Perfect People by Peter James

I first discovered Peter James in 1993 with his book Host, which came in a whopping 625 pages. It was brilliant all the way through. I can safely say the same for Perfect People, even though it is 200 pages shorter LOL. 

The story is about a couple who share the same genetic disorder and their first child dies of the same disorder. Distraught, they eventually run into Dr. Dettore, a scientist, and doctor who claims he can genetically change the children and remove all defects and enhance them. John and Naomi Klaesson decide to take the chance. They wanted a son. They got a lot more than they bargained for. 

Pros: The story is a rip-roaring page-turner. The plot and sub-plot are excellent. The made-up language the children spoke, was brilliant. The steady progression of the children and their abilities. Understanding the threat against them and arranging protection 'cause they didn't think their parents could handle it. And they are right. 

Cons: The character of Naomi. What a bitch. And John must be pussy-whipped as he took everything she threw at him and agreed with her or didn't push the issue. The police response at the pivotal point. 

All in all, a great read and pure fun. And it is also a possible future. Like the book, Host -- this technology could really become reality. 

The twist at the end is excellent. It's not explained or the result of other enhanced children. 

     

Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk

This is one interesting read. It starts off with a bang and even when flying into the events before the book started are weird, in an interesting way. A lot of stuff happens to Tender Branson and it all kicks off with a misdialed call.

As the last surviving member of a cult, he has been assigned a psychologist who is more interested in herself. Then we have mass murderers, Super Bowl halftime riots, psychics (via a girlfriend kind of), and a goldfish (the only thing he cares for in this life). This shy, weird man is thrust into the limelight of a superstar when a media agent turns Tender into a pre-packaged, made-for-TV messiah, by first making him the image they need. He trains hard, takes supplements, and is into tanning beds. 

He's also not the last surviving member of the cult.  

It's challenging to write a review about this book. The story is twisted and a little far-fetched, but it is also engrossing and fun. There is a message coming through this story loud and clear but I'll leave that for you to figure out. 

Also as he is telling his story, the chapters and page numbers go down. The last page is page 1.