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The Story of Oog: Or, A New Thinker's Guide to the Forest
'A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' meets 'Gulliver's Travels' with cavepeople. Not all journeys begin with a map. Some begin with a thought. Oog is just like any other teenager. Except, Oog, who lived thousands of years ago, has not had a single thought in his entire life. Ever. Until today. When his new-found powers of thought fail him, and he accidentally causes his village's fire to go out, Oog will have to learn to navigate the complex world of thinking as he goes in search of fire to save his people. Part philosophical satire, part bedtime story for adults and teens, Oog's journey will make you laugh and warm your heart. For anyone who's ever felt lost, overthought everything, or wondered if the world makes sense...meet Oog. An imaginative, emotionally resonant, and deeply intelligent, satirical coming-of-age novel for readers who want their fiction to leave them thinking-and feeling. It's a story for dreamers, philosophers, introverts, and deep-feelers. For readers of Monty Python, Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, John Green.
312 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2025
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Len Vlahos
10 books176 followersI dropped out of NYU film school in the mid 80s to play guitar and write songs for Woofing Cookies. We were a punk-pop four piece -- think R.E.M. meets the Ramones -- that toured up and down the East Coast, and had two singles and one full-length LP on Midnight Records.
The band broke up in 1987 and I followed my other passion, books. I've worked in the book industry ever since.
And, of course, I write. And I write, And I write, write, write.
For fun, I still play guitar and piano, and now I play ice hockey, too (though not very well).
I live in Colorado with my super awesome wife Kristen, our two sons, and our very energetic dog.
The band broke up in 1987 and I followed my other passion, books. I've worked in the book industry ever since.
And, of course, I write. And I write, And I write, write, write.
For fun, I still play guitar and piano, and now I play ice hockey, too (though not very well).
I live in Colorado with my super awesome wife Kristen, our two sons, and our very energetic dog.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 28, 2025
This is the Caveman version of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The History of the World and I was completely down for it! Part humorous, part quasi-philosophical this will have you laughing, crying, and thinking.
All of the characters were well written and well rounded and watching how them process the ways of the world was so much fun. I loved how while Oog is the protagonist we actually get to see the POV of most of the other characters too. I love books that show us the same time frame from multiple perspectives and Len Vlahos did that perfectly. This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Vlahos, but it certainly won’t be the only. Thank you to NetGalley and Left Field Publishing for an advanced copy of this. The Story of Oog: or a New Thinker’s Guide to the Forest hits the shelves on November 3, 2025.
All of the characters were well written and well rounded and watching how them process the ways of the world was so much fun. I loved how while Oog is the protagonist we actually get to see the POV of most of the other characters too. I love books that show us the same time frame from multiple perspectives and Len Vlahos did that perfectly. This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Vlahos, but it certainly won’t be the only. Thank you to NetGalley and Left Field Publishing for an advanced copy of this. The Story of Oog: or a New Thinker’s Guide to the Forest hits the shelves on November 3, 2025.
December 31, 2025
I didn’t love this book at first. I found it hard to adjust to the tone and understand who this book was written for. But once I gained some momentum, I found myself enjoying it. The notes sections were especially fun and I got excited when I’d reach another one. The writing was clever and silly. I loved the catchy, over the top names for the characters and People, and like how the stories of many characters (including the animal ones) eventually intertwined.
Thanks to my friend Chantale for thinking of me when she saw this book :)
Thanks to my friend Chantale for thinking of me when she saw this book :)
October 29, 2025
⭐ 5 Star Review: Thank you to Left Field Publishing for the physical copy of this book.
Short Summary:
In The Story of Oog: A New Thinker’s Guide to the Forest, Len Vlahos takes readers on a hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly deep journey through the prehistoric mind of Oog a cave teenager who has just had his first-ever thought. When his moment of “thinking” accidentally leads to disaster, Oog sets out to save his people by rekindling their fire… and in the process, discovers what it truly means to wonder, to question, and to be human.
