A History of Wild Places

Initial thoughts for this eerie cult story mixed with a missing person mystery. Overall thoughts or ratings?

Do you feel the setting led to capturing much of the tone and energy of this book? The isolated commune, Pastoral, hidden in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Did you like that the start of the book was about Travis and his powers and then halted to be told through the eyes of Pastoral residents?

Can communities like Pastoral sustain and thrive? Or do they eventually all destroy themselves? The idea of escaping society and creating something different may seem appealing to some, but can one ever escape corruption, power, and leadership in communities of all sizes?

Among the characters Theo, his wife Calla, and her sister Bee, was there one that you favorited or felt most close to while reading? Did any of these characters grow or change throughout the book?

Why was fear such a theme throughout those who lived in Pastoral? Those who reside in Pastoral seem to enjoy the life they have but have a deep fear of what lies beyond the borders, such disease, infection, and death.

Was the plot predictable? Do you feel there was enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes? Were you surprised or disappointed by the big reveal at the end of what was truly going on at Pastoral?

Were there pieces of this story that felt rushed, left out, or unanswered? Things you would have changed if you were the author and had the choice of how the plot unfolded.

This author has previously written young adult fantasy novels. Do you feel the author’s style of writing and pace fit with your expectations for an adult mystery/thriller?

Would you recommend this book to others? Better yet, if it weren’t for this book club, would this have been something you would have picked up off the shelf?