Ron Currie, Jr.

Fabulous story of love and loss, with a healthy dose of philosophy and scientific thought to round it out. God, to be loved like Ron loves Emma, its a heady thought. But that love is a destructive one, and eventually it rends the pair apart. Ron examines this, in the context of his life, and thinking about the life and death of his father, on top of this idea about electronics and people becoming one and thus rendering love, and hurt, and emotions, and loss as null and void. And if that show more would even make things better? A lot of heavy ideas, but interspersed with great humor, scary love-making, and of course, some ass-kicking. (If I had the courage I would love to ask Ron Currie Jr. directions to the gun show. Seriously, the guy is jacked.) This book is a must read for anyone who is not afraid to think. show less

This book took me for quite a spin! Although initially a slow starter, starting at the birth of the main character (inspiringly named 'Junior') it's unique premise is that he knows exactly when the world will end. The rest of the book is him screwing up his entire life because of this knowledge and his way too high intelligence. (don't worry, it has a sort-of happy ending. Emphasis on the sort-of).

Aaaah such an interesting concept and so masterfully executed! I specifically liked the show more shifting perspectives; not just from first-persons around the plot, but also to the second-person! It's rare to find it in books (and I'm used to it from another media type) and done so well. The second person narratives were especially interesting because they tend to reappear when the protagonist disassociates himself by either drugs or alcohol that it would seem like he 'can't' narrate anymore.

Not totally sold on the ending though :/ I think he still could've done something in the end (and I didn't understand what was up with Ruby completely. Does she know as well?) show less

"Everything Matters!" tackles the question: how would a person live their lives with the knowledge, given to them before birth, that in 36 years all life on Earth will cease to exist? Given the ultimate outcome of life, whether by comet, car crash or natural death, do any of our actions really matter?

Told from the perspective of John Jr., or Junior, the knowing protagonist, The Voice that bestowed the knowledge and then accompanies him through life, and various family members, the novel show more follows Junior's choices from birth to the time the cataclysmic event draws near.

There is a point in the novel where Junior's character becomes a bit unlikeable. There are also some plot twists that could feel a bit implausible, but Currie's strength as a writer is getting the reader to trust him enough to suspend disbelief. His witty and captivating writing style successfully smoothes over the rough parts. His voice is fresh, sometimes sardonic, and often deeply philosophical. In a novel with an obviously depressing theme, Currie manages to inject hope. It's a unique novel that remains engaging even through the minor bumps in the storyline, and entertains while provoking some interesting philosophical questions. show less

Unexpectedly, this was a book I couldn't put down. Despite the fact that it's clear from the first few pages that the world is doomed, this story of a boy who has been given this information since before birth, and who grows up with the knowledge of exactly how long he will live and how life will end for everyone here, is mesmerizing and beautifully written. Told from various viewpoints, including that of the beings who have given Junior this information and continue to talk to him show more throughout his life, the simple humanity of Junior's life and of those around him pulls the reader in and forces the reader's emotional involvement. Magical. show less