The original concept and vividly human characters initially make for a great read. Coupland has always had a knack for writing about his demographic, and has become the voice of a lost generation (not unlike Hemingway in this respect). This is a story about teenagers that never become adults, and never find anything worthwhile in the world, although they are never quite aware of these facts. The everyday malaise conveyed through the lives of the characters is realistic and engaging. The moment Karen awakens from her coma is truly moving. Karen becomes the key in revealing how empty and unfulfilling life has become for everyone. After Karen awakes, however, is when I get lost. The book takes a gradual downhill slide, then a sharp drop into a millennial apocalypse tale. To me, it feels like Coupland ran out of plot ideas about a third of the way through with this one. Still, plot is only the most obvious facet of a novel, and there is still much to like about this book if you can get past the storyline.