Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Wolf in White Van
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
86 posts | 125 read | 116 to read
Winner of a 2015 ALA Alex AwardFinalist for the Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First FictionLonglisted for the 2014 National Book Award for Fiction An A.V. Club Best Book of 2014A Gawker Best Book of 2014A Boston Globe Best Book of 2014Welcome to Trace Italian, a game of strategy and survival! You may now make your first move.Isolated by a disfiguring injury since the age of seventeen, Sean Phillips crafts imaginary worlds for strangers to play in. From his small apartment in southern California, he orchestrates fantastic adventures where possibilities, both dark and bright, open in the boundaries between the real and the imagined. As the creator of Trace Italiana text-based, role-playing game played through the mailSean guides players from around the world through his intricately imagined terrain, which they navigate and explore, turn by turn, seeking sanctuary in a ravaged, savage future America.Lance and Carrie are high school students from Florida, explorers of the Trace. But when they take their play into the real world, disaster strikes, and Sean is called to account for it. In the process, he is pulled back through time, tunneling toward the moment of his own self-inflicted departure from the world in which most people live.Brilliantly constructed, Wolf in White Van unfolds in reverse until we arrive at both the beginning and the climax: the event that has shaped so much of Seans life. Beautifully written and unexpectedly moving, John Darnielles audacious and gripping debut novel is a marvel of storytelling brio and genuine literary delicacy.Praise for Wolf in White Van[A] strange and involving novel . . . about alienation and despair and the search for meaning. . . . What drives Wolf in White Van is Mr. Darnielles uncanny sense of what its like to feel marginalized, an outsider, a freak. The New York Times[Wolf in White Van] explores isolation, creativity and the permeable membrane between outer and inner worlds; how childhood dreams and teenage obsessions colour the infinite expanses of the mind; and how far we can share our interior journeys. . . . The prose is spare yet fervent, both distant and rawly exposed, making for an eerie, awkward and compelling novel that immediately demands a second read. The GuardianA quietly devastating book thats not easily forgotten. Winnipeg Free PressIn Darnielles novel, as in his songs, the monstrously true and unbelievably beautiful press up against one another. Together, they begin to dance. NPR.orgA novel is the next logical step for someone who's filled 14 studio albums, 23 EPs, and four compilations with relatable characters, dramatic situations, and recognizably literary themes like spirituality, drug addiction, and more. . . . [The reading is] compelling, and leaves little doubt that Wolf in White Van is the work of a real writer, not a well-connected blog star. PitchforkAn electric debut novel with the sweetest ruminations on Conan the Barbarian ever written. O Magazine[Wolf in White Van] will back you onto your heels with its capacity for inventiveness in structure, story, and line-writing. GQSeans life of minutiae, from simple charcoal drawings hung on the wall to terrible, Conan-inspired cassette tapes, makes his character come to animated, imperfectly perfect life. This attention to detail, this humanity, makes the book a joy. PasteThe prose is often cryptic and then stunningly clear, microscopically specific and then audaciously grand. The words soothe for sentences at a time, then strike with blunt force. SlateA pop cultureinfused novel that thoughtfully and nonjudgmentally considers the dark side of nerddom. Kirkus (Starred Review)A delicately written first novel, poignant and sinister, that probes the creative and destructive potential of the imagination. Sydney Morning HeraldIn a very fine novel full of darkness, sudden moments of true and good light are as rare as they are welcome, even wondrous. Financial TimesRight up to its tense closing scene, Wolf in White Van is a quietly bracing novel about the powerbut also the isolationof an overactive imagination. Without becoming sentimental or excessively bleak, Darnielle has created an empathetic character study: sustained eye contact with a person from whom most would avert their glance. BookforumOne of the years most captivating character studies. A.V. ClubThe best rock novel of the year. Rolling StoneBrilliant. Chicago TribuneExcellent. VultureIncantatory. Publishers WeeklyPossibly the best novel of the year. ChicagoistA tremendous literary achievement. ZyzzyvaA dark, nerdy delight. The StrangerA novel that unspools rather than reads. . . . Darnielle has a masterful way of putting the reader in the position of reverse engineer. . . [His] is an art that spins pain into gold. The Hairpin[Wolf in White Van] unfolds like a labyrinthine treasure map, one in which the treasure chest keeps moving but youre careening toward it regardless, and also youre a little scared of what youll find when you get there. The San Francisco Bay-GuardianOne of the most intense reads of the year . . . surreal, emotionally explosive, and often weirdly funny. . . . Nothing is more terrifying, and more honest, than a story that acknowledges that there is no bright line between guilt and innocence. io9Wolf in White Van will provoke you, and interest you, and move you. Open Letters MonthlyThis puzzle-like book, riddled with pulp allusions, proves Darnielle's narrative skill. Time Out New York (Four Stars)[A] powerful novel . . . Darnielle layers invisible causation, or mechanisms of denial, or signs of an unstable personality, into the narrative with enviable subtlety. . . . An impressive achievement. Full StopBeautifully written psychological fiction for sophisticated readers, with not much else like it out there. Library JournalIf ever a first novel landed with a joyful noise, it's Wolf in White Van, by John Darnielle. Publishers WeeklyAlthough if anyone can evoke literary elegance over three minutes of chords, its Darnielle, there is a slow-building circuity here that even the most introspective pop song would be hard pressed to sustain. The Quietus (UK)Through deft construction and well-earned empathy, Darnielle has crafted a memorable character who is guided through the darkest patches of his life by an inner intensity that burns like a magnesium flare. The Masters Review
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Ruthiella
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

