Nathan Bartos's Reviews > The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik

2.5 Stars
Honestly, I've been searching through a bunch of reviews just trying to figure out what so many other people saw in this book that I didn't.
I just really didn't like the main character at all. He was pretentious and annoying, which would be fine if someone had really called him out for it, but that moment never fully came. Like if I was at a party and someone started talking to me about their love of Thoreau and why they wear the same David Bowie shirt every day, I would just start screaming. Also, his sister spends most of the book trying to get Noah to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's with her because it's her current obsession, and he's just a real bitch and a half about it. Like, just watch your little sister's favorite movie with her?? It won't kill you.
I also did not like the "twist," especially as it wasn't much of a twist since it was the only "logical" explanation (well a variety of it). (view spoiler)[Also, I hated that it felt very "and it was a dream the whole time"; that's such a tired twist. (hide spoiler)]
Everything just felt very random to me and a little too try-hard for my tastes. I did enjoy the best friend, especially as I know he is based on Adam Silvera, which is super cool.
This is my first David Arnold book, and it may be my last if I don't hear something AMAZING about another one of his books. I struggled to finish this one and almost DNF'd it several times, though I do have to say the last 75 pages or so are a great conclusion.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator, so I do recommend that if you still are interested.