“This is not a fairy tale.”

 

I finished this book on Tuesday.  And I’m still sitting here ruminating on it days later.  

 

Powerful, dark, thought provoking, and completely unique.  This is a book that will sit with me, and I have no doubt that if I read it a second time, I will glean even more from it.  

 

Hawley is a master storyteller.  He has delivered an adventure with a Prophet and his motely gang of teenagers up against murderous clowns and zealots of the God-king that seems entirely realistic.  Too realistic.  The premise he paints is disturbing.  

 

Yet I couldn’t look away.  I was entirely devoted to this quest and hopeful of its potential.  The teenager characters evoked optimism even in a grim setting.  And that buoyed my aspirations for my son and the role he can/will play in the future of our country.   

 

The social commentary is strong.  It explores themes of political division, racism, the opioid crisis, mental health, and the gun epidemic.  And for that reason, this book won’t suit everyone.  Sometimes it’s easier to leave these issues on the news channels.  But for me, it actually felt refreshing to see these themes explored, taking their power away and reworking the narrative.  

 

This is in no way a fairy tale.  It’s a call to action.     

 

Of note:  I partnered the audio with the text, and it worked beautifully.  Maybe even better than reading the text alone.  The essay-like portions of the text are read by Hawley and set them apart uniquely (unlike in the book alone).

Whatever modality you choose, don’t overlook this compelling and addictive read!

 

Thank you to #noahhawley and @grandcentralpub for the #gifted copy of this book.