DNF at a solid 50%. I've been trying to get through this one for way too long, and it's not fun at all. ( )

The ideas of internet influencers, troll, masculine toxicity, and retreats to relearn in the_atmospherians by Alex McElroy are clearly picked from today's headlines. There are some truths to be found in this premise. I wanted to like this book for those truths, particularly the influence of social media on so many. Unfortunately, I find neither the characters nor the story engaging, and I find myself walking away from the book, clearly not the reader for it.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2022/10/theatmospherians.html

Reviewed for NetGalley. ( )

This book is definitely in a class all it's own. It's deeply satirical which, if you have a darker sense of humor like I do, is great; Especially when it's balanced well such as in The Atmospherians.

This book takes on a number of problems with society today, toxic masculinity, the outcome of the wrong influencers, body image, and the dark side of social media; It definitely hits home and had me nodding along thinking of how terrible this or that is and how we need to change it. This book is a wake up call, a much needed one at that.

There does need a trigger warning for disordered eating, mental health, violence, and suicide.

I'd rate this closer to a 3.5 if I could but rounded up instead of down because it is fairly good. It did however fall a bit short of my expectations. ( )

I took a spin on a different kind of book and left bewildered. The main narrator of the book is a fallen influencer who joins up with a friend in creating a group against toxic masculinity.

It's a book I think the main point went way over my head. The jokes just didn't stick their landing. I give a lot of kudos for the writer's skillful style in describing characters. I didn't particularly like or care for any of them. But they're stories are memorable. ( )

Resistance to change and insecurity about large transitions in cultural expectations is the focus of Alex McElroy’s debut: The Atmospherians. The novel is set in some near future, when social media and cancel-culture has led to an outbreak of man-hordes in the country. These hordes are spontaneous groups that seem to form between unacquainted men, resulting in unpredictable, even violent, behavior. Sasha, McElroy’s representative for womankind, has recently experienced first-hand the dangers of a public media transgression. Once an aspiring influencer and wellness coach, Sasha’s own words inspire a tragic event, and she instantly becomes a pariah both online and in person. Fearing for her safety, she flees public scrutiny with an old childhood friend. Dyson conveniently has inherited a secluded property and proposes a grand scheme that he needs Sasha’s help to launch. Their plan would solve the man-horde problem, restore her reputation, while also making them rich and famous. The novel touches on themes of undue social influence, cultish/mob behavior, and the obligations of the media to act as mediator. McElroy explores the idea that our instant ability to communicate has created a crisis of identity, especially for those who reject the evolution of gender identity. With questionable motives and differing approaches, Sasha and Dyson quickly lose control of their experiment—with disastrous results. The Atmospherians depicts the danger of unfettered broadcasting when combined with innate tendencies toward chaos and violence. This debut is a likely pick for those interested in dystopian works like Lord of the Flies or Helter Skelter, but want to avoid the more graphic elements.

Thanks to the author, Atria Books and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. ( )