In 'The Wildlands,' Abby Geni crafts a haunting exploration of loss, survival, and ecological reverence amidst a world scarred by disaster. Set in the aftermath of a catastrophic tornado that obliterates a family farm in rural Oklahoma, the novel follows the McCloud siblings as they grapple with poverty and fragmented dreams. Significant themes include the transformative power of grief and the unique bonds formed in shared hardship. Geni interweaves elements of a thrilling adventure with profound contemplations on humanity’s impact on the natural world. Engaging and poetic, 'The Wildlands' invites readers into its vivid landscapes and complex character dynamics.
Abby Geni is a celebrated American author known for her evocative storytelling and keen exploration of human interaction with the natural world. Born in 1979, and a graduate of Oberlin College, she has captivated readers with her ability to intertwine suspense with lyrical prose. Her debut novel, 'The Lightkeepers' (2016), garnered accolades for its haunting narrative, winning the 2016 Nautilus Book Award and earning her the distinction of being an Indie Next List Great Read. Geni's work often delves into themes of isolation, survival, and the intricate beauty of untamed landscapes, as exemplified in her short story collection, 'The Last Animal' (2013). Recognized for her contribution to contemporary literature, Geni's writing has been praised for its immersive settings and profound emotional depth, solidifying her place as an influential voice in modern fiction.
This gripping eco-thriller pits a guerrilla gardening collective against a billionaire tech mogul with sinister motives in rural New Zealand. As the idealistic Birnam Wood group trespasses to plant crops, they clash with corporate greed and political intrigue. Tensions escalate into a high-stakes battle between environmental activism and capitalist exploitation. Eleanor Catton, Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries, returns with a taut, intelligent novel exploring surveillance, ideology, and moral compromise in the age of climate crisis. Birnam Wood is both a literary page-turner and a sharp critique of modern power structures.
by Liz Moore
Set in the Adirondack Mountains in 1975, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a compelling mystery that begins with the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her summer camp. As the investigation unfolds, it delves into the hidden lives of the Van Laar family and the local community, uncovering long-held secrets and psychological tensions. Moore's narrative weaves a gripping tale of family dynamics, social class, and the haunting impact of past events, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story.
Marisha Pessl's 'Special Topics in Calamity Physics' is a rich tapestry of mystery, academia, and coming-of-age exploration centered around the life of Blue van Meer, a precocious teenager with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. The narrative is structured like a college syllabus, filled with references that guide readers through Blue's entangled life after she arrives at the elite St. Gallway School. Dubious friendships with the enigmatic Hannah Schneider and her charismatic group, known as the Bluebloods, unravel layers that lead Blue into a menacing world of secrets and betrayals. Pessl's intricate storytelling and clever, literary prose make it a compelling exploration of identity, truth, and the complexities of human connection, leaving readers both satisfied and contemplative long after the final page is turned.
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy is a stark, violent meditation on fate, morality, and the unraveling of a modern American landscape. Set in 1980s Texas, the novel follows Llewelyn Moss, a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes a suitcase full of money. He becomes the target of Anton Chigurh, a cold, remorseless killer with a twisted code of ethics. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, haunted by the past, attempts to bring order amid the chaos. With sparse, powerful prose and existential weight, McCarthy crafts a gripping tale of justice in a world losing its grip on meaning.