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It's Not the End of the World
From the acclaimed author of Yes, Daddy; It's Not the End of the World is a terrifying climate thriller, a vicious takedown of the uber-wealthy, and a queer family saga that isn't afraid to punch back.
It's 2044 and life is bleak for many Americans, but not for Mason Daunt. Safe in his Los Angeles mansion, Mason can remain blissfully unaware of the relentless wildfires engulfing California, the proliferation of violent right-wing militias, and the rampant authoritarianism destroying American society. He's so rich, in fact, that he and his partner Yunho Kim are throwing a 100-person, $100,000 baby shower to celebrate their newborn-on-the-way. When a potentially apocalyptic event hits Los Angeles on the day of their celebration, though, the wealthy gay couple refuses to cancel their party. Surely it's not the end of the world? But as Mason runs a few last-minute errands, a staggering twist thrusts him into the mounting chaos, and threatens the lives of everyone he holds dear.
Shot through with biting wit, brutal gore, primal sex, and unexpected catharsis, It's Not the End of the World is a nerve-shredding roller coaster of a novel that will leave readers shocked, heartbroken, and inspired to question their most firmly held convictions. What happens when our current battles with climate change, capitalism, and white supremacy are pushed to their breaking points? And how can we find hope?
It's 2044 and life is bleak for many Americans, but not for Mason Daunt. Safe in his Los Angeles mansion, Mason can remain blissfully unaware of the relentless wildfires engulfing California, the proliferation of violent right-wing militias, and the rampant authoritarianism destroying American society. He's so rich, in fact, that he and his partner Yunho Kim are throwing a 100-person, $100,000 baby shower to celebrate their newborn-on-the-way. When a potentially apocalyptic event hits Los Angeles on the day of their celebration, though, the wealthy gay couple refuses to cancel their party. Surely it's not the end of the world? But as Mason runs a few last-minute errands, a staggering twist thrusts him into the mounting chaos, and threatens the lives of everyone he holds dear.
Shot through with biting wit, brutal gore, primal sex, and unexpected catharsis, It's Not the End of the World is a nerve-shredding roller coaster of a novel that will leave readers shocked, heartbroken, and inspired to question their most firmly held convictions. What happens when our current battles with climate change, capitalism, and white supremacy are pushed to their breaking points? And how can we find hope?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2025
115 people are currently reading
9864 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Parks-Ramage
2 books396 followersJONATHAN PARKS-RAMAGE is the author of the new book IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD, which has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "a wild ride of a novel," and selected by The New York Times Style Magazine as a pick for Best Queer Summer Fiction. His debut novel YES, DADDY was named one of the best queer books of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly, NBC News, The Advocate, Lambda Literary, Bustle, Goodreads and more. He is co-creator of the Off-Broadway musical THE BIG GAY JAMBOREE, which was nominated for five Lucille Lortel Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, and three Outer Critics Circle Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
May 23, 2025
I devoured Jonathan Parks-Ramage's debut novel, YES, DADDY, so I knew that whatever he writes next would immediately go on my TBR. This author's newest book, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD is a complete deviation from what you may expect, showcasing the author's depth in storytelling.
In 2044, Mason Daunt is throwing an extravagant baby shower while the world (particularly Los Angeles) outside burns—literally. When disaster strikes LA on the day of the party, he refuses to cancel, convinced it’s just another crisis money can ignore. But a shocking twist shatters his illusion of safety and sends him hurtling into the chaos he thought he’d bought his way out of.
This wildly entertaining, deeply unsettling novel skewers the ultra-wealthy as they party through the apocalypse, clinging to privilege while the world collapses around them. With sharp dialogue, time-jumping chaos, and fabulous queer main characters, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD starts out from satire to disaster epic to bizarre utopia—and somehow makes it all work. Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, it’s a disorienting but thrilling ride through a future that feels terrifyingly close.
