This book was strange and the plot and timeline were a little off. We’re introduced to the main character, Chris, in his present day and the set up is super interesting. He’s a taxi driver in New York with a family and a past full of riches and drama and intrigue. Then the story goes back in time and It felt like the whole book was building to a crazy thriller climax that never came. Some of the characters were extremely disturbing and twisted but not in the usual page-turner thriller type of way. I wish I could say this was worth the read but the writing was stiff and awkward, though the story has a lot of potential. I loved the first few chapters but the book went downhill after that. There were a lot of philosophical aspects to the book and I think that was more what the author was going for, rather than a traditional thriller or mystery. Maybe it just wasn’t for me or needs more polishing.

This is one of those concepts that would make a great A24 film. It raises the question: how long can we endure remaining in the same mold that's shaped us since we were little? The worst part is the answer that follows: how can I not miss this mold when I've been doing the same thing for years? This is Intrinsic. And it's wonderful.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the eArc

Intrinsic was the best book I've read in quite some time. The characters were developed so well that I thought I was reading about real people! The plot of Intrinsic didn't seem very unique in the beginning, but it didn't take long for everything to change. Even after losing everything, Chris stood by every decision he'd made and strived to be the best father he could for his two little girls. His best friend, a wise, philosophical, and spiritual man named Sami helped Chris realize the potential for greatness he always knew he had, but had given up on.

Could Chris turn his life around again? He'd gone from riches to rags but wanted better for his children. His family and friends had long ago given up on him; instead of the respected leader of their friend group, he was now the butt of their jokes. Chris used his current situation as motivation to improve, and once Sami helped him to see the light, he had a plan to show everyone the man he had become.

I literally cannot say enough good things about this book! I read it in one sitting, and now I have no idea what to read next. I'm not sure what can follow the kind of exciting, emotional, and hopeful journey that reading this book has been.