4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

I really enjoyed this tale, in a genre that has been very popular of the last several years. What set this one apart was the author's Buddhist background and the characters' ability to speak/communicate with some animals. The relationship with the raven, Peau, was brilliant.

This was a very thoughtful, intelligently-written novel. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

I chose to read The Way by Cary Groner during my Colorado trip. This was a good choice, as I am familiar with many of the landscapes and areas mentioned in the book.
I enjoyed reading this post-pandemic about a menagerie of characters as they trek across the U.S. to complete their given task. This is the first novel I've read with a definite Buddhist flair, and I enjoyed learning a bit about Buddhism and reading about the main character's faith and the struggles to adhere to it during such tumultuous times.
The animal characters were perhaps my favorite part of this book (except one rather ...off animal interaction); I appreciated the banter between the animals/animals and the animals/humans. Very interesting to witness avian raven behavior in the book as well.
There is some mention of the value of literature, film, and writing as well, to show the thirst for culture.
The methods of survival would make a reader who identifies as a "prepper" happy as well (though I know said prepper will read with an analytical eye.)

Overall, well worth my while to read. I'd be interested to see what else the author brings us to read in the future.


Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance ebook.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Speigel & Grau for providing the opportunity to read the ARC of Cary Groner’s ‘The Way’.

Now for my honest review:

Despite the pursuit of Will Collins, for some unknown reason, by Buck Flynn and the subsequent violence which that chase engenders (serendipitously for a Buddhist monk mostly by nature); Cary Groner’s ‘The Way’ is a rather gentle journey from Colorado to California to deliver a possible ‘cure’ for Disease X that has devastated the world. As Will and his traveling companions, a cat named Cassie, a raven named Peau, and Sophie, an orphan, trek west, the return of fauna and the flora to the now nearly human-free planet makes for a verdant and visually rich, though dangerous, landscape within which to travel. And even in a post pandemic world, scattered communities struggling to survive typically welcome Will in, providing rest and sustenance.

It is only the impending threat of Flynn, and what will happen when he catches Will, that creates any urgency to his trip. Though that threat was often forgotten by Will, and I did wonder at the casual nature of this journey as if the author needed the travelers to stop to allow Flynn to catch up or for the author to make a point.

The dynamic relationship that develops between Will and Sophie is engaging, and the ability to communicate with Cassie and Peau an essential component to the story. Important environmental/philosophical/social issues are addressed throughout the book and much time is spent in discussion, yet the segue to them from the action at times felt contrived and in those moments the author may have intruded too much. This gave me pause. Just something to get through.

Other than the sense that the author was just a page turn away, ‘The Way’ was an enjoyable read along the lines of John Crowley’s ‘Engine Summer’.

I can get down with a post apocalyptic dystopian road trip where the main dude is trying so hard to meditate but also he's dr. dolittle and can talk to his cat and raven and also a raving mad man is after him, so yeah it's a little hard to be a peaceful buddhist in this situation.

But then the book tries a little to hard to be cozy where every bad thing that happens to them gets wrapped up in a neat bow including the ending of the book. This is about 3.5 stars for me, rounded up to 4 stars because I was a big fan of this 2 person 2 critter road crew. If the ending had been stronger it would be a more 4 star read for me, however, the clean ending had me rolling my eyes.

Firstly - thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Speigel & Grau for the ARC of this book.

So, I had genuinely no idea what to expect from The Way because I requested it ages ago and forgot to read it when I got approved. All I know is when I originally read the description I thought it sounded great.

And do you know what? It was.

The Way follows the story of Will, traversing a destitute and dystopian American midwest on a personal and practical journey. In a world ruled by the young, as the old have died out due to a pandemic preventing ageing, it's sobering to realise that you have to live your life as quickly as you possibly can, or risk never living at all.

Cary Groner takes us on a beautiful and hazardous journey through the spiritual and natural world, offering a very unique take on the traveller's story. It weaves science, religion - namely Buddhism - the natural world, and what it means to be a family.

Animals play a huge part in Will's story, and without spoiling too much, the dynamic travelling companion duo of a Raven and a Cat was hilariously - and sometimes shockingly - refreshing.

It wasn't my usual go-to read, but I'm extremely glad I picked up the ARC, and I'd highly recommend giving it a go. If you're not afraid of a warm and at times arduous journey, I think you'll like this.

3.9/5.0

This is a gentle dystopia road trip book, and I really enjoyed it.

