the setup…
It’s 1996 and Jane Williams is turning seventeen. She and her father Frank live in a remote cabin in Montana, off the grid with just the most basic of necessities. It’s the only life she’s known and it’s her normal, homeschooled by him and subjected to his extreme philosophies based on 19th century theorists. The occasional visits to Boseman and the bookstore operated by her one friend’s mother have started to stir a restlessness for something more. One day her father takes her on a different kind of venture, one that forever changes the trajectory of her life.
the heart of the story…
This is so much more than a coming of age story. It begins near the end and then rewinds back to Jane’s origins, which provides essential foundations for understanding both her and Frank. He later dupes Jane into helping him commit a serious crime, the catalyst for her finally leaving the mountain permanently. Before she escapes, Jane discovers documents that brings question to her entire identity. Just imagine a seventeen year old girl unleashed into a world she’s never experienced, and on her own, landing in Silicon Valley during its infancy.
the narration…
Helen Laser is one of my favorite narrators and she was outstanding in her characterization of Jane and in her storytelling. Peter Ganim sounded exactly as I’d imagined him, bringing him to life.
the bottom line…
Jane is exceptionally bright and stumbles into situations that steer her towards answers and relationships that will serve her well, and some not so much. I was riveted throughout her entire journey as she struggles to create her own truths and question everything she’s known. Some of Frank’s fears about technology were prescient and you can’t help seeing some of the destructiveness he predicted. Jane was a marvel and where she landed felt authentic. This is an extraordinary story I still can’t seem to let go.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 3, 2025
- Narrators: Helen Laser & Peter Ganim
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 42 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Another book on my Libby lineup. Glad you enjoyed it and a wonderful review, too, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 It’s deeply thought provoking.
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It sounds riveting to me too! Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜
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I’ve read this author before and found her work riveting. Wonderful review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 I think you’d find this equally compelling.
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Excellent review, Jo. I’ve not seen this book around, but it is going on my wish list right now. I like a good coming of age story.
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Thank you, Carla💜 I hadn’t seen it around either but Tessa specifically recommended it to me (grateful).
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Wonderful review! I loved this one too and can’t stop thinking about it. It sounds like the audiobook narration was great! I read it via ebook, but I’d be very curious to hear how these characters come across via audio.
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Thank you, Lisa💜 It’s still haunting me. Laser nails Jane/Esme and Teresa.
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This sounds SO good! I definitely need to try and get a copy soon… Fab review! xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜 I think you’d appreciate this story.
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