The Bugs

by C.J. Friedman

Bees, ants, spiders, flies-all of the bugs-monitor two the health of planet Earth, and the planet's most influential inhabitants, the humans. Should humanity show signs of irreversibly killing Earth, the bugs will exterminate everyone. They'll then start the human experiment over with a fresh batch of people, thanks to the DNA collected by mosquitoes.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2024

Reviews

[Vegetarian]

Review of The Bugs by C.J. Friedman
C.J. Friedman's The Bugs is a compelling blend of speculative fiction and environmental commentary that cleverly uses the insect world as a metaphor for accountability. In this novel, bees, ants, spiders, flies, and other insects act as silent guardians of Earth's well-being, monitoring humanity's impact on the planet. The premise is striking: should humans threaten Earth irreversibly, the bugs have a contingency plan to reset humanity using DNA collected by mosquitoes.

Friedman weaves a unique narrative that challenges readers to consider the consequences of environmental negligence. The bugs’ oversight offers a fresh perspective on ecological stewardship, while the DNA-reset plotline underscores humanity's precarious place in the natural order. The novel balances tension with moments of reflection, asking profound questions about responsibility and survival.

The story is inventive, though some readers may find its allegorical elements overt. Friedman's prose is concise and engaging, making it accessible while still delivering a weighty message.

The Bugs will appeal to fans of eco-fiction and speculative narratives that explore humanity’s relationship with the planet. Its originality and timely themes make it a thought-provoking read, though it may resonate most with those open to blending science fiction with environmental advocacy.

Available through Unsolicited Press and major retailers, this book is a meaningful addition to contemporary ecological literature.

[Suzanne Rancourt]

The Bugs a novel
CJ Friedman
Unsolicited Press, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-956692-97-6

Dystopian? Speculative? Fantastical? Applicable, current and urgent, Friedman’s, The Bugs is a skilled weaving of writing craft with the contemporary ecological issues humanity is facing, as in right now. Friedman creates worlds and possibilities that are immediately relatable to people living in rural back 40’s or urban, cityscapes. The dilemmas are personable as contemporary humanity struggles with the serious impacts of war, greed, big ag farming, AI, data centers and political deviance. Friedman as master craftsman pulls together the multiple strands of characters and what if offering a novel of individual human crisis, resolution, and truth to uncertainty. The power of speculation is its profound offering to consider various points of view as a reader we may never have considered. And isn’t this one of the greatest achievements an artist can reach? You will not be disappointed with Friedman’s offering of characters and the ease with which he moves readers in and out of the numerous possibilities to consider.

Suzanne S. Rancourt, goodreads author

[Selah]

The Bugs! This book was so funny and enjoyable. I do feel like it is a product of its (current) time though. The description and overall tone felt so unserious for me. I enjoyed it overall, and had fun reading about bugs taking over the world and how bees are the true masters of the universe (facts). Fun, casual book: 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Librarything and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

[Kathy Vesely]

One of the best books I've read in a long time
(4/25)