Litsy

CogsOfEncouragement

Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy

pick

Fitting title. Ready for #CampLitsy25 discussion.

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BarbaraJean

Audition | Katie Kitamura

Um… I… hmm. Okay.

I appreciate what the author is doing here, but I didn‘t so much enjoy reading it. I like how the book mirrors the play at the center of the book, but in the end I‘m not satisfied with what she did include (or rather, what she left out). Two contradictory halves that play with the concepts of perception, reality, and performance—and kind of rely on the reader to make meaning of it all—left me frustrated. I read for characters, ⬇

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 1/7) …story, and ideas, but also for meaning—and this was interesting but felt hollow (and honestly—a little lazy!). I don‘t regret reading it (partly because it‘s short enough that I read it in two afternoons), and am glad it was part of #CampLitsy25 even if I came to the discussion late due to uncooperative library holds. For me, this is a better book for discussion than enjoyment! Further thoughts under (many) spoiler tags below: ⬇ 8h

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 2/7) I read this as the author setting up the play within the narrative as a mirror to the book, especially with that central scene, which the narrator cannot get a hold on. She says: “that scene continued to resist me, it was the one thing I couldn‘t fully parse, and without it I was unable to make sense of the part as a whole.” I felt like this about the book as a whole. The author left out the center that would have allowed ⬇ (edited) 8h

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 3/7) …the reader to make sense of the whole. There were a bunch of clues scattered throughout that, to me, indicated that the author intended this close mirroring, leaving the center and the interpretation to the reader. But I feel like it‘s a lazy choice to make on the part of the author: to ask the reader to create the center of the work, which the author herself didn‘t include. In the quote I cited above, the narrator goes on: ⬇ (edited) 8h

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BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 4/7) “I had begun to wonder if in fact there was some hollowness in the construction of the scene itself. The structure and the narrative of the play demanded that the scene contain a process of transformation, a moment of alchemy and transition, but in truth I couldn‘t find the basis for that metamorphosis in what had been written on the page.” Similarly, I couldn‘t find within the text the basis for a center that would hold together ⬇ (edited) 8h

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 5/7) …the two halves.

I was fascinated by several passages in the second half that indicated a dual reality: “…when I looked back on his childhood, he [Xavier] was at once there but also not there.”
“I thought about my relationship with Xavier, when I looked back upon it, my memory was alarmingly inconsistent and full of gaps, so that I could not really say how it had been, at various stages of his life, his childhood and adolescence.”⬇ (edited) 8h

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 6/7) But again, the book seemed to lack the transitional piece that would have made sense of that dual reality or provided a frame for the disconnection and contradictory narratives. It seemed the author was relying on the reader to supply that, and while I respect that choice, it felt lazy to me to withhold it, expecting the reader to do the work of making the narrative hang together. ⬇ (edited) 8h

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d - 7/7) To reference a future #CampLitsy25 book, my reaction to this book reminded me of Zelu‘s criticism of her students‘ work in Death of the Author! Now to read part 2 of the Camp Litsy discussion and hear everyone else‘s interpretations of this book…

@squirrelbrain @Megabooks @BarbaraBB 8h

BkClubCare Very nice commentary 👏 8h

BarbaraJean (Cont'd 8/7 😂) And another thing! So many people have talked about an unreliable narrator here... and I disagree. I didn't feel the narrator was unreliable, but I felt that the *author* was unreliable. I think that's why this book was so frustrating to me. 7h

BarbaraJean @BkClubCare Thank you!! I had a lot to say about a short book I didn't really enjoy... 😂 😂 7h

AnnCrystal Thank you for this review, I've read mixed reviews, and I've been wondering about this one. 👏🏼☺️📚💝. 4h

BkClubCare @BarbaraJean - I especially was struck by “better book for discussion than enjoyment”; good thing it was a camp book! 🏕️ 3h

squirrelbrain I agree with @BkClubCare - a perfect description of this book. I enjoyed our discussions far more than the actual book itself! 16m

29 likes13 comments

vonnie862

Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy

pick

Well, I was not expecting that ending. This was a mixture of thriller/mystery story with a story about grief. The whole time I tried to guess what terrible thing happened in the island, and my guesses were incorrect. I felt for the family but I did not care for the affair that the 2 main adults got into. However, I was eager to find out how it was going to end.

4⭐️

#buddyread #camplitsy25 #bookspinbingo

35 likes

kspenmoll

A Poisonous Silence | Jenny Adams

#weeklyforecast
#camplitsy25 #adventuresinphilosophy #14books14weeks #readyourkindle #DeadlyTwentiesMystery

39 likes1 stack add

kspenmoll

Thicker Than Water | J.D. KIRK

Top row: currently reading.
Middle & Last row: finished books
My first week of summer vacation -tons of reading time!
#camplitsy25 #readyourkindle #adventuresinphilosophy #14books14weeks #memoir #ColdWarNovel #DCILoganMystery #preordetedbookclubchallange #audiobooks #serieslove2025

Megabooks, squirrelbrain, BarbaraBB, Liz_M, GingerAntics, CBee

TheBookHippie Enjoy!!!! 2d

squirrelbrain I have Kate & Frida on audio - no time to get to it though! 🤦‍♀️ 2d

50 likes2 comments

Kitta

Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy

pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Soo atmospheric and I loved reading the chapters from Orly about the seeds (maybe the biologist in me coming out). There was one instance where the science was wrong which always bothers me but I still love this cli-fi novel about a woman who washes up on the shore and the family living in a lighthouse on a deserted island who find her.

