Greetings Bookworms,
I should probably not be allowed to go onto NetGalley. I am entirely too susceptible to “the next big thing” and I end up picking up books I’d never ordinarily look into. Sometimes it’s a great way to get me out of my comfort zone. Other times, I’m just left scratching my head wondering WTF just happened. Enter David Shafer’s new novel, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Okay. So. Definitely not my normal fare. It took me longer to get into this book than is typical for me. I found Leila, Leo, and Mark’s back stories compelling, but the novel spent a lot of time in exposition and crammed all the action in at the end. The very end. Like, the yellow brick road hit a yellow brick wall and nobody got to chill in the Emerald City. The lack of resolution left me wondering if this was the first novel in a series or if it was just too darn artsy for me to “get.”
All that said, it definitely had some cheeky moments, and I can’t help but smile at the implied WTF joke in the title. I was also rather fond of some of the book’s most bizarre elements (which I won’t reveal to you, because spoilers.)
I’m still scratching my head on this one, but I’m sure there are a lot of folks out there who will love this book. If you’re into conspiracy theories, dark humor, and general weirdness, maybe give Whiskey Tango Foxtrot a try.
Alright, Bookworms. Tell me. Do you ever read things and feel like you’re not in on the joke?
*If you make a purchase through a link on this site, I will receive a small commission.*
Sarah Says Read
I ALWAYS read books that I feel like I must be missing something. I had heard good things about this one and I liked the “WTF”… but now I’m not so sure. Hmm.
Words For Worms
I’d be interested to hear how you felt about it… I fear I might be alone on this limb!
Kelly
Yup…this sounds too weird for me. Ha! I wonder if the title was just supposed to represent your feelings about the ending…WTF??? 🙂 Glad you got to read outside your comfort zone though! I need to push myself to do that more often.
Words For Worms
Dude, I don’t even know! I mean, it IS how I ended up feeling about the whole book, but acknowledging it in a cheeky acronym wasn’t enough to save it for me.
ThatAshGirl
Yeah not a fan of pretentious books that are too artsy for me to get.
Btw….I totally giggled over the “nobody got to chill in the emerald city” line.
Words For Worms
LOL, thanks. Seriously. I don’t think I’m smart enough for what I read sometimes…
C.J.
Netgalley is very dangerous! I often get too click-happy and request books I don’t have time to read. I heard about this book and was curious about it. We’ll see if I get around to picking it up.
Words For Worms
I’m usually pretty decent with the NetGalley restraint, but every once in a while, this sort of thing happens.
Andi (@estellasrevenge)
Ooohh yeah, I’ll be passing on this one. I do know what you mean, though, getting caught up in NetGalley fever. Ugh!
Words For Worms
It’s… Special.
Annabel Smith
Well I personally HATE this book because I had to change my book title (Whisky CHARLIE Foxtrot) because of this title being too similar, even though my book came out first (in Australia though). I will never read it. I may however buy a copy to deface and perform voodoo on. I am on a one-woman vendetta to bring it to its knees. Die, WTF, die!
Words For Worms
LOL! Oh, I’ll be angry with it on your behalf, too!
AMB (Koiviolet)
“The lack of resolution left me wondering if this was the first novel in a series or if it was just too darn artsy for me to ‘get.'”
Eek. This doesn’t sound like a good choice for me either! I don’t have any experience with Netgalley, but I can understand getting wrapped up in the “next big thing.” I’ve made far too many unwise purchases as a result.
Words For Worms
Yeah, it wasn’t my best decision. I’m sure I’ll get swept up in some fever again, I am so very susceptible to clever marketing.
Rory
So I just started this one and it sounds like it might be a good one for me…? I feel like general weirdness is a good descriptor for many things I read.
Words For Worms
Ha! You know what, Rory? It might just be perfect for you!
Jenny @ Reading the End
Oh I DO hate it when I read a book and feel like I’m not in on the joke. Or even worse, when I feel like I’m missing important information that I should be understanding about the book. I felt the latter way about Richard Adams’s book The Girl in the Swing — I finished it and thought, “Wait, what?” :p
Words For Worms
It’s the worst!
Monika @ Lovely Bookshelf
Yes, I’ve definitely read books like that! It’s almost like they’re intended for a very narrow audience… and don’t really care to bring others in. They can still be fun and interesting and all that, but being left on the sidelines watching is a weird reader experience.
Words For Worms
I’m clearly not cool enough for this narrow audience. Siiiigh.