ISBN 9781984826800
Published Del Ray, 2020
Genre/Format: Thriller/Horror; Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Honors
LibraryReads Favorites: 2020
Reading Level: Adult Crossover (NoveList)
Plot Summary: Visionary entrepreneur Tony Durant's prototype Greenloop community in Washington provides its residents with homes that are in balance with nature but still provide all the modern amenities. But when Mt. Rainier erupts and Greenloop is cut off from the rest of the world, how will they survive? Told primarily through journal entries and interviews, the story takes an unexpected turn when being cut off from the world is the least of Greenloop's problems. There is something lurking in the woods behind the houses. First small animals go missing, then compost buckets are overturned and then there is the thumping. And the enormous tracks behind are unlike anything they've ever seen before. What is this unknown animal and is it friendly? Or is it hungry?
Author Background: Max Brooks is the author of several books and graphic novels including the best-selling World War Z which was made into a movie in 2013. Interestingly, his books have "inspired the U.S. military to examine how they may respond to potential crises in the future," which led him to be "invited to speak at a variety of military engagements" (Brooks, 2017). In addition to writing he also holds fellowships at the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and the Modern War Institute at West Point (Brooks, 2017). A fun fact is that he is the son of the famous Hollywood couple comedian Mel Brooks and actress Anne Bancroft.
Critical Evaluation: Stranded in the woods with no way to reach anyone and no way to get out is not an unusual premise for a horror novel. What is unique is how the group of residents ends up there; all want to leave a small eco-footprint while not giving up any modern amenities. And although we know Bigfoot is coming, after all it is the first word in the book, we see the events occur from the viewpoint of Greenloop resident Kate Holland's journal entries. Tension builds as the community discovers evidence that leads them to the conclusion that Bigfoot exists, but it is often interrupted by the journalist's interview of a forest ranger or Kate's brother. Because of this storytelling structure the tension decreases and the interviews feel like unnecessary interference. Another problem with the book is that the characters are all white, except for the lesbian couple's adopted daughter from Bangladesh. At least there is a lesbian couple plus Kate's gay brother to keep the book from being completely white and straight.
Speed-Round Book Talk: There is something lurking in the woods behind the houses in Greenloop. First, small animals go missing, then there is the thumping. And the enormous tracks behind are unlike anything they've ever seen before. What is this unknown animal and is it friendly? Or is it hungry?
Library Program: Teens will learn how to do crime scene investigations! The librarians will set up three different crime scenes which the teens will work in groups to solve. They will get a chance to rotate through all three crimes and practice with forensic techniques like dusting for fingerprints, inspecting footprints and hair analysis.
Potential Challenges: There is violence and gore but this is typical of the genre. My defense is that there are already books in the library that depict more violence and gore.
Reason for Inclusion: Max Brooks is a popular novelist whose previous books appeal to teens. Fans of his will want to read his latest novel as will fans of horror and those interested in Bigfoot lore.
References
Animal Planet. (2012). Patterson - Gimlin Bigfoot Footage | Finding Bigfoot. Youtube.com.
Brooks, M. (2017). About the Author. maxbrooks.com. https://www.maxbrooks.com/about
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