A disease has killed most of the population a few years ago and there are scattered communities with small successes and also bands of militarized men who want to 'be in charge of all the things'. That is the setting. In this world, a man who has been in a Buddhist monastery has been asked to deliver a potential cure to a lingering disease to California, several former states away. This is the story of his travel, chased by someone who wants the cure for himself, fending off wild animals (many of whom escaped from zoos and have thrived), and meeting friends and helpful strangers along the way. This trip is fraught with the usual dystopian problems - food, safety, crumbled infrastructure - but he meets good people along the way. He does spend a bit of time discussing how his Buddhist practices influence his journey, which some may find too spiritual or reflective, but I found it fit well with the general calmness of the book.

I always worry with books of this genre about portrayals of violence and can report only one short scene of described torture, and no scenes of sexual violence. There is a fair share of death, but it is not described in detail.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely reflective break from other more gruesome dystopian works. Some may find it too slow or calm or gentle, but for me it hit just right. I am already telling people to add this to their TBR list.

I was deeply moved by the nuanced portrayal of personal journeys and the search for meaning. Groner's writing is both lyrical and introspective, capturing the emotional landscape of his characters with precision and depth. The exploration of relationships is particularly well-executed, as the intertwined lives reveal the complexities of love and forgiveness.
However, there were moments when the pacing lagged, particularly in the middle sections, which made it challenging to maintain momentum. While the story’s themes are profound, some plot points felt slightly contrived, leading to predictable resolutions that detracted from the overall impact.
Despite these, the rich character development and thoughtful exploration of life's paths make it a compelling and thought-provoking read that resonated with me long after finishing the book.

It reminded me a lot of The Stand in that desolated post-apocalypse type of world setting. I enjoyed the characters and the friendship that Will and Sophie developed. Cassie and Peau were an odd addition that I might have left out.

Very well-written and compelling. More slow-paced and thoughtful than a lot of other books about the post-apocalypse, which raises the stakes of the plot: in this book, treating "minor" illnesses or finding and cooking food is just as arduous as crossing the Mojave. The small cast of this book gives you more time with the characters, human and otherwise, and I came away from this book feeling like I knew them, and I'll miss them.

A captivating story. It was so fun to follow along with Will's story and to read about Cassie and Peau. A great twist near the end, one I never would have expected and that made me laugh.

I don’t think I was the intended audience for this book. The Way is a post-apocalyptic story with spiritual undertones. However, for my taste, the spirituality was too prominent in places and took away from the post-apocalyptic part. There are detailed sections about their supplies, Buddhism, movies, and books that slowed the pace and tended to confuse me. In one of the chapters, there is a scene of interspecies mating, something that was very strange to read, especially because it didn’t add anything of importance to the story. The Way has a slow pace, and the writing style isn’t for me, which hindered my reading experience.

In spite of all this, the last 20% caught my attention with all the twists that I didn’t see coming. I liked how The Way explores the moral dilemma of how you would avoid hurting people in the apocalypse if your religion forbids it. The characters are fleshed out and relatable, especially Sophie. Peau and Cassie are a nice addition to the book. They add banter and warmth, where in a dystopian world is much needed! Overall, for me, The Way is an interesting read that has a lot of great aspects but ended up failing to reach my expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Way.

There are so many ways and variations to tell a post-apocalyptic story and I'm always up for an end of the world tale.

Not to mention it sort of feels like we're living in one.

This is one of the calmest (if that's the right word to use) post-apocalyptic stories I've ever read, which isn't a bad thing. It's got kind of a The Last of Us vibe, especially in the second half, but with less violence.

Will Collins has been tasked to deliver a potential cure to California. It won't be an easy journey, especially since Will is one of the few middle-aged people still alive. A slew of viruses and epidemics has decimated the population and the average lifespan is 4o.

Luckily, Will has a few things on his side; his Zen attitude, a brilliant raven, a grumpy cat, and a street smart teenage girl.

What's not to like about this story?

It's safe to say I love pretty much any story with animals in them, especially ones that talk.

If it wasn't for Peau, Will and his crew would never have made it to Cali. Seriously.

I also learned quite a few things about Buddhism, its cosmology and philosophy, and what a gonpa is.

I liked the author's writing style, and Will and Sophie are likable, relatable characters.

My only caveat is how nicely everything ties up at the end. It's a little too pat, especially for a dystopian setting.

The Way is a captivating dystopian novel that rewards patient readers with a richly imagined post-apocalyptic world and memorable characters. Despite a slow start, the story unfolds vividly, creating an immersive experience that would translate beautifully to the big screen. The heart of the novel lies in the peculiar family dynamic among Will, Sophie, Cassie, and Peau, whose distinct personalities and evolving relationships add depth and complexity to the narrative. Cary Groner's multidimensional characters feel authentic and relatable, their quirks and backgrounds intricately woven into the fabric of the story. While the lengthy philosophical and scientific digressions may not appeal to all readers, they contribute to the unique atmosphere of the novel. The Way is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

While the book started a bit slow, I ultimately found it thoroughly enjoyable! As I read, the story vividly unfolded in my mind, creating such a clear and immersive vision that I couldn't help but think it would translate wonderfully onto the big screen. One of the highlights for me was the peculiar family dynamic among Will, Sophie, Cassie, and Peau. Their characters are so distinct and memorable that they will undoubtedly linger in my memory.

