Johnny Rich has written a real thought provoker with his debut novel. He tells us the story of a young man who doesn't really feel as though he belongs anywhere until he meets his perfect lover. But our hero, if we can call him that, is clearly struggling with a mass of insecurities and uncertainties, starting with his familial relationships but stretching into every corner of his life. It's a beautifully written book which uses philosophy, psychology, theology and science to structure the story and get into the workings of our hero's brain. If you have an interest in philosophy then this is a novel that will grab you and keep you hooked. My only complaint was the lack of a decent female character! But that's a minor (and quite personal) gripe - it's a great book and one that I will look forward to reading again.

This combined science, philosophy,mental health, love, relationships.....well, life really!

Some of the descriptions of alcohol/ cocaine intoxication, and being stoned on cannabis were excellent

I think the main issue was about predetermination of life......but there was so much more in it

At times it could be hard work, but worth putting the effort in

A very carefully sculptured work

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which brings together the role of DNA, upbringing and a dose of philosophy on what determines who we become. Long after finishing it, my mind was still wandering back to the issues it raised. Chris is a gay scientist working on the Human Genome project, being steadily pushed to write a PhD on the existence of a 'gay gene', while himself pushing away from his family ties, including his straight, womanising twin brother. Although I found the main character egocentric and not particularly likeable, the story was compelling and the science explained in a way that even an ignoramus like me could understand. A definite recommendation.

Very good first publication. I look forward to more publications from Red Button. Johnny Rich weaves an intricate and challenging narrative.

Hands down my book of the year. Brave, intelligent and gloriously unsettling. Tackling the big, beautiful, murky questions of science and genetics, 'nature/nurture', love, life, death... there are few books I finish and have to start at the beginning again but this was one of them.

I was pulled into this book from the very beginning. You’re introduced into the world of the main protagonist in layers, with each of the first few chapters giving you bite to go into the next. It’s a book set against subjects of heavy weight, yet managing to negotiate the questions it raises without losing its humour, sensitivity or interest. Throughly enjoyed this book, and all it’s layers.

I was bit out of my comfort zone with this novel and for a time it took me a while to feel really comfortable with the story. That's not to say the book is badly written, far from it, it's really very cleverly put together, it's more that my involvement in the story took a while to develop.

Chris Putnam is a scientist working on the Human Genome Project. On the surface he seems an average young man but he is troubled by indecision and feels that his life is drifting aimlessly. He fears the loss of stability which is further compounded by the ending of a relationship and the loss of his father. Changes in circumstance force Chris into making some difficult decisions.

This is a slow burner of a novel which takes a while to really get going but I'm glad I stuck with the story and commend the author on an original and highly innovative novel.

In terms of literary achievement, this book ticks many boxes: a good plot, an engaging romance story, mystery and narrative experimentation. The protagonist, Chris Putnam, is a scientist, a lab assistant whose initial view of the world is one built on logic and evidence. I say initial, because as the novel goes on, his perceptions and thoughts begin to change as certain events unfold. What’s quite interesting is that the text is set in a scientific thesis form – i.e it actually includes footnotes. These don’t interrupt the flow of the book, in fact they give it an added depth.

The Human Script explores reality, morality, and religion. It is fascinating, especially in the context of Chris and Dan’s relationship as twin brothers. Dan Putnam is highly artistic, reckless, and confident. Chris is science and logic-driven and often extremely insecure. Their differences outweigh their similarities in many ways.

Chris grew up stubborn and unrelenting about his scientific beliefs, especially his conviction that it is not God who dictates a person’s nature and lifestyle, and that it is in fact DNA and genes that determine them. This leads Chris to constantly question whether it is because of this that his relationship with his father was unable to be mended before his father died. Should he have been so steadfast and unmoving just because his religious father could not understand his life choices? Should he have put these differences aside for the sake of more important things? With the loss of his father as a trigger point, Chris begins to doubt the world around him and, more specifically, the nature of his reality. Is his belief system actually right? Or has he been closed-minded over the years?

Here I can understand why the novel was discovered and produced by Red Button Publishing, where it may not have been recognised for the great achievement that it is in a ‘Big 5′ mainstream publishing house. The book is incredibly clever and smart, and really made me think, while keeping me entertained to the end. The characters were engaging, and the plot was gripping. If you want to try something truly different and unique, I would highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed it.

Read my full review here: https://wordsaremycraft.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/the-human-script-by-johnny-rich/

I bought this because I was hoping that somewhere in the Chromosomes in lieu of Chapters, there might be information, however broad, about human chromosomes. Instead, I was delighted to find an expose of how what we habitually think can lead us to be just that unless we change our thought patterns. An entertaining view of the human condition, with the author inserting himself into the story. I did enjoy it.

I only gave this book four stars because the beginning was extremely slow and it took a lot of effort to read. It picked up though and I couldn't put it down towards the end.