Radio Free Vermont: A Fable of Resistance | 
pickThis book, about a fictional underground podcast that advocates for “a simple yet radical idea: an independent Vermont…separate from the United States, operating under a free local economy”, is McKibben‘s first novel. I read The End of Nature by him a long time ago (in high school, I think!), about the environmental crisis (the 10th anniversary edition was published in *1997*). And, I went to college in VT. So, I was primed to like this book.👇🏻
monalyisha 1/3: But the quote on the back from Bernie really closed the deal for me. I laughed out loud. Of course, I *know* how it is that people don‘t like him, but anytime I read or see something he‘s said, I always think, “How could anyone not like him?!” God, he‘s endearing. (edited) 2y
monalyisha 2/3: ANYWAY, the text inside this novel didn‘t disappoint me OR Bernie; it‘s full of beer, trees, and music; civil disobedience, close-knit neighbors, and earnest relationships. It‘s also *very* funny (if a little on-the-nose sometimes; McKibben is 61…he gets a pass for being a little “cheesy” — in more ways than one 🧀). (edited) 2y
monalyisha 3/3: Strongly recommended to anyone (okay, okay…any liberal 🙈 — edit: liberal who can deal with a little hunting (even if it‘s begrudgingly) — because that‘s part of Vermont, too) who‘s looking for a fast read. 2y
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monalyisha Note: There‘s a little bit of fat-shaming (when a former Olympic athlete has to stay in-hiding and is denied her regular exercise schedule) but it‘s not superlatively awful. (edited) 2y
IndoorDame I went to college in VT and on a road-trip to Big Bend my bff and I met a group of rough Texans camping near us who - charmingly but seriously - brought up and advocated for this VT secession plan. (We refrained from suggesting that TX be the one to go) 2y
monalyisha @IndoorDame What a bizarre interaction! 2y
Suet624 I chuckled through the whole thing. 3mo
so-so