These types of stories are not usually my go-to reading as they can be political (even though this plot SHOULDN'T BE) and it like to escape with my reading. That being said, the messaging is powerful, poignant, and a must-read. In a story of bleak consequences, it ends on a rather hopeful note that I would highly recommend for readers of Margaret Atwood.
In 2044, Mason Daunt is throwing an extravagant baby shower while the world (particularly Los Angeles) outside burns—literally. When disaster strikes LA on the day of the party, he refuses to cancel, convinced it’s just another crisis money can ignore. But a shocking twist shatters his illusion of safety and sends him hurtling into the chaos he thought he’d bought his way out of.
This wildly entertaining, deeply unsettling novel skewers the ultra-wealthy as they party through the apocalypse, clinging to privilege while the world collapses around them. With sharp dialogue, time-jumping chaos, and fabulous queer main characters, IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD starts out from satire to disaster epic to bizarre utopia—and somehow makes it all work. Equal parts hilarious and horrifying, it’s a disorienting but thrilling ride through a future that feels terrifyingly close.
These types of stories are not usually my go-to reading as they can be political (even though this plot SHOULDN'T BE) and it like to escape with my reading. That being said, the messaging is powerful, poignant, and a must-read. In a story of bleak consequences, it ends on a rather hopeful note that I would highly recommend for readers of Margaret Atwood.
March 25, 2025
A heady mix of cli-fi, scifi, horror, dystopian thriller, pitch black satire, and... tender found family saga?
Violent, hilarious, rage-inducing, and campy, It's Not the End of the World features a grim future of an America ravaged by climate change, rampant queerphobia, and a fascist authoritarian government... All hitting uncomfortably close to home in our present day America. A stunner of a novel, with some absolutely bonkers insane world-building and plot.
In these pages, Parks-Ramage brutally takes to task that particular breed of "socially acceptable upwardly mobile cis white gay man" who values a lavish, moneyed lifestyle and approval from the status quo over the safety and well-being of their queer community. The kind that will never lift a finger to fight for change and the greater good; they got their bag, so fck the rest.
Violent, hilarious, rage-inducing, and campy, It's Not the End of the World features a grim future of an America ravaged by climate change, rampant queerphobia, and a fascist authoritarian government... All hitting uncomfortably close to home in our present day America. A stunner of a novel, with some absolutely bonkers insane world-building and plot.
In these pages, Parks-Ramage brutally takes to task that particular breed of "socially acceptable upwardly mobile cis white gay man" who values a lavish, moneyed lifestyle and approval from the status quo over the safety and well-being of their queer community. The kind that will never lift a finger to fight for change and the greater good; they got their bag, so fck the rest.
August 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Rounded up for Goodreads!
When I tell you this was one of the most bizarre, brilliant, horrifying and honest books I’ve ever read… wheeeew.
I mean a walk in this authors brain is worth the trip. I think he says SO much, offers many different perspectives and truths, and might be onto what our actual future may hold (unfortunately). If this was a more digestible read, I would say it should be required reading.
Check the trigger warnings, this one is dark and does not concern itself with offering any light.
So do I recommend? Yes absolutely. But did I love it? I can’t tell. You probably won’t be able to tell from my review either because my thoughts are humbled.
⭐️ There was a lot in this book and a lot of the a lot was.. WHOA. There was so much disgustingly truthful dystopian/political elements jam packed into this book that it made me kind of hate everything and everyone in my own current timeline? I think that was part of the point possibly? Most of me actually loved this part about the book though, the raw hopelessness it offered. It’s refreshing to read a book that isn’t constantly painting humans as a species bathed in hope, light and righteousness despite all the absolute horrors they reap on the world and one another. This just felt honest even if it was dark and bleak.
⭐️ There was also maybe too much going on. I got lost many times throughout all of the POV and timeline switching, not to mention the nightmares and delusions were hard to twist away from reality. There were loose ends that didn’t tie up and the end left me with a sickly satisfying void.
⭐️Overall, you really do just have to read this to believe it. I’m not sure any review I write could give an accurate depiction of what it’s about and all that it holds.
