Cloud Atlas

While there was a common thread between the stories, I found the stories that were broken out in this book were a bit confusing. While I do prefer to be orderly and have one cohesive blend from start to finish, I do like ones that bounce around from time to time as well as long as it was done right. For me, this wasn't done right. I often found myself having to go back to a different section because I couldn't fully remember where that particular story fell off at, especially since I read some of this on my lunch). Then I found myself so entranced in one that by the time that part was done I wanted to go to the second part before going onto the next story. While the individual stories flowed really well, the book just didn't flow properly for me. I never saw the movie, but I have heard the flow is a bit different. That may be a good thing, but I can tell the book would probably be better.
The characters were wonderful and very distinctive. I enjoyed a few of the stories that were in here, primarily the mystery and dystopian, but that's because those genres are genres I prefer to read.
I can see why many love it, it is a really good book and Mitchell did a good job showing how one action or artifact can affect so many people. He did a wonderful job housing several different genres into one book, a feet I commend him for.
All in all, it is a good book, just not one for me. It's a very interesting book and good for any and everyone who wants that one book that is different and makes you think. I did win this through the Goodreads first reads.