Review
This book completely charmed me. From the very first page, I could feel that playful, clever humor reminiscent of Monty Python and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, witty, strange, but layered with genuine heart. Vlahos has created something that feels both whimsical and profound. Oog’s journey from unthinking simplicity to philosophical awakening is both funny and poignant, and at times unexpectedly moving. It made me laugh, reflect, and smile all in the same chapter.
The illustrations by Richard DiStefano add a wonderful visual texture to the story, warm, earthy, and perfectly matched to the tone. Each sketch feels like a peek into Oog’s primitive yet emotional world, enhancing the charm and helping the satire land even harder. The humor is clever without being heavy-handed, and the writing walks that rare line between being deeply intelligent and completely accessible.
Even though it’s set in the prehistoric past, the themes are timeless: curiosity, connection, self-discovery, and the messy, hilarious nature of learning what it means to think for yourself. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you: you start it expecting a lighthearted read, and you finish it realizing it quietly said something meaningful about being human. This was my first Len Vlahos book, but it will definitely not be my last. I adored his writing style, playful, sincere, and effortlessly imaginative.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you love smart humor, philosophical fiction, or stories that make you both giggle and think, The Story of Oog is one you’ll treasure. Perfect for fans of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, or anyone who’s ever asked, “What does it really mean to think?”
Triggers / Content Warnings:
None light, humorous, and heartwarming throughout.
Genres & Tropes:
Philosophical Satire, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Humor, Illustrated Fiction, Prehistoric Fiction, Whimsical Journey.
Short Summary:
In The Story of Oog: A New Thinker’s Guide to the Forest, Len Vlahos takes readers on a hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly deep journey through the prehistoric mind of Oog a cave teenager who has just had his first-ever thought. When his moment of “thinking” accidentally leads to disaster, Oog sets out to save his people by rekindling their fire… and in the process, discovers what it truly means to wonder, to question, and to be human.
Review
This book completely charmed me. From the very first page, I could feel that playful, clever humor reminiscent of Monty Python and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, witty, strange, but layered with genuine heart. Vlahos has created something that feels both whimsical and profound. Oog’s journey from unthinking simplicity to philosophical awakening is both funny and poignant, and at times unexpectedly moving. It made me laugh, reflect, and smile all in the same chapter.
The illustrations by Richard DiStefano add a wonderful visual texture to the story, warm, earthy, and perfectly matched to the tone. Each sketch feels like a peek into Oog’s primitive yet emotional world, enhancing the charm and helping the satire land even harder. The humor is clever without being heavy-handed, and the writing walks that rare line between being deeply intelligent and completely accessible.
Even though it’s set in the prehistoric past, the themes are timeless: curiosity, connection, self-discovery, and the messy, hilarious nature of learning what it means to think for yourself. It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you: you start it expecting a lighthearted read, and you finish it realizing it quietly said something meaningful about being human. This was my first Len Vlahos book, but it will definitely not be my last. I adored his writing style, playful, sincere, and effortlessly imaginative.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you love smart humor, philosophical fiction, or stories that make you both giggle and think, The Story of Oog is one you’ll treasure. Perfect for fans of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, or anyone who’s ever asked, “What does it really mean to think?”
Triggers / Content Warnings:
None light, humorous, and heartwarming throughout.
Genres & Tropes:
Philosophical Satire, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Humor, Illustrated Fiction, Prehistoric Fiction, Whimsical Journey.
October 19, 2025
Thanks to Shelf Awareness for hosting the giveaway, and to Kristen Gilligan at Left Field Publishing for sending me this ARC.
I truly enjoyed this book because it was a playful take on the complexities of humanity’s evolution over time.
We are currently living in a global climate where times are becoming more tumultuous and scary than ever. We are constantly at war with people who are different than ourselves and if we aren’t at war, then we shun and outcast anyone who doesn’t look, think, or act like us. Cue the song from Pocahontas. But in all seriousness, this is the time that we need to come together and find a peaceful resolution to these problems whether shared or not, and to be able to be peaceful, kind, and respectful to those around us and abroad.
Vlahos’s pseudo-historical fiction-part science fiction-satire is such a necessary read right now. Frankly. I was just about to give up on humanity, again. But his book, Oog’s Story, really gave me hope that humanity can change for the better. If we lose hope, why are we even living anymore?
