The End

I am so happy that we are finally done with this book. I found the majority of the story to be quite repetitive and boring. Yes, there were some points that the narrator made that were kind of interesting, but, for the most part, I was not really a fan of this book. The narrator made me feel like I was on the road trip with him, which I suppose is a good thing. However, with that came the boredom that I can only imagine hours of driving will evoke. It felt like I was forced to hear him ramble on about every single idea he had because there was nowhere else to go. Also, I was glad to discover that the narrator is, in fact, the same person as Phaedrus. Zane brought up this theory in the beginning of the story, and as I read more and more, I began to witness signs that this may be the case. It would have been disappointing to learn that the two were not actually one, since I became so convinced of this idea.

                One idea that I did find interesting was when Phaedrus claims, “everything is an analogy” (352). As odd as it may seem at first, I do believe that this is true. Everything can be compared to something else if someone tries hard enough to merge the two. It may be a long-shot to connect certain things, but it can always be done. Nothing is present on its own without any relatability to something else; everything in the universe is intertwined in some way.

                The conclusion of this novel has left me feeling somewhat uneasy, but I have no idea why. The book has answered the questions that have arisen throughout, but there is still something missing and I cannot place my finger on it. I think the fact that this story made us think was a positive thing. So many books allow for very little room for opposing viewpoints, and I find that quite frustrating. Towards the beginning of the book, I thought this story was like that; the narrator’s constant thoughts and explanations  left me leaning towards his viewpoint, but now that has changed. The introduction of Phaedrus and the opposing viewpoints of those around him have left me able to think on my own. The topics discussed in the book are interesting, so the ability to dwell on certain ideas is oddly refreshing; it serves as a contrast to hearing the narrator’s seemingly endless thoughts.