Play Book Tag discussion

"The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives and the law is skinny with hunger for us."

The Author's note at the end of the audiobook explains the significance of this phrase to the author. It made parts of the book feel more meaningful to me. It wouldn't hurt to listen to it first. (It's in the audiobook, but not the ebook I have.)

Frankie is a lonely girl in a small Pennsylvania town, who gains a new friend when Zeke comes to town for the summer. They both want to create art, and they create something unusual. The concept is a twist on anonymous graffiti art in the city. Something happens, and it somehow takes on a life of its own. It enters the Zeitgeist, even beyond their small town. They promise to keep it a secret forever. Years later a reporter from the New Yorker calls Frankie, and she panics.

The plot stretches believability, but not as much as Nothing to See Here, which I liked a little more. I was fully prepared to suspend disbelief, and I really enjoyed this book. The writing is delightful and the friendship between the two felt very realistic to me. It's fun, and has emotional depth. It's an easy read, especially for a book shelved as literary fiction. (Ann Patchett drops his name in her memoir, as someone who drops by to hang out.)

(view spoiler)[It's farfetched to think that the town's story was featured in news shows, mystery shows, T-Shirts, etc. and it made me laugh. Then I thought about copycat violence and other real-life events that inexplicably seemed to become contagious. (hide spoiler)]

I really talk to this one. I actually really loved it, especially in audio.

Glad you enjoyed this one, Nancy. I did too. I have Nothing to See Here on my Subdue list.

Joy - Nothing To See Here made my top ten the year I listened to it. NINTTTP is on my contender list for this year.