Rounded up for Goodreads!
When I tell you this was one of the most bizarre, brilliant, horrifying and honest books I’ve ever read… wheeeew.
I mean a walk in this authors brain is worth the trip. I think he says SO much, offers many different perspectives and truths, and might be onto what our actual future may hold (unfortunately). If this was a more digestible read, I would say it should be required reading.
Check the trigger warnings, this one is dark and does not concern itself with offering any light.
So do I recommend? Yes absolutely. But did I love it? I can’t tell. You probably won’t be able to tell from my review either because my thoughts are humbled.
⭐️ There was a lot in this book and a lot of the a lot was.. WHOA. There was so much disgustingly truthful dystopian/political elements jam packed into this book that it made me kind of hate everything and everyone in my own current timeline? I think that was part of the point possibly? Most of me actually loved this part about the book though, the raw hopelessness it offered. It’s refreshing to read a book that isn’t constantly painting humans as a species bathed in hope, light and righteousness despite all the absolute horrors they reap on the world and one another. This just felt honest even if it was dark and bleak.
⭐️ There was also maybe too much going on. I got lost many times throughout all of the POV and timeline switching, not to mention the nightmares and delusions were hard to twist away from reality. There were loose ends that didn’t tie up and the end left me with a sickly satisfying void.
⭐️Overall, you really do just have to read this to believe it. I’m not sure any review I write could give an accurate depiction of what it’s about and all that it holds.
May 27, 2025
Ohhhhh I loved Yes, Daddy so when @jprampage sent me his newest I was so excited. I mean-look at this gorgeous cover?! A Queer dystopian/ Sci-Fi horror novel set in Los Angeles AND it includes heart, satire and violence!? Say no more!
In the not so distance future, we are ravaged by climate change and people are still…peopling.. The world building is top notch, Parks-Ramage gets you right into the setting of the story, the way the world is running (unfortunately terrifying like current day). I loved that it grappled with having children when the world was collapsing.
The characters are all selfish, refuse to get rid of their lavish lifestyle and are downright ridiculous at times. It was like a train wreck you just had to keep watching. The snappy dialogue had me chuckling, rolling my eyes (in a good way) and truly terrified. This book has it all and it will keep you entertained until way past your bedtime.
In the not so distance future, we are ravaged by climate change and people are still…peopling.. The world building is top notch, Parks-Ramage gets you right into the setting of the story, the way the world is running (unfortunately terrifying like current day). I loved that it grappled with having children when the world was collapsing.
The characters are all selfish, refuse to get rid of their lavish lifestyle and are downright ridiculous at times. It was like a train wreck you just had to keep watching. The snappy dialogue had me chuckling, rolling my eyes (in a good way) and truly terrified. This book has it all and it will keep you entertained until way past your bedtime.
June 2, 2025
This book was a wild ride - excellent social commentary and some really interesting twists. If you liked Yes, Daddy I think you’ll like this one too!
June 9, 2025
Am I…an anarchist??
June 16, 2025
None of this worked for me. The tone was far too self-serious to be satire, the story was too chaotic and disjointed for any specific message, and the overall experience - entirely too stressful and gruesome to be entertaining.
The writing was similar to Parks-Ramage’s previous book, “Yes, Daddy” - feeling like a buffed up script, with overemphasis on visuals and clinical descriptions of scenes, followed by the stage direction for how characters felt about those scenes. With a whole lot of sex that’s both graphically brutal, and somehow unbearably boring.
And then there’s the message, such as it is (I’m mostly left guessing). The entire effect this book struggles to achieve seems to rest on the assumption that the reader would hate Mason for *checks notes* being a cis white gay man who isn’t willing to sacrifice it all for everyone else while having everything he’s ever cared about being systematically taken away from him. An effect the story itself undercuts by the end with how it treats its own proposed alternative to the path Mason chooses.