Interested in hearing @Ruthiella ‘s view on this one for our #camplitsy discussion!

#camplitsy25

Ruthiella 😂I have a lot to live up to now! 3d

Kitta @Ruthiella I saw you reviewed it on goodreads and didn‘t read your review because I didn‘t want to be swayed haha. 2d

Kitta Also throwback to #camplitsy24 but the atmosphere is this reminded me a little of

Clear: A Novel

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LeeRHarry Ooh now I‘m intrigued to know where the science is wrong…😏 2d

Kitta @LeeRHarry I can‘t remember exactly what it was that wasn‘t right, but I remember thinking that it wasn‘t entirely correct. Maybe an oversimplification rather than outright wrong. (edited) 2d

Butterfinger I think I jumped to the assumption that you were referring to the disappearance of the island. After reading the comment to @LeeRHarry I don't think that is it. 2d

Kitta @Butterfinger oh no, it was something about one of the plants or sea creatures? I think about the seals? Idk. Not the climate science. 2d

33 likes7 comments

Zuhkeeyah

Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy

pick

This ending was a reminder that it can also be the beginning of a new story. What a powerful read. It touched on climate change, family, grief, loss, and the grind of moving forward. Dom tries his hardest to give each of his kids what they need to survive on a desolate island. Rowan‘s arrival sparks a change in the family dynamics as time runs out for the seeds they‘re protecting.

June #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

Zuhkeeyah I burned through the last half of the book after this morning‘s #camplitsy25 discussions 4d

GatheringBooks I loved this book. Agree with all you said. 🥰 3d

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3d

24 likes3 comments

squirrelbrain

Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy

Welcome to our second book of #camplitsy25! We hope you‘re enjoying Wild Dark Shore and we look forward to 2 weekends of discussions.

Don‘t forget, this week we are discussing the first part of the book only so, if you have read on to the end, please take care not to post spoilers for everyone else!

Also, we‘re not tagging on every post, so please scroll down for the other questions for this week.

Megabooks, BarbaraBB

squirrelbrain @Addison_Reads @AmyG @amiable @BarbaraJean @Bkclubcare @BooksandCoffee4me @Bookbuyingaddict @booknaround @BookwormAHN @Bookwormjillk @Butterfinger @Cariashley @Caroline2 @CarolynM 4d

squirrelbrain @catgusmax @cbee @ChaoticMissAdventures @Chelsea.Poole @Christine @CogsOfEncouragement @Cseydel @Cuilin @Dabbe @Daisey @Debinhawaii @Deblovestoread @DGRachel @ErikasMindfulshelf 4d

squirrelbrain @flaneurette @fredthemoose @Gatheringbooks @gissy @Graciouswarriorprincess @Hooked_on_books 4d

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squirrelbrain @ImperfectCJ @JamieArc @Jas16 @Jenniferw88 @JenP @Jenreadsalot @Jess @Jhod @JoyBlue @JulesG @julieclair @KarenUK 4d

squirrelbrain @karisa @Kitta @Kristy-K @Kspenmoll @kwmg40 @Larkken @Laughterhp @LeeRHarry @Leniverse @Lesliereadsalot @maggie4483 @maich @Mcctrish @MeganAnn @Merelybookish @Meshell1313 @Monalyisha @Oryx 4d

squirrelbrain @peaknit @peanutnine @Prairiegirl_reading @PuddleJumper @quietjenn @Read4Life @RaeLovesToRead @reggie @rockpools @Roary47 @Ruthiella @Sace @Sapphire @Sarahbarnes @Soubhiville 4d

DGRachel This has been a bit of A Week, so I haven‘t started yet. I have a bit of catching up to do. 🙃 4d

squirrelbrain @skygoddess1 @Suet624 @Susanita @TheBookHippie @Thekidupstairs @Triplem80 @TrishB @Vonnie862 @Well-ReadNeck @willaful @youneverarrived @zuhkeeyah 4d

Kitta I think Dom needed control over his life due to grief and moving to the island was one way to make things manageable for him. But I‘m not sure it‘s what‘s best for the children. They need to socialize with other kids their own age and develop friendships etc. It sounds like Raff especially needs extra support with learning and he‘s not getting that. They‘re so isolated. 4d

Lesliereadsalot The situation in which the kids have been raised seems nearly impossible. So inter-dependent, no friends except for the sea life, such a limited childhood! It‘s all they know, but still, how does a parent do this to his kids? Very selfish. 4d

Bookwormjillk Gosh, it's part loving family and part hostage situation. I don't see it going well when/if they get off the island. 4d

TEArificbooks I think the family is grieving and the world is suffering from climate change disasters and there is no perfect way to deal with all that. But people do tend to hold the ones they love closer after such a big loss and they become more codependent. And just because it was not a typical upbringing doesn‘t mean it was wrong or damaging. It might have been what they all needed. 4d

