So right from the get go, this book got me so angry. From the first chapters, it was already so dystopic, so bleak, so awful that I almost had to stop because of my emotions. There was almost this visceral gut reaction with me that moved me to tears. I'm not even sure if it's because of the writing of the book, per say, but just because of how strongly I feel about the current world really. I'm not sure if I've ever been so truly pessimistic.

But when I was able to piece this story out, to brace myself, this book is good for fueling anger. I think that's really what it's supposed to do. Our main character, Jean is a PHD holding scientist whose life has completely shrunk into itself with this horrific conditions. She's sarcastic, incredibly intelligent, and angry. So angry with all the reasons to be so.

Dalcher takes us through Jean's present, but also showing us the ways society developed to this. We are able to see the ways in which bystanders did nothing, in which the present circumstances were rationalized away. All the moments in which the world was slowly pushed to spiraling out of control. And what really hits me is how some of the rhetoric in the book I still hear today - about hysterical women and about their roles.

Dalcher's book hits you in the dystopic feels.

While this book does take place in the US and in the distant-ish future, the world building is done really well. We are shown a lot about the world and the differences to today's society (and the similarities). What is interesting to me is that it isn't a world wide phenomenon, but only isolated to the US in the book. The way your voice, your methods of resistance, are slowly taken away from you.

Opening lines: If anyone told me I could bring down the president, and the Pure Movement, and that incompetent little shit Morgan LeBron in a week's time, I wouldn't believe them. But I wouldn't argue. I wouldn't say a thing.

I've become a woman of few words.

Tonight at supper, before I speak my final syllables of the day, Patrick reaches over and taps the silver-toned device around my left wrist. It's a light touch, as if he were sharing the pain, or perhaps reminding me to stay quiet until the counter resets itself at midnight. This magic will happen while I sleep, and I'll begin Tuesday with a virgin slate. My daughter, Sonia's, counter will do the same.

My boys do not wear word counters.
Reason I picked up the book: I had heard about Vox when I saw another friend reading it, and it looked really good - I love dystopian literature.
And what's this book about?
Set in an America where half the population has been silenced, VOX is the harrowing, unforgettable story of what one woman will do to protect herself and her daughter.

On the day the government decrees that women are no longer allowed more than 100 words daily, Dr. Jean McClellan is in denial—this can't happen here. Not in America. Not to her.

This is just the beginning.

Soon women can no longer hold jobs. Girls are no longer taught to read or write. Females no longer have a voice. Before, the average person spoke sixteen thousand words a day, but now women only have one hundred to make themselves heard.

But this is not the end.

For herself, her daughter, and every woman silenced, Jean will reclaim her voice.
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys dystopian lit, or who likes The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu - this reminded me of what life could have been like pre-Handmaid's Tale (same type of world).
Favorite paragraph: I stood in my kitchen, wanting to explain, careful not to, while he told me we'd marched one too many times, written one too many letters, screamed one too many words.

"You women. You need to be taught a lesson," he said, and hung up.

I didn't call her again to ask how they had silenced her, whether they had stormed into her practice or whether they had invaded her kitchen, if they had loaded her into a van along with her daughters and spelled out the future inside a dim gray room before fixing shiny wristbands on each of them and sending them home to cook and clean and be supportive Pure Women. To learn our lesson.
Something to know: I do think that the author borrowed a bit from Handmaid's Tale - LGBTQ women end up in work camps (same as on the show) and women that misbehave or engage in sex before they are married (or, if they cheat on their husbands) are sent to them as well. The story is also extremely timely for our current political atmosphere and administration.
What I would have changed: The beginning of the story was very interesting, but then it focuses more on the affair that Jean had with a work colleague, especially when she and him are on the same team for a project that they are helping the president with.
Overall rating: 4 stars out of 5.
Where can I find this book? Click here to purchase on Amazon.

The government suddenly decides women can no longer speak more than 100 words a day, and enforces this with wristbands that deliver electric shocks if that number is exceeded. Women can no longer hold jobs, girls aren't taught to speak or read, only to cook, sew, and other domestic duties. The rest of the world carries on as normal, but the United States has become hell for women.
The concept of this book was really good; it was frightening, disturbing, and just plausible enough to be believable. The execution of this concept could've been developed better, though. It's made pretty clear that it's taking place now, an alternate now perhaps, but now. A near future would've made the point more believable, I think- we're not in a great spot right now as a nation, but we're not quite in a spot where this situation would happen overnight, more like this could be where we're headed if we don't start fighting it. There's also not much explanation of how things got to this point- some backstory would have been nice.
The characters, for the most part, are believable, if not particularly likeable. The tension stayed pretty even till the end, which seemed a bit rushed and kind of anti-climactic. There were a few twists that were very convenient, but still within plausibility enough to keep me from rolling my eyes once I thought about it. A little explanation would have helped in those moments. I would recommend this book, with the caveat the writing will annoy you a bit. I give it 3 1/2 stars.

