Is This a Novel or Something?…Everyone and Their Dog is Regressing, It’s F**king Ridiculous

My Thoughts on Is This a Novel or Something?…Everyone and Their Dog is Regressing, It’s F**king Ridiculous

This title alone grabbed my attention, and after diving in, I can confidently say "Is This a Novel or Something?…Everyone and Their Dog is Regressing, It’s F**king Ridiculous" is definitely… something. It's a wild ride that takes the overdone regression trope and throws it into a blender with Korean pop culture, internet memes, and a healthy dose of absurdity. Whether you'll enjoy the resulting smoothie seems to depend heavily on your tolerance for chaos and your familiarity with the source material.

First Impressions

My initial reaction was… bewilderment, followed by a chuckle. The premise is undeniably unique: a world where everyone except our protagonist, Kim Shin-woo, can regress, leading to a reality constantly shifting based on countless unseen do-overs. Shin-woo's ability to see these regressions, coupled with his training from a badass-turned-bum next-door neighbor, sets the stage for a story that promises to be anything but ordinary.

What Works Well

The humor is definitely the novel's strongest suit. It’s crass, irreverent, and often relies on breaking the fourth wall, which can be a hit or miss for readers. Shin-woo’s cynical perspective as the only "normal" guy in a world of regressors is genuinely funny, and his interactions with his eccentric neighbor provide a consistent source of comedic gold. The plot, while chaotic, keeps you guessing, and the constant timeline shifts add an element of unpredictability that keeps things fresh. I found the characters to be surprisingly well-developed, especially considering the story's comedic focus.

Areas of Concern

I can see why some readers might find the humor grating after a while. It's not for the faint of heart, and if you're not a fan of crude language and constant pop culture references, this novel might not be for you. Several readers pointed out that the world-building takes a backseat to the humor, which can make it difficult to feel invested in the story beyond the jokes. Also, a deep understanding of Korean and Japanese pop culture seems almost essential to fully appreciate many of the jokes, which could alienate some readers.

Final Verdict

"Is This a Novel or Something?…Everyone and Their Dog is Regressing, It’s F**king Ridiculous" is a polarizing novel. If you’re looking for a serious, plot-driven fantasy with deep world-building, this isn’t it. However, if you're in the mood for something completely off-the-wall, irreverent, and laugh-out-loud funny, and you have a decent understanding of Korean and Japanese pop culture, then give it a shot. Just be prepared for a wild ride. I'd give it a solid 3.5/5.