The Rundown
1,803 Things presents itself as a collection of thoughts meant to expand your thinking. An introduction at the beginning of the book explains that as people get older, their thoughts become more repetitive and narrowed. 1,803 Things is meant to broaden the reader’s thinking through humor, shock, and discomfort. The things themselves are not organized in any particular order, nor is the book divided into chapters or sections. Instead, it provides a stream of consciousness experience for the reader as they weave their way through the inner workings of a set of unique and curious minds.
Like anything that contains 1,803 parts, the things in question are a mixed bag. When they’re good, they’re fantastic. Brown and Horton have a way with wordplay, incorporating puns and alliteration throughout the entries in ways that earn a chuckle or a good-natured groan. Many reference artistic or popular culture in funny and unexpected ways. Other “things” are unexpectedly haunting, nestling themselves in the brain much longer than the reader might anticipate. Since there are no patterns, the reader can’t be sure what will come next, leaving them open to appreciate the unexpected.
There are points where the collection falls flat. Many attempts at edginess come across as trying too hard, lessening their effect. There are too many entries that rely on flatulence or women’s bodies for shock value, causing parts of the collection to become repetitive. While the collection is still worth the read, the authors could have removed half of the fart and gynecologist jokes and been left with a sleek, witty book of thought exercises.
1,803 Things is a quick, original read. Despite its flaws, it does what it sets out to do. The thoughts contained within it are provoking, often shocking, and laugh-out-loud funny.
The Recommendation
1,803 Things is recommended for fans of comedy and those who are into an experimental style of writing. However, it is short and does not have a narrative to it, so it is not recommended for anybody looking for anything with a deeply-absorbing plot or style.
The Rating
3.5 Stars (out of 5): Pretty good. For the right audience, this could be great. Sure, there were some issues, but it was still worth the read.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Humor, Unique StyleCons: Predictable
