The Seep

This book was a lot to take in, and I actually read it twice in a row (it was just as enjoyable the second time around.) The premise is tha tthe world is "invaded" by an apparently benevolent alien organism that creates a utopia and allows people to not only modify their bodies at will, but to achieve versiosn of immortality. The vision of utopia is wonderfully weird. And in the middle of this, the author plants a character who is, quite subversively, not having a good time. For her, the utopia becomes the catalyst for a major personal loss. The story manages to really delve into serious themes of loss, grief, and personal identity (both physical and emotional) against the technicolor eco-friendly rave that has replaced human civiilzation. My only slight critique is that there were a lot of secondary characters to keep track of (partially why I gave it a second read) but I think that was appropriate given that the plot of ths story involves the main characater going on a "quest." Overall - the misantrhopic main character is great, the writing is lively and funny, the action is well-paced. Definitely recomend.