Upgrade,
by Blake Crouch
Ballantine Books
7/12/2022
352 pages
Science Fiction/Thriller
Goodreads
The last book I received for review took me forever to finish, as I found it quite boring.
It just took a few days for Upgrade, which I avidly devoured. This was my first try with Blake Crouch, and now I really want to read his two previous books.
I really love it when scifi is based on solid science, and when the author tackles some major issue. Here, it’s about the survival of Planet Earth. At the point we are at, there no longer seems to be much we can do, or to look at it more deeply, there doesn’t seem much we are willing to do.
So how about we modify our genetic make, so that we would use more our reason and make the right choices to save our Planet?
Little by little, Logan feels different, mentally (imagine being able to read several books simultaneously and remember almost 100% of the texts after reading them just once?) and physically.
But his transformation opens up lots of questions about his past, his family, his future and ours!
What do you think: would such a genetic modification be a good idea? And what about all the ethical questions? Which parts of us could be enhanced to make us choose and act more wisely: our reason? our emotions? And ultimately, what really makes us human? And can we safely modify that?
Blake Crouch brilliantly puts all these questions together in his latest novel. He contacted scientists, and the book is full of fascinating information on genes. The author even proposes some possible answers at the end.
This is brilliant, with also lots of suspense and some serious human pathos.
VERDICT: Brilliant reflection on genetics and the future of our planet. Scifi as I love it.
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK?
Which one by Crouch is your favorite?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A COMMENT PLEASE
In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this ebook free of charge through Netgalley, for review. I was in no way compensated for this post as a reviewer, and the thoughts are my own.
Words And Peace 
Happy to see you enjoyed this one as I’ll be picking it up soon.
Lynn 😀
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Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on it
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You’ve made me feel so closed-minded. But my non-scientific brain would probably come unstuck round about page 3. Especially as I really really don’t enjoy sci-fi. So I’m very likely to give this one a miss. No marks for effort, Margaret 21.
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No problem. Science-fiction is a very broad genre, there are so many kinds.
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I love Blake Crouch, although this wasn’t my favorite, of his, it was still so good😁
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Ah, I understand
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I’ve really been enjoying his books, so I’m glad to hear this was a hit for you! Sounds like it raises a lot of interesting questions.
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It certainly does. I’m late here, so now need to read his previous books
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Great review. I also enjoyed it.
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Wonderful! Have you read his other books?
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No I haven’t.
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Me neither, but am going to read Dark Matter soon
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This one would make a great book club selection. I think it would spawn some great discussions. Hope you get a chance to read Dark Matter and Recursion!
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You are right for the book club. And yes, I hope to get soon to his others
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I am so glad you discovered Crouch. I read his earlier works, the Wayward Pines trilogy, but truly became hooked with Dark Matter. During the release, I had the chance to meet him. He is the nicest, most down-to-earth guy.
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Oh cool!!
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