TEArificbooks It even reminds me little of The Light Pirate. The main character was young when Florida began to sink and everyone left it. But she stayed with an old lady and her brother left her. And by growing up in a new climate world she adapted in ways adults couldn‘t and lead to her survival. So maybe the isolation in a rough environment would help them learn how to survive on their own in such a challenging new world. 4d

Chelsea.Poole I really feel for Dom. He‘s lost and grieving. He wants to protect his children but I‘m not sure he‘s doing that in such a remote location. This wildness might be what he needs but it may not be what the children need at this point in their lives. 4d

Suet624 Just a reminder: Don wasn‘t always there with just his kids. There were others on the island at some point. It‘s funny because I never thought to be critical of Dom. His kids, while grieving, seem to be doing pretty well - much like any isolated family in a rural area would. (edited) 4d

TEArificbooks No matter how the dad chose how to raise his kids people would judge them. And he judges himself. He is always questioning himself and regretting word choices and his own parenting. Regretting the things he said or things he didn‘t do. Even questioning if coming to the island was a good idea. Just like every parent. 4d

Kitta @Suet624 that‘s true, I forgot there were others at one point, but now it‘s very isolated and his reluctance to leave and the broken radio equipment worries me. 4d

TrishB Always very difficult to be a parent- because everyone has an opinion on how you do it. I think he made a decision for good reasons for himself and the family at that point in time. 4d

AmyG They were a family in pain after such a loss. Dom did what he thought was best as he deeply loves his children, though he is a very the damaged man. What @TrishB said….he made a decision he thought was best. As for family dynamic…they all deeply love each other and, even with all their issues, I felt they were a close family and very dependent on each other. BUT…wow, there is so much pain there together and separately. (edited) 4d

KarenUK Totally agree @TrishB I think that that opinion of others parenting is often in comparison to what is they consider the ‘normal‘ way. More isolated communities exist all over the world. There isn‘t one way to live. And as @Suet624 said, there were other people there at first. They are grieving as a family. And the kids seem to be empathetic, kind and loving, and developing interpersonal skills even though they are fairly isolated. 4d

BarbaraBB I find Dom‘s parenting both heartbreaking and deeply human. He‘s trying to raise strong, capable children in a world that‘s falling apart, but in doing so, he passes on some of his own pain. He protects them fiercely—but at a cost. 4d

Susanita What @Bookwormjillk said! 4d

LeeRHarry I agree @KarenUK - people live in isolation in many different places and the children share a solid and caring relationship. The grief is palpable and seriously needs to addressed though. 4d

squirrelbrain @DGRachel - it‘s a fast read once you get going - enjoy! 4d

squirrelbrain @kitta -I felt that about Raff, too. Out of all of them I felt he was struggling the most. 4d

squirrelbrain @Bookwormjillk @Susanita - that‘s a perfect way of looking at it! 4d

Zuhkeeyah I think Dom is doing his best. He knows he's not a warm and fuzzy but he loves those children with his whole being. The distance we see in the book is recent because he does mention before times where they sought him out for comfort. 4d

squirrelbrain @TEArificbooks @TrishB @AmyG @KarenUK - great point that parents are criticised whatever they do. Dom, like all parents, is doing what he thinks best in the circumstances he found himself in. 4d

Zuhkeeyah @BarbaraBB Exactly. This is seen in how he helps Raff channel his anger. 4d

squirrelbrain @Suet624 @BarbaraBB @Zuhkeeyah - he certainly does love his children fiercely, and is trying to protect them from (perceived) threats, but in doing so, has he exposed them to different dangers? 4d

BkClubCare For me, the fact (whatever incident HAS happened that I don‘t yet know because I have only read to half 😊) that something horrific has recently happened and Dom is all calm, “yep, power out, it‘s only 6 weeks left, carry on” with NO dealing with it all besides, “let‘s not talk about it, shall we?” Seems a bit weird. There is no conversation of what next, no prepping for any new life elsewhere. Just washing the salt off the windows as needs must. 4d

Bookwormjillk @BkClubCare I stopped at halfway too and have the same frustrations. 4d

jenniferw88 I think Dom's children are coping better with their grief than Dom is, and the relationships between them is OK. Raff might be struggling slightly more as he's dealing with 2 losses (his mum & Alex), but they're trying to work as a unit to help their Dad, who doesn't know how to go about restoring their relationships. 4d

Zuhkeeyah @squirrelbrain Hmmm yes and no. The kids know more about the natural world than most adults. The problem is that they're not part of the human portion, which is going to be hard when they go back to the mainland. Also, no one talks about their feelings but Orly. 4d

Karisa Nodding along with your voices. The complexity of the situation that McConaghy builds in this cold world of work, nature, and family is sublime. I admired Dom‘s strength in carrying on when leading his family while also worrying that the noncommunication is putting them all at risk. They are in survival mode. It‘s both sad and beautiful this place. 4d

sarahbarnes Agree with many of the thoughts here. Dom seems to be doing what he believes is best for his children. The future of the planet also factors into that for him - I think he feels a heavy obligation to protect the seeds until they are picked up. And on top of all that, he is immersed in grief. His kids are experiencing some incredible things. And in many ways it still feels like any childhood - joking about how their dad makes them do chores etc. 4d

mcctrish I agree with all that has been said - I do question moving to an isolated place with the kids after they lost their mom preventing them from having friend supports but global warming ramping up negates that luxury?@TEArificbooks I had The Light Pirate vibes too with the kids being able to negotiate this new world better. I haven‘t read ahead & I feel like whatever has transpired has rocked them & caused the riff between dad & daughter 4d

