So many books, so little time

The Road is an unforgettable story about a man and his son trying to survive nuclear winter. Talented doesn't even begin to describe McCarthy as a writer - If you love to read, I truly believe you have to add at least one of his books to your bucket list, and this is one of his best.

No spoilers setup (but still in spoiler tags in case you like to go in totally blind):

The bombs fell, and the world ended. It grew darker, and colder, and more violent. The new world was grim and grey and relentless.

A man and his young son had to set out on the road, alone, heading south. The road, though, is dangerous. Cannibals and slavers and men driven mad with hunger roam the hills. Even if the man can avoid marauders, will he be clever and lucky enough to find food and supplies in the picked-over remains of civilization to feed his son? And every day that they survive, they have to ask themselves if it is worth surviving. What awaits them in the south, on the coast?

First off, I have to talk about McCarthy's writing style. He just gives you a feeling. Somehow the spare writing and short sentences fill you with a feeling of grey and wet and cold that will never end - it's so much stronger than any book has a write to be. (This is also one of McCarthy's hallmarks - it's different feelings in each book, but you can't read his books without feeling it).

He also writes incredible, hyper-realistic dialogue that on its own is totally enough to understand the characters in a very deep way. Interestingly, he doesn't use quotation marks or tell you who’s talking (e.g., no 'so and so said'). Sometimes it can be confusing for a moment, but like a lot of literary writing, just keep reading and let it wash over you - it usually comes clear soon (and it helps create that crazy sense of immersion).

Cormac is probably my favorite writer of all time, and I hope you can check him out and experience what he's like. The Road is dark and terrifying and beautiful and full of grit and hope all at once. He’s a genius.

PS Part of an ongoing series of posts about the best sci-fi books of all time for the Hugonauts. If you're interested in a deeper discussion about the The Road and similar book recommendations, search 'Hugonauts scifi' on your podcast app of choice or YouTube. No ads, just trying to spread the love of good books! Keep carrying the fire y'all.