First, I received this as an Arc on NetGalley and I so appreciate the opportunity to review this before release. I was genuinely excited to read this but that excitement did not last the length of the read. There are a couple quick bullets I will put here that crafted my opinion on this book.

1. This felt like the literary version of Jason's TikTok stream. Although I laugh generally at his content and albeit, the reason I wanted to read this, it didn't translate well to page. There is plenty of action but it all felt sort of nonsensical and loosely crafted to weave meme imagery mixed with deep internet humor unnecessarily.

2. The length. My god why was this so long. I think there could have been 100 pages removed from this novel and still gotten the point across.

3. The first quarter of the book is the best part. I kept waiting for something meaningful as I read but I lost complete intrigue after they were on the road in earnest.

I did find it entertaining and at times laughed out loud but I couldn't recommend this book as it is just not for me.

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom
By Jason Pargin, narrated by Ari Fliakos

Twenty six year old Abbott Coburn has mostly failed to launch in life according to those who know him face to face. He's a Lyft driver because his dad made him get a job due to the fact that he spends all his free time in front of his computer, ranting and raving to his internet audience, and once a week, trying a new fast food that'll he'll eat in front of his loyal (or not so loyal) audience. Abbott seems very, very low key but he's got a steaming hot anger inside of him and as it comes out I like him less and less. When we first meet Abbott I felt for him, he seems steeped in self doubt, self hatred, and lack of self esteem but really there is so much more to him and boy, did I ever get tired of his constant whining and making excuses.

When a woman offers Abbott $200,000 cash to drive her and a black box across country, no questions allowed, Abbott does his lazy best to get out of the job. He just wants to go back to his room so he can do what he always does when he's not having to work this stupid job his dad made him get. Instead, Abbott finally takes the fare and the box, planning to get out of this huge blip to his existence as soon as he can. But a zillion things get in his way and you'd think there would be a lot of life lessons in getting Abbott out in the public, doing something different, but I think most of them are lost on him. As I get to know Abbott better, I know I liked him best when I didn't know him so well.

There are a lot of funny one, two, or three liners in this story. We meet a ton of people, there are a lot of POVs, and some of my favorite parts of the story were the Reddit entries. You can read really dumb things on Reddit and you get to read really dumb things here, too. The author nailed the Reddit chatter and how truthful comments can be buried into oblivion while wacko, inaccurate, cruel comments can take off like wildfire. The story does a good job of showing some of the worst of social media but I think the story is too long and too chaotic with all the input from everyone. But that's what social media is, garbage, all kinds of garbage, influencing people not willing or able to think for themselves. There are a lot of messages here and one of them is that it's important to realize forming a belief system based on what strangers on the internet say is not a good way to live.

I was able to read the ebook and listen to the audiobook. The narrator does a great slacker voice for Abbott, as if he's about to fall asleep as soon as he can get away from whatever bothersome task he's supposed to do. I enjoy how the woman he picks up won't let him get away with whining and whinging his way across country, not that she's an expert at making perfect life decisions.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This isn’t a book that I would have requested, but I was invited by the Publisher to read it, and I did LOVE the INTRIGUING premise so, I gave it a chance-but it wasn’t for me.

OUTLIER OPINION:

Outside Los Angeles, a Lyft driver named Abbott pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. It was the type that musicians use to haul their concert gear, and this one was covered in band stickers, including one that said RADIOACTIVE.

Her name is Ether, and she offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and the box across the country, to Washington, DC. They MUST leave immediately, arrive by July 4th and leave ALL trackable devices behind.

THE RULES:

No looking inside the box.
No asking what is inside of it
No telling anyone where they are going until the road trip is over.

Over the course of FIVE days, MANY will find themselves in pursuit of the pair and the box, including but not limited to, a tattooed guy, a retired FBI agent, Abbott’s father and those on Social Media who get wind of this “road trip” and begin to spread their own conspiracy theories which true to life, become increasingly outrageous.

Will a thread on Reddit solve the mystery?

What IS actually in the “black box of doom”? I had a theory which was not correct, but I preferred what I was thinking to the actual ending, which to me was not only strange but very underwhelming.

The book is MORE “social commentary” than thriller and at 400 pages, it just felt WAY TOO LONG for this reader. I found myself wanting to skim days two through five!

Though not a fit for me, I’m guessing that those who regularly read the author’s work, and have a better idea of what to expect, may find this book more satisfying. Or perhaps it will work for those who enjoy participating in Social Media threads about current events or crime.

AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

What a quirky, thought provoking, intelligent book. I went in blind and wasn't sure what to expect. This was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed it very much.

Abbott is a Lyft driver that responds to a ride call from Ether and gets more than he bargained for. She needs a ride from L.A. to D.C. by the fourth of July and there's a few rules: don't ask what's in the box, don't try to open it, and don't tell anyone where they are going/what they are doing. Little do they know they are about to attract a lot of attention.

