Memory makes reality. That’s what New York City cop Barry Sutton is learning as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.
Neuroscientist Helena Smith already understands the power of memory. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious moments of our pasts. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.
As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face-to-face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?
I’ve read several of Blake Crouch’s books – his Wayward Pines series is bizarre, Dark Matter mind-blowing – and he’s never let me down. With this book, Crouch has made my auto-buy list.
Trippy, mind-bending, thought-provoking – it’s unlike anything I’ve ever read. Recursion starts with a basic idea, and then it branches out from there, with tendrils weaving in several directions. This isn’t a book to read if you’re expecting several interruptions – you’ll want to give 100% of your attention to it, and you’ll need every bit of brain capacity to keep up with this fast-paced enigma.
I really can’t say much about it – you’ll never read spoilers in my reviews – but if you’re a sci-fi thriller fan, this is a must-read. It’s taken me four days after finishing the book to write the review, because I’ve been turning the story over in my mind. I can’t recommend Recursion enough – one my best reads in the past few years.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
That’s high praise. I saw the Wayward Pines series, but I never read it. I loved the premise, though. And this book sounds like it has a good premise, too. Thanks for sharing.
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I thought they did a pretty good job with the TV adaptation of Wayward Pines. I read Shonda Rimes is adapting Recursion for Netflix.
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That’s going to be a good one, then.
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Sounds interesting. Amazing review!
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Thanks, Yesha! This was a hard one to do without giving spoilers.
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I’ve been eyeing this book up for awhile, and have only heard high praise for it. Although the premise is different, I was drawn to it because in some ways it reminds me of the Mendela Effect, an actual phenomenon when an event is remembered incorrectly by a huge group of people (such as Nelson Mandela’s death). Recursion will probably land on my TBR.
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They actually mentioned that phenomenon in the book, Mae. I really think you’d enjoy this one. Most of the reviews I’ve seen have been positive for this one – it’s certainly a book that will stick with me long after reading.
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I have enough trouble remembering real events, never mind ones that twist in the wind! This sounds intriguing, Teri, thanks!
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Ha! So do I, Jacquie!
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