Review of Random Patterns

[Gabriel Elenbalulu]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Random Patterns" by Ken MacKennick.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Ken MacKennick's Random Patterns is about a man who, despite securing a happy future with a large exit package, thinks his life has been empty and ruled by others. His journey includes extensive travel and study of old cultures, but also darker times of useless sexual meetings and a deep sense of being used. As he nears retirement, he grapples with lost love, particularly with a woman named Kitt, and the coldness of his marriage to Ginger.

The story runs through his internal fights, dreams, and the strange reality of his work with the Newton Project, which has eerie themes of genetic editing and a secret goal. Themes in the book include the search for meaning, the complexity of human relationships, and the haunting question of whether we are masters of our fate or merely pawns in a bigger plan.

The lessons in this book are so profound, and I like the way it speaks to the importance of self-reflection and genuine happiness. I also like to say that the characters in the book are deeply flawed, which makes them relatable to me. Ken, for instance, is a symbol of every man’s struggle against the existential dread of an unremarkable life. The author's writing style is something I should appreciate most, especially because of how it is laced with a poetic melancholy that resonates on a personal level. All these combined made the book unique and worth reading. 

I recommend this book to everyone who appreciates challenging, provocative reading that questions the way you understand life and your part in it. If you're in your twenties or in the twilight years, this book has something to offer you in the form of viewpoints and lessons you may have been missing. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

Indeed, there's nothing to dislike about this book. This statement is made in light of the book's ability to go beyond a straightforward narrative and instead take me on a very personal and relatable trip through someone else's life. The author has a way of expressing issues of human experience to their core, presenting them in all their pure brilliance. I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because of the relatable writing.

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Random Patterns
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