I would describe this as general fiction, maybe speculative fiction, but I don't think that sci fi/fantasy really applied. There's a lot of current day observation that I think may resonate with certain readers, particularly those familiar with Reddit and streamers on Twitch. I landed in this spot where I'm familiar with many occurrences or things because my brothers are familiar with them, but I'm not steeped in those communities or countries. So I'm not sure I'm the target audience even though I can appreciate some of what the book is doing. If you enjoy multiple narratives interspersed with Reddit posts and Twitch comments, you may really enjoy this book.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book is due to be published 9/24/24.

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin

Jason Pargin has a way of writing characters and scenarios that make you think. I mean, realllly think.

This novel is a humorous, honest, biting critique of our current internet-dominated society. It opens the conversation about isolation and anger, miscommunication between family and strangers, what it means to be human and happy.

You're not going to like every character (or maybe you are)...but that's the point. Pushing past discomfort to analyze why you're uncomfortable, or, why something doesn't bother you.

If you want an insightful, timely, funny read, pick this Pargin novel up September 24th.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @JasonKPargin for the advance reader's edition.




#netgalley #bookreviews #booktok #fantasy #SciFi #horror #author #reviews #books #arcs #suspense #thriller #comedy #politicalhumor #fiction #advancereaderproof #fyp #foryoupage #Gothic #queerhorror #queer #lgbtqia #lgbt #ace #ImStartingToWorryAboutThisBlackBoxOfDoom #JasonPargin #DavidWong

This book just wasn't for me. I liked the concept of this book, but unfortunately, I didn't like the end result. Some parts of this novel were fun and clever, but I wanted more depth from the main character. This book is cute and harmless, but I like novels that are quirkier and eccentric.

A couple of years ago, I found myself unfollowing Jason Pargin on Instagram because he had become a Video Observer guy, i.e. he’ll throw up a screenshot of whatever behind him and Talk About It for a while

This felt like an entire book dedicated to that “observing” of reddit, and it reeeeeeeally didn’t work for me. There’s not really any significant commentary to be had, and while Pargin’s author’s note suggests that it’s intended to be “thought-provoking,” the thought I remember having most was, “oh brother.” There was maaaaaybe an opportunity to be had for the “black box” concept to be clever, but the second the title starts appearing within the book, it lands with a fat thud. Additionally, the prose kind of toes a line between humor and seriousness, but it never really tilts in either direction. It’s like, I could observe when I was experiencing either a funny or poignant moment, but I wasn’t experiencing those emotions. Closest I got to a laugh was a few sharp breaths at the Reddit posts

I do feel sad about this, as I have a decade-spanning affection for the John Dies at the End series. I adored it in high school, and when I met my husband, I actually mailed a copy to his house. I’ve gifted it to a few people. I disliked I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom so much that it made me reevaluate ever having loved the JDATE series. Bummer!

"Speculative Fiction "is becoming my new favorite genre. It is nearly always a commentary on our culture and "what if"? scenarios reminiscent of the classic show "The Twilight Zone." And what a title!

Abbott picks up Ether as a Lyft and quickly embarks on a cross country adventure. She has a large black box and they are not allowed top open it, but it must be in Washington DC in four days. $200,000 is on the line. His dad is worried when he sees Abbott is gone and the mind hive of reddit gets involved. Drama ensues!

My favorite part of the book is some of the conversations that Ether and Abbott have on the road. She helps him see things differently and how we can be subject to propaganda through media and how we can become the product instead of the customer. There were 3 or 4 conversations that were definitely intriguing.

The ending was...interesting.

Thanks to @netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC. Book to be published September 24, 2024.

What a wild ride. This one is different enough from both the Zoey and JDATE series. I would consider it more of a comedy thriller. There could not be a better time for this book to come out. Abbot and Esther's dynamic is such a wild ride to read. I love that this book has multiple points of view. We get to see the situation from all sides, and it's so much fun. Can't wait for everyone to pick this one up this fall.

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a dark humor novel. I enjoyed the first quarter. But then the narrative just seemed to drag on without going anywhere. It then began to be a tedious read with me wanting to get to the end as quickly as possible. I think part of the problem for me were the many multiple points of view. There were at least six and possibly more. And I got lost with the streaming chats on the main character's social media account.

I was hoping for a bit more substance (thriller/mystery) rather than conversation and thoughts about the situation at hand. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy dark/snarky humor. But this novel didn't deliver or appeal to me as much as it did for other readers. A DNF at 32%

I was invited to read a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

What a wild ride and journey you take reading I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom.

Abbott Coburn when approached at gas station to by Ether to drive him and the mystery black box across the country and back for $200,000 he simply cannot refuse.

There are rules Abbot (full of anxiety) has to follow: don't look in the box and no devices that people can track him with.

If it sounds to good to be true then it often is.

Considering someone else wants this black box and the madcap journey begins.

The FBI is tracking, social media is buzzing.

No spoilers here so as not to ruin the fun for the reader with this cast of delightful, quirky and laugh out loud moments.

This was my first but not last Jason Pargin book.

Don't miss out on this wild adventure, grab your copy and you wont be disappointed.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press for the copy of I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin. The description was intriguing - what was in the box that was so important? Where were they going? I had a tough time getting interested in the characters. There were so many and they were all too quirky for me to care about, or to be realistic. This had potential, it just wasn’t the right book for me. 3 stars.

