What do you think?
The Whirlpool of Lebanon
There's something in the water in Lebanon, Kansas.
Zeb Stout is an eccentric rancher with a sick wife and a field of junkyard sculptures. As hope fades, a whirlpool appears in the pasture, offering a choice he never imagined.
Consequences ripple through Lebanon. Calves wander down Main Street. Rumors spread of impossible recoveries. Neighbors vanish. Soon the entire town is drawn to Stout Ranch, desperate to drink, to heal, to be young.
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is a surreal and darkly comic novel about love, longing, and the terrible beauty of second chances. This is what happens when a miracle arrives—and refuses to leave.
ADVANCE PRAISE
"A well-crafted comedy about the bad side of miracles."
— Kirkus Reviews ("Get It" selection)
"A weird, funny, and often suspenseful novel about aging and redemption."
— Foreword Reviews
"An exquisitely constructed novel with a large cast of believable, well-rounded characters you come to care about. Pass also captures the nuances of High Plains village life, which many have attempted but few have achieved."
— Bryan L. Jones, author of North of the Platte, South of the Niobrara
"Whirlpool is an intercession between the sublime and the sublunary, with characters as real as they are hilarious, as redeemable as they are tragic. Swift and stylish, this book is a bit like a glistening puddle you stomp on for joy then realize you're standing in the center of the sea."
— Joe Deany-Braun, curator of Perelandra Bookshop and author of Young Santa
"The story sucked me in with the same awe and mystery as the whirlpool spinning at its center. I loved every page."
— Becky Mandelbaum, author of Bad Kansas (Flannery O'Connor Award)
Zeb Stout is an eccentric rancher with a sick wife and a field of junkyard sculptures. As hope fades, a whirlpool appears in the pasture, offering a choice he never imagined.
Consequences ripple through Lebanon. Calves wander down Main Street. Rumors spread of impossible recoveries. Neighbors vanish. Soon the entire town is drawn to Stout Ranch, desperate to drink, to heal, to be young.
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is a surreal and darkly comic novel about love, longing, and the terrible beauty of second chances. This is what happens when a miracle arrives—and refuses to leave.
ADVANCE PRAISE
"A well-crafted comedy about the bad side of miracles."
— Kirkus Reviews ("Get It" selection)
"A weird, funny, and often suspenseful novel about aging and redemption."
— Foreword Reviews
"An exquisitely constructed novel with a large cast of believable, well-rounded characters you come to care about. Pass also captures the nuances of High Plains village life, which many have attempted but few have achieved."
— Bryan L. Jones, author of North of the Platte, South of the Niobrara
"Whirlpool is an intercession between the sublime and the sublunary, with characters as real as they are hilarious, as redeemable as they are tragic. Swift and stylish, this book is a bit like a glistening puddle you stomp on for joy then realize you're standing in the center of the sea."
— Joe Deany-Braun, curator of Perelandra Bookshop and author of Young Santa
"The story sucked me in with the same awe and mystery as the whirlpool spinning at its center. I loved every page."
— Becky Mandelbaum, author of Bad Kansas (Flannery O'Connor Award)
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
276 pages, ebook
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Will Pass
2 books60 followersWill Pass is the author of The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived, a dark comedy about interspecies friendships and the wild contradictions of domesticated life. It was named among the 2025 Southwest Books of the Year.
His second novel, The Whirlpool of Lebanon, is forthcoming September 15, 2026, from Thiessen Press.
Will also hosts Who Reads Books Anymore?, a video series in which he asks strangers about their reading lives.
@willpassbooks
His second novel, The Whirlpool of Lebanon, is forthcoming September 15, 2026, from Thiessen Press.
Will also hosts Who Reads Books Anymore?, a video series in which he asks strangers about their reading lives.
@willpassbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Want to Read
August 21, 2026Here's an idea: let's take a holiday. How about Rome?
Rome? Rome, Italy?
Would you prefer Rome, Wisconsin?
TIL there's a Lebanon in the US
Rome? Rome, Italy?
Would you prefer Rome, Wisconsin?
TIL there's a Lebanon in the US
July 28, 2026
I kept waiting for this book to get better.
The premise is fascinating: a magical whirlpool appears out of nowhere in a field in rural Kansas.