Strangely creepy, though not horror. I think it‘s because the narrator withholds so much information until late in the book. It‘s sort of hypnotic. There was an “accident”, severe injury, a trial, but the reader doesn‘t know what is connected and what isn‘t.

#Roll100
#pop24 A book that contains video games (RPG mainly but there is also mention of arcade games-close enough 😂)
#52BookClub24 Set in a city starting with the letter M (Montclair)

BarbaraBB This sounds right up my alley! I enjoyed this one a lot (edited) 2mo
Ruthiella @BarbaraBB I will definitely try his other stuff. It only took me 10 years to get around to his debut. 😂 2mo
See All 13 Comments
Librarybelle Hooray! 2mo
Ruthiella @Librarybelle So glad to knock it off my list! 2mo
BarbaraBB I found a copy for 5€ online so guess what 😂 2mo
Ruthiella @BarbaraBB You decided it would be wiser to put the €5 in your savings account…😆 Who are we kidding? You bought it! 2mo
BarbaraBB Which savings account 😂? 2mo
vivastory @BarbaraBB @ruthiella I have read 3 of his books & have loved all of them 💙 💙 (edited) 2mo
BarbaraBB @vivastory That‘s a great recommendation! Can‘t wait to read it 2mo
Ruthiella @vivastory I just hope it doesn‘t take me another 10 years to get to another from him! 1mo
Centique I read this years ago and was just gobsmacked by it. I wished i had someone to talk about it with…. And here you are! But ive forgotten too much of it now 😂😂 1mo
Ruthiella @Centique Timing is everything! 😂 I did read a number of reviews on goodreads after I finished it which sort of scratched that itch of wanting to know what others thought. 1mo
72 likes1 stack add13 comments
blurb
Ruthiella
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Amazingly, I read all of my January #Roll100 books. 🤯 This is my February pile. Two are from my shelves, which is a bonus.

PuddleJumper Wahoo! Well done! 2mo
65 likes1 comment
review
anniebannanie
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
Pickpick

I put off reading this book for a long time and now I‘m disappointed in myself. So good

review
khooliha
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

Gotta say, out of the two things about the meaninglessness of things happening that I can recall experiencing, I like this a lot better than the movie about the killer tire.

