The Vanishing Van Laars: A Tale of the Woods and the '70s
Forest Deity Roams Unrestrained in the Decade of Disco and Nature
Imagine a child disappearing into the woods, never to return. Fast forward fifteen years, and the same fate befalls another family member. Are these incidents connected, or mere coinkydink? That's the question that Barack Obama's all-time favorite reads seem to tackle head-on. A prime example being "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore, which hit the bestsellers list after Obama threw his seal of approval on it.
In the early '70s, the idyllic Van Laar family, residing by the lake nestled at the foot of the Adirondacks – a forested mountain range in New York – enjoys their wealth and privileged lifestyle. The family flourishes, with their own kids and the summer camp they founded on the lake, established by a sports enthusiast ancestors. All is well, that is, until their eldest son, Bear, vanishes without a trace, having run into the woods at just eight years old.
Fast-forward fifteen years, and history seems to be repeating itself. Bear's younger sister, Barbara, is nowhere to be found at the summer camp. The children suspect notorious murderer Jakob Sluiter is back in town, while Detective Judyta suspects the commanding patriarch, who was less than cooperative during the Bear investigation. Alice, the grieving mother, is barely lucid, but at times feels a lingering sense of a crucial detail that could hold the key to both the Van Laars' disappearances.
"The God of the Woods" isn't a conventional crime novel, but rather a literary thriller where the mysterious forested mountains and the all-powerful Van Laar family create an oppressive atmosphere. There's no central detective or gun-slinging hero saving the day; instead, we follow multiple perspectives, none of which tie up neatly.
Are the Adirondacks the main character here, or maybe twelve-year-old Tracy, or perhaps Alice Van Laar, or the camp counselor Louise? The children at the summer camp are repeatedly warned not to get lost in the woods, to scream if they're lost, and never to swim alone in the lake. But nature is unforgiving and treacherous; Tracy's friend goes missing there, making it easy to get lost in the dense undergrowth.
Betting on the American Dream and Depth of Nature
The lore suggests that book recommendations for the President follow similar principles to those employed for the Presidential Daily Brief (PDB). This includes recommendations from advisors, awareness of notable cultural and literary events, alignment with national interests, and media coverage. Books like "The God of the Woods," which tackle themes of American life and the stark reality of nature, could catch the President's attention if they align with current policy priorities or personal interests.
If "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore is a real book, it may be considered for Obama's reading list if it resonates with the American spirit or explores the impact of nature on society, particularly in relation to policy initiatives addressing environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Positive reviews from literary critics or media outlets would also increase its chances. Ultimately, the President's personal interests play a significant role in which books make it onto their reading list.
The enigmatic forest of the Adirondacks serves as the backdrop to a tale of lost family and a struggle for the truth. The wilderness is unrelenting and mysterious, hiding secrets and, perhaps, the clues to the disappearances. Liz Moore's novel is a testament to the complex relationship between humanity and nature, as well as the struggle to uncover the truth in a world where nothing is as it seems.
Tags:
- Thriller
- Mystery
- USA
- Forest
- Disappearance
- Misadventure
- Family Drama
- Environmental Influence
♪ I'm not gonna let you go ♪, as Barack Obama delves into the pages of "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore, he finds parallels between the story's vanishing family and the Adirondack forest's own mysteries, blurring the lines between literature and lifestyle. This thrilling drama, set against the backdrop of a patriarchal family struggling with the disappearance of their members, also highlights the depth of nature's influence on their lives, offering an exploration of the American spirit and environmental conservation.