From the beginning of the novel, I found myself grappling with the writing style. I can imagine the stylistic choice was quite intentional, but it’s jarringly staccato. To be fair, I had just finished reading Maggie O’Farrell and Nélio Biedermann, so the jump from those more lyrical/poetic writing styles to this very clipped style may have impacted me more than if I’d jumped over from nonfiction.
There are a lot of characters here, and the novel cuts between them so often that it kept undercutting itself. Right as I'd settle into one person's story, it would jump to someone else, and I never got the chance to bond with any of them, the main couple included. A few threads I'd started to care about just fizzled out, which was the most frustrating part. By the end, I didn't care much what happened to any of these people, so finishing felt like a chore.
In the end, I just didn’t really care much about what happened to these people, so finishing the story felt like a chore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thiessen Press for sharing the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is fascinating: a magical whirlpool appears out of nowhere in a field in rural Kansas.
From the beginning of the novel, I found myself grappling with the writing style. I can imagine the stylistic choice was quite intentional, but it’s jarringly staccato. To be fair, I had just finished reading Maggie O’Farrell and Nélio Biedermann, so the jump from those more lyrical/poetic writing styles to this very clipped style may have impacted me more than if I’d jumped over from nonfiction.
There are a lot of characters here, and the novel cuts between them so often that it kept undercutting itself. Right as I'd settle into one person's story, it would jump to someone else, and I never got the chance to bond with any of them, the main couple included. A few threads I'd started to care about just fizzled out, which was the most frustrating part. By the end, I didn't care much what happened to any of these people, so finishing felt like a chore.
In the end, I just didn’t really care much about what happened to these people, so finishing the story felt like a chore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thiessen Press for sharing the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2026
Imagine discovering a clear pool of water in your field. This isn’t just any pool; it’s a whirlpool with the power to rejuvenate things. The extent of its rejuvenating effect depends on how much water you consume. This is the intriguing premise of the book. It presents a fascinating conundrum: would you share this discovery with others, sell it, or keep it a secret?
The fountain of youth has materialised in your field. Your cattle have transformed into young calves, and your trusted steed, Dan, has become a foal. However, he’s too small to ride.
This comedic book is a sequel to Will Pass’s previous work, “The Second Smartest Dog in the World”. The protagonist, Zebedee Stout, resides in a small Kansas town called Lebanon. While checking on his cattle, he experiences an out-of-body experience when his horse Dan bucks him. Dan is initially preoccupied with drinking from an unknown spring that suddenly appears and then bolts for his barn. Floating in the air, Zebedee loses his hat, which vanishes into thin air. He’s left grappling with an inexplicable sensation and a mystery that he can’t quite comprehend.
This book is a captivating read with several intriguing mysteries that unfold throughout. It’s beautifully written and draws you in, making you enthralled with its characters. Some are quite eccentric, gun-obsessed and, when they regain their youth or health, they’re eager to exploit their discovery. This reflects a common human trait of greed. You must read it to find out what happens in the end; I won’t spoil the surprise. However, I can assure you you’ll enjoy the journey that it takes you on. This beautiful book is packed with emotion, prompting you to reflect on life and consider what you’d do if you could become younger again.
The fountain of youth has materialised in your field. Your cattle have transformed into young calves, and your trusted steed, Dan, has become a foal. However, he’s too small to ride.
This comedic book is a sequel to Will Pass’s previous work, “The Second Smartest Dog in the World”. The protagonist, Zebedee Stout, resides in a small Kansas town called Lebanon. While checking on his cattle, he experiences an out-of-body experience when his horse Dan bucks him. Dan is initially preoccupied with drinking from an unknown spring that suddenly appears and then bolts for his barn. Floating in the air, Zebedee loses his hat, which vanishes into thin air. He’s left grappling with an inexplicable sensation and a mystery that he can’t quite comprehend.
This book is a captivating read with several intriguing mysteries that unfold throughout. It’s beautifully written and draws you in, making you enthralled with its characters. Some are quite eccentric, gun-obsessed and, when they regain their youth or health, they’re eager to exploit their discovery. This reflects a common human trait of greed. You must read it to find out what happens in the end; I won’t spoil the surprise. However, I can assure you you’ll enjoy the journey that it takes you on. This beautiful book is packed with emotion, prompting you to reflect on life and consider what you’d do if you could become younger again.