TheBookDream That movie was a Thing that Happened 2y
khooliha @TheBookDream It absolutely was 2y
3 likes2 comments
blurb
khooliha
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

1) Tagging the book I'm liking most, though I also have a small chunk of The Girl Next Door to read, plus some library manga, probably.
2) Physical! It's a paperback I definitely got out of a B&N bargain section.
3) Like 4.5 stars? No one is more shocked than me (because I -really- didn't like my first day with it)
4) Sticky notes. Honestly, I'm very charmed by written in the margins ephemera, but don't have the confidence to do it myself.

review
MommyWantsToReadHerBook
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

This was so good! The narrative jumps around in time around a huge event in the narrator's life, and another pivotal event although it's not personally catastrophic. Anyway, I got a bit confused sometimes but not too badly and the writing is absolutely fantastic. Interestingly, and if you know me at all, exactly to my liking, you don't get a clear picture of where things end for the narrator, what lies next. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

44 likes1 stack add
blurb
MommyWantsToReadHerBook
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

I started and got bored with a few books in a row, and then another Litten posted about his second book. I discovered they're both on Scribd and of course had no self-control. I adore John Darnielle/the Mountain Goats but I was wary... So many bad books are published every year, after all. But I need not have feared - brilliant lyricist, brilliant writer. So good so far.

blurb
vivastory
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Sean Phillips, recluse since an injury during his adolescence, is the creator of a mail-in text based RPG. He lives in an immersive fantasy world, this has a real emotional punch to it. #maladjusted #maycharacters @eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Megabooks Loved this book 3y
Eggs Perfect 👌🏼 3y
See All 8 Comments
Megabooks @vivastory Yes I did, but I don‘t remember liking it as much. WiWV made such an impression! 3y
vivastory @Megabooks That's what I've heard, but the premise really intrigued me. 3y
Centique @Megabooks I loved this too. Someone very cool put it in my hands - someone who passed shortly after I read it (due to suicide) - and the book is so linked to her for me now. 💔 (edited) 3y
Megabooks @Centique I‘m sorry to hear that Paula. I‘ve lost two classmates and two friends to suicide. It is never easy for anyone. I‘m glad you have this book to remember her by. One of the people was my oldest friend‘s husband, and I was at her house Thursday, and their younger daughter looks so much like him. It just makes me sad to think about but also I‘m glad he lives on in his daughters. 3y
Centique @Megabooks oh that‘s so tough Meg - and tough on the kids. 😢 💕 3y
68 likes8 comments
blurb
BoldCityBooks
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

I loved his other book (Universal Harvester) so I have high hopes for this one.

blurb
MidnightBookGirl
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

#3Books that were recommended to me @OriginalCyn620 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

1.- a recommendation by one of my husband's employees when she found out I liked to read and liked Game of Thrones. I was highly skeptical, but it's amazing. Nothing like GoT though.
2. -a staff pick of a fellow bookstore employee. One day I sold 4 copies in a row, so of course I had to buy it and read it!
3. - recommended by @kimmypete1 and got me hooked on Shalvis.

OriginalCyn620 📚😊📚 4y
60 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Addison_Reads
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

I haven't managed a Bingo yet, but I'm happy to mark another book off my list. #BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Fans of Blake Crouch's Recursion will probably like this one. The story is told in reverse order. Parts of the story involve an RPG that is played out through the mail. People choose their paths in the game and the owner writes them back what their next step is. But something goes wrong.

This was a very unique reading experience.

TheAromaofBooks Great review, and I really like that cover!! 4y
31 likes2 stack adds1 comment
blurb
HeathHof
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Next up. Going to enjoy a little reading in the jungle room before work today.

