Out Of Touch

"If you want to break something correctly, it's best to know everything you can about it."

This book is a lot of fun. That's not to say that Aidin's journey should be taken lightly. It's not a comedy, but the author does a stellar job of allowing the reader to sit "shotgun" on the same ride that the main character is taking -the primary example being "the list" that Aidin has to complete in his therapy while confronting the fact that he's lost his ability to experience any physical sensation. Funny thing, though, because while Aidin may wake up one day to find himself stripped of his ability to "feel," it's safe to say that he lost all "feeling" long before his condition ever kicked in. So our numb and disconnected narrator comes to grips with that fact. You'll hear about the "twist" ending and how it comes out of left field, but not really -and I won't give away that ending of course, but it has to do with a choice that Aidin makes when given an ultimatum. His choice may not make a lot of "moral" sense to some, but this is a guy who's tired of running. He already ran from Himself during the years and events leading up this story, and this is the story of how he learns to face himself and who he is. It can be dark, sad even, but also enlightening and fun for the reader -and that complicated dynamic is what makes Out of Touch such a great read. The writing style is also fun in the fact that it's familiar, and yet brand new -speaking to the "Palahniuk/Ellis" influence. Tietz isn't "imitating" these influences as much as going all out in making them known and giving a certain due -and it's all there -from the airplane going down in the opening scene to the support groups. Think Quentin Tarantino: His influences are not only obvious, but celebrated, played with, and improved upon. It's got a very Modern Feel after all is said and done. It's a fast read, but a great way to spend a short time.

For all of us looking for something new, this is it.

The moment I set this book down, I shook my head and said "where did that come from????" I was engrossed in the the main character's growth and his exploration of himself, only to find out in the end the underlying story of the entire book was something I had not foreseen. For all of you out there needing to be surprised for once, this is the book to read.

No text was provided for this review.