Good plot and ideas, but I do have some mixed feelings about both the executions and the character.
The first was too blurry for me, the latter I felt sometimes hard to empathize with.
Quick and pleasant read all in all.

Gary and Kenneth are twins. At age 11, they both suffered strokes. Kenneth is paralyzed and requires a speaking device. Gary is impaired but more highly functioning. Kenneth’s disabilities qualified him to use new technology to help him escape the physical and mental pain of his situation and become successful. Gary doesn’t meet the requirements to use the technology and his life is a daily struggle that has turned him into a bitter and miserable alcoholic. When Gary gets the opportunity to access the technology that has made his brother’s life so much easier to bear, he jumps at the chance. What happens next uncovers the costs of technology and the ethical side of scientific advancement.

I was very interested in the plot of this book. The premise brings up many thought-provoking points in the quest for technological and scientific progress. The vast differences in Gary and Kenneth’s lives showcase the value of such progress, but in the end, it questions the ethics of how and when the application of life-enhancing technology should be handled.

While the writing was good, this novel fell short on story in the end. I was turning the pages for the first ¾ of the book, but then I felt the plot went a bit off the rails. The ending did not wrap things up in a satisfactory way, and I found it quite disappointing considering where the story had been going. This one was only okay for me.

I didn't like this as much as I'd hoped, although it's a decent read. This is from an experienced author, so maybe this one is not the author's best work. There are some good surprises, and I liked some of the characters.

Thanks very much for the free review copy!!

OMG! This drew me in quickly and there was that instant tension of a drama unfolding. An incredibly well thought out, very original plotline and one I had not foreseen.

Not a genre I typically read, but it's written well and extremely descriptive - especially if you are into gory details (particularly bloody mucous, snot, and vomit - and swallowing these things). Not my favorite thing. It was intriguing to see how world can be like from a disabled perspective. The story kept my attention and was always interesting if not stressful. The character's feelings felt strong and believable. There is a lot of wanting sex or randomly having sex - I didn't expect that but I also didn't really understand it (it contributes to how the story confused me).

I don't know if this would count as good disability representation, since it is more about escapism. But I was confused by most of the story anyway. It's the kind of story that has to picked apart at the end to fully grasp what happened - unless that's just me
A quote: "coffee and acid blistered through his nose"

This book was so fresh and unique from what I usually read. It says it’s perfect for fans of Black Mirror and The Twilight Zone and while I’m not particularly a fan of either, I still enjoyed the various elements in the story.

Twin brothers Gary and Kenneth suffered pediatric strokes. Gary came out of it partially paralyzed on his left side. His brother wasn’t so lucky. Kenneth had an aneurysm and a complicated surgery after his stroke. He cannot do anything beyond swallow and open and close his eyes.

A new experimental system named Vicarious Joe has helped Kenneth dramatically overcome his limitations. He has a motivational speaker and engaged to a nurse.

Gary is living in his brothers shadow. He doesn’t qualify for the program however, a chance meeting with a programmer that helped create Vicarious Joe changes everything. He quickly finds himself in over he head.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did a wonderful job in portraying the characters. Other than that I don't really have anything else to say.