I did enjoy this book even though, as a person who is conservative, and is a Christian, I had to ignore the fact that the book made everyone out who happens to be either a conservative or a Christian appear as though they want to send women back to the dark ages (or in this book barefoot and pregnant.) I can tell the author is extremely far- left politically. I tried to ignore that as I read the book and I read it as a warning as to what could happen if we allow a few to talk for all of us. This author does not seem to understand that true people of faith would never do to women what the leaders in this book did. Jesus actually gave women a voice. He gave women equal opportunities!

This book was completely out of the norm for me in terms of what I usually read, but the overall premise of the book intrigued me. The plot itself is terrifyingly real in ways that would scare any woman in today's society. It was riveting and moving in a way that I didn't think was possible.

The characters were interesting and relatable; Christina kept me on the edge of my sweet and heartbroken for the world in which these characters lived. It's definitely a book worth reading and it has quickly become a top favorite of mine.

Loved this disturbing book about the realities of what happens as people hand over power to those who abuse it. A VERY important novel in 2018 as women's rights and value are often viewed with contempt. An incredibly powerful warning to women everywhere. A fascinating, horrifying new twist on the dangers of being apolitical and holding your voice.

Dr. Jean McClellan strains each day not to exceed her allotted 100 words. The shock of doing so was realized early after being fitted with a bracelet – counter – almost a year previously.

The story grabs you from the beginning. Hold on because it is a wild, albeit all too possible, ride. The conservative outlooks that retreat back to the customs of the 1950s seem quite feasible in the contentious society we are now living in.

I can’t express how encompassing this novel is. It really gets into your head and heart. I found that I couldn’t stop reading it. I felt as if I was experiencing everything through Dr. McLellan’s eyes and heart. It will be a long while before the issues raised here fade. What an awesome story with even better writing.

If I could give it 10 stars I would. Definitely not just for liberals. Everyone should read this book. Whatever political leaning you find yourself at this is an eyeopener on the potentials or counterpetitions that could face the United States. It is scary to contemplate, but you will once you have finished this book.

Do not be afraid that this is just another political book. It’s as anything but.


I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

I loved the premise and Dalcher very effectively describes the how society arrived at this place in history. I got a little confused near the end though, things seemed to fall apart a bit. Overall though, I think it was a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.

2.5, rounded up to 3
There was lots of hype about this book, and I was very happy when the publisher sent a copy!
I remember reading The Handmaid's Tale many many years ago, and of course Vox reminds me on it. In a way at least. The story, the idea - that's great. As a woman I can relate, every female bit cries and shouts at the general idea of a men's world like this, led by religion-gone-bad guys. Super story!
Sadly, as it is so very often when you start a thing with high expectations, the book couldn't live up with mine. For once I can even say what it was that didn't work: the love/not love anymore stories. They're fine for whatever book else but not here, not for me.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy!

This is one of those books that's just blah for me. The very definition of mediocre, from the storyline to the characters and beyond. There's really nothing that stands out, at least not in a positive way.

The author has somehow managed to take a unique plot line with limitless potential and turned it into a Christian and male bashing rant of epic proportions (full disclosure: I am not a Christian nor am I a man.)

The plot revolves around a dystopian future where U.S. women are only allowed to speak 100 words per day or face the consequences of the Christian Reich.

Dr. Jean McClellan is among these women.

Jean is a perpetually indecisive victim of her own circumstances. She hates her husband. She hates her son. There's really nothing relatable or sympathetic about her character.

I could go on and on about the lack of character development but more importantly is the utter lack of development of the plot itself. There is no lead up to, and even less explanation for, how women found themselves living this nightmare. Other than a few references to a president that sounds strangely familiar, we're left with virtually no backstory.

Overall this book is devoid of the tension and emotion that is mandatory for a dystopian book.

Two Stars because I was able to suffer through it until the end.


I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood or The Word$ series by Gregory Katsoulis, then this is the book for you. Like these works, Vox is set in a world where words are limited to those who do not have power. In this Science Fiction novel, women are restricted to only 100 words a day. Each female is given a "bracelet" to count the words. Those who go over the allotment face a harsh punishment. Dalcher's vivid narration explains exactly how America entered this dystopian society. Little changes to laws here and there created a society in which only men have the power.

Disturbing and reminiscent of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. Women and young girls are hobbled, limited in the number of words that they are allowed to speak. It's a sudden, unexpected development that came about when a right wing political party came into power and legislated restrictions on women's rights.

Vox is from the point of view of a brilliant scientist who is brought out of silence and retirement to solve a medical problem afflicting the leader -- but under severe restrictions and controls. There is uncertainty, tension, and is a disturbing glimpse into a frightening future.

