The Cambridge Geek

What the Hell Did I Just Read?
David Wong - What the Hell Did I Just Read?

This is such a mental series. Book 3 of the ongoing "John Dies at the End" series, this is a continuation of the story of [Undisclosed] and all the weirdness that goes on in it. John, David and Amy inevitably end up in the middle of the horror (in this case it's a 'weird kids' situation) and go to ludicrous ends to put a stop to it.

That tends to involve wacky hijinks, ridiculous schemes and some impressive horror. Ever been chewed on by an invisible monster and had your memories altered so that you don't remember it? Are you sure?

The book also has an impressive depth missing from the previous ones in terms of character development. Dave is beginning to show signs of struggling with a life that's filled with horror, and Amy is getting worried. It's impressive realism in a book which is generally so fantastical, and was done really well.

It's also generally a very funny book, with the usual scenes in which John is narrating his own adventures with their own over the top, narcissistic twist. That sense of "did this really happen" is one of the most fun but also annoying things about the series. There's suggestions that most of the plot never actually happens, and is just a fabrication by Dave for various ends. But good luck picking that out of the main plot. It's far too Byzantine for you to have much chance. I recommend just accepting the silliness and running with it. If you can do that, you'll have a whale of a time.

But, if working out what the hell is actually going on is your bag, go here where the obsession has already begun. Maybe read the book first.

Recommended.

Tagged: Book Absurdist Lovecraftian Novel Print