Book Review: the_atmospherians by Alex McElroy

the_atmospherians

by Alex McElroy (McElroy)

 

the_atmospherians by Alex McElroy caught my eye with its cover that looks like a social media post with water drops on it. What I found was a story of two friends with recently failed careers trying to start a rural cult to rehabilitate toxic men. As you might guess, this doesn’t go smoothly.

 

For me, the broad-level plot was catching at first, floundered a bit midway, and then had a strong finish. The best value in this story, however, is in the satirical bits and pieces and very lovely turns of language throughout. This would make a great book for book club discussion simply because so many aspects of gender are talked about and referenced. It’s difficult to tell where the author themself stands, but maybe diving in and exploring these ideas was the point. It’s a weird book that embraces its own weirdness.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon.)

 

( official the_atmospherians page on the official Alex McElroy web site )

 

Recommended by Garren H.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

Have you read or listened to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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