genetic engineering for good and for ill, questioning the idea of it being a panacea, a Pandora's box or both. It follows the lives of Michael and Ana as they strive and thrive in the dawn of a new world, as well as the effect on other parts of the world as ignored by middle America. Big corporations, powerful politicians and the global economy rise and fall on the winds of change. It is an unflinching and unromantic look at the risks and rewards of drastic change, and the dangers inherent in embracing or dismissing it without thorough examination.
The first half of the book is rather fast-paced, the plot feeling as if running on double time, with slower narration being rare but necessary to plot progression, The ending, fantastically suspenseful and very satisfying, does not come with a bang but with a whimper. It is a superb execution of a fascinating premise and its exposition subtle. The over-arching plot ties into the sub-plots and characters neatly, leaving no plot threads hanging.
The science explaining the genetic engineering is either entirely accurate or plausible in extrapolation from real world science. The book does not twist scientific facts beyond reality to suit desired outcomes. The sub-plots are engrossing and realistic, with characters facing up to dilemmas, challenges and new opportunities in relatable or believable ways. The editing is up to par.
The naivety of Michael is a little off-putting. He feels like a flat, uninspired and uninspiring representation of the average American, going with the flow and never asking questions. It does not fit with the politically conscious modern world, or even the innately curious nature of humankind and their superficiality over appearances. The potential of media in all forms to create awareness about the most banal, inane and significant issues is rather noticeably ignored.
Particularly vexing is the depiction of African and third-world countries in their response to issues surrounding food. Having lived in the described areas, I feel that it lacks nuance, showing only the biased view that these nations require constant aid to survive and that they will always need to be saved from themselves by the West.
The reference to the Olympics as 'a primitive ritual' on page 1 is incongruous with it being just about a century old in the timeline of the story, especially considering Nazi Germany is spoken of casually.
I rate Growth by Jon Pulli 4 out of 4 stars. The execution of the premise and the narration were masterful. I would recommend it to anyone interested in emerging technologies or learning about basic genetic engineering in a fun and engaging way, as well as fans of science fiction.
******
Growth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A new, beverage, Lifio, hits the shelves, immediately gobbling up market share. Its competitors want to know why it has such an edge. Thus begins the finale of a chapter of human history: with the machinations of self-regulating capitalism.
Growth explores the potential of genetic engineering for good and for ill, questioning the idea of it being a panacea, a Pandora's box or both. It follows the lives of Michael and Ana as they strive and thrive in the dawn of a new world, as well as the effect on other parts of the world as ignored by middle America. Big corporations, powerful politicians and the global economy rise and fall on the winds of change. It is an unflinching and unromantic look at the risks and rewards of drastic change, and the dangers inherent in embracing or dismissing it without thorough examination.
The first half of the book is rather fast-paced, the plot feeling as if running on double time, with slower narration being rare but necessary to plot progression, The ending, fantastically suspenseful and very satisfying, does not come with a bang but with a whimper. It is a superb execution of a fascinating premise and its exposition subtle. The over-arching plot ties into the sub-plots and characters neatly, leaving no plot threads hanging.
The science explaining the genetic engineering is either entirely accurate or plausible in extrapolation from real world science. The book does not twist scientific facts beyond reality to suit desired outcomes. The sub-plots are engrossing and realistic, with characters facing up to dilemmas, challenges and new opportunities in relatable or believable ways. The editing is up to par.
The naivety of Michael is a little off-putting. He feels like a flat, uninspired and uninspiring representation of the average American, going with the flow and never asking questions. It does not fit with the politically conscious modern world, or even the innately curious nature of humankind and their superficiality over appearances. The potential of media in all forms to create awareness about the most banal, inane and significant issues is rather noticeably ignored.
Particularly vexing is the depiction of African and third-world countries in their response to issues surrounding food. Having lived in the described areas, I feel that it lacks nuance, showing only the biased view that these nations require constant aid to survive and that they will always need to be saved from themselves by the West.
The reference to the Olympics as 'a primitive ritual' on page 1 is incongruous with it being just about a century old in the timeline of the story, especially considering Nazi Germany is spoken of casually.
I rate Growth by Jon Pulli 4 out of 4 stars. The execution of the premise and the narration were masterful. I would recommend it to anyone interested in emerging technologies or learning about basic genetic engineering in a fun and engaging way, as well as fans of science fiction.
******
Growth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Steel Reign: Flight of The Starship Concord by Braxton Cosby