Jee_HookedOnBookz Where's this jungle room? Love how it looks in this pic! 😊 4y
HeathHof @Jee_HookedOnBookz The Jungle room is AKA my living room. 🤣 4y
Jee_HookedOnBookz @Mynameisacolour ohhh! Ahahahahaha 😂😂 4y
53 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
thebluestocking
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Blueberry Wow ! 5y
Ruthiella Good one and a reminder that I still need to read that! I started it but returned it to the library before I finished.😲 5y
See All 6 Comments
thebluestocking @Come-read-with-me @Blueberry Right? 💙 5y
thebluestocking @Ruthiella Did you like what you read? I‘ve heard good things, but I haven‘t read it. 5y
Ruthiella @thebluestocking I liked what I read but I felt like I needed to devote more brain power to it than I had at the time . I still mean to get it back from the library and take it . I also think this is a book I‘ll need to read in one go...which takes a little planning.😀 5y
57 likes1 stack add6 comments
quote
Cecil
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Some heavy truth from Wolf in White Van. The quote is describing a game, but it‘s also a nod to a simple fact about every day that is sometimes easier to ignore. Hope everyone is pushing on and making progress this weekend.

review
Cecil
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

Looking back on some of my favourite books to get inspired and think I‘ll re-read this one soon. This slim volume deals with some of the heaviest topics out there—serious TW for suicide—but it treats its characters with enormous sympathy and humanity. This book knows life is hard and deftly explores the choice we make every day we choose to keep going.

blurb
TK421
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Sometimes you have to love what Barnes and Noble puts on the 75% off table. The Scott Pilgrim game, Heavy Metal history book, and the Tesla puzzles book were only $16! Wolf In White Van looks really interesting. (Thanks for finding that one @cobwebmoth ) Plus we found a bunch of exclusive Funko Pops at another store. Death! She is just delightful.
Now to try and make time for reading again.

xicanti DEATH!!!!!!!!! 5y
Gissy I like Death! 😍 5y
49 likes2 comments
blurb
TobeyTheScavengerMonk
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

“This album began as a rock opera about a besieged seaside community called Riversend ruled by a benevolent wizard.”

The new Mountain Goats album is being described as “dragon noir” and my brother got me an advanced copy as an early birthday gift!

I‘ve loved lead singer John Darnielle‘s novels and I am so stoked about this!

TobeyTheScavengerMonk @vivastory This seems like it would be on your wheelhouse. 5y
MidnightBookGirl Wolf in White Van is amazing! For the book club discussion, I made a game similar to the one in the book... only much, much briefer. 5y
vivastory Thanks for the tag. This is definitely in my wheelhouse! 5y
Billypar Ooh...didn't know there was a new one. I really liked Goths. And 'dragon noir' is a such an intriguing description. 5y
60 likes4 comments
quote
JoScho
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
TobeyTheScavengerMonk Love this book and quote. 5y
94 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
Jenken1998
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

I love his writting. Beautiful and dream like. Such a small book with huge impact. Trigger warnings for attempted/ failed suicide and untreated mental health conditions. Very eye opening when thinking about who you know that is needing help and how they may be ignored, not approached or not believed.. until it's too late. This will stick with me.

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I liked this one a lot too. I can‘t put my finger on why it appealed to me but it really resonated. 5y
CrowCAH I‘ve seen The Mountain Goats perform a couple times! 5y
22 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Jenken1998
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Reading in between work tasks.

blurb
vivastory
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

#Reccomendsday (I haven't done one of these in eons!) If the Black Mirror Bandersnatch episode left you wanting more obsessed game designers & violence, look no further than Darnielle's excellent "Wolf in White Van." Bonus points for listening to Darnielle's band The Mountain Goats while reading it, as good of a soundtrack as found on Black Mirror.

