Goodreads review of Jess Walter’s The Zero

The ZeroThe Zero by Jess Walter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel is stunning, as in emotionally and intellectually. If you read this book trying to add plot threads – 1 + 2 = X – you will miss the power and beauty (yes, beauty) of this novel, which is the experience of reading it.

Jeff Walter’s prose grabs you, his images shake you, and he is able to perfectly capture confusion, the kind that would naturally consume anyone who was part of, or lived near, Ground Zero (thus the title) on 9-11.

Please read this book without trying to understand it. You will be glad you did. I have read The Zero twice, and many sections of it more times than that, and I will continue to re-read it over the years – each time I do I feel as if someone has massaged my brain, and for that I am always thankful.