BARBARA KINGSOLVER!!! BARBARA KINGSOLVER, JAKE MAYNARD IS STEALING YOUR PURSE!!!!!!

4.5 stars.
Running from the death of his college education and a father he never knew, Garret Deaver seeks answers and contentment at a salmon processing plant in remote Alaska. Garrett sure is one industrious motherfucker. A beaver, if you will. And he will stop at nothing to climb the ladder at Klak Fancy Salmon, even if the only path there is to betray his coworkers and abuse meth to get the job done.

I went into Slime Line expecting it to be the "little brother" of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, which is one of my all time favorite books. There certainly are many similarities between the two stories (lack of a father figure, poverty, grief, masculine individualism, and drugs abuse to name a few), Slime Line is unique in its commentary of so-called environmental capitalism.

Have you ever truly considered where your food comes from? Do you even have a passing thought about the people who risk their lives to put fish on our tables? Me neither! But Jake Maynard's extensive knowledge of and real-life experience with this dangerous industry lends itself to a stunning and thought-provoking novel that urges you to contemplate the delusion that is the backbone of our capitalist society. The more serious moments of this quick read are interspersed with a laugh-out-loud satirical analysis of the workplace environment, creating a beautiful slice of life look at one man's search for self-actualization.

Thank you so much Jake Maynard, Brilliance Audio, West Virginia University Press, and NetGalley for this advanced audio copy!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was an interesting satire of the work place. It did take a little bit for me to get into the story, but the characters were great.

A gritty, coming-of-age novel that takes place one summer at a salmon processing facility in Alaska. Tough jobs and tough bosses, made even tougher by the unpredictable nature of climate change’s impact on fish populations.

Garrett Deaver left college due to an unfortunate incident that was exacerbated by social media. In his shame he takes a job in remote Alaska where the hours are long and the work grueling and smelly. Can he find his way forward and create a new life for himself among these hardened souls?

A great sense of place and descriptions of jobs I’m pleased to have avoided.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook for review purposes.

Review of “Slime Line: A Novel”

By: Jake Maynard

Available June 1/2024

Check it Out on Goodreads!!

Disclaimer: Please note that I received an Audio ARC from NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

“Slime Line” by Jake Maynard is a quick, engaging read that takes you deep into the world of a fictional commercial fishing industry in Alaska.

Following Garrett, who’s trying to escape his past and finds himself on a wild ride of humor, tragedy, and unexpected friendships. Renaming himself Beaver, he dives headfirst into the gritty reality of salmon processing.

Maynard’s writing sucks you in, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their struggles. From the entrepreneurial Turkish fish processor to the cynical old woman, each one adds a layer of depth to the story.

Despite being a quick read, “Slime Line” doesn’t skimp on immersion. It’s a blend of humor and introspection that keeps you “hooked” from beginning to end.

“Slime Line” is a pretty good read with plenty of heart and humor. It leaves you wanting more from author Jake Maynard in the future.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗

Your Local Canadian Book Seller

Indigo

Amazon Canada

📱 - Digital - 📱

Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)

Kindle - (Not Available at Time of Review)

🎧 - Audio - 🎧

Audible

Libro.FM - (Not Available at Time of Review)