“Acerbic, funny, …a delightfully heightened portrayal of modern society.” Kirkus Reviews
Feel the Burn by Carra Roe is a razor-sharp satire that chronicles an affluent, dysfunctional family from New York City as they navigate the treacherous waters of modern American politics. At the center of this darkly comedic tale are three siblings: a populist brother with presidential ambitions, a progressive sister who will stop at nothing to prevent her brother's political ambitions from being realized, and a third sibling intent on keeping the peace. Meanwhile, the family’s fallen patriarch hatches a plan to restore the family's tarnished legacy, as an unlikely gatekeeper emerges with a key to both the past and the future.
Feel the Burn explores the impact of divided politics on personal relationships, the nature of family loyalty, and the often-absurd reality of contemporary American life.
Danelle Petersen: Hilarious and thought-provoking with a narrative that draws the reader in and refuses to let go, Feel the Burn contains a plot rife with twists and hard-hitting points that are sure to make readers feel the burn; the storyline and quirky characters had me in stitches from start to finish. Xander is undoubtedly one of those love-to-hate, unforgettable characters that leave a lasting impression on readers; he is a classic narcissist. Carra Roe delivers her political punches accurately, shining a light on the lack of accountability from political leaders and the never-failing backhandedness that takes place behind the scenes, along with the propaganda that goes with it. This is a well-thought-out and enjoyable read which I found highly entertaining. I recommend Feel the Burn to those looking for a little satirical relief from real-life politics and those who enjoy good jokes and a well-rounded plot.
K.C. Finn: Roe demonstrates an extraordinary talent for political satire that had me shifting between laughter and serious reflection with such smooth and artful narration that takes readers through the different emotions at play. Her ability to create memorable, deeply flawed characters whose personal ambitions mirror larger societal divisions brings both humor and poignancy to the narrative, and it's that human connection in the work that particularly impressed me. I loved the way witty dialogue and sharp observational humor were utilized to address serious themes without losing sight of the human element at the story's core. Something else that makes this novel especially compelling is Roe's sophisticated understanding of how family dynamics and political ideologies intersect, creating situations that feel both absurd and eerily familiar to anyone following current events. Her exploration of legacy, power, and identity also brought new depth to what could have been a simple political farce, adding sharp elements to keep it exciting and relevant. Overall, Feel the Burn is an essential read for anyone who appreciates intelligent satire that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and I'd definitely recommend it.
I am a big fan of satire. From Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock to the contemporary biting wit of certain comedians, I love to hear it.
This book is a fine example of satire and so relevant. It satirizes the divisiveness of modern politics to a tee. I laughed and laughed and laughed some more.
I have to say too that, as a southerner, the satire of the admiration held for certain southern historical figures was so spot-on and highly entertaining.
I was looking forward to reading this, and I do still feel like the premise is a good one. I didn't enjoy how much of the book was conversation because it was just not my style. That doesn't mean it isn't good and it isn't someone else's style. If you are someone who is following the political divide in our country and how it completely separates people and families, you'd probably find it interesting. I just struggle to read constant back-and-forth dialogue. I think this would be a good story for an audiobook with multiple narrators so that the conversation was easier to follow.