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Kate O’Shaughnessy
Age Rec: 5th-7th Grades
Themes: Cults, Moving, Building Community, Friendship, & Learning about the world beyond your small community
Fern, previously known as Frankie, lives at the Ranch with her mom, Jamie, under the leadership of Dr. Ben. They live off the land in an off-the-grid community. Fern believes that living soley within her community - devoid of technology and communication with the outside world - is the only way to stay safe and prepare for a version of an apocalyptic future.
When Fern receives Dr. Ben’s special attention and learns she will soon go on her solo wilderness mission (marking her entrance into the adult community), Jamie worries for her safety. The last person to embark on this passage died in the process. While Jamie deems Fern too young, Fern basks in Dr. Ben’s attention and his belief that she is capable and ready - unlike her mom, whom Dr. Ben views as dependent and weak.
Jamie convinces Fern that a middle of the night escape is what Dr. Ben arranged. After all, everything at the Ranch is orchestrated and decided by him. After several days, they complete a cross-country trek from New York to the shores of California. Despite longing to return home on the ranch, Fern is in awe of the beach at their final destination, Driftaway Beach.
While it seems they landed in a random town, the move was carefully planned with the help of fellow former Ranch community members who also fled that life. Fern, and Jamie, reluctantly form bonds in Driftway Beach. Even so, Fern continues her schemes how to return home to the Ranch. Stability in Driftway Beach is essential, as every other aspect of her existence goes against the grain of what Fern was taught – or not taught - at the Ranch. She is extremely far behind academically and forced to play catch-up at the entertainment of her peers, who find her ignorance about basic history amusing.
Over time, the non-traditional – and what many would call “controlling” - aspects of life on the Ranch are brought to Fern’s attention. Initially, she is defensive and apprehensive of her mom’s reasoning for taking her away from the home she loved. However, she begins to see aspects of her current life that contradict the beliefs Dr. Ben instilled in them.
As the story unfolds, Fern and Jamie experience growing pains reminiscent of many mother-daughter dynamics. Compounded by the process of reintegrating into the world after cult life, their journey makes for a compelling coming-of-age novel.
Kate O’Shaughnessy
Age Rec: 5th-7th Grades
Themes: Cults, Moving, Building Community, Friendship, & Learning about the world beyond your small community
Fern, previously known as Frankie, lives at the Ranch with her mom, Jamie, under the leadership of Dr. Ben. They live off the land in an off-the-grid community. Fern believes that living soley within her community - devoid of technology and communication with the outside world - is the only way to stay safe and prepare for a version of an apocalyptic future.
When Fern receives Dr. Ben’s special attention and learns she will soon go on her solo wilderness mission (marking her entrance into the adult community), Jamie worries for her safety. The last person to embark on this passage died in the process. While Jamie deems Fern too young, Fern basks in Dr. Ben’s attention and his belief that she is capable and ready - unlike her mom, whom Dr. Ben views as dependent and weak.
Jamie convinces Fern that a middle of the night escape is what Dr. Ben arranged. After all, everything at the Ranch is orchestrated and decided by him. After several days, they complete a cross-country trek from New York to the shores of California. Despite longing to return home on the ranch, Fern is in awe of the beach at their final destination, Driftaway Beach.
While it seems they landed in a random town, the move was carefully planned with the help of fellow former Ranch community members who also fled that life. Fern, and Jamie, reluctantly form bonds in Driftway Beach. Even so, Fern continues her schemes how to return home to the Ranch. Stability in Driftway Beach is essential, as every other aspect of her existence goes against the grain of what Fern was taught – or not taught - at the Ranch. She is extremely far behind academically and forced to play catch-up at the entertainment of her peers, who find her ignorance about basic history amusing.
Over time, the non-traditional – and what many would call “controlling” - aspects of life on the Ranch are brought to Fern’s attention. Initially, she is defensive and apprehensive of her mom’s reasoning for taking her away from the home she loved. However, she begins to see aspects of her current life that contradict the beliefs Dr. Ben instilled in them.
As the story unfolds, Fern and Jamie experience growing pains reminiscent of many mother-daughter dynamics. Compounded by the process of reintegrating into the world after cult life, their journey makes for a compelling coming-of-age novel.