The Fountain

Fiction

Apr 11

About the book

Author: Casey Scieszka
Publisher: Harper

More info:
The StoryGraph | Goodreads
Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the review.

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Bookshop.org (print or ebook) | Libro.fm (audio)

My review

Give me a book with Addie LaRue comps, and I’m in. Give me one that’s shelved with literary fiction and takes place in the Catskills, and I’m SUPER in. And when I find out that Emma Straub called it “Tuck Everlasting for grown-ups”?? I’m ALL THE WAY in.

The Fountain is about a woman named Vera who returns to her childhood home in the Hudson Valley after many years. Nearly 200 years, in fact, because Vera can’t die. She’s convinced that whatever made her that way is located there in the Catskills, and if she can find it, she can reverse it. Then a mysterious company starts buying up tons of property in the area, and let’s just say entanglements ensue.

I have some plot squabbles with this book (DM me if you’ve read it and want to chat!), but on the whole, I had a really good time with it. It worked fabulously on audiobook — the perfect mix of clear prose, strong dialogue, and a central mystery to keep the plot moving. I think it will be an easy hit with lots of different types of readers, and I’m excited to talk about it with my IRL book club in May.

But what really puts the cherry on top of this book is the sense of place. Casey Scieszka lives and owns an inn in the Hudson Valley, and it’s clear how much love she has for the area. You will feel transported. I’m really looking forward to staying at the inn later this year for a little reading retreat! (I dare you to read this and not book a trip of your own.)

One important note: If you are sensitive to depictions of suicidal thoughts or attempts, please do yourself a favor and steer clear of this one.