Review of Call Me Adam

[Amanda Gibbs]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Call Me Adam" by Jo McCarty.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Imagine living in a world where death is everywhere, but you can’t die no matter how hard you try. That’s Louie’s life in Call Me Adam by Jo McCarty, a story set in a post-pandemic world where a deadlier flu virus wreaks havoc. This gripping tale combines survival, unexpected connections, and the challenges of immortality to create a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
 
The story begins with Louie, who lives alone in his town after everyone else succumbs to a deadly flu. Louie has a strange problem—he can’t stay dead. With everyone else dead, Louie is left alone, trapped in a frustrating cycle of life and death. Meanwhile, Katherine, a journalist in New York, is dealing with her own struggles. The once-busy streets are now eerily silent, and she’s trying to care for a baby while mourning loved ones lost to the virus. Katherine's path eventually leads her to Louie after he calls her with shocking news about his town being wiped out. Their shared experiences bring them together, as they face danger and uncertainty while caring for a baby left in Katherine’s care.
 
What I loved most about this story is that it felt incredibly real. Louie’s frustration with his immortality and Katherine’s resilience added emotional depth, especially moments like Sharon’s death and Katherine’s bond with baby Ana. The vivid descriptions of a changed world—from shuttered businesses to Katherine’s mask tugging during a street chat—made the story immersive. The editing was flawless, adding to the smooth reading experience.
 
I give Call Me Adam 5 out of 5 stars because it is exceptionally well edited, and I couldn’t find anything to dislike about this book. It’s an emotional, thought-provoking story that stays with you long after the last page. If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore survival, resilience, and the human condition, this is a must-read. It’s a reflection of how life can endure, even amid loss and uncertainty.
 

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Call Me Adam
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