Welcome to Litsy!

As usual, I loved the latest novel from our hometown author. Jess knows this topic and country. He grew up near where he sets Kinnick‘s cabin. And he was one of the reporters on the ground who covered Randy Weaver and Ruby Ridge. He wrote a book called Every Knee Shall Bow. He worked at the Spokesman-Review, along with my ex-husband who was the North Idaho political reporter and had to cover the Aryan Nation craziness in the late 90s.

I laughed quite a bit but there is a lot in this that can‘t be laughed at. Journalist checks out, goes off grid, until his family needs him. The world is spinning out of control…

I will read everything Jess Walter writes.

Raise your hand 🙋🏻‍♀️ if you are a fan of Ballerini!! How and why this book title came first to mind when I checked my Audible credits, I may never know but seeing who narrates? SOLD! And then I see Ann Patchett blurbs it. 👏 👏 👏

This was equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and a whole lot of unhinged in the BEST way!

I ended up loving this flawed hero, dark humor read!

It grew on me and I ended up liking it. 4/5 stars.

This book packs a lot into a small (257-page) package: dysfunctional family relationships, political extremism, radical Christian nationalist militias, the fractured state of America, the erosion of journalism, regret, heartbreak, reconciliation and redemption. If that description didn‘t entice you to read it, this detail might: It starts off with a solid punch into the face of a Trumpster. You‘re welcome.

Yes. This. It‘s exactly like this. 🛩️🔥🎯

#readingispolitical

Really enjoyed this one! #bookspin for August @TheAromaofBooks

My picks for the month @TheAromaofBooks

Rhys Kinnick has spent several years living off the grid, abandoning his daughter and her children. But when his grandchildren are suddenly thrust upon him, he is pulled back into reality. This book tackles dysfunctional family dynamics against the backdrop of Christian nationalism, political division, and social upheaval. Walter injects a lot of humor and warmth, focusing on the clumsy attempts to bridge the emotional gaps between his characters.

Nailed it.

Loving hometown author Jess Walter‘s newest novel. Set in country he knows well and I know well. Retired newspaper reporter works to save his grandkids and daughter from a right wing religious militia group. Funny, sad and well drawn characters.

Brilliant Jess Walters made this story funny (in the way of the brilliant Kevin Wilson) while still including fairly serious themes. At heart is remarkable character growth for Rhys, who was “so far gone” in his thinking that he left society and went out to live in the woods where the world couldn‘t get to him anymore. But leaving society also meant leaving his family behind, and boy oh boy he worked hard to make things right. It‘s really good.

Yes he is LOL! Was a long day with the grandchildren!#JessWalter#SoFarGone

Spokane, WA author, Jess Walters, returns with his latest concerning family ties and politics. A senior recluse living off the grid is forced to take in his grandchildren after his estranged, flaky daughter drops them off on his doorstep. Adding to this complication is his conspiracy zealot son-in-law and his extremist religious allies that are trying to take the children across state lines to Idaho reflecting our tough political climate.