Book review of The Guide by Peter Heller
The moment you crack open The Guide, you’re transported to Kingfisher Lodge. Tucked away in a quiet canyon, the pristine water and idyllic views set up what should be a welcome respite for Jack. Jack, who after years of loss and what-ifs, is attempting to find some new normalcy.
Cue “Get Shot!” warning signs posted in the meadow (yes, a literal sign, not a metaphorical one) and an ear-piercing scream in the night.
What Jack soon finds out is that there’s something much darker afoot in that canyon he hoped would be a breath of fresh air.
A review of Peter Heller’s, The Guide
When I picked up The Guide by Peter Heller, I did not realize it was part of a series. And, let me tell you upfront – as a very much on-brand Virgo, I don’t feel as though it’s *necessary* to read The Guide after The River.
Let me rephrase. I didn’t feel lost while immersed in the woods with Jack, the guests, and the small team that keeps Kingfisher Lodge up and running. Peter Heller provided enough backstory for Jack that I felt, well, that’s all I really need to know.
Though what happens now, is that Jack is all I can think about so I need to go back and read The River, however, I already know what happens at the end, presumably. Yet, Peter Heller’s writing was so enthralling that I don’t mind. Not one bit.
The book isn’t solely its plot. It’s the setting that Heller transports us to, it’s the way Jack expertly moves through the woods, it’s the storytelling. The feeling as though I can see this lodge of terror, hear the serene water moving amongst rocks and trees, smell that fresh air that felt so promising at the outset.
All in all, I flew through The Guide and can’t wait to be immersed in Jack’s world again soon. Next up, The River!
The Guide, Elsewhere
Similar to book selections we make for Literary League, it’s rare that I’m reading a book by a male author. Even rarer that I’m reading a book by a white male author. And, though those particularly book selections for me may be few and far between, I’m so happy that I picked this one up.
Megan and I spoke about The Guide quite a bit on And Her Books, if you’re curious to hear more about it and why I enjoyed it so darn much. And, if you’re ready to give it a read, grab it on Bookshop.org and support a local bookshop!
For now, what’s up next on your TBR? I’ve got Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You, and Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People up next!
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