“You’re going to die one day. Then what do I do? In a way, it’s like you’re already gone. I have to prepare.”
“If that’s the case, why love anyone? Everyone is going to die at some point.”
“Exactly! It’s like two ghosts trying to cuddle each other. Dust cuddling dust.”

I am always intrigued by Melissa broder’s work, but since I had such a dislike for the Pisces I’ve kind of avoided her other works. When I heard she had Death Valley coming out and began seeing it everywhere I knew I had to get my hands on it somehow.

Death Valley tells the story of a woman in the California desert trying to find solace while her father and husband are both bedridden with sickness. She checks herself into her favorite chain hotel where she begins to question everything about herself, life and death. After speaking to one of the hotel workers she goes on a hike encountering a cactus that should not be there, but is. What happens next will take you on the ride of your life.

It isn’t very often that I feel like an author has opened my brain up and scooped the main character straight out of it. The woman in this novel is me and I’m sure most of us have felt her loneliness and fear. It tells a very philosophical tale of how to try and gain compassion and empathy for others. It is a deep dive into death and grieving. It was the book I didn’t know I need in my life until after reading it. Cannot recommend this one more!

Thank you netgalley and Scribner for this eARC and everyone look for it at your local bookstore this Oct 3!