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UNDER

by his neighbor’s newly raised Gadsden flag—the kind that says “Don’t Tread on Me”—and decides to confront him. A couple enacts a scheme to prevent a man from parking his truck in front of their house. These are some premises of Pourciau’s fourth collection of short stories, mostly depicting the first\u002Dperson perspectives of aggrieved, suspicious, emotionally isolated people obsessing over others’ hidden thoughts. Pourciau’s oeuvre focuses almost exclusively on minor disruptions to our daily routines that have the potential to drive us mad. The longest story—one of the best and most complete entries, “Invade”—describes a woman incessantly pestering her new neighbors for an invitation to help them redecorate, eliciting increasingly curt and hostile evasions. Averaging around four pages each, most of the entries are incredibly slight and largely absent of closure, suspending readers in emotional purgatory. Trying to read just one at a time has the addictively insubstantial effect of eating a single potato chip. But beware: Attempting to ease the irresolution by binging a bunch in quick succession can be downright nauseating from ingesting such unrelenting paranoia. Steeping oneself in Pourciau’s world of lunatic anxiety and claustrophobic discourtesy can be overwhelming, but the cumulative impact is hard to dismiss—and the familiarity of the situations he explores is a sign of the times. One character summarizes a core truth connecting the vignettes: “Society is based on the premise that we remain civil and make the best of our proximity to others.” And another adds a corollary: “Liberating suppressed thoughts can stress the veneer that holds us together.”"

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781961897

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This immersive picture book plunges young readers into the mysterious world beneath the ocean's surface, exploring marine biology and underwater ecosystems with stunning visual detail. The narrative ...

Our Review

This immersive picture book plunges young readers into the mysterious world beneath the ocean's surface, exploring marine biology and underwater ecosystems with stunning visual detail. The narrative follows a child's journey through coral reefs, deep-sea trenches, and kelp forests, introducing diverse aquatic life from bioluminescent creatures to gentle giants of the deep. Each page turn reveals new layers of this liquid universe, creating a sense of discovery that mirrors the actual experience of underwater exploration. The book masterfully balances scientific accuracy with poetic wonder, making complex concepts about oceanography accessible through vivid storytelling.

What truly distinguishes this work is its ability to capture both the tranquility and drama of submarine environments while subtly addressing environmental themes without heavy-handed messaging. The illustrations employ a sophisticated color palette that shifts from sun-dappled shallows to the profound blues of the abyss, creating visual depth that enhances the reading experience. Young marine enthusiasts will appreciate the careful attention to biological detail, while parents will value the gentle introduction to conservation principles. This captivating dive into aquatic worlds leaves readers with lasting appreciation for our planet's final frontier.

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