I unfortunately did not connect with this story so after about 25% i decided to put it down. There was a slight disconnect between the writing, the characters and the plot and for that it just did not work for me.

I didn’t enjoy reading this as much as I had hoped, but I think I’ll find myself reflecting on it for a while. The Candy House reads as a collection of linked short stories. I really connected with some characters, like Lana and Gregory, while others just didn’t grab my attention at all.

The concept—about a world where people can upload and access their own and others' memories—was fascinating, and Egan’s writing is undeniably sharp. There were moments of brilliance, especially in the way she experiments with structure and perspective.

That said, the book felt disjointed. It jumps between multiple characters and timelines, and while some of the individual stories were compelling, others felt harder to connect with. At times, it read more like a collection of loosely linked vignettes than a cohesive novel, which made it tough to stay emotionally invested.

I appreciate what Egan was trying to do—there’s a lot to unpack about technology, privacy, and human connection—but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Still, if you enjoy ambitious, thought-provoking literary fiction with a unique structure, it’s worth checking out.

She certainly has a way with words!

An interesting premise, but one that I guess I struggled with. Which is surprising, given the reception that people have had to this book, or even more importantly, the author's first book.

The Candy House is an ambitious and thought-provoking dive into the intersections of technology, memory, and human connection. Jennifer Egan’s signature storytelling shines through a kaleidoscope of voices and formats, creating a novel that feels both intimate and expansive. The concept of "Own Your Unconscious" – a tech that allows memory sharing – is as unsettling as it is fascinating, sparking questions about privacy, authenticity, and the cost of knowledge.

While the narrative can feel fragmented at times, the emotional weight and sharp insights pull everything together, making it a compelling read. Egan’s writing is rich, inventive, and filled with moments that linger long after the final page. If you enjoy novels that challenge convention and make you reflect on the world around you, The Candy House is worth picking up.

This is not a light reading choice. It was meant to make you think and it does this with every chapter. The back story is the ability to remember every memory and share them with others. Each chapter tells the story of an individual and how the ability has change their lives. The links between characters is sometimes hard to see but if you can share with everyone, you'd not always have a connection with the "stream" you share to or receive. Moving through the years, the stories move forwards and backwards as they unfold. A very different kind of reading experience.

I went into this thinking that it was going to be closer sequel to A Visit From The Goon Squad than it actually was. I'm not disappointed, though. I read the book more than ten years ago and the details are foggy. That said, I fell into this book like I fell into Jennifer Egan's previous novels. Her writing is so good that she makes it look seamless. I loved the oddball characters we met here and the call backs to Goon Squad (though I probably missed a few). I'm sad it took me so long to read it but I'm glad I did.

What to say about Jennifer Egan that hasn't already been said? This might be even better than A Visit from the Goon Squad, IMO, but maybe it's because I just finished it. Either way, it's pure excellence.

Such an interesting format and concept. I hadn't seen that before. I liked this book, but it felt a little strange to me also. I just wasn't expecting it. It will definitely live in my head for some time.

Jennifer Egan’s The Candy House is the story of Bix and his technology that will allow people to remember every memory they’ve ever had. This beautifully written, creative book will take you on a roller coaster of a ride as you experience a range of emotions. I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this well-written, must-read book.

I thought this was even better than Goon Squad. The themes of memory, tech and nostalgia are more interesting to me than Goon Squads music biz.

I was rabid about Goon Squad so I was so excited for this one. But unfortunately it didn't grab me the same way it's sister novel did, and I found myself easily distracted and pulled away from the pages. I think if I had been in a college-level studies of fiction class (which is the setting in which I read AVFTGS) I would enjoy the discussion and be convinced that I liked it more than I did, but unfortunately my book club didn't feel the same way.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

"The Candy House" takes you on a mesmerizing journey into a future where technology and human desires collide in a breathtaking way. Jennifer Egan's narrative style is a kaleidoscope of voices and perspectives, weaving a story that explores memory, connection, and the price of desire. It's like a 19th-century novel on a flash drive, both intellectually dazzling and emotionally moving. A must-read for those who crave a glimpse into the future of human longing.

Anything written by Jennifer Egan is going to be great. And this book was no different!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you for this copy!

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan is the long-awaited sequel to Pulitzer Prize winner A Visit From the Goon Squad. I prepped for this book by re-reading the prequel, and having that frame of reference only added to my enjoyment of The Candy House and the world that Egan builds. With a focus on the next generation of people in Egan’s sphere, there are enough callbacks to the events of Goon Squad to make this an extension of the original book, a guide to how long-ago events continue to reverberate many years later. There is a continued undercurrent of the psychology of technological advancement, which feels both futuristic and current. Most importantly, it’s all wrapped up with great writing and heartfelt character development. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So intriguing to return to Jennifer Egan's signature style and characters from Goon Squad in this newer book, another collection of stories linked by concept, this time electric dance. Egan is an undeniably cerebral writer, causing the reader to examine massive existential questions through her work, and The Candy House does that as Goon Squad did years ago.

Jennifer Egan's 'The Candy House' is an intellectual masterpiece that transports readers into a world where technology, desire, and the complexities of human connection collide. From the opening pages, Egan's storytelling prowess shines as she introduces us to the staggeringly brilliant Bix Bouton, a tech demi-god seeking a new idea to reignite his restless spirit. As Bix delves into the realm of memory manipulation through the revolutionary technology called "Own Your Unconscious," Egan deftly explores the ramifications of accessing and exchanging memories. The concept is brilliantly brought to life, and offers a thought-provoking examination of the boundaries between privacy, connection, and the price one pays for indulging in desires.

Egan's prose is nothing short of mesmerizing. It is a testament to her ability to tackle complex themes with grace and elegance, while still captivating readers with a narrative that is both intellectually dazzling and emotionally resonant. Solid 5 star read for me.

I sometimes find science fiction as a genre inaccessible, and I felt like most of this book went over my head. Perhaps if I had the context of having read A Visit from the Goon Squad I’d feel differently. Almost every chapter is written in a different style, from a different perspective, which contributed to a feeling of disjointedness I could not shake. I did not feel invested in any of the characters, which also contributed to my slow slog through this book.

I couldn't get through this book. The first story was good but none of the other stories grabbed me. I've had Jennifer Egan on the show with prior books. Loved the Goon Squad and Manhattan was a good one, too.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the copy.