Favorite Quotes:
“All you need is love. This is also untrue. Without air, water, and food, people cannot survive. Perhaps they won’t want to survive without love, but they can if they try.”
“Like acts of censorship, it failed miserably, and people have been saying ‘fuck’ in one form or another ever since.”
“…(R)evenge may be a dish best served cold, it’s better to leave it off the menu entirely.”
“But humanity’s greatest strength is its ability to adapt to change.”
I truly enjoyed this book because it was a playful take on the complexities of humanity’s evolution over time.
We are currently living in a global climate where times are becoming more tumultuous and scary than ever. We are constantly at war with people who are different than ourselves and if we aren’t at war, then we shun and outcast anyone who doesn’t look, think, or act like us. Cue the song from Pocahontas. But in all seriousness, this is the time that we need to come together and find a peaceful resolution to these problems whether shared or not, and to be able to be peaceful, kind, and respectful to those around us and abroad.
Vlahos’s pseudo-historical fiction-part science fiction-satire is such a necessary read right now. Frankly. I was just about to give up on humanity, again. But his book, Oog’s Story, really gave me hope that humanity can change for the better. If we lose hope, why are we even living anymore?
Favorite Quotes:
“All you need is love. This is also untrue. Without air, water, and food, people cannot survive. Perhaps they won’t want to survive without love, but they can if they try.”
“Like acts of censorship, it failed miserably, and people have been saying ‘fuck’ in one form or another ever since.”
“…(R)evenge may be a dish best served cold, it’s better to leave it off the menu entirely.”
“But humanity’s greatest strength is its ability to adapt to change.”
November 26, 2025
One reviewer on Storygraph describes this book as "the Caveman version of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The History of the World" and I couldn't agree more!
I don't know what I expected from this book, but I definitely think it delivered. It elaborated on an intriguing concept, and I found the structure unique as well with the philosophical chapters intercepting with the story of these amazingly evolving characters.
I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading this work of art, and at the end, I don't know how exactly I would categorize this as. This is the type of work, I think, that doesn't need a category.
———
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
Please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
#TheStoryofOog #NetGalley
I don't know what I expected from this book, but I definitely think it delivered. It elaborated on an intriguing concept, and I found the structure unique as well with the philosophical chapters intercepting with the story of these amazingly evolving characters.
I experienced a wide range of emotions while reading this work of art, and at the end, I don't know how exactly I would categorize this as. This is the type of work, I think, that doesn't need a category.
———
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
Please note that this is my subjective opinion. I believe each and every author has a right to and deserves fair, honest feedback from their readers, which I am aiming to provide. I adore every author's creativity, bravery and commitment to writing, finishing and publishing a work of art.
#TheStoryofOog #NetGalley
October 28, 2025
This book was such an unexpected mash up of different things that I didn’t really know what to expect. What I got was a heart-felt story of what it means to think.
As someone who has spent most of her life joking that “thinking is my favorite hobby” - I found a fictional satire about the subject interesting!
It was a fun little read, though my one critique (if you can call it that) is that I didn’t resonate much with the characters. That’s not the end of the world for me as a reader, but it’s a nice bonus! One thing I loved were the little nuggets of info or wisdom dropped throughout the book.
All in all I enjoyed and agree that it is sort of similar to Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. So if you love that, you’ll love this too!
As someone who has spent most of her life joking that “thinking is my favorite hobby” - I found a fictional satire about the subject interesting!
It was a fun little read, though my one critique (if you can call it that) is that I didn’t resonate much with the characters. That’s not the end of the world for me as a reader, but it’s a nice bonus! One thing I loved were the little nuggets of info or wisdom dropped throughout the book.
All in all I enjoyed and agree that it is sort of similar to Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. So if you love that, you’ll love this too!
November 9, 2025
📖 Meet Oog — a cave-teen who’s never had a single thought … until one fateful day.
When his brand-new brainpower accidentally snuffs out his village’s fire, he’s forced to wander into the wild, face his feelings, his fears and…well, hundreds of questions flooding his mind!
