All Better Now, by Neal Shusterman

     It's been a long time since I've read a Neal Shusterman book, but there are not many authors better at writing YA science fiction and fantasy. In fact, I think Scythe was the last book of his I read, and I remember loving it! Cool, dark idea, very well written, engaging...very fun! He has written so many books at this point, for teens and adults alike, that I won't list all of them here. Just know that when you choose one of his books, you are reading someone who knows how to create and write a good, long story!

    That said, I'll honestly admit I did not finish this, his latest release, All Better Now. The premise of the story is cool - a post-Covid pandemic, where the people who don't die from it seem changed completely - very happy, no cares left in the world, positive...all better now! But 200 pages into this 500 page book was...boring. I still liked the premise of the story, but I didn't care at all about any of the characters. As Shusterman weaved the story around the world and made connections between characters and situations, I wanted to be drawn into the story, and feel for someone - anyone! But it didn't happen, so like all good readers, I made the decision not to continue the book. If you've ever wondered about not finishing a book you've started, remember that you don't have to finish every single book you start! You should finish most of them, but now and then it's okay to let one go, unfinished. Life's too short to read a book you don't like (says a dog who lives seven years for every one of yours!). 

    I still recommend the Scythe series, which is now at 4 books, and would still read more from Shusterman. But I didn't love this one...and that's okay. On to my next favorite book! 3 paws.