Susanita @BkClubCare Yes! The family had things barely under control or at least at some kind of equilibrium…then Rowan comes along and upsets the apple cart. It was funny to me that Dom was mad at her for lying, when they‘re obviously lying about SOME BIG THING. And yeah, let‘s just get to it already. 4d

Karisa Random but…. Does any one else love that she made their last name Salt? 😍 4d

JamieArc I haven‘t thought a lot about criticizing Dom, like @Suet624 I feel like there is a lot we don‘t know yet. What does the world actually look like? How bad is it? I‘m not sure how to balance how much the kids‘ situation will hold them back or put them ahead once they get into “the real world.” And - they are leaving with the next boat, so there‘s that. 4d

Zuhkeeyah @Karisa Lol I didn‘t catch that. A lot of earth themes throughout. 4d

peaKnit @Bookwormjillk I like how you said that - part loving family, part hostage situation. I think the kids may be flourishing in some interesting ways, ways that wouldn‘t make sense anywhere else but while suffering and missing so much socialization. I understand why but don‘t agree with it as a long term situation for everyone‘s mental health. 4d

kspenmoll I have just read the first part also. The lush descriptions of the land, its sea creatures, traveling seed on the albatross, birds, light & darkness are captivating. It‘s heartbreaking to feel the grief-it‘s palpable like a character in itself. I think Dom is doing his best to- he is not a man to explore feelings in words which does short change the children - he does not seem to understand that one word will bring his daughter back to him. 4d

Deblovestoread Loved @Bookwormjillk comment and agree with the comments about the deep love this family shares although shattered by the loss of their mom/life. It is so easy to judge parenting from the outside looking in and Dom could communicate more but he‘s doing his best. 4d

squirrelbrain @BkClubCare @Bookwormjillk @Susanita @kspenmoll - this halfway split was just perfect.👌 Things really start to happen soon, although it takes a while to build! 4d

squirrelbrain @Karisa @sarahbarnes @jamiearc @peaKnit @deblovestoread - I agree that Dom is doing what he feels best, and also that they‘re in survival mode. But surviving on the island and surviving in the real world are two entirely different things. 4d

Megabooks @Bookwormjillk hostage situation is the word I was looking for. I think he loves them but is controlling them in a very negative way, too. 4d

Megabooks @TEArificbooks that is a really good comparison to TLP!! I loved the MC in that book. 4d

MeganAnn I actually think that a lot of the grief/ pain the kids are experiencing stems from the big thing that happened before Rowan arrived on the island. They‘ve been on this island for 9 years & their mom died before they came so while they still miss her, they are more worried that Dom cannot seem to find a way through his grief over losing her. Raff is struggling because of the loss of Alex. We don‘t know what happened with Fen yet but something did. 4d

Megabooks @Suet624 idk if I agree that kind of isolation is good for any kid. I found myself wondering why didn‘t he leave when the other people did. It just bothers me that Fen sees more communion with animals than other people. 4d

MeganAnn @TEArificbooks yes this is reminding me a lot of The Light Pirate also! One of my favorites. @mcctrish I agree that whatever big thing happened has caused the rift between Dom and Fen. 4d

MeganAnn While the kids may not be socializing with children their own ages, they were clearly still social with the scientists who were on the island until recently. So while it may not be ideal and they will probably struggle at first to join a new community, I think they have the skills to adapt. And they have learned a lot from nature. Dom‘s refusal to deal with his grief and talk about his feelings is harder for the kids than anything. 4d

vonnie862 It is not healthy. Dom is going through grief and is doing his best to raise his kids in this deserted island. But...what happened? They are obviously hiding something. 4d

MeganAnn @Megabooks I see Fen‘s need to stay with the seals as a result of her dealing with whatever big thing happened that we don‘t know yet. Something clearly happened to her that caused her to pull away and feel uncomfortable in their home which is why she wants to stay out with the seals. Every time she is at the house she says something about not wanting to be there that feels like a trauma response to whatever happened. 4d

Bookwormjillk @squirrelbrain yes it was quite the cliffhanger! 4d

ChaoticMissAdventures @Suet624 I agree, there mostly seemed a constant flow of scientists on the island until we get to the point where we the reader join them. I do think though that kids need to socialize (more than whatever virtual school they were doing) with other children their own age. They miss so many mile stones and are going to find it difficult to make friends, which I feel they will need when they eventually skater off the island. 4d

ChaoticMissAdventures @BarbaraBB I agree, McConaghy in the end writes the children in general to be well adjusted and rational, even mature for their ages, I think she was trying to show the situation in a good light because though there is something going on with the kids in the middle we see that they are mostly okay. Even with Fen sleeping with the animals. It isn't much different than the scientists they grew up with. 4d

JamieArc @Megabooks I‘m not convinced they did leave. It‘s probably a big jump to say they didn‘t, but with Hank‘s passport left behind, I‘m now wondering. At least the circumstances under which they left. 3d