So perfectly simple in language, but extremely deep in thought...So adorably innocent, but equally clueless... Oog's story is a perfect read for anyone who's ever felt lost or just stopped a moment to wonder "does it even make sense?"
I devoured it and annotated like I never have before!!
If you like your fiction with a touch of philosophy, satire and a bit of weird-wonder wilderness — grab this one immediately!
Huge thanks to Left Field Publishing and Len Vlahos for the ARC!
When his brand-new brainpower accidentally snuffs out his village’s fire, he’s forced to wander into the wild, face his feelings, his fears and…well, hundreds of questions flooding his mind!
So perfectly simple in language, but extremely deep in thought...So adorably innocent, but equally clueless... Oog's story is a perfect read for anyone who's ever felt lost or just stopped a moment to wonder "does it even make sense?"
I devoured it and annotated like I never have before!!
If you like your fiction with a touch of philosophy, satire and a bit of weird-wonder wilderness — grab this one immediately!
Huge thanks to Left Field Publishing and Len Vlahos for the ARC!
September 14, 2025
This beautifully written coming of age book is the heartwarming and thought provoking read I needed this week!
We follow the delightful Oog as he starts thinking and feeling. It covers consciousness, self awareness, power, greed, kindness and so much more.
I’m in my 40s and adored the pop culture and historical references and really related to Oog’s story as there are many questions that we have all asked ourselves growing up that are mentioned.
This book will make you laugh and cry whilst being a gorgeous, cosy, philosophical read. I highly recommend!
We follow the delightful Oog as he starts thinking and feeling. It covers consciousness, self awareness, power, greed, kindness and so much more.
I’m in my 40s and adored the pop culture and historical references and really related to Oog’s story as there are many questions that we have all asked ourselves growing up that are mentioned.
This book will make you laugh and cry whilst being a gorgeous, cosy, philosophical read. I highly recommend!
January 2, 2026
A delightful, quirky mashup of a hero’s journey, satire, old-fashioned storytelling, and offbeat humor that had me smirking and chortling (smortaling?) throughout. I’m glad I bought this one rather than checking it out from the library because it deserves a reread to catch all the subtleties. A coming-of-age story, a quest, history, philosophical musings, first love, and finding home - somehow Len Vlahos wove this all together in a satirical, amusing, zany narrative. Yes, it’s weird, but in all the best ways!
October 16, 2025
Look, I wanted to love this one. A book that mashes up the wit of Terry Pratchett, the philosophy of Daniel Quinn, and the irreverence of Monty Python? Sign me up! But here's the thing - after slogging through 65 pages, I just wasn't feeling it. Somehow the ingredients just didn't mix. Maybe it finds its groove later on, but life's too short for "maybe later" books. I've got a stack of other reads calling my name, so I'm invoking my 100-page rule and calling it quits on this one.
DNF
DNF
November 4, 2025
The title of the story got me first, then the description - who wouldn't want to know how a person reacts when they first start to think. The story sits just on the correct side of ridiculous and made me laugh more than once.
The Story of Oog was a fun read and the drawings added to the fun. There is more there for people who want to dig a little deeper, but good for those who just want to enjoy a good book.
The Story of Oog was a fun read and the drawings added to the fun. There is more there for people who want to dig a little deeper, but good for those who just want to enjoy a good book.
November 5, 2025
3.5 Stars. I'm not sure how to describe this book, but I liked it. It was refreshing, innocent, funny, kinda philosophical. If you want to read something guaranteed to be different than what you're used to that will likely keep you readiung to the end--I recommend this book!
October 17, 2025
A funny, clever book to make you laugh and think. Join Oog on his quest through the forest as he learns with his new skill of thinking comes many things, including friendship and responsibility.
December 22, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this. I've spent more time and brain power wondering what it was like for cavepeople than i'd like to admit and this satisfied my curiosity (at least for now). It was delightfully cozy/humorous and i loved the explanations given/oogs progression through the story. I enjoyed how it made you think but also connected key points to various things that happened in history. definitely recommend if you're into quirky little reads.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews