Official Review: The Johnson Project by Maggie Spence

[CataclysmicKnight]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Johnson Project" by Maggie Spence.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Note: The book deals with all forms of child abuse. Nearly every type of abuse is present (typically summed up in a few sentences) and they're rarely graphic, but they do exist throughout the book. For those uncomfortable with or triggered by child abuse, this book is not for you.

What would happen if every woman in the world suddenly became incapable of having children? It took a while for people to come to the frightening realization, but that's exactly what happens in The Johnson Project by Maggie Spence. The year is 2017 and somehow a virus has infected literally every woman on earth. The world is less than eight months away from seeing its last newborn child unless someone can fix it. Not only would this mean the end of humanity if uncured, it would also crash the stock market, eradicate all sorts of jobs and lead to countless unknown issues.

Two scientists race to find a cure. Pierre Charbot, a self-centered genius, is put in charge of humanity's efforts while Ted Johnson, an in vitro fertilization specialist whose services will soon be made redundant makes his own attempts. The Johnson family is the center of the book, and all of them work in varying careers that work toward the betterment of children, especially their mother Mary who is a multi-billionaire.

As might be expected, Ted actually finds a cure... of sorts. There's a special method that requires what folks refer to as "special sauce", and when added during the in vitro fertilization process it actually results in successful pregnancy! The downside is that the "special sauce" requires something that can't be mass produced, and The Johnson Project is created to impregnate selected women. The criteria are very specific, though, as there isn't enough for everyone and the Johnson family don't want children born into unhappy situations. This leads to major backlash from the press and, in fact, the world!

What made the book really fascinating are the absolutely crazy ramifications for the entire world. Countries collapse, America undergoes some massive changes, and somehow this virus has made the world a much better place overall - especially for children! It's also really clear that this book was written to highlight how awful the world allows children to be treated; the book often relates stories of child abuse and issues with the systems as they're currently set up. There were two separate times that it didn't even feel like a story and felt more like excursions to make a strong point. One of these happens early and had me worried about the rest of the book, and one is toward the end. The latter is actually a list of brief child abuse news stories worldwide from 2015, and lasts for about 5% of the book (roughly 14-18 pages). It's very fitting in its placement in the book, but is also entirely skippable if one doesn't want to read it all.

Perhaps the only thing more amazing than the endless repercussions of the virus are the plot twists that occur throughout the book. There were a couple events early in the book (aside from the diversion to talk about child abuse mentioned above) that just didn't feel right, but by the end of the book they made perfect sense. Some of the things still have me reeling now, hours after finishing the book.

The plot was masterfully done throughout, and while not all of the characters have big personalities (I especially enjoyed Ted's, as he was hilarious and often lived up to being a dad with his style of jokes), they all do feel unique. There were hardly any grammatical errors (I didn't even count 5), and the book was an easy read, especially for a sci-fi with so many opportunities for heavy medical jargon. The book was just as successful with its theme as well, really showing how precious children are and yet how many different types of awful situations they're put into. The book absolutely deserves 4 out of 4 stars!

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The Johnson Project
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[Vermont Reviews]

I must say that I really enjoy reading your well written reviews. Excellent.

Vermont Reviews

[Shelle]

Another great review! This book sounds fascinating and thought-provoking. I hold my two babies especially close when the latest child-abuse story hits the news, so I'd probably never let them leave my lap while reading this book! I too like a book that keeps me thinking well after I've finished it.

[Swiftmover07]

this book sounds like a thought provoking, memorable book. Something that sticks with you long after it has been read and set aside. These are the types of books that people need to read! These types of books are the ones that should last throughout history.

Great review btw

[bookowlie]

Great review! I considered choosing this book a few days ago (picked another one instead), so I particularly enjoyed reading your opinions. Glad you liked the book.

[gali]

The premise sounds intriguing, but books that include child abuse aren't for me. I am glad that you enjoyed it.

Congratulations to the author on the great review and on being BOTD!

[Heidi M Simone]

Book of the Day!

Wonderful and well-written review! I got the chills just reading it, I can't imagine what it would feel like reading the actual book. I also can't even imagine a world where women were not able to have children...so sad. It seems like it would be a read to make you think about how wonderful children are and how they should be treated.

Congratulations to the author for receiving such a positive review and for being BOTD!

[P_hernandez]

Great review! Your summary definitely gives a better idea of what the book is about. I enjoy books that deal with difficult subject matters (abuse and such) so it seems like this will be a great read!

[Sarah G]

Great review. What an interesting concept for a book. Going on my to read list

[easy_dc13]

Nice review! This looks like a strong and interesting book.

[purplepeepleeater]

I really enjoy medical thrillers/suspense, this one sounds intriguing. I will have to check it out.

[bluemel4]

Great review! I love how this book is not just about the fall out and finding a cure, but also the consequences world wide. I am impressed with the professional editing. Congratulations to the author on such a positive review!

[jungkookblog]

Great review. This book sounds interesting.

[dina s]

love to see another great review and makes this even more wanting.

[Romayamalik]

This sounds interesting and amazing. And more likely
Closer to the daily life in village.