A fresh title by a beloved WA author. Timely and surprisingly funny given that that book revolves around a family broken down by political and religious differences. A cast of quirky and mostly very lovable characters: a smart mouth reporter, a bombastic ex-cop, an aspiring Episcopal priest with boxing background, and a generous Native American couple tolerant of Kinnick’s idiosyncrasies. Walter has a lot of empathy for these people and underscores the motivations for their poor behavior without casting harsh judgement.

Despite some dark topics, environmental destruction, gun violence, and religious fundamentalism, this novel has a warm heart. A lot of the time it has a buddy comedy feel to it and the resolution is satisfyingly bittersweet. Walter’s books are broadly appealing and well written, this is a must for public library collections.

Jess Walter is a talented writer - I especially love his short story collection The Angel of Rome. But I think the best way to sum up my reaction to his new novel So Far Gone is that I appreciated it more than I enjoyed it. Maybe it hits too close to home with our current cascade of political horrors, but I found it heavy and challenging to get through (though I felt the same way about Demon Copperhead, so take that with a big grain of salt) - it just wasn't a book I looked forward to picking up.

That said, while I was initially taken aback by the ending, upon reflection I think it's brilliant - like, it's all fun and games to indulge certain views until...it isn't. And while I'm not feeling particularly tolerant at the moment, I was rooting for Rhys and Bethany, and did begrudgingly feel empathy for some of the folks who were caught up in the camaraderie of the Army of Our Lord more than anything else. In sum, I'll carry this at the store, but I'm unlikely to reread it for pleasure anytime soon!

This is a tough read for many as it depicts reality in all it's gritty detail. An estranged, off-grid living Grandfather is suddenly charged with caring for his daughter's children (they have different fathers) when his daughter disappears and her husband goes to search for her. The children are promptly kidnapped by gun-toting religious fanatics and things quickly spiral downhill. Fisticuffs and gunplay leave a trail of death and destruction as events play out.

Jess Walter captures our collective national moment. Politics and families are complicated, and the choices we make as parents can impact us more deeply than we imagine.

After a Thanksgiving conversation goes south, Rhys literally removes himself from the conversation. So far out of the conversation that no one can really find him, until one day, his grandkids (who he doesn't even recognize) show up on his doorstep. A conspiracy loving son-in-law, a daughter struggling with mental health, a pastor who boxes, and an acid tripping electronic musician all play a part of the story.

Walter's characters come alive and the story compelling.