This book was a wild ride. It gave me Dirk Gently and Utopia vibes, along with that John Dies at the End feeling, naturally. While it got a bit too pedantic at times, overall I was pleasantly surprised by the story and even how it tied things up in the end.

I've been reading Jason Pargin since he was David Wong. He's so weird and wild, with such a distinctive way of talking about people and telling stories. This book isn't related to one of his series, but it's just as weird. A rideshare driver reluctantly agrees to transport this black box of doom, with no idea of how wild this ride is going to be. The book is a little long, but definitely action packed and with his trademark dark humor. Hopefully, there will be many more to come from this fascinating author. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

**4 out of 5 stars**

*An Entertaining and Thought-Provoking Ride*

Jason Pargin's *I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom* is an engaging and thought-provoking read that blends humor, horror, and existential dread in a way that only Pargin can. The novel is a wild ride from start to finish, full of unexpected twists, darkly comic moments, and deep reflections on the nature of reality.

Pargin's signature style—witty, irreverent, and often bizarre—shines through in this book. The story's premise, revolving around a mysterious black box that seems to defy the laws of physics and logic, serves as a perfect vehicle for exploring some of the big questions about existence, technology, and the human condition. The characters are quirky and well-drawn, and their interactions provide plenty of laughs and food for thought.

What really stands out is Pargin's ability to balance the absurd with the profound. While the plot can get a bit chaotic at times, with some threads feeling slightly underdeveloped, the overall experience is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Fans of Pargin's previous work, especially those who enjoy his unique blend of horror and humor, will find much to love here.

However, the book's complexity and occasional narrative tangents might not be for everyone. Some readers might find themselves lost in the more surreal aspects of the story or wishing for a tighter plot. But for those who appreciate Pargin's offbeat storytelling, *I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom* is a satisfying and memorable read.

Overall, this book delivers on its promise of a bizarre and enjoyable journey, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers. If you're a fan of dark humor and speculative fiction that challenges your perceptions, this book is definitely worth your time.

With a title like this, I just had to see what this black box was! This was a wild ride; Clever and funny and action packed and suspenseful and just a wild good time! I loved it all.

The premise of Jason Pargin's newest novel would make an excellent clickbait headline: What is in the black box being transported to the nation's capitol, and what do we know about the influencer and Uber driver transporting it? This built-in drama makes sense for a book concerned with virality and the spread of information in the age of social media. I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom begins as a road trip novel and slowly transforms into a philosophical inquiry into a wide range of hot button issues, including misinformation, the rise of incel culture, the intrusion of online conflict into lived reality, and the impact of existential negativity on the way people see the world.

Pargin's interest seems to be more in interpreting and critiquing our particular cultural moment than in the complexities of his characters, and while I found many of the ideas in the novel compelling, I was bored by long conversations that functioned more as explorations of hot button issues than organic outgrowths of character personalities. I loved the inclusion of posts on Reddit message boards to track the way that small mysteries (what's in the box?) take on the weight of contemporary conspiracy (is it Russian? alien? nuclear?), but it wasn't until the end of the novel that I felt drawn into the human drama of the main characters' competing interests and experiences. In general, the bit players were more interesting to me than Ether and Abbott, the drivers. As an artifact of the impact of technology on our self-perception and relationships with others, I'm Starting to Worry is a worthwhile read; as a novel, it leaves something to be desired.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of response from St. Martin's Press for the racist, Islamophobic, and queerphobic comments made by one of their employees I cannot review this title.I tried holding off on sending this "review" to give SMP time to do the right thing in response to this boycott, but I can't have this continuing to hurt my feedback ratio when it's out of my control.

A Lyft driver who would much rather be at home streaming on Twitch pulls up to find a woman around his age sitting in a parking lot with a large black box. The woman (Ether) offers the driver (Abbott) $200,000 to load up the box and drive her and it across the country from California to a Washington D.C. area suburb in time for the Fourth of July holiday in a few days. But there are certain things he must agree to: no phone, laptop, or GPS. No questions about or looking in the box. No one can know about what they are doing, why they are doing it, or where they are going. Suspicious but unable to find a way to say no to the increasingly desperate woman, Abbott agrees, leaving a cryptic video on his Twitch channel and a note for his father before the trip begins. What seems like an exceedingly strange but straightforward job quickly escalates into a cross-country manhunt fueled by rumor, speculation, and conspiracy theories.

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is a book that defies easy classification. It has humor and action, suspense and mystery, family conflict and untraditional friendship. Author Jason Pargin also uses his pages to write about our current culture at the extremes, how much has changed in culture and society, and the arguments offered that we are better off or on the edge of annihilation.

The book is likely longer than it needs to be. Maybe Pargin goes on too long at times, expounding on conspiracy theories and using his characters to explain diverging viewpoints on deeply divisive topics. It feels like a little much at times. Even so, the story is propulsive and interesting--even if you just want to finally find out what, exactly, is in the black box.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.