The premise is interesting and takes the idea of an unreliable narrator to a new level, but I just couldn't get into this book. I'll give it another shot at some point.

This book was certainly . . . interesting. Told completely from Dex’s perception, you’re seeing things only through his eyes. Meaning if he can’t tell the difference between what is actually happening and what he is only hallucinating, you can’t, either. And because Dex is high for nearly the entire length of the novel, things quickly become distorted and it’s easy to become as confused as he is.

I think ‘confused’ is a great way for me to describe how this book left me. It was good in its own right, with wonderful imagery and a neat writing style. Every so often the narrative would be interrupted with stage directions, Dex trying to direct the movie that is his entire life. While these scenes show him trying to get a hold on things, they also show that everything he is telling you could be a complete lie. And every person reading the book has to ask themselves-What is real?

Some of the minor characters had the potential to be great in their supporting roles, but didn’t seem to quite get there. They had the means, but weren’t shown in a way that really relates them to the reader. I didn’t like that everyone in the story seemed so foreign, like nothing like this could ever happen.

Some warnings before you pick this up: There’s heavy language in this book, along with adult themes, the most obvious being drug use.

I give What is Real 3/5 stars. While some parts of it were good, I don’t think I’ll be rereading this one. ( )

I loved the synopsis on the back of the book. The book itself? Not so much. I couldn't get over the whole play aspect. As if the reader is watching what is happening to the main character. I understand why the author did this, but it just didn't work. Maybe one day I'll pick it up and give it another chance, but only as a last resort.

I really couldn't get into this book. I started, stopped and then tried again. It didn't really capture my attention, but I still might try again. Hopefully something will work out. ( )

Dex has had a rough year. His dad has tried to commit suicide, and he's had to move back home to take care of him. His mother and stepfather blame him for what happened to his stepbrouther. He's given up on life.

These things would make one think he would be a sympathetic character, but I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in him - he's misleading and so stoned he doesn't care about anything. He complains instead of picking up the pieces and trying to move on.

This lack of redeemable qualities made is extremely difficult to continue with this book; I had to start it three separate times due to lack of interest. This lack of interest continued throughout the book. ( )