Bird Box

I'm giving this one a five-star. It did everything it was supposed to and then some. It knocked me off of a reading slump that was partly because of a lack of time but also because I just didn't want to read very much. Then came along Birdbox, a book that's meant to lock you in and leave you with no choice but to keep reading. The premise is simple, creatures have invaded Earth, and if a human lays eyes on them, they go mad, cause destruction, and eventually commit suicide. It's a simple idea that the author put a lot of thought into because throughout the novel he builds around his central idea tremendously and in a very believable way. He also raises just enough questions and answers at a pace that hooks you the entire time but leaves you with surprises at the perfect times.

The characters also feel believable, they act like I would think people in an apocalyptic world would act. The main character Malorie especially. The way she has to treat her children is heartbreaking, but her thoughts about it are even more heartbreaking. I think this is a gem. I read 220 of the 270 pages in one day. My hat is on the ground for you Mr. Malerman. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.