Velvetsun Loved Wolf in White Van. One of my faves I read last year. 💙 5y
wordzie Supercomputer...😎 ❤the cover 5y
82 likes2 comments
review
behudd
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Panpan

This was recommended to me by a friend who loved it. And I can understand why people would love it. But I definitely did not love it. ⭐️⭐️

Susanita That cover!🥺 5y
behudd @Susanita I know! Dizzying! 5y
7 likes2 comments
blurb
Velvetsun
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Half way through my #screamathon #tbr. 2 out of 3 gems isn‘t bad, I guess.

blurb
Velvetsun
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Here is my tentative #screamathon TBR. I‘ve been on a horror binge lately, so hopefully I can keep it up through Halloween.
There are a couple of books that come out at the end of October (Slender Man by Will Hill and the King Novella) that will also be possible for me to sneak in this month. 🤓🎃🧛🏻‍♂️🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️💀

Reviewsbylola Those look really good!! 5y
amywithbooks I am reading The Hunger right now- it‘s really good so far! 5y
52 likes2 comments
review
SkeletonKey
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

Whoa.

Just finished this and I can tell I‘m going to have to sit with it for a while. This was my first #screamathon pick, started early.

It deals with the complex knot of adolescent thought mixed with adult nostalgia. The actual story is about a disfigured man and the events that led to where he is now.

Man o man is it good.

#themountaingoats

40 likes2 stack adds
quote
SkeletonKey
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

“But generally the only way we ever know anything about anything is if something goes wrong.”

Oof. This book is getting to me. Damn it‘s good.

31 likes1 stack add
blurb
SkeletonKey
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Next up!! This is actually from my #screamathon stack but I hope I am forgiven for starting early. I‘ve wanted to read this since it came out.

#themountaingoats #wolfinwhitevan

parttimedomestic I love this one! And such a great cover! 6y
SkeletonKey @parttimedomestic - I‘m reeeeally loving it so far. 6y
alisiakae You are forgiven! 😉 6y
alisiakae I will probably be starting early too! 6y
43 likes2 stack adds5 comments
review
Soubhiville
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Mehso-so

I enjoyed the game aspect, but Shawn‘s backstory was just “meh” for me. I probably wouldn‘t read anything else by this author.

70 likes1 stack add
blurb
Soubhiville
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

I‘ve been enjoying this on my work commute for the last couple days. I love the idea of a sort of role playing game you play through snail mail. One move per letter. Cool.

I‘m heading into my glass studio for the morning, I may even finish this up today.

79 likes1 stack add
review
holarosarita
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
Mehso-so

This was hard for me to get into at first. I guess I understand why it is structured like it is, but I enjoyed it a lot more after it dispensed with all the goddamn mystery early on. Though, oddly, I sort of wish the ending had been left more unreconciled.

blurb
holarosarita
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

A book, a hotel bed, and I‘m not going to work tomorrow. ☺️

khooliha You have beat me to it! 6y
2 likes1 comment
blurb
TobeyTheScavengerMonk
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

#RainbowBookStack #Riotgrams

Shamelessly reposting this from awhile back because these last few days of the school year are wearing me out.

saresmoore I don‘t know how you do it. Seriously. But hooray for summer! Will you be teaching over the break? 6y
GypsyKat I reposted an old picture for this prompt too. No shame! 🙃 6y
72 likes2 comments
blurb
LadyChristy
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

1) Today is in the 50s & sunny, which means Woohoo! Denim Jacket (full of cute pins!) weather! ☀️
2) I‘ve had this for years and it‘s supposedly really good, no idea why I haven‘t just read it! 🙈
3) Sheetpan Sweet Potato Hash with runny eggs on top! 🍳
4) #Catsoflitsy/#littenkitten 🐱
5) Patriot Games by Tom Clancy. It figures, folks of the 80s loved them some Tom Clancy... 😝
#humpdaypost