September 24, 2026
Zeb is eccentric, dyslexic, probably on the autism spectrum; he comes from a long line of people with depression and suicidal tendencies; he is by now quite elderly; his beloved wife is dying of cancer; and he is, in fact, contemplating suicide. This is the situation facing the unlikely protagonist when, returning from a ride on horseback on his ranch, he discovers a small pond at the bottom of a hollow that wasn’t there before, around which his entire herd lies asleep. He dismounts to investigate, and the horse, eager to reach the water first, gives him a push. Zeb remounts, but the horse becomes skittish, breaks into a gallop and throws him off, causing him to lose his hat – a gift from his wife. The next day, in place of the old horse there is a foal; the herd has vanished; and a procession of calves of unknown origin is passing through the village of Lebanon, Kansas.
Whilst the discovery of the fountain of youth is tragicomic, the story soon takes a disturbing turn because, as we know, when something is too good to be true, it is either not true or downright dangerous.
Indeed, whilst Zeb uses the powers of the strange, spinning (anti-clockwise, mind you) and ever-growing well to save his wife – rejuvenating himself in the process – the other people who inevitably learn of the secret react in different ways, often revealing aspects of their personalities unknown even to their long-standing neighbours.
Soon, the secret of the whirlpool spreads beyond the community and reaches the ears of ill-intentioned individuals – be they criminals or the government – and it falls to Zeb, who realises the dangers of an unsolicited gift before anyone else, to resolve the situation once and for all.
"The Whirlpool of Lebanon" is very reminiscent of "Peyton Place". The characters have much in common; local jealousies and feuds – offering good advice because one can no longer set a bad example – are depicted with the same sharp, sarcastic tone. The development of some characters is perhaps a little rushed, and the motivations of others remain unclear, but Zeb is a protagonist who simply sticks in the mind.
Whilst the discovery of the fountain of youth is tragicomic, the story soon takes a disturbing turn because, as we know, when something is too good to be true, it is either not true or downright dangerous.
Indeed, whilst Zeb uses the powers of the strange, spinning (anti-clockwise, mind you) and ever-growing well to save his wife – rejuvenating himself in the process – the other people who inevitably learn of the secret react in different ways, often revealing aspects of their personalities unknown even to their long-standing neighbours.
Soon, the secret of the whirlpool spreads beyond the community and reaches the ears of ill-intentioned individuals – be they criminals or the government – and it falls to Zeb, who realises the dangers of an unsolicited gift before anyone else, to resolve the situation once and for all.
"The Whirlpool of Lebanon" is very reminiscent of "Peyton Place". The characters have much in common; local jealousies and feuds – offering good advice because one can no longer set a bad example – are depicted with the same sharp, sarcastic tone. The development of some characters is perhaps a little rushed, and the motivations of others remain unclear, but Zeb is a protagonist who simply sticks in the mind.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For those who love surreal, speculative fiction like The Wall by Marlen Hausoffer or I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, the premise of this book is so intriguing: a surreal, magical ripple moves through a small country town and reveals both the flawed and hopeful humanity within its residents.
To start with what I liked about this book, the characters are well-developed and fit naturally within the world of this novel. There is a profound sense of place where it truly feels like you're reading about real people that populate a real town in the sticks of Kansas. There is an accomplished balance of absurdity and humour with the grounded, delicate fears and hopes that encompass the most diverse of personalities.
However, the writing style felt chunky and lacking of stylistic choices that would elevate such a story. It was reminiscent of writing from a high-school English class; promising, but not yet fully realised. It simultaneously gave too much over-explanation and not enough clarity.
Some people may enjoy this prose that is reminiscent of a stream of consciousness that embodies a certain personality of thought, humour, and rhythm. However, for me, it cheapened what was otherwise a very promising and unique approach to rural, surreal fiction.
For instance, on the very first page:
"It was like trying to wake a drunk.
But they weren't drunk.
They were cattle."
The prose just feels as if forcing an eccentricity that isn't actually present, and instead it translates into a chunky circling of the same concept, rather than introducing anything attention-grabbing.
To start with what I liked about this book, the characters are well-developed and fit naturally within the world of this novel. There is a profound sense of place where it truly feels like you're reading about real people that populate a real town in the sticks of Kansas. There is an accomplished balance of absurdity and humour with the grounded, delicate fears and hopes that encompass the most diverse of personalities.
