4.78 stars

There probably won't be many people who finish this audiobook. It's long and doesn't start off with a bang, and it can be a little bit confusing acclimating to this alternate reality, but it's well worth it for anyone who is interested. Levin is sometimes compared to DFW , and I can see why after listening to this one. If there were more audiobooks by this author, I would listen to them. If this book went on for another 40 hours I would have kept listening. This book certainly will not be for everyone, but for the patient listener, it is very entertaining.

Overall rating: 4.78 stars

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Bizarre & disturbing. Narration = compelling

You may know Michel Foucault and his biography -in particular, details about his proclivities. I did not. At first I thought that the section where what Foucault did, and what Jonboat Pellmore-Jason believes can be learned from it, was completely and shockingly invented. I had to look Foulcault up and read details of the thing he did (but did not invent). i used the Internet which does not exist in 2013 Bubblegum, In most other contexts– books movies, conversations, I don't know, dreams- I would have given up at that point. Call me squeamish and straightish. But the earnestness with which Triple J approaches this topic captured me. as did the many other sections of this disturbing book. Levin does Dickens proud: Belt Magnet. WTH? Belt Magnet!

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Pop goes the Weasel ... er ... Curio

Bubblegum by Adam Levin is a wild ride that defies categorization. It is intentionally tedious at times and thigh-slappingly funny at others, It's a coming-of-age story, a satire, a science-fiction epic, and a character study all rolled into one deliciously weird package almost defying definition and description. At times laugh-out-loud funny, at others heartbreakingly poignant, this book will keep you on your toes until the very last page.

Levin's writing style is unique, with a zany, almost manic energy that perfectly captures the absurdity of the world he's created. The characters are wonderfully flawed and relatable, each struggling in their own way to make sense of the world around them. And the world itself is a marvel, a bizarre dystopian landscape that feels both familiar and completely alien.

But what really sets Bubblegum apart is its sheer ambition. Levin isn't content to tell a simple story; he wants to explore big ideas and challenge his readers to think deeply about the world we live in. Whether you're looking for a laugh, a cry, or a mind-bending trip through the unknown, Bubblegum has something for everyone. So strap on your seatbelt, grab a stick of gum, and get ready for the ride of your life. Oh, and beware of the swing sets.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Two Thumbs Up. Way Up.

The book is by turns darkly hilarious, soul crunching, and maybe even heartening. Fans of Levin's earlier work will not be disappointed.

Most of the narration is performed by Mark Deakins and he does a masterful job. His timing and inflection complement the text perfectly and his rendition of the protagonist's Chicago Dad is particularly spot-on.

Some sections drag a bit when the characters' thoughts and conversations follow discursive paths. Other sections explore societal sadism in a way that I found difficult to listen to. But neither the tedium nor the violence is gratuitous, in my opinion, but rather in service of the whole.

RIYL David Foster Wallace, Kurt Vonnegut, Ron Currie

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

What did I just listen to?

I have 429 titles in my library, and there is nothing else even remotely like this book. The closest comparison for me would be some of the titles by Neal Stephensen. It's a long book, and for a while, I found it a bit annoying. The excruciating detail that the main character (named Belt Magnet of all things) goes into about virtually everything in his life, as well as exploring all other potential alternatives had he made a different decision about something and...well, it's kind of weird at first. But it serves the story, and being inside Belt's head is an interesting place to be. There's a lot to digest here, e.g., I may have to return to this review at a later date. Or maybe I'll just go smash my swing set.

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esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

So far- loving this book!

This is fairly amazing so far. I’ll write a full review when I finish but it’s like a world according to garp mixed with gremlins mixed with something that’s never been done.
Lovvvvving it!

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Not a complete waste.

The oddness is what kept me listening, that, and the great voice acting kept me from listening to my own thoughts. Bubblegum is slightly better than my incessant drone of a brain. I hate myself, so this book automatically escapes hatred by default and the VO removes it even more. You could truly enjoy this book if you have expirienced talking to swing sets. I have only talked to one once. Also, it's the kind of book you can pretend to have read and enjoyed, because no one you know has ever finished it. If you know someone who has finished it(e.g me), slowly fade out of their life.

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Beware! This Audiobook Doesn't Want you to Buy it

Truly, it seems like Adam Levin has a grudge against audiobooks. I am a HUGE Adam Levin fan, but this is ridiculous. An 800 page book divided into five parts - five parts, each divided into several titled chapters. But the titled chapters aren't linked for audiobook navigation; only the parts - each link spans about 200 pages! What kind of jerk author? publisher? makes a decision like that? Unless it's someone who doesn't want anyone to buy their audiobook.

Did you fall asleep and forget to set the sleep timer - good luck finding your place ever again. Did the play button accidentally get pushed and it takes you hours to realize it? - sucks to be you. Are you trying to move between reading the print book and the audiobook? - you're also screwed.

Take a pass on this one unless you are confident you have what it takes to manage your audio tech flawlessly. I want to love this book, but how can I when I can never find my place?

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esto le resultó útil a 17 personas

Stay away! Only boredom lies before you.

I am 16 hours into this book, and I can't do it anymore. 2 minor chuckles. No characters that matter. Nothing interesting has happened. The main character is neurotic enough to put Woody Allen to shame. The two things in this universe that have the potential to be interesting, are repeatedly pushed to the side so we can hear how awful the main character's life is. If you purchase this book, you will regret it!

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

I just couldn't get through it

maybe it gets better later, as that's what I've heard, but I just couldn't do it anymore after several hours

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