GondorGirl Where did you get the 'pro...' button? I need that! 😻 6y
rubyslippersreads Where did you get the top two? 😻😻😻 6y
Christine11 Love the pins! 😍 6y
See All 6 Comments
LadyChristy @rubyslippersreads The middle one was a gift, so I‘m not sure, but the top one is from The Clever Clove - https://www.thecleverclove.com She does all sorts of adorable bookish swag! 😁 (edited) 6y
LadyChristy @Christine11 Aww, Thank you! ☺️ 6y
54 likes6 comments
blurb
parttimedomestic
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

#24in48 hour 42 challenge was Best/Worst covers! Wolf in White Van is one of my favorite covers, so that‘s an easy best! I don‘t really have any books I hate the cover of, but this copy of Dune is the worst in a so bad it‘s good kind of way!

review
kalinichta
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

This is not the book for you if you like tidy, pat endings. It's also not the book for you if you like a coherent storyline and action-based plot. However, if you're into exploration of character, food for thought, and rather good writing, this is excellent. Darnielle's a good and thoughtful writer, and the structure he chose for this book kept the story compelling. 👇🏽

kalinichta The portrait of the narrator, Sean, is deep and detailed while letting the reader draw their own conclusions about Sean's character and motivations. An engrossing read. 6y
vivastory I loved this. The ending is perfect, if chilling 6y
kalinichta @vivastory I thought that slow reveal was really well done. I had to sit with it for a bit at the end. Lots to think about. 6y
21 likes3 comments
review
parttimedomestic
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

I went out shopping for my #secretsantagoespostal match and ended up with a few books for myself...Wolf in White Van is a book I have already read, and gave my copy away to a friend, so I needed to replace. I can honestly think of no greater recommendation than giving a loved book away with no thought of getting it back, because you need it to be read by someone you love.

MrBook 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 6y
23 likes1 comment
blurb
nosferatoos
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

I didn‘t buy a single book last month so tonight I bought 4. The Darnielle book was on clearance, the rest were Buy 2 Get 1 Free at B&N so I don‘t feel as bad 💁‍♂️

JessFerg Wolf in White Van is absolutely amazing - I am befuddled that more hasn't been made of it. Sixth Extinction is pretty engaging, too. 6y
29 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
beccaeve
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

@Crowcah and I are seeing The Mountain Goats tonight!!

CrowCAH Great concert; they played all the good ones! 😊 6y
36 likes1 comment
blurb
kalinichta
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

I read the first few pages of this a while back and was immediately drawn in. Also intrigued by the idea of a novel from a songwriter and what that might entail. How I've managed to still not read the whole thing is a mystery. #tbr #giveawaysix @Liberty

SkeletonKey I really loved his second book. Need to read this one now, I bought it ages ago! 6y
kalinichta @SkeletonKey I've been on the fence about that one due to mixed reviews. I think I'll be more inclined to pick it up now on your recommendation. 6y
SkeletonKey @kalinichta - It's definitely not a conventional storyline but I really loved the journey anyway, lol. I'll be interested in what you think. 6y
kalinichta @SkeletonKey I will keep you posted. 🙂 6y
26 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
Christine89
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Mehso-so

Jumping into the #readathon by finishing up this one. It is a bit like Invisible Monsters meets Ready Player One.

blurb
Natasha.C.Barnes
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

It's #bookmatch time! They all have similar sensibilities, which is why I chose them for #exorciseyourdemons--whether those that come of family traumas or past mistakes. Wolf in White Van and Splitfoot have a connection via journeys and imagination, while Splitfoot and Universal Harvester are connected by family issues and confusion. I love the mood of these books, but sadly I felt only WIWV followed through as much as I'd hoped. #hallowreads

MinDea I have Wolf In the White Van, but have never read it. Do you recommend it? 6y
Natasha.C.Barnes @MinDea I do! If the premise and a weird creepyish atmosphere are things you like I say go for it. I think Darnielle's writing is beautiful. It's a small sort of story and perhaps not the most amazing book in the world, but it feels like a good debut novel. I definitely liked it enough to recommend it. 6y
See All 6 Comments
Natasha.C.Barnes @MinDea and if you like audiobooks, the author does a good job narrating it. 6y
Centique I loved WIWV. A completely different read for me but a great one. Never going to forget it! 😍 6y
Natasha.C.Barnes @Centique Awesome! That's how I felt about it too. 6y
78 likes2 stack adds6 comments
blurb
BuddhaMae
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

