Book Review – The Way

The Way completely caught me off guard – in the best possible way! I stumbled across this book while browsing my local indie bookstore last weekend (my wallet always regrets these impromptu bookstore visits, but my heart never does). The cover intrigued me, and after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to give it a shot.

Ever since I binged “The Last of Us” last year, I’ve been craving more thoughtful post-apocalyptic stories that focus on the human experience rather than just action and gore. The Way absolutely delivered on this front. The story follows Will, our Buddhist monastery caretaker protagonist, as he embarks on a perilous journey across a ravaged American midwest. Talk about a unique premise! I mean, how often do you get to read about a Buddhist monk traversing a dystopian landscape?

What really sets this book apart is its unique blend of spirituality and survival. I found myself completely absorbed in Will’s internal struggles as he tries to maintain his Buddhist principles in a world where violence often seems like the only answer. It reminded me of those late-night conversations I used to have with my college roommate about maintaining our values when everything around us feels like chaos (though admittedly, our biggest challenge then was just dealing with finals week!).

The standout element for me had to be Will’s traveling companions – a snarky raven named Peau and an opinionated cat called Cassie. Now, I know what you’re thinking – talking animals? Really? But trust me, Groner handles this supernatural element with such a deft touch that it feels completely natural within the story’s world. Their different perspectives on humanity and survival add layers of depth to the narrative that I wasn’t expecting. Plus, as someone who regularly has full conversations with my own cat (don’t judge!), I found their interactions delightfully believable.

When Sophie enters the story – a fourteen-year-old orphan with a sharp tongue and even sharper survival skills – the dynamic shifts in fascinating ways. Her character brings a raw energy to the narrative that perfectly balances Will’s more contemplative nature. I found myself particularly drawn to her encyclopedic knowledge of classic movies, which she uses to make sense of her world. It reminded me of how I used to cope with middle school drama by relating everything to the books I read!

The world-building in this novel is both beautiful and haunting. Groner paints a picture of an America transformed by disaster, where nature is slowly reclaiming what humanity built. Each community Will encounters shows a different way of surviving in this harsh new reality. Some found peace, others violence, and I couldn’t help but wonder which path I’d choose in their shoes.

I particularly loved how Groner weaves Buddhist philosophy throughout the narrative without making it feel preachy or heavy-handed. There’s this one scene where Will has to make a crucial decision about helping someone in need, and the way Groner handles the moral complexity of the situation had me thinking about it for days afterward.

However, I will say that the pacing might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for non-stop action and thrills, you might find some of the more contemplative passages a bit slow. There are several detailed sections about Buddhist practices and philosophy that, while fascinating to me, might not appeal to readers seeking pure post-apocalyptic adventure.

The ending left me with mixed feelings – not because it wasn’t well-written, but because it made me question everything I thought I knew about survival and humanity. I spent a good hour just sitting in my reading nook, processing everything that had happened. My cat probably thought I’d lost it!

Overall, The Way is a unique addition to the post-apocalyptic genre. It’s perfect for readers who want their dystopian fiction with a side of philosophical contemplation. While it might not be for everyone, those who connect with its message will find themselves thinking about it long after turning the last page.

Reading The Way was like finding a hidden gem in a world saturated with predictable post-apocalyptic stories. It’s different, it’s thoughtful, and it’s exactly what I needed to read right now. If you’re in the mood for something that breaks the mold and makes you think, pick this one up. Just maybe don’t read the interspecies scenes right before bed – trust me on this one!