Arc: What Will Save You When Civilization Turns Upside Down? Paperback – August 14, 2023

I couldn't put this book down, and I don't usually read sci-fi. I was late to multiple things because I just wanted to keep reading, so...you've been warned. The story is wildly creative, original, and full of detail yet the author does a wonderful job of explaining everything without making the reader feel bogged down in the details or confused. The characters are really fleshed out and personal, especially the narrator (who is complex and charming), and this helps pull you through all the various plot points. You really feel like you're part of the story and moving through it alongside the characters. And what an impressive story it is! I can't believe the author managed to keep all of this in her head and get it down on paper so beautifully. I felt immersed in another world, except it's sadly not that different from what the world we live in now might look like in a few decades. There are some powerful lessons in here regarding the environment, war, etc. and warnings that we can all learn from. My favorite thing about this book, though, is it's not one of those completely cynical dystopian books that just rags on how horrible everything is without offering any solutions. This book is FULL of creative and ingenious ideas for how we can make this world a better place and maybe prevent some of the horrible things that happen in the book from happening in our world. Through it all, I developed a relationship with the characters, enjoying their victories and crying along with them at their suffering, which is what made me go back to the beginning and read it all over again as soon as I finished. If you're on the fence about reading this, whether you're a sci-fi lover or not usually into the genre, DO IT! Can't wait for this to become a series—I'm ready for more!

Arc is a fascinating book that raises issues and potential solutions to so many of the challenges the world faces. These are the issues that make me worry about the world my grandchildren will inherit. I know I am not alone in that. The author bravely tackles these issues, which are ecological and social, with imagined solutions based on convincing facts. Her breadth of technical knowledge is extremely impressive and she offers hope for science to rescue us from the excesses that have gotten us to this point. I loved reading about potential scientific advances in the near future that may offer so much hope. Granted, this is fiction, but the author’s research and presentation of facts add authenticity to many of these solutions.As far as the actual story goes, it is an engaging account of a well described main character - a very intelligent young woman who has great potential and commitment to making the word a better place. The relationships she forms are believable and endearing. The drama of the actual major “event’ is fascinating and a truly exciting ride. And what follows is extremely imaginative while terrifying at the same time.It’s a book that will make you think as you are reminded of the challenges that our world faces. For that alone, it is well worth reading for anyone who cares about the future. And the personal story is an added bonus.

The author does an excellent job setting the scene (character descriptions, physical settings, plot...) and from that point weaving a narrative where the "unthinkable" actually happens, and happens in a very plausible way. As the story moves along, the reader "buys in" and gets the feeling that they are part of the action as it is occurring.

This story takes you into the not-so-far future with a close-up of what we all wonder and imagine for our survival when the political and environmental world we see in our daily news combine to cause the inevitable Event that could possibly happen! If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship you will appreciate the detailed and creative descriptions of the New Eden, the science ship that is the setting of this story. If you’ve wondered how mankind will be able to feed the earth’s population in spite of our dwindling food sources this author gives us realistic views of how this can be done. If you enjoy any study of the sciences the detailed and educational aspect of this scientific-study ship will fascinate and educate you in all the departments of science! The book introduces each character with their background and personality in much detail leading up to why each character is crucial when it is time for mankind’s rebirth, or total destruction. I won’t spoil the ending with more description. This author clearly understands the readers’ needs to face what could and may happen if we don’t step up to the plate as a human race to save ourselves. A good book club read to spark discussion about our future world.

The author did a great job painting a picture of a future world (that’s not too far off from where we are today, actually) and a ship that I wish really existed!! The “event” was exciting, suspenseful, and emotional. Let’s hope it never actually happens.

The character development woven into completely believable science fiction was riveting. The main character and her struggles with self-worth, defining who she inherently is, how she fits in a world and finding what is important is exceptionally well done. The dialogue is well constructed and flows easily. It is obvious the author draws on a lot of personal experience which lends a lot of validity to the story line. Highly recommend.

I loved the author’s character development and way she unfolded the story! Very well and well written. Highly recommend!! Great story. Hopefully the story will continue.

Once the main character went on the ship New Eden I was totally hooked. I couldn't stop reading the book. So many details perfectly described and so many things that make you think - Wow, can this happen now or in the near future in our real world? Since the New Eden has 18 (19) decks, the figure describing the decks helped me keeping track better while following the main character Eva on the ship. The closer the end of the book the more thrilling it becomes. There are certain twists in the book making it even more exciting. I definitely recommend reading this book.The introductory chapters describe the main characters thoroughly but also characterize some other persons (relevant for better understand the main characters). In my opinion, som of these other persons are described slightly too much in the book.