GatheringBooks I love @BarbaraBB‘s take on this question along with @Zuhkeeyah‘s thoughts that Dom is doing his best. I also agree with @TrishB that it is easy for an outsider to have opinions about how you raise your own children. As @TEArificbooks noted Dom has sufficient self-awareness that he also second-guesses his choices. More than anything, I find this to be an admirable undertaking - the sense that one has purpose & doing something valuable - what ⬇️ 3d

GatheringBooks (Cont) what a remarkable opportunity for the kids to be surrounded by nature and be mentored by passionate scientists and be raised by a loving parent. I don‘t see what they miss in the regular sense - but marvel at what they have instead. Normalcy is overrated. This is something else altogether that not everyone will ever get to experience in their lifetime. If mainlanders don‘t get them, it‘s on them - not the kids‘. 3d

Hooked_on_books I think he‘s doing his best. Plus, in this changing world, they‘re learning resilience and how to interface with the natural world, which are vital skills they likely wouldn‘t be learning in another setting. And with the rapid sea level rise, what is going on on the mainland? Is it chaos and violence? Probably. So they could well be better off where they are. 3d

Larkken A little late to the party, but chiming in to say that to some degree the parenting seems to be a bit of commentary by the author on the breakdown of society at the end of the world. The undertone is : everything will be tribal & insular & the only people you can depend on is family. So Dom‘s parenting, I guess I would argue, is somewhat a result of the world-wide crisis itself? But maybe I‘m being cynical bc I find McConaghy rather dire/dismal 3d

BookwormAHN I think it's clear Dom is hiding but I also think it would be fascinating to grow up like that. 3d

squirrelbrain @Megabooks - aren‘t all children controlled by their parent(s) though? Although, the kids here have no chance of breaking away from Dom. 3d

squirrelbrain @MeganAnn @vonnie862 @ChaoticMissAdventures I agree, the kids seem really well-adjusted, considering. They almost seem to be parenting their father. 3d

squirrelbrain I love this @gatheringbooks - ‘normalcy is overrated‘ ❤️ 3d

squirrelbrain @Larkken - not cynical at all, and a well-made point that no-one else has yet made. 3d

Jas16 I think parenting is hard enough when you aren‘t dealing with everything on Dom‘s plate. I agree with others that he is doing the best he can Oftentimes that might not be enough but he clearly loves his kids and they seem to know that he loves him despite it all which is half the battle. 3d

Jas16 @Larkken interesting point. 3d

Lesliereadsalot It‘s really hard for me to discuss this book only discussing the first half! Really looking forward to next week. 3d

BarbaraBB @TEArificbooks I now really want to read that book! 3d

BarbaraBB @Karisa I wasn‘t aware of their last name but it‘s well chosen! 3d

willaful @BarbaraBB Well put. 3d

willaful @Megabooks I'm by no means sure that any of the other people actually “left.“ 3d

squirrelbrain @Jas16 - I can‘t imagine how Dom is feeling with everything that is going on, and how guilty he must feel for his kids and the situation they‘re in. 3d

Well-ReadNeck This question has me thinking about the movie Life is Beautiful where a father is raising his son in a concentration camp and imparts the beauty of the world to his son in the worst senecio. I think it‘s a lovely thought and a great movie, but wholly unrealistic. How to keep children protected and innocent while also teaching diligence and the skills to survive is a tricky balance. Different circumstances also make this different for every family 3d

Megabooks @squirrelbrain I think there‘s a difference between control and support. Yes, you can say control is an appropriate word for a child Orly‘s age. I think support would be a more appropriate word for teen, and he‘s taken away a lot of their ability to make any decisions separate from him by isolating them so much. 2d

Megabooks @JamieArc @willaful that‘s a good point. I just kind of pictured it like the research village on Lost. 2d

squirrelbrain @Well-ReadNeck - it doesn‘t feel like the children are innocent of the world in this case, expect maybe Orly. It feels as though Fen and Raff have seen too much already. 2d

CBee Finally finished the first half and am loving it (I knew I would). Agree with so many of the thoughts here, but also many unanswered questions that I‘m looking forward to finding answers… And as a parent who constantly doubts, I admire Dom. He‘s doing the best he can after losing his wife and well, during the end of the world. But, Raff and Fen are closed off for some reason, Orly is an open book. Curious to find out more 🧐 2d

squirrelbrain Glad you‘re loving it! @CBee You can read to the end now! ☺️ 2d

CBee @squirrelbrain yay! Cause I don‘t think I can stop 😂 2d

Butterfinger As I was reading the comments, my thoughts of child-rearing were quite different until I read @GatheringBooks. What an opportunity for children to be on this island where hope for the future is kept in the form of life (seeds) and to see nature in its primal state. As a parent, I try not to do things but give them adventures, and I was envying being there. On the other hand, I would never allow my daughter to sleep in another place by herself. 2d

Butterfinger I also agree with @TrishB with the judgment. In particular, homeschooling. Homeschooling parents are judged because of the lack of socialization, whereas public school parents are judged for too much socialization. They have no friends their age. I agree with adventures, but not for that long. And we don't know, maybe Dom has no support system to take the children, so he did what was needed for his job. I'm going back and forth, aren't I? 2d

49 likes84 comments

squirrelbrain

Wild Dark Shore | Charlotte McConaghy

#camplitsy25

The author has addressed climate change in all of her novels – how do you find the portrayal of the climate crisis in this book, through the medium of the seed bank and other factors?

