“The Barrens,” Recommended for all Reading Group and Book Clubs

Readers of this blog may recall earlier posts about The Barrens: A Novel of Love and Death in the Canadian Arctic, by the father-daughter team of Kurt Johnson and Ellie Johnson. We just got the fantastic news that the book has been chosen by the Women’s National Book Association for their annual Great Group Reads program. In the WNBA’s announcement they write, “The annual list features 20 books that were chosen by a reading committee of 46 readers out of hundreds of submissions. The books were chosen for literary merit and for their ability to promote meaningful discussions.” The authors and I are thrilled that members of reading groups and book clubs, in particular, will have an opportunity to discover this powerful and entertaining novel.

The Barrens is a gay coming-of-age story that features two college-age women protagonists who set out to canoe the mighty Thelon River. It combines a stirring wilderness tale with an intimate, personal story. Kirkus Reviews loved the book: “Experienced canoeists Kurt Johnson and Ellie Johnson, a father-daughter writing team, present a vibrant, tender novel of love, loss, stamina, and self-discovery….A poignant and engaging thriller with a formidable lead character.” (Full Kirkus review)

Publishers Weekly ran a column by Kurt Johnson chronicling the backstory behind the novel, including Ellie’s own journey through the Canadian Arctic as a teenager.

If you’re a member of a reading group or book club looking for your next great group read, I suggest you check out The Barrens, which was published in May 2022 by Arcade Publishing.