I am obsessed with the thrift books website!! I've been buying books faster than I can even finish them but everything is so cheap! And free shipping after 10$!! My bank accounts new enemy lol

ItsAngel Me too! My husband hates seeing those green bags show up. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 7y
BuddhaMae @ItsAngel I get so excited!! lol it's like Christmas! 7y
ItsAngel Oh me too!! Just like when I receive and unexpected ARC. I could dance a jig! 💃🏼 I don't have anything from ThriftBooks on the way at the moment, but I'm waiting on a book from eBay and a couple from B&N. @BuddhaMae 7y
8 likes3 comments
review
JamesChatham
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

Wolf in White Van is a melancholy, introspective novel following a man who, after an injury at the age of 17 that left him disfigured, develops a mail-based role-playing game. Beautifully written, it explores themes of escapism - finding refuge from the "real world" in books, music, and in the narrator's case, creating the world his game takes place in. It's a wonderful read and one I'd highly recommend!

7 likes1 stack add
quote
vivastory
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Centique I read this last year and thought it was such a surprising and thought provoking read. He is a real talent. 7y
Suet624 Great image. 7y
vivastory @Centique I thought it was astonishing. Such a smart & vulnerable take on making your own path in life. 7y
46 likes1 stack add3 comments
quote
vivastory
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image

I love when the meaning behind a book title is revealed. This is one of the more unique reveals I've encountered in awhile.

blurb
RealLifeReading
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

#jubilantjuly day 5: #workaholics
I figure that these musicians who write fiction/comics/poetry are pretty much workaholics!
Wolf in White Van by Mountain Goats' John Darnielle
Comics series Umbrella Academy by My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way
The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave
Infinity Series by Ryan Adams

ingleflarbie I never knew the guy from The Mountain Goats had written a book! I've just been over here listening to "No Children" on repeat for the past 5 years! ? 7y
DeborahSmall ❤️️Nick Cave 7y
DeborahSmall I just posted about The Umbrella Academy! I've never heard of him now twice in one day!! 7y
See All 7 Comments
youneverarrived I love Ryan Adams! I still haven't read his poetry though! (edited) 7y
RealLifeReading @ingleflarbie and it sounds like a good book too - it was on quite a few award longlists/ maybe shortlists too 7y
RealLifeReading @DeborahSmall coincidence! 👍 7y
RealLifeReading @youneverarrived I think he's got two poetry books out? 7y
102 likes1 stack add7 comments
blurb
Soubhiville
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

This is patiently waiting in my kindle... #wolves #JuneTunz

monkeygirlsmama Cool cover, but it kinda makes me dizzy looking at it. 😂 7y
bookwrm526 Several people have recommended this one to me but I haven't quite gotten to it yet 7y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk This one destroyed me. Brilliant and brutal. 7y
Cinfhen I bought this too...totally because of Litsy but man...it's so trippy! I can't get through it. My 21 yr Old took it from me...he's still trying to get through it as well. 7y
61 likes2 stack adds4 comments
blurb
Megabooks
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image

Definitely one of the strangest I've read, but I LOVED it! Even the cover is a bit of a mind f*ck. #COMEONEILEEN

night_shift That cover hurts my head lol 7y
87 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

Really enjoyed this one. It's introspective and explores the ideas of isolation and escapism. Lots of food for thought. 👍

45 likes2 stack adds
review
TelevisionNeighbor
Wolf in White Van | John Darnielle
post image
Pickpick

I read this when it came out. I thought it was weird and enjoyable. I want to read his new one that's out. Also a #crazycover #marchintoreading