Women in the United States where "Vox" takes place are only allowed to speak 100 words a day and when their limit is reached, the wrist bracelet they are forced to wear sends electric shocks throughout their body. Besides that, the younger female generation won't be taught to read or write or have gainful employment.
The men controlling the Government are planning a nefarious takeover of the world but, to do so, need the assistance of a woman, Dr. Jean McClellan, to accomplish that task. Dr. McClellan,, along with a few others, including her lover, are added to the team, to find a cure for a specific form of aphasia. Obviously, things are not as pure as they appear. Resistance to such a devious act come forth and the fight begins.
This is,a book that you will read from beginning to end quickly, hoping to discover it will end the way you would like it to end. It is a frightening take on guaranteed liberties being destroyed and a reminder that such liberties should not be taken lightly.

VOX - America becomes a dystopian highly controlled society where women and girls are only allowed to speak 100 words a day or their tracker device will shock them. Jean, a mother of 3 boys and 1 daughter, was a Doctor of linguistics before the Reverend and President Myers took over. Now she spends her days silent saving her 100 words. When circumstances change Jean finds herself involved in something against her will but starts to realize that not everyone is who they seem.
Unpopular opinion alert...this started strong for me and then ended up being disappointing. Without too many spoilers I was hoping for stronger female characters and more rise up against the patriarchy. It went a direction different than what I was expecting. It felt rushed at the end and at 98% I still didn’t know what was going to happen. There were some good parts but overall I felt it didn’t live up to it’s potential. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks to @netgalley for advance reader copy for my honest review.

I picked this book up because it was being compared to Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaids Tale" and found that it was instead, haphazardly written in comparison to the trump era that we are currently living in. While I can relate to a lot of the feminist views explored in this book, the extreme religion aspect was a bit off-putting. The storyline would have been more believable if there were collection of influences in the oppression of women and not just the one extremist group. Not only that, but the story was so far fetched it became laughable and I couldn't wait for the whole thing to end. All of the characters were completely one dimensional and it was hard to relate to them, especially the protagonist Dr. Jean McClellan when she seriously contemplates leaving her 4 children to run off with her lover and his unborn child. I had no sympathy for her in the end and wished it was her who met her demise. The shallowness of the characters, the predictable story-line and lax style of writing made this a very difficult book to read.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37796866-vox" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Vox" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1521051148m/37796866.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37796866-vox">Vox</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17319381.Christina_Dalcher">Christina Dalcher</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2556392833">1 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I picked this book up because it was being compared to Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaids Tale" and found that it was instead, haphazardly written in comparison to the trump era that we are currently living in. While I can relate to a lot of the feminist views explored in this book, the extreme religion aspect was a bit off-putting. The storyline would have been more believable if there were collection of influences in the oppression of women and not just the one extremist group. Not only that, but the story was so far fetched it became laughable and I couldn't wait for the whole thing to end. All of the characters were completely one dimensional and it was hard to relate to them, especially the protagonist Dr. Jean McClellan when she seriously contemplates leaving her 4 children to run off with her lover and his unborn child. I had no sympathy for her in the end and wished it was her who met her demise. The shallowness of the characters, the predictable story-line and lax style of writing made this a very difficult book to read.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4263696-becky

As a woman currently living in the United States, this feels all too real to me. Imagine that your rights have been stripped away, and your government has decided and enforces a 100 word limit per day for all women. Women are fitted with bracelet bands that count down their word usage - and all women, as young as three months, are fitted with one. This book is frighteningly real, and deserves the comparisons to A Handmaids Tale. #RESIST

I will be honest, I waited a while before I read this book. All the scary science fiction/dystopian tales I love now seem incredibly close to becoming reality. I screwed up my courage and sat down to read about an utterly terrifying and all too plausible America where women are only allowed to speak 100 words per day. Women are not allowed to work outside the home, not taught to read or write. If you’re thinking scary, you’re right and if you’re worried about the real current political regime we are living under in this country….you should be. The solution lies in women themselves, one in particular in this book, Dr. Jean McClellan, who refuses to accept this new reality and vows to take back her voice and that of every other woman in the country. Don’t be afraid to read this book, be afraid not to

This was an awesome read! The government wanting things like back in the day when woman were seen not heard. To enforce this they put bracelet type word counters on all woman’s wrists with a 100 word a day limit! One woman finds a way to fight back!

This book was the first I've sat and read in one sitting in quite a long time - I found it utterly gripping. There were some aspects of the world building (particularly the bracelets) which I would have liked to have seen explored a bit further (my head was full of "but what if...?" questions). However, this was overall a heart-pounding, thought-provoking read.

This is a type of book that I usually do not read. It was very thought provoking and dealt with many issues of today. I did enjoy this dystopian thriller but I felt the ending was a little rushed. I will definitely purchase this book and recommend it to my patrons.