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The sequel to The Deserterlands; Yellow Book, the second book in the trilogy, Red Book chronicles our favorite problematic dad-- Jonah's-- and his countless shortcomings, trying to cope with a lifetime of pain.
The Deserterlands series explores the theme of healing. Red Book zooms in on the theme of healing from trauma. As so many of us know from personal experience, we so often fight down that trauma, or try to outrun it, or numb it anyway we can. Jonah is no exception. For decades, he used heavy opioids, one-night stands, and rampant denial to cope with the abuse he suffered from his family. Now, when these outlets are removed from his arsenal, he begins to come completely undone. His Red energy surges uncontrollably as the emotions pummel into him. With no coping skills, he's victim to these powerful reactions, his body highjacked by his own emotions and energy.
Yara and her two cousins must locate the runaway man before he does something truly dangerous, before this ticking energy bomb finally goes off, potentially taking out an entire city with him.
How does Jonah learn to live with his pain? How does Yara forgive her father for running out on her for a second time? How does an entire family reconcile after so much dysfunction?