Do you think fiction is a good way of calling for action on this and other similar issues?

Megabooks, BarbaraBB

Kitta I think fiction is a good way to engage people about climate change and the devastating consequences if we don‘t act now. I like thinking about the island and its environment as a character going through a tough time. It‘s like the ocean is angry and reclaiming land that we humans have destroyed. The closing of the seed bank and Hank having to make the decision of what to save is depressing and stressful. Orly‘s thoughts add to it well. 4d

Bookwormjillk My main volunteer gig has to do with the environment so I am always happy to see people treating climate change like something that actually exists. (Although I admit I have tried to read one of this author's books before and bailed.) 4d

Chelsea.Poole I agree with @kitta —introducing/exposing people to some of these concepts with fiction is a way to get messages out to many who would not otherwise consider reading or learning about climate change. Picking up “a story” that reflects our current struggles is often the way to expose people to these climate disasters to wake them up. Love the author‘s use of nature/environmental concepts in her books. 4d

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Suet624 I appreciate how she writes about the consequences of climate change. Her descriptions of nature have always put me right in the spot she‘s talking about. 4d

TEArificbooks I think it is an excellent way to expose people to the fact that climate change is real and just around the corner and our grandchildren will be dealing with the things this family is dealing with. I have noticed a huge uptick in climate change fiction. I hope it inspires people to try to fix it and our next generation does better than us. 4d

TrishB I enjoy learning via fiction, if you‘re interested you go away and find out more. I love the way she portrays nature as a character. 4d

KarenUK I love her writing because of this. So evocative. It‘s very immersive, moving and thought provoking. 4d

AmyG I loved the climate and descriptions of the land and sea. Her writing gave me such a clear picture of where they lived. I think it‘s a great way to get across to people the situation we are in as a world. I found myself googling seed bank etc. I now have a better understanding of that…which I didn‘t have before I read this book. 4d

rockpools I think she writes the environment wonderfully! And seeing the island (and Rowan‘s lost home) through both Rowan and Orly‘s eyes is really effective. It feels very real, and very close. I haven‘t read her before, but am loving her ability to transport you to this place. 4d

BarbaraBB You could argue the strength lies in its balance: the book doesn‘t just highlight ecological catastrophe—it delves into personal grief, survival, and moral choice. I regard the seed bank both a literal and symbolic heart of the story, representing what we value—or risk losing. fiction like this delivers more than facts alone, by bringing climate change into our emotional and moral worlds. 4d

Susanita Fiction can drive home the emotional impact of a situation in a way that just reporting facts and figures can‘t really do. We feel the loss of Rowan‘s home to the fires and the loss of the island because we see those losses on an individual and immediate level. 4d

squirrelbrain @rockpools - you should definitely read the other books by this author! 4d

squirrelbrain Playing devil‘s advocate here - do you think the people who *should* read and do the research around a book like this, will do? Or will they just see it as pure fiction and not rooted in fact? @Kitta @Bookwormjillk @Chelsea.Poole @Suet624 @TEArificbooks @TrishB @KarenUK @AmyG @rockpools @BarbaraBB @Susanita 4d

squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB - I was only seeing the seed bank in a very literal way. 🤔 4d

Zuhkeeyah The island and Rowan's house are themselves characters in the book. The island shows what is still there, while Rowan's home represents how fast it can all disappear. This is mirrored with the seed bank and the need to protect it. Fiction reaches a wider audience than nonfiction. I'm glad to see authors making an effort to highlight the imminent dangers of climate change. Once you relate to a character's struggle, it's harder to ignore the issue. 4d

rockpools @squirrelbrain The people who ‘need‘ to read around this - maybe they will see it as fiction. But it builds. They will hear about wildfires. And floods. And maybe even seed banks (or biodiversity loss). And the impact of those things will become more real, more relevant and the stories more human through having read fiction. 4d

Chelsea.Poole @BarbaraBB excellent point about the seed bank! I thought often about what I would protect at all costs in my own life while reading. It‘s the seeds for the future —my children and the environment for them and all living beings. Seems to be a deeply ingrained drive for humans: preparing for the future. 4d

Chelsea.Poole Well put @rockpools !! I‘m not sure those who need this will be willing to pick it up on their own but this author sure is gaining popularity and perhaps that will help propel her message…plus, as mentioned above all the other cli-fi out there. It‘s going to become more and more difficult to avoid. 4d

Bookwormjillk @squirrelbrain good point- on the whole probably not, but maybe someone will. 4d

BkClubCare Oooo! Does anyone have any NF suggestions to pair with this? I definitely looked up snow gums and buzzy burrs, amongst other stuff. Great comments here. 👏 4d

Karisa @BarbaraBB Ooooh, the seed vault as the heart is beautiful (after all, seeds and hearts can be transplanted). Their home is the lighthouse—the eyes? Both are failing with the people/lifeblood/brain trying to keep it all running while time is running out. They are hoping but unsure if help is on the way and if so, will the help make it in time? A microcosm of the larger, ailing world. 4d

