THE MOSQUITO COAST by Paul Theroux

 Finished Su 6/28/26

This was an ancient paperback that I'd read and finished Fr 12/3/93. I bought this at 'Books On Belmont' in Chicago. The first time through I skimmed to the end, and this time I read it cover to cover. A great book and I'd love to see the film. It's not available for streaming and maybe the library had a DVD. 

From AI Mode:

"The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux is widely considered a masterpiece of modern American literature. Maintaining a strong 3.88 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, this 1981 novel tracks the dark, spiral descent of Allie Fox. Fox is a brilliant but fiercely paranoid inventor who uproots his family to build a utopian society in the Honduran jungle."

"A Masterclass in Character Study: Reviewers are uniformly transfixed by Allie Fox. Readers describe him as one of fiction's most memorable, infuriating patriarchs—combining absolute genius with megalomania and domestic tyranny.The Power of the Narrator: The story is told through the eyes of Allie's 14-year-old son, Charlie. Critics note this first-person perspective is essential; watching Charlie's perspective shift from absolute worship of his father to profound horror creates immense emotional weight.Lush, Atmospheric Prose: Theroux’s extensive background in travel writing shines. Readers frequently remark that you can practically feel the oppressive heat, stickiness, and buzzing insects of the Honduran jungle."  

I will definitely read more by Theroux.

ADULTHOOD RITES by Octavia E. Butler

 Finished Fr 6/12/26

I skimmed 'DAWN' by Butler which was the first novel in the series. 

From AI Mode:

"Adulthood Rites by Octavia Butler is the highly acclaimed 1988 science fiction sequel to Dawn, tracking the coming-of-age journey of Akin, the first male human-alien hybrid born on a rehabilitated Earth. Critical consensus on platforms like Goodreads sits at a strong 4.19 out of 5 stars, with readers praising its brilliant exploration of bodily autonomy, colonialism, and what it truly means to be human."

"Deep Philosophical Questions: Reviewers appreciate how Butler expands on the "human contradiction" (intelligence paired with hierarchical aggression). It forces readers to think deeply about consent, compromise, and assimilation. Nuanced Gray Morality: Unlike standard alien invasion tropes, the conflict is not black-and-white. The genetic-trading Oankali aliens are paternalistic but calculated, while the "Resistor" humans are fiercely independent yet prone to self-destruction. Fascinating Perspective: Shifting the narrative away from Lilith (the protagonist of Dawn) to Akin allows readers to witness the world through an entirely different biological lens. Akin has an adult's cognitive capacity trapped in an infant's body, utilizing a sensitive tongue to read DNA at a molecular level."  

I will definitely finish this series and read more by Octavia Butler.