'Open Throat' by Henry Hoke is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the perspective of a mountain lion living beneath the Hollywood sign. The book explores themes of homelessness, environmental degradation, sexuality, and humanity through the eyes of the lion, providing a fresh and tender look at the world. The writing style is unconventional, with no chapters, punctuation, or capitalization, creating a raw and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the lion's voice and emotions.
The story delves into the lion's struggles as it navigates a changing world where humans encroach on its habitat, leading to a poignant reflection on the impact of human actions on nature. Despite the unconventional narrative style, the book manages to convey deep emotions and complex themes, leaving readers contemplating their own place in the world and the consequences of their actions. 'Open Throat' offers a short yet impactful read that resonates with its readers long after the final page.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of environmental destruction, loneliness, and social issues related to homelessness and identity.
From The Publisher:
Finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, and the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction. One of the Washington Post's 50 Notable Works of Fiction in 2023. One of The New York Times' 10 Best California Books of 2023.
"Open Throat is what fiction should be." -The New York Times Book Review
A lonely, lovable, queer mountain lion narrates this star-making fever dream of a novel.
A queer and dangerously hungry mountain lion lives in the drought-devastated land under the Hollywood sign. Lonely and fascinated by humanity's foibles, the lion spends their days protecting a nearby homeless encampment, observing hikers complain about their trauma, and, in quiet moments, grappling with the complexities of their gender identity, memories of a vicious father, and the indignities of sentience.
When a man-made fire engulfs the encampment, the lion is forced from the hills down into the city the hikers call "ellay." As the lion confronts a carousel of temptations and threats, they take us on a tour that spans the cruel inequalities of Los Angeles and the toll of climate grief. But even when salvation finally seems within reach, they are forced to face down the ultimate question: Do they want to eat a person, or become one?
Henry Hoke's Open Throat is a marvel of storytelling, a universal journey through a wondrous and menacing world recounted by a lovable mountain lion. Feral and vulnerable, profound and playful, Open Throat is a star-making novel that brings the mythic to life.
Ratings (12)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (3) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (22):
Read It (12) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
I listened to this on audio and then bought the book - So moving, and the anthropomorphism did not bother me but had an opposite reaction. Writing was genuinely thoughtful and interesting. loved writing style and felt so much empathy for the "main character." inspiring and heart breaking at the same time.
What can you read after
Open Throat?
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