Dark Matter: A Novel

One of the best books I’ve read in years!

Phenomenal sci-fi book! I have to admit, I had to look up a lot of quantum physics and actually learned about theories and things I never thought about. I love when books leave me pensive afterwards about possibilities that actually don’t feel necessarily real but, how fictional is this FICTION book? Certain scenarios feel possible in Dark Matter and it really makes you appreciate your mundane life for what it is. It’s like a one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But in this case, the man loved his “boring” little life with his family. And so did everyone else. I loved the hidden themes, the message felt loud and clear by the end of it and I genuinely enjoyed this book!

Dark Matter follows Jason Dessen, a physics professor whose quiet life shatters when he’s abducted and wakes up in a reality that isn’t his own. He soon realizes he’s been thrust into a multiverse where every choice creates a different version of his life. As Jason races through alternate worlds, he confronts who he could have been and what truly matters to him. At its core, the story is a fast-paced, mind-bending thriller about identity, love, and the cost of choosing one life over infinite possibilities. THIS BOOK COMPLETELY SURPRISED ME. I remember last year @ellishartauthor posted about this book in his stories saying it was one of his favorite books and I’ve had it on my TBR ever since. I finally read it and am so pleased to report this book is in fact, amazing. I’ve always thought about infinite timelines and how there are possibly countless versions of us, each shaped by a single decision, a missed turn, a moment of courage or fear and how in each timeline, we’re living with the consequences without ever knowing the alternatives. The idea that somewhere, another version of you chose differently has always fascinated me, so reading a book that actually plays out that concept was incredibly satisfying. What I loved most is that beneath the science and chaos, this story is a love story at its core: grounded, emotional, and human. Across every timeline and every version of life, there is only one true love, and that truth felt both comforting and devastating in the best way.

I loved the style that this book was written in. Contrary to some of other reviews I thought it was different and enjoyed the pauses as they give you time to catch your breath and absorb everything that happens. Time to let you mind play with the ideas and the possibilities; but, I like different. I like weird. I like having my mind tickled by a great story and good author. A mind-bending, gripping read that keeps you turning pages. This one had me reading until 2 AM and I'm excited to see how this translates to film.

My first Blake Crouch read. Loved the book; great writing and excellent storytelling. The rating could have been even higher, but I found myself too frustrated with the main character taking so very long to realize his initial situation. This became a significant distraction until the 42% mark where he finally figures it out and we can start enjoying the story.