Ultimately, a confused story that’s both too stressful and heavy handed on one hand, and too bland and emotionally underdeveloped on the other. I see the book described as satire but it spends entirely too much time in clumsy earnest attempts at character development to really feel satirical. As the sophomore offer from a hyped author, this just isn’t good enough.
The writing was similar to Parks-Ramage’s previous book, “Yes, Daddy” - feeling like a buffed up script, with overemphasis on visuals and clinical descriptions of scenes, followed by the stage direction for how characters felt about those scenes. With a whole lot of sex that’s both graphically brutal, and somehow unbearably boring.
And then there’s the message, such as it is (I’m mostly left guessing). The entire effect this book struggles to achieve seems to rest on the assumption that the reader would hate Mason for *checks notes* being a cis white gay man who isn’t willing to sacrifice it all for everyone else while having everything he’s ever cared about being systematically taken away from him. An effect the story itself undercuts by the end with how it treats its own proposed alternative to the path Mason chooses.
Ultimately, a confused story that’s both too stressful and heavy handed on one hand, and too bland and emotionally underdeveloped on the other. I see the book described as satire but it spends entirely too much time in clumsy earnest attempts at character development to really feel satirical. As the sophomore offer from a hyped author, this just isn’t good enough.
June 29, 2025
Interesting concepts for sure. Characters are insufferable though. It also feels as though the author was going through a diversity checklist while writing to make sure he hit every box, and the politics (even though I’m in agreement with most of them) are preachy as hell. This book is talking down to you, not talking to you.
Thought I’d give him another shot since I hated Yes, Daddy. This author just won’t be for me. To each their own I suppose.
Thought I’d give him another shot since I hated Yes, Daddy. This author just won’t be for me. To each their own I suppose.
June 19, 2025
Wild.
June 1, 2025
It’s Not the End of the World by Jonathan Parks-Ramage. Thanks to the author for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s 2044 and the world is not a safe place, but for Mason and his partner, Yunho, their money protects them. When a possibly apocalyptic event hits LA, they decide not to cancel their $100,000 baby shower but get thrown into the chaos of the day.
Wow, this was quite the wild read. I loved the politics behind it and the scary place the world became. Unfortunately it was all too realistic with today’s politics but I tried not to think about that too much. A perfect pride read if you like your reads with apocalyptic terror and a bit of gore. There was a lot more going on behind it having to do with strategic protest and rebellion.
It’s Not the End of the World comes out 6/3.
It’s 2044 and the world is not a safe place, but for Mason and his partner, Yunho, their money protects them. When a possibly apocalyptic event hits LA, they decide not to cancel their $100,000 baby shower but get thrown into the chaos of the day.
Wow, this was quite the wild read. I loved the politics behind it and the scary place the world became. Unfortunately it was all too realistic with today’s politics but I tried not to think about that too much. A perfect pride read if you like your reads with apocalyptic terror and a bit of gore. There was a lot more going on behind it having to do with strategic protest and rebellion.
It’s Not the End of the World comes out 6/3.
June 6, 2025
Now that’s a damn book.
June 14, 2025
Thank you for the free book @bloomsburybooksus.
My 💭:
⠀
This book is SO timely especially with our current state of affairs. Ramage was able to put into words how I have been feeling the last few weeks and I felt myself nodding along as I read the story. I will say Mason was ABSOLUTE TRASH and there wasn’t a redeeming quality about him at all. Nothing.
⠀
This book was completely different from Yes, Daddy and this story showcases Ramage’s strength as an author. As much as I LOVED Yes, Daddy I think this might be my new favorite book by Ramage.
My 💭:
⠀
This book is SO timely especially with our current state of affairs. Ramage was able to put into words how I have been feeling the last few weeks and I felt myself nodding along as I read the story. I will say Mason was ABSOLUTE TRASH and there wasn’t a redeeming quality about him at all. Nothing.
⠀
This book was completely different from Yes, Daddy and this story showcases Ramage’s strength as an author. As much as I LOVED Yes, Daddy I think this might be my new favorite book by Ramage.
