Skip to content »

Science Fiction Fantasy Blog

Our Discussion of Wool by Hugh Howey

Thousands of them have lived underground. They've lived there so long, there are only legends about people living anywhere else. Such a life requires rules. Strict rules. There are things that must not be discussed. Like going outside. Never mention you might like going outside.

Or you'll get what you wish for.  - Goodreads

Below are a sampling of our comments:

  • The IT department are the knowledge keepers – a secret organization full of evil IT guys.
  • Bernard’s shadow is kept in a panic room with a manual.
  • The book was entertaining. I liked the switch when Juliette gets kicked out of the silo – the transition worked.
  • The dive down to start the pumps – how deep was it? Could she really have survived on air trapped under the staircase?
  • Why is the book called Wool? Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes? The first mayor talked about knitting and the section titles all relate to knitting.
  • The kids in the new silo were a little hokey – why did they attack Solo at that point? Maybe because Solo didn’t usually travel down that far and the compressor was making a lot of noise…
  • Early on when three characters were killed off and it seemed like Juliette would be also, it was a little discouraging.
  • The references to Romeo and Juliette meant that she would live, although she thought Lucas was going to die and Lucas entertained suicidal thoughts when he believed she was dead.
  • The staircase was a great way to keep the different groups separated – no elevators. The groups were homogenous looking, so they had to be distinguished by the color of their overalls.
  • It was interesting that the designers of the silo added a stage for plays – bread and circuses to keep people happy.
  • Pigs would NOT have been used as a source for milk!
  • The silo was sadly lacking in cats.

Please add any additional thoughts or comments you may have about Wool. We gave this title the codes DOM, UTP, HRO, ETH, CUL & FEM with an average rating of 4.5.

Add new comment

777 Front Street Lisle, IL 60532 | Phone: 630-971-1675 | Fax: 630-971-1701 | Hours: M-F 9:30am-9:00pm, SAT 9:30am-5:00pm, SUN 1:00pm-5:00pm