Recursion

A Novel

By: Blake Crouch

Narrated by: Jon Lindstrom, Abby Craden

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From thebestselling author of Dark Matter and the Wayward Pines trilogy comes a relentless thriller about time, identity, and memory—his most mind-boggling, irresistible work to date, and the inspiration for Shondaland’s upcoming Netflix film.

“Gloriously twisting . . . a heady campfire tale of a novel.”—The New York Times Book Review

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Time • NPR • BookRiot

Reality is broken.

At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that’s sweeping the world is no pathogen. It’s just the first shock wave, unleashed by a stunning discovery—and what’s in jeopardy is not our minds but the very fabric of time itself.

In New York City, Detective Barry Sutton is closing in on the truth—and in a remote laboratory, neuroscientist Helena Smith is unaware that she alone holds the key to this mystery . . .and the tools for fighting back.

Together, Barry and Helena will have to confront their enemy—before they, and the world, are trapped in a loop of ever-growing chaos.

Praise for Recursion

“An action-packed, brilliantly unique ride that had me up late and shirking responsibilities until I had devoured the last page . . . a fantastic read.”—Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian

“Another profound science-fiction thriller. Crouch masterfully blends science and intrigue into the experience of what it means to be deeply human.”—Newsweek

“Definitely not one to forget when you’re packing for vacation . . . [Crouch] breathes fresh life into matters with a mix of heart, intelligence, and philosophical musings.”—Entertainment Weekly

“A trippy journey down memory lane . . . [Crouch’s] intelligence is an able match for the challenge he’s set of overcoming the structure of time itself.”—Time

“Wildly entertaining . . . another winning novel from an author at the top of his game.”—AV Club

The power of positive thinking

Blake Crouch's Recursion begins with two separate plots: a detective investigating a suicide linked to an emerging medical condition known as false memory syndrome (FMS) and a young neuroscientist studying memory for Alzheimer's patients. Eventually, these two individuals cross paths and uncover a terrifying connection with a billionaire playing god with people's memories and influencing the rest of the world as well as history itself. As they try to intervene, the government gets involved and every attempt seems to only make the problem worse.

Crouch takes an intriguing twist on the notion that humans are merely the sum of their accumulated memories, both personal as well as tribal. When memories collide, confusion reigns. At the same time, the possibility of rewriting history is too much for people and nations to tolerate, leaving the notion that our current perceptions of time as a linear dimension that only flows in one direction may be an evolutionary result to ensure survival of our species.

The narration is well done given the dual narrators which was a wise choice given the dual perspectives of the story. Pacing is quick.

Smart, but Really Dragged On...

Brilliant concept, just like Dark Matter, but this one just simply lost steam and got super boring. Was counting down the remaining time so I could start something else. Disappointed. :(

Are we there yet?

Fantastic! Couldn’t put it down. Best book I’ve read this year. In a similar vein to Crouch’s Dark Matter. One of the better depictions of time travel and it consequences I’ve read. Can’t wait to see how Crouch tops this. Both narrators were perfect!

Crouch does it again!

Once again you successfully weave a tale that stretches our belief of time and consciousness! I just finished this gem and am waiting for my brain to catch up to some of these remarkable concepts. Do I recommend this book? Absolutely! Will I be reading this book again? Not if, but when and the answer is soon!

What a ride!!!

Great book through out. Nicely done, again Mr Crouch! My favorite author always. Never do you disappoint me.