July 9, 2025
#ad much love for my PR box @bloomsburybooks
This book deserves such a higher rating than it has. For reals. Loved it.
Forget the outside world as best as you can and enjoy this party. A baby shower while the world outside erupts into chaos. The illusion of safety sits behind the golden gates. But the pink haze is coming.
Memorable
Revenge baby shower
BCI 😱 it’s coming lol
Sperm bank 😂😭🫣
Quadruple’s therapist lmaoo
Pay what you can afford for food!
This would make a fantastic book club read. Loved the dystopian edge.
This book deserves such a higher rating than it has. For reals. Loved it.
Forget the outside world as best as you can and enjoy this party. A baby shower while the world outside erupts into chaos. The illusion of safety sits behind the golden gates. But the pink haze is coming.
Memorable
Revenge baby shower
BCI 😱 it’s coming lol
Sperm bank 😂😭🫣
Quadruple’s therapist lmaoo
Pay what you can afford for food!
This would make a fantastic book club read. Loved the dystopian edge.
Read
May 1, 2025Pub Date: June 3, 2025
I want to thank Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this book. While some aspects worked for me, others left me feeling underwhelmed.
What Worked:
- The world-building relies heavily on a disorienting amount of change that is not too far-fetched from what we are witnessing today, but amplified to an extreme. Some readers may find this excessive, but I found it effective because it is rooted in the present and feels grounded.
- The actions of the characters felt authentic within the confines of the situations they found themselves in.
- The book incorporates commentary on queer futurity, queer history, and various other topics, including abolition, anarchism, white supremacy, climate change, abortion, censorship, and the criminalization of constitutionally protected freedoms.
What I Disliked:
- The shift in perspective halfway through the book. We begin getting the point of view of a child. I would have preferred a more mature viewpoint to delve deeper into the unfolding events.
- The zombie-like nature of the pink fog felt clichéd and out of place in a book that should have evoked a stronger emotional response.
- The second half of the book felt cult-like, which I believe was a result of its presentation. While the elements aligned with queer futurity, they should not have been presented in such a manner.
Overall, I feel that the book’s many plot points failed to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. While the disorienting world-building was purposeful, the plot could have been more effectively structured to create a more satisfying reading experience. I often found myself wondering what the overall plot was because it felt like the story was.
I think this book will be quite divisive!
I want to thank Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this book. While some aspects worked for me, others left me feeling underwhelmed.
What Worked:
- The world-building relies heavily on a disorienting amount of change that is not too far-fetched from what we are witnessing today, but amplified to an extreme. Some readers may find this excessive, but I found it effective because it is rooted in the present and feels grounded.
- The actions of the characters felt authentic within the confines of the situations they found themselves in.
- The book incorporates commentary on queer futurity, queer history, and various other topics, including abolition, anarchism, white supremacy, climate change, abortion, censorship, and the criminalization of constitutionally protected freedoms.
What I Disliked:
- The shift in perspective halfway through the book. We begin getting the point of view of a child. I would have preferred a more mature viewpoint to delve deeper into the unfolding events.
- The zombie-like nature of the pink fog felt clichéd and out of place in a book that should have evoked a stronger emotional response.
- The second half of the book felt cult-like, which I believe was a result of its presentation. While the elements aligned with queer futurity, they should not have been presented in such a manner.
Overall, I feel that the book’s many plot points failed to coalesce into a cohesive narrative. While the disorienting world-building was purposeful, the plot could have been more effectively structured to create a more satisfying reading experience. I often found myself wondering what the overall plot was because it felt like the story was.
I think this book will be quite divisive!
September 11, 2025
I very much liked the author's first novel, "Yes, Daddy," but this one was difficult for me to read. It depressed me. It made me feel cold. It was a story that fed into my fears about where my country is headed. But it is very well written, and the first part was engaging. My 2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3 is really due to my headspace at the moment.
