Book Review: The Getaway by Lamar Giles

Publisher’s Book Description:

Welcome to the funnest spot around . . .

Jay is living his best life at Karloff Country, one of the world’s most famous resorts. He’s got his family, his crew, and an incredible after-school job at the property’s main theme park. Life isn’t so great for the rest of the world, but when people come here to vacation, it’s to get away from all that.

As things outside get worse, trouble starts seeping into Karloff. First, Jay’s friend Connie and her family disappear in the middle of the night and no one will talk about it. Then the richest and most powerful families start arriving, only… they aren’t leaving. Unknown to the employees, the resort has been selling shares in an end-of-the-world oasis. The best of the best at the end of days. And in order to deliver the top-notch customer service the wealthy clientele paid for, the employees will be at their total beck and call.

Whether they like it or not.

Yet Karloff Country didn’t count on Jay and his crew–and just how far they’ll go to find out the truth and save themselves. But what’s more dangerous: the monster you know in your home or the unknown nightmare outside the walls?

Karen’s Thoughts:

First of all, what a thrilling and original concept for a book. It was bold, daring, inventive and such a great play on all the legends and lore we have heard about that other major theme park, you know the one I’m talking about. And then Giles weaves in, skillfully I might add, themes like climate change, classism, capitalism and racism – and wow, it’s just a mind blowing narrative. Dark, in all the glorious ways you want a book like this to be.

It’s a slow, subtle and delicious build up as layers of horror are unveiled. A great new dystopian for the teens old and new who want another dystopian to read, while being so much more. It was such a fascinating juxtaposition to see what the world is like outside the gates and what the world is like inside them. The themes and elements that can be discussed are just so powerful. Entertaining and teachable.

And that cover, will get everyone to pick it up. They will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Coming September 20th from Scholastic

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