Well it’s taken me longer than I wanted to not only finish reading the latest book on my TBR, but also to write up my thoughts on it. I’ve been looking for something that totally sucks me into its universe and has me turning pages like a madwoman. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt like that when reading. I know that eventually I’ll find a story that captures me, but in the meantime, let’s talk about my most recent read, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. 

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

I spent more time with this book that I thought I would. Between a high rating score, several decent reviews, and the enticing summary, I had high expectations that surely, I’d be diving into something more thrilling. I pictured a captivating episode of Dateline, a documentary deep dive on a cult, or perhaps something bordering on eerie and paranormal (a secluded camp in the woods with a mysterious disappearance just screams ‘’cryptids’ to me. That’s not the story I got by a long shot. 

Dislikes: 

1. The characters
2. The length

In the tranquil woods, among the grounds of Camp Emerson, there’s an ensemble cast of characters to keep track of. Be warned, most of them are either wildly unlikable or beyond vapid. Each chapter not only came from the perspective of a different person, but there were time jumps as well. Some nights, when I was tired or not in the right frame of mind, I’d have to backtrack to remember who is telling the story and what decade I was in. Pair that with their shallow lifestyles and dull personalities (or lack thereof) and turning pages became a chore. 

Likes: 

1. the final 200 pages

Firstly, this story did not to be as long and nuanced as it was. I understand the essentials of setting the scene, but after awhile, it became excessive. There were several lulls and mundane moments that caused the story drag on too long and kept me from binge-reading. However, the last handful of pages finally came to the rescue and captured my attention. It was a slow burn witnessing the mystery unfurl, but it resulted in an ending I’d call poetic.  

If you’ve got the time or are just in the mood for a big mystery book with plenty of detail and world/character building, then The God of the Woods is a book to add to your TBR pile. 

Until next time, happy reading!