August 7, 2025
political, strange, horrific, outlandish yet accurate… this book has it all. a really interesting approach on the conversations around corrupt governments & climate crisis (the 2 main points i found in the book, though there are many more). my only critique would be how each chapter switches perspectives or timelines, i found it hard to keep up sometimes. overall i really
enjoyed this and it had me doing a lot of thinking.
enjoyed this and it had me doing a lot of thinking.
June 17, 2025
Starting this dystopian, apocalyptic novel that starts with a violence-inducing pink smoke while the Midwest was getting residual wildfire smoke from Canada was maybe not my best choice, but that’s what happens when you go into books blind! It’s Not the End of the World focuses on the ultra wealthy during the beginning, middle, and the end of the world as we, or really they, know it. From futuristic semi-normalcy of a couple celebrating their baby shower under a false weather dome to protect them from the pink smoke, to a family centered commune in the Montana wilderness that is hiding out from a far right government, to life on mars with Jeff B*zos, Parks-Ramage takes us through a whirlwind of a highly terrifying and completely emotional story. This one took me longer than normal to read, mostly because of lack of free time, but also because it was so hard to stomach with the current state of the world. Like, could all of this realllly happen? Which is crazy to think because some of this book is quite outlandish in a dystopian way, but with how things continue to play out in our current reality, it has you question if any of this could be a true possibility.
After reading Yes, Daddy and loving it, I knew Jonathon Parks-Ramage was going to be an auto-read author, and It’s Not the End of the World kept that streak going. Read this wild, entertaining, and emotional dystopian horror novel!! Go in with caution though, because it is heavyyy.
Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing & @jprampage for this advanced copy!
After reading Yes, Daddy and loving it, I knew Jonathon Parks-Ramage was going to be an auto-read author, and It’s Not the End of the World kept that streak going. Read this wild, entertaining, and emotional dystopian horror novel!! Go in with caution though, because it is heavyyy.
Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing & @jprampage for this advanced copy!
July 19, 2025
This book is phenomenal. The scope and detail of the world Parks-Ramage creates is both chilling and, at times, breathtaking. The future it imagines feels so fully realized that it’s equal parts terrifying and captivating. The way the characters, actions, and consequences weave together is sometimes overwhelming, but shows the good hands you’re in with this author. You’re completely pulled in this world and the lives within it.
The story shifts focus in a way that gives it a sweeping, all-encompassing feel, and the use of mixed storytelling formats is a clever device, reminding me of books like The Sluts.
Through all the horror and oppression, you find yourself rooting for Mason—one of the main characters—even as you resent him and want to shake him. That emotional conflict is part of what makes the story so powerful.
This is, without a doubt, one of the top ten books I’ve ever read. It lingers long after the final page, a haunting warning of a future we must fight to avoid but sadly one that feels like an inevitable tomorrow.
The story shifts focus in a way that gives it a sweeping, all-encompassing feel, and the use of mixed storytelling formats is a clever device, reminding me of books like The Sluts.
Through all the horror and oppression, you find yourself rooting for Mason—one of the main characters—even as you resent him and want to shake him. That emotional conflict is part of what makes the story so powerful.
This is, without a doubt, one of the top ten books I’ve ever read. It lingers long after the final page, a haunting warning of a future we must fight to avoid but sadly one that feels like an inevitable tomorrow.
June 16, 2025
omg this book is so messy and insane lol
August 11, 2025
Girl, what the actual fuck did I just read?
I love asking that question — so, if I’m asking it, the author did their job.
Whereas JPR’s first novel, Yes, Daddy, was an exploration of trauma and its manifestations, It’s Not the End of the World is a timely, topical exploration of the planet that is falling apart around us. Is the novel prescient? It seems like it more and more every single day.
There’s so much at work here.
The dark humor injects levity into material that, in reality, is absolutely terrifying. This is satire done right.
We get characters who are likeable and unlikeable in equal measure. And with these characters, we get plot lines that demonstrate the reality that perhaps there are people who are not as principled as they claim they are.