KarenUK @squirrelbrain Good point! Probably not is the sad answer… 4d

mcctrish @Karisa I love your description of the island I love fiction that teaches me something and @rockpools that connections people who stumble across this book make in real life is enough to propel them to make changes ( or be loud enough to get the people in charge to) I loved reading the descriptions of this island - I continually wavered between wanting to be there and absolutely not wanting to be there 😆 4d

JamieArc I really like that she makes it something really tangible and personal. It‘s not some big thing that has turned us into a dystopian planet. But it‘s affected the island, their home, their work. 4d

AmyG @BarbaraBB Spot on. I viewed the seed bank as the future. Dom was saving the seeds so his children, and basically humans, could have a future. 4d

Ruthiella I pretty much hated the book. But I do agree the writing is good and the environment, the weather, the atmosphere of the island is beautifully rendered. 4d

peaKnit @BarbaraBB yes, I also appreciate your thoughts about the seedbank, now I can see it as the heart more - I‘m learning I might read too literally. 4d

kspenmoll The author‘s descriptions of the land, sea, & its creatures were mesmerizing. I I loved the chapter that featured the truss from the seat on the back circling the Earth. I agree with @rockpools that seeing the island through the eyes of Rowan & Orly is effective- Rowan‘s eyes are new, so you feel her wonder & Orly‘s joy at sharing his world with her. @Karisa I love your view/ ideas about the novel as a “microcosm of the larger, -ailing world.” (edited) 4d

Deblovestoread I love how I know exactly where I‘m at with her writing. Her descriptions are vivid. And yes I think novels can open our eyes to something we should be paying attention to and can spur you on to learn more. 4d

squirrelbrain I agree with @chelsea.poole - that was beautifully put @rockpools , and so hopeful! 4d

squirrelbrain @Karisa @JamieArc - this author is so good at linking large, expansive issues with more personal challenges, giving them so much more heart and meaning in the process. 4d

squirrelbrain @mcctrish - maybe a short visit?! 😜 4d

squirrelbrain @Ruthiella - I‘m sorry you didn‘t like it 😞 but glad you could see past that to some of the positives. 4d

squirrelbrain @peaKnit - I read too literally too! A book like Audition *makes* you look for metaphors / analogies / whatevers but with books like this one that are so immersive and ‘easy‘ I tend to take them at surface value. 4d

Megabooks @Kitta that‘s a good point. I feel like some folks feel lectured at with nonfiction or news in the way they don‘t with fiction. It opens us to new worlds even if they‘re scary. @Chelsea.Poole 4d

Megabooks @BarbaraBB wow!!! Great thought/observation!! 💜💜💜 4d

Megabooks @Suet624 @KarenUK @AmyG she is one of the best descriptive writers I‘ve read recently!! 4d

Christine Great points, @BarbaraBB and @Zuhkeeyah ! And 🤣 @Ruthiella , I‘m enjoying the book but am eager to learn more about your hate! 4d

vonnie862 The description of the island really helps portray the situation the characters are in. 4d

ChaoticMissAdventures @squirrelbrain I think the people who should read it, will never be changed, until something very drastic happens to them, and even then it is a 50/50 chance they will “believe“ in climate change. I think they would read this book as a dystopian thing that cannot happen like Mad Max or other wild tales. 4d

ChaoticMissAdventures I will begrudgingly admit (I did not like this book) she writes a scene/landscape well. I can visualize the island, and the cottages in my mind even now weeks after I have finished the book. I think she selects in all her books the harshest climates, the places that feel like they want to drive humans away by the force of nature. 4d

JamieArc @Megabooks I was also thinking of the lecturing point. I feel like I‘ve seen people say that even with fiction books. But climate change is woven into the story in a way that doesn‘t feel like…I‘m not sure how to say it. It‘s all interconnected - the land, the climate, the characters and their grief. The climate doesn‘t overshadow the other parts. 3d

Hooked_on_books I love how the environment is portrayed here. Especially the ocean, which here and in reality is relentless, unstoppable, and untamable. And she shows that so well. And I do think fiction is a good medium to explore things like climate change, since it allows an author to reach forward into what is to come and create characters people can relate to so they can see what it might be like for themselves. Plus, so many people just don‘t read NF. 3d

Hooked_on_books @BkClubCare It‘s less about climate change specifically, but looks at human damage to locations and what nature has done to reclaim those places from human injury. It‘s fantastic and I think would pair well with this:

Islands of Abandonment: Nature Rebounding in the Post-Human Landscape

TEArificbooks @Hooked__on__books thanks for the suggestion. As for if I think the people need to read the book would read it and change their opinion on climate change? I hope so. I think if they can be empathic to a character then they can be empathetic to the environment too. However, I know that there are people that never believe no matter how much logic and evidence there is. There are still people that think the earth is flat for Pete‘s sake. 3d

GatheringBooks Great follow up question by @squirrelbrain - that is the rub, isn‘t it? Whether those who need to read it manage to do so in the first place - but at least it IS there. You are right in noting how the setting is very much a character here. The sense of aliveness of the place and the evocative way it was described is lovingly detailed. Like @JamieArc noted, i never felt the climate change aspect was heavy handed or prescriptive, it simply is. 3d

