A pseudo sci-fi psychiatry affair (K-Pax - Gene Brewer)

Member Name: illogicology

Product:	K-Pax - Gene Brewer
Date:	26/01/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gripping from start to finish

Disadvantages: Followed by much less effective sequels

K-PAX is a book that defies prediction while tempting it on every page. I think that is why the book is so impossible to put down and ultimately so satisfying to finish. When I first read K-PAX it had already been given two follow ups, I see that Gene Brewer has written a fourth though the first was always the best so I don't expect much fanfare for the new book.

K-PAX presents the case notes of psychiatris, Dr. "Brewer" (named after the author) as he attempts to discover the secrets of a patient who believes himself to be an alien. Brewer is also compelled to work to a deadline as the alien, "prot" claims he will soon be leaving the planet. Meanwhile prot's calm and insightful manner is having an effect on the other patients.

K-PAX is at its heart, a book about insecurities and confidence. Brewer (author) has written characters that reflect our own insecurities and uses the backdrop of a hospital to magnify them. The alien, prot's unwavering self confidence providing an interesting commentary on how we define sanity. Brewer also populates his hospital with fascinating background characters, each a consideration of human psychology. Clearly inspired by Oliver Sacks' "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat," the hospital is thoroughly absorbing and providing the reader a real interest in the future of each supporting character. The mark of an excellent novel.

K-PAX is highly readable, the clinical "notes" style is also warm and creative. It is also gripping from the first page to the last and highly recommended.

Summary: A fascinating story and wonderful examination of the mind