It’s Not the End of the World is twisted, depraved, disturbing, and batshit crazy. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
JPR has cemented himself as an author whose writing is distinct, purposeful, and unhinged. He’s an auto-buy writer for me, and I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next.
I love asking that question — so, if I’m asking it, the author did their job.
Whereas JPR’s first novel, Yes, Daddy, was an exploration of trauma and its manifestations, It’s Not the End of the World is a timely, topical exploration of the planet that is falling apart around us. Is the novel prescient? It seems like it more and more every single day.
There’s so much at work here.
The dark humor injects levity into material that, in reality, is absolutely terrifying. This is satire done right.
We get characters who are likeable and unlikeable in equal measure. And with these characters, we get plot lines that demonstrate the reality that perhaps there are people who are not as principled as they claim they are.
It’s Not the End of the World is twisted, depraved, disturbing, and batshit crazy. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
JPR has cemented himself as an author whose writing is distinct, purposeful, and unhinged. He’s an auto-buy writer for me, and I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next.
July 22, 2025
Just straight chaos.
Want to read
November 18, 2024Parks-Ramage is writing another book and I’m so ready for it.
June 15, 2025
I usually prefer my speculative fiction to have a little more subtlety
August 31, 2025
A bleak story for bleak times, and I think that's why I had kind of a hard time digesting it.
Jonathan Parks-Ramage is an extremely talented writer. He has a great way of tapping into the things queer people are really afraid of. His debut novel Yes, Daddy, is honestly the scariest book I've ever read. With It's Not the End of the World he presents us with a story of near future fatalism, not so far off from where we are right now. For the purposes of a GoodReads review, the specifics of the story aren't that important, and it might even be better if you go in a little blind, but overall, this is about how regressive politics will always use the idea of "family" to oppress anyone who would dare oppose them in even the most benign ways. It's also an exploration of how white, bourgeois, moralizing centrist gays will never be the ones who set queer people free in the end. There is no freedom in assimilation.
So that's all true, and correct, and something I can get behind but it was all very unrelentingly heavy. There are some moments where I feel like Parks-Ramage was reaching for satire, but it never quite gets there. What's more, there's kind of a lot of characters, a lot of perspectives, a lot of jumping around in time, and I just found it a little hard to follow at times. Pair that with a rather poorly executed conclusion, and this just didn't turn out to be my new favorite books--and that's fine. I still think this author is extremely talented and I will read whatever he puts out next; I just hope it's a little more cohesive.
Jonathan Parks-Ramage is an extremely talented writer. He has a great way of tapping into the things queer people are really afraid of. His debut novel Yes, Daddy, is honestly the scariest book I've ever read. With It's Not the End of the World he presents us with a story of near future fatalism, not so far off from where we are right now. For the purposes of a GoodReads review, the specifics of the story aren't that important, and it might even be better if you go in a little blind, but overall, this is about how regressive politics will always use the idea of "family" to oppress anyone who would dare oppose them in even the most benign ways. It's also an exploration of how white, bourgeois, moralizing centrist gays will never be the ones who set queer people free in the end. There is no freedom in assimilation.
So that's all true, and correct, and something I can get behind but it was all very unrelentingly heavy. There are some moments where I feel like Parks-Ramage was reaching for satire, but it never quite gets there. What's more, there's kind of a lot of characters, a lot of perspectives, a lot of jumping around in time, and I just found it a little hard to follow at times. Pair that with a rather poorly executed conclusion, and this just didn't turn out to be my new favorite books--and that's fine. I still think this author is extremely talented and I will read whatever he puts out next; I just hope it's a little more cohesive.
June 1, 2025
What does it mean to bring a child into a world that is literally on fire? Can money buy a utopia? Can rejecting wealth make an ideal society any easier?
These are just some of the questions tackled in this hyper-timely and satirical novel. What starts as a $100,000 baby shower for an uber wealthy couple in a horrifying time hurtles into mysterious pink clouds, zombie-like attacks, and anarchist communes intent on changing the world. This book has everything, and each element is aimed at skewering this capitalistic hellscape we’ve found ourselves in.