The way their relationships intertwine and evolve throughout the story adds depth and richness to the narrative. Each character brings something unique to the table, contributing to the overall complexity of the plot. Will's, Sophie's, Cassie's, and Peau's interactions are filled with nuance, humour, and moments of genuine emotion, which kept me engaged and invested in their journey.

I particularly appreciated how the author crafted such multidimensional characters, making them feel authentic and relatable despite their quirks. Their personalities and backgrounds are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, enhancing the reading experience and leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, while the book took its time to build momentum, it rewarded my patience with a captivating story and memorable characters. I can easily envision this tale captivating audiences on the silver screen, and I'm certain that Will, Sophie, Cassie, and Peau's unique family dynamics will continue to resonate with me long after I've finished reading.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

This is an interesting and plausible story about life on this world after a series of pandemics. The lead character has a zen Buddhist mindset as he pursues a quest to deliver important information to a group of scientists.

In the leftovers of a world ravaged by deadly diseases, the readers find themselves in the company of a middle aged man, a raven, and a maine coon all traveling half the country to deliver some hope. If you're a fan of Station 11 then I think you'll enjoy this one. The title lends itself to our main character--Will's--practice of Buddhism before the world all went crashing down. (Referring to the middle way path of enlightenment)

The good about the book:
-Any book with a cat companion has my name written all over it! So many novels portray cats in a negative light , so it was refreshing to read a book with an appreciated cat. Cassie doesn't DO a lot, but she is useful in one scene and is just a nice, quiet addition to the team.
-Speaking of companions, it would not nearly be so great without Peau, the raven. He truly saves them time and time again! The helpful navigator of the team.
-Interspecies communication is a neat device in the book
-Love the set up of how they're getting across the country, with no cars, how do you manage?
-A quick dystopian read if you're in the mood for some adventure but don't want to settle in for a dragged out pace!


The okay about the book:
-I was expecting a deeper religious tone from Will throughout the book, but it felt watered down. There is a constant theme of the struggle of doing no harm in a world where harm can mean your survival---but I found even that to be not a huge obstacle for Will. And that may be due to him surviving for 14yrs. Time has a way of wearing people down.
-There is a driving presence/antagonist to Will that felt unsatisfying at the end. Built to be a tremendous danger but felt fizzled out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for an ARC of The Way.

After a bit of a slow start I really enjoyed this book! I had such a clear vision of the story in my mind while I was reading and I think this would make a great movie. I also loved the odd family dynamic with Will, Sophie, Cassie and Peau, their characters will definitely stand out in my memory.

I could have done without the lengthy detailed sections about Buddhism, classic novels, quantum mechanics and more. These sections made the book feel too high-brow for me and took away from the exciting pace of the main post-apocalyptic storyline.

4 stars!

When I see a raven I be reminded of Peau and always will now. I absolutely loved it and was sucked in from the beginning. You fall in love with the characters and the animal companions that can communicate. I didn’t want this to end and would loved a sequel. The Buddhist spirituality woven in is beautiful and uplifting. I can’t wait to own this!

Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! OK, there isn’t any lions(that we know of) but there’s crocs and camels. This was such a fresh take on surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. Our MC, Will, is a monk so he’s struggling with his morals, and the things that he needs to do to survive.
He’s lived safely in Colorado for 14 years after the majority of the population has died. Now though he has a quest that’s taking him to California and he has to do what he’s gotta do to survive. Except he’s thoughtful and thinks of ways to cause less harm, he’s helpful to the people he comes across. He’s a MC you root for.
And the animals! His relationship with Cass, the cat and Peau, the raven that he travels with is one of my favorite aspects of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the story!
Thank you NetGalley for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the Raven on the cover and immediately had to read this. I’ll have to admit though, in the beginning I was nearly regretting my decision. “The Way” gets off to a rocky start, but at roughly 30% in, it picked up and I was hooked.

”We were hurkle-durkling - luxuriating in wakefulness beneath warm covers for a while before we had to get up” I loved that. Hurkle-durkling is such a fun phrase with a relatable meaning. I also loved the banter that Peau and Cass established with Will.

If you are a fan of dystopian novels be sure to check out “The Way” set to release December 3, 2024.