AFK

by Jamie Zerndt

There haven’t been any otters in Otter Rock, Oregon, since 1921.

But after two friends stumble onto a black barn that might soon change.

When fifteen-year-olds Atsuko and Lyric aren’t gaming or watching Bob’s Burgers, they’re out surfing. It’s something that helps Lyric cope with the recent divorce of his parents and also distracts Atsuko from her grandmother's failing health.

But it's an older surfer who's trying to find his way back into the world after a recent tragedy that will truly test the two friends.

AFK is a story about loss and the toll it can take on those left behind.

It also a story about setting things right that were put wrong long ago.

* This book deals with some heavy themes like suicide and physical child abuse.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction

128 pages, ebook

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Jamie Zerndt is the author of THE CLOUD SEEDERS, THE KOREAN WORD FOR BUTTERFLY, THE ROADRUNNER CAFE, and JERKWATER. His short story, "THIS JERKWATER LIFE", was recently chosen as an Editor's Pick in Amazon's Kindle Singles store. He now lives in Portland, Oregon, with his son where he is probably trying to take a nap. And failing.

Follow him on the Bookbub here: bit.ly/3tU1EZP

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

Heartbreaking and heartfelt. It's a lovely book that will definitely stick with me for a long time. Atsuko and Lyric were each going through their own hard experiences, despite that they were able to be there for one another and for their friends and families. It's an emotional read, talks about some hard topics, and deals with harsh realities in a beautiful, respectful manner.

It's short, but it definitely packs a lot into its pages. Their story isn't one that will easily be forgotten.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and easy read. Atsuko is a great character and I love the relationship with her grandmother. Lyric though seemed like page filler. I feel like the story wouldn’t have changed much w/o him. Also I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, this one feels like it should be in the horror genre.

[Kristen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. There are many elements of the plot/ character descriptions that are just so heartbreakingly relatable. While a short book, it holds a lot of story.

[Marvin Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Lyrical

Never thought I would write a book review mentioning Bob and Linda and a reference from Bob's Burgers as I tell of the appreciation I had while reading about the bravery of Atsuko and her attempts to save the lives of a group of sea otters. This book brought tears to my yes as it veered into Call of the Wild territory. The prose is so eloquent and beautiful. I was captivated at the very beginning. Tremendous novel.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons in everday life

Worthwhile read. AFK wad a short book but had relatable storylines. Semi spoiler follows. Dealing with loss is never easy whether that be in a relationship or by death. AFK does so in a relatable way. It also shows a few good examples in starting the healing process.

[Samantha Ohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not judge this book by the cover! If you are a gamer, you know AFK means "away from keyboard," and if you didn't know, now you do. I love that this story brought forth very real scenarios that kids go through and they found healthy ways to cope with their troubles and losses. This is a quick but nice read.

[Sue :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subject of this book is heavy.

Jamie Darker handled the suicide and other deaths well.
The secondary plot of the cute otters ended well.
Definitely worth the read.

[em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting of this book, as someone who grew up in Oregon, the background of this book reminded me of home. Unfortunately I think the format of the e-book might have had an error, as some sentences ran off the page/started on a new page entirely. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the characters and their stories, especially Atsuko and her relationship with her grandmother. A quick and heartfelt read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #AFK #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.