Book 2. Neuropath by R. Scott Bakker
Title: Neuropath
Author: R. Scott Bakker
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 316
Read before? No
Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Next book: The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Summary: (from back of book) Years ago, Neil Cassidy forged a friendship with Thomas Bible over a mutual philosophy, which they called The Argument. The Argument posits that choices are the product of neural processes. That the human mind is programmed to act and reacts in a certain way-that our decisions are predetermined, long before we are conscious of making them. Since the ability to make choices is the cornerstone of morality, sciences seems to be demonstrating that right and wrong are illusory. Neil’s life has been molded by the belief that free will does not exist.
Career and family have torn away Thomas Bible’s faith in the Argument-until he receives word from the FBI that Neil, a brilliant neuroscientist, has secretly been working with the NSA. Neil as AWOL, and he seemingly gone mad, leaving a bizarre trail of neuromanipulated victims in his wake. The FBI and NSA need Thomas, the man who might know Neil best, to hunt him down.
My thoughts. This was a very interesting idea, which is why it caught my eye in the first place. The Argument is something people have been arguing for eons. Fate vs. free will. Adding science to it only made it more interesting. Unfortunately, the farther you got into the book, it became more about Thomas just breaking down emotionally and less about the premise.
There were some interesting twists along the way, but the last 50 pages of the book, ruined it for me. The way it ended, did nothing for me as to the kind of closure I need from a book. It felt like he had a good idea, but then did not know how to finish it. Also, I have never seen children act the way his did, and it really did not seem real at all. The characterization in this book was a bit lacking. I don’t mind sex in a book, but it felt a bit forced and like he was trying to be shocking with some of his ideas.
Great idea, but not so great execution.
Best thing about book. The premise was very cool.
Worst thing about book. Very poorly written, and executed.