BkClubCare @Hooked_on_books - Thank you 🙏 3d

BookwormAHN I was a little torn on the climate change aspect. On one hand I can see the need to find a way to convey the need for everyone to take it more seriously but I think that she almost pushed it in to a dystopian novel. Or we are a lot more screwed than I was previously aware if. 3d

squirrelbrain @jamiearc @Megabooks - I don‘t think that this book felt like a lecture at all. Conversely, while I really enjoy Barbara Kingsolver, sometimes she gets on her soapbox and becomes really didactic. 3d

squirrelbrain @Hooked_on_books - you‘re right, so many people shy away from NF for fear of it being ‘dry‘. 3d

LeeRHarry @Hooked_on_books great NF book suggestion - I loved that one. The way that nature writing is woven into this book is my favourite part about it. Living in a country that regularly has bushfires, I thought the sense of devastatingly loss for all things as a result of fires was done really well. (edited) 3d

Jas16 @BarbaraBB I love that so much. I didn‘t think of that while reading the book but you are so right 3d

Jas16 @rockpools I agree with you. People may not do a deep dive into climate change after reading this but stories like this enter people‘s consciousness which is a way to get them thinking and empathizing outside of their usual bubbles. 3d

rockpools @Hooked_on_books Thanks for the recommendation- I‘d wanted to read that when it came out, but it somehow fell off my radar… (or got buried under other things). 3d

rockpools @squirrelbrain Yes re how she wove in climate change elements. And I agree re Kingsolver - I‘ve loved her books for years. But you can feel lectured! 3d

Lesliereadsalot @Ruthiella You hated this book?!? Can‘t wait for next week to find out why. 3d

Ruthiella @Lesliereadsalot Pretty much! 😂 3d

rockpools @BarbaraBB I love your thoughts on the seedbank. For some reason, the decisions Hank was forced to make made me think of the UK education system (go figure!). ‘Useful‘ subjects only, none of that artsy, wild, beautiful stuff we need to thrive, just the crops we need to exist. 3d

Lesliereadsalot @BarbaraBB What smart observations! You really got the best out of this book. 3d

rockpools @squirrelbrain I will definitely read more by this author. Are camp sessions finished for today? Can I go back to my tent and read the second half now??! Can‘t wait to get back to it 😁 3d

Hooked_on_books @rockpools I know we can all relate to that! 😂 3d

squirrelbrain @rockpools - yes you can read more! At least you don‘t have to be secretive about it - at this camp we encourage reading after lights out! 😜 I have both other books if you can‘t get hold of them - I can bring them to Gladstone‘s and you could post them back to me, or I‘ll post them to you beforehand 3d

rockpools @squirrelbrain Aw, thanks Helen 😘. But my library has both of the others, so no need to risk them to the post! Very happy you all pushed me to read her xx 3d

Kitta @squirrelbrain late reply but I think you‘re right that the people who need to read it and understand, won‘t. But there will probably be a few who pick it up and have the ideas planted in their minds. We need to celebrate those wins, however small. And I think cli-fi is more engaging than NF sometimes. There‘s really good NF books but deciding to read it is a step too far for someone not engaged in climate change I think. 3d

squirrelbrain That‘s great! @rockpools I just thought they‘re not that easy to come by in the UK so I‘m glad you can get them. 3d

squirrelbrain We can but hope! 🤞 @Kitta 3d

Well-ReadNeck I think the author is doing an amazing job of show-don‘t-tell here letting what the reader knows evolve through observation. Lots of ominous vibes here. I am a little confused about what the state of the world is here, but I think that‘s also part the story-they are so isolated they don‘t really know either. 3d

Butterfinger Before I read comments, I am going to say - climate change is real and its scary and you think about everything humans have done (penguins in the barrels, oh my goodness) and the last black rhino that died in the current past. It's shameful. The author does a good job with describing the wild beauty and the ugly reality. And when you add Rowan's harrowing ordeal with the fire - it can get depressing. @Chelsea.Poole well said. 2d

Butterfinger I agree with the symbolism @BarbaraBB I will also add that the seed bank is hope for mankind's future so the family and Rowan may have hope for a solid future. I love the idea of the seed bank. I knew the world had it, but I assumed it was in the north. Well said @Zuhkeeyah yes @mcctrish I also learn about major issues from fiction and this cli-fi will stay with me for a long time. My fav part so far is Orly sharing his love with her @kspenmoll 2d

Butterfinger @ChaoticMissAdventures I remember the ozone scare in the mid to late 80s. Because I read my Nanny's newspapers as a child (lack of books and being a bit too far to get to the library) she stopped using her aerosol hair spray and burning Styrofoam. She grumbled, "Tammy Lynn needs to stop reading."? But she stopped. When the young get invested, they will share the message to family and/or raise their children more conscientiously. 2d

Butterfinger Thanks @Hooked__on__books for the nf. 2d

ChaoticMissAdventures @Butterfinger there are actually lots of seed banks around the world! You are probably thinking of what I think is the largest of them all, it is in the north in Norway way up by the Arctic pole by a town called Svalbard. Definitely not on an island that will flood soon, but that wouldn't be very dramatic for a novel. 2d

Butterfinger Aaah!!! @ChaoticMissAdventures I see. That must be the one I know from CNN10. 2d

squirrelbrain Yes @Butterfinger - those barrels were truly horrific weren‘t they? And I love how you demonstrate that even the little things have an impact on ‘saving the planet‘ like your Nanny did. 2d

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