It’s Not the End of the World is campy, gory, and manages to be both bleak and hopeful. The beginning did take me a minute to get into, as there are a lot of exposition dumps and run on sentences, but once we settled into the story, it was full throttle and hard to put down from there.
*I received a free review copy from the publisher. Thank you.
These are just some of the questions tackled in this hyper-timely and satirical novel. What starts as a $100,000 baby shower for an uber wealthy couple in a horrifying time hurtles into mysterious pink clouds, zombie-like attacks, and anarchist communes intent on changing the world. This book has everything, and each element is aimed at skewering this capitalistic hellscape we’ve found ourselves in.
It’s Not the End of the World is campy, gory, and manages to be both bleak and hopeful. The beginning did take me a minute to get into, as there are a lot of exposition dumps and run on sentences, but once we settled into the story, it was full throttle and hard to put down from there.
*I received a free review copy from the publisher. Thank you.
July 3, 2025
This feels like Parks-Ramage’s direct response to the “books aren’t political” discourse, and I am so here for it.
It’s Not The End of The World is about as close-to-home as dystopian semi-apocalyptic fiction can get! I’d even venture to say it’s a campy take on what our world could turn into if we continue in the direction we’re currently headed.
Most of the characters are intentionally unlikable, so no points lost there—I did, however, enjoy the first half slightly more than the latter half of the story. The first half had more of a clear POV to me, whereas the second half felt rather rogue to the plot that I came to love.
Either way, this is exactly the kind of inspired and unique fiction that I look for/that makes me excited about the future of literature.
It’s Not The End of The World is about as close-to-home as dystopian semi-apocalyptic fiction can get! I’d even venture to say it’s a campy take on what our world could turn into if we continue in the direction we’re currently headed.
Most of the characters are intentionally unlikable, so no points lost there—I did, however, enjoy the first half slightly more than the latter half of the story. The first half had more of a clear POV to me, whereas the second half felt rather rogue to the plot that I came to love.
Either way, this is exactly the kind of inspired and unique fiction that I look for/that makes me excited about the future of literature.
May 23, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
Me reading this knowing if we stay on the same trajectory, this is our future 😅😣🫣😦
This is a true dystopian epic that took twists I wasn’t expecting. It grapples with the super wealthy and the way they are culpable in the earths destruction but also the ethics of having children when hope is quickly dwindling.
I really like how it went from meta commentary, to a disaster novel, to a zombie (?) apocalypse, to a description of a modern utopia.
Really fun, really scary, and really good!
Me reading this knowing if we stay on the same trajectory, this is our future 😅😣🫣😦
This is a true dystopian epic that took twists I wasn’t expecting. It grapples with the super wealthy and the way they are culpable in the earths destruction but also the ethics of having children when hope is quickly dwindling.
I really like how it went from meta commentary, to a disaster novel, to a zombie (?) apocalypse, to a description of a modern utopia.
Really fun, really scary, and really good!
June 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐s. I haven’t been this entertained by a book in a minute! It was thrilling, shocking, dystopian, had creative sci-fi elements, had good dark humour and satire, had uniquely interesting characters, and relevant social/political commentary. Very unserious but thought provoking and real at the same time. Will be thinking about this gem for a while.
October 13, 2025
I would give this negative stars if I could. While the ideas and themes in this book are very important - they didn’t need to ALL be in one book at the same time. Similarly, the multiple genres were confusing and distracting to this reader. I am trying not to give anything away - and I rarely write such negative reviews but I just kept wanting this book to end. Only finished for 2 reasons - book club book, and I kept thinking it would get better.
June 27, 2025
Not entirely sure what I just read but tbh I think I really liked it?? Definitely something I would’ve read in my human extinction class if that gives you the vibe lol but overall such a well-rounded story that kept me on my toes!!
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