However, the writing style felt chunky and lacking of stylistic choices that would elevate such a story. It was reminiscent of writing from a high-school English class; promising, but not yet fully realised. It simultaneously gave too much over-explanation and not enough clarity.
Some people may enjoy this prose that is reminiscent of a stream of consciousness that embodies a certain personality of thought, humour, and rhythm. However, for me, it cheapened what was otherwise a very promising and unique approach to rural, surreal fiction.
For instance, on the very first page:
"It was like trying to wake a drunk.
But they weren't drunk.
They were cattle."
The prose just feels as if forcing an eccentricity that isn't actually present, and instead it translates into a chunky circling of the same concept, rather than introducing anything attention-grabbing.
August 17, 2026
3.75, rounded up
This one is definitely for fans of speculative fiction. A whirlpool with the power to turn back time appears in the middle of nowhere, Kansas. Do you share your discovery, or keep it under wraps? Especially in a small town where the bastion of their social life is gossip and the rumor mill. It’s an interesting premise and brings up a lot of deeper conversations that are buried between humorous quips. Without spoilers: the conversation between Zeb & Nancy after their interaction with the whirlpool had me audibly laughing.
The syntax can be very short and staccato, but it does not interfere with the flow of the prose. I feel like the simplicity of the sentences mirrors the simplicity of the citizens of Lebanon. If it were written any more elevated or flowery, it would come off as odd when portraying them.
As I was reading I had my own questions when thinking about what I would do and how I would feel in their positions. Like how much is too much of a good thing? What if you regret your choice? Is capitalizing on its effects moral? How does one keep trespassers from accessing the whirlpool? These questions (and many others) kept me engaged and kept me turning page after page.
Be sure to grab a copy when it’s released on September 15, 2026!
Thank you to Will Pass and Thiessen Press for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This one is definitely for fans of speculative fiction. A whirlpool with the power to turn back time appears in the middle of nowhere, Kansas. Do you share your discovery, or keep it under wraps? Especially in a small town where the bastion of their social life is gossip and the rumor mill. It’s an interesting premise and brings up a lot of deeper conversations that are buried between humorous quips. Without spoilers: the conversation between Zeb & Nancy after their interaction with the whirlpool had me audibly laughing.
The syntax can be very short and staccato, but it does not interfere with the flow of the prose. I feel like the simplicity of the sentences mirrors the simplicity of the citizens of Lebanon. If it were written any more elevated or flowery, it would come off as odd when portraying them.
As I was reading I had my own questions when thinking about what I would do and how I would feel in their positions. Like how much is too much of a good thing? What if you regret your choice? Is capitalizing on its effects moral? How does one keep trespassers from accessing the whirlpool? These questions (and many others) kept me engaged and kept me turning page after page.
Be sure to grab a copy when it’s released on September 15, 2026!
Thank you to Will Pass and Thiessen Press for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, this book was WEIRD, and I mean that in the best possible way.
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is such a fun, strange, darkly funny story. The idea of a mysterious whirlpool that can heal people and turn back the clock is already wild, but watching an entire small town become obsessed with it was even better.
I loved the characters, especially Zeb and Nancy. They felt so real and human, and somehow the book manages to be hilarious one minute and surprisingly emotional the next. I also loved the small-town Kansas setting and all the wonderfully eccentric people who live there.
There’s something really interesting underneath all the weirdness, this book has a lot to say about aging, mortality, love, and what we would do if we were given a chance to start over.
Strange, funny, heartfelt, and completely unpredictable. I flew through this one and honestly didn’t want it to end. Definitely recommend if you like your books a little weird!
Now I sure hope to run into the author asking about books around Northern Colorado as part of his social media series Who Reads Books Anymore? Wouldn't it be fun to say I'd read his book in the past month?
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader's copy of this book.
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is such a fun, strange, darkly funny story. The idea of a mysterious whirlpool that can heal people and turn back the clock is already wild, but watching an entire small town become obsessed with it was even better.
I loved the characters, especially Zeb and Nancy. They felt so real and human, and somehow the book manages to be hilarious one minute and surprisingly emotional the next. I also loved the small-town Kansas setting and all the wonderfully eccentric people who live there.
There’s something really interesting underneath all the weirdness, this book has a lot to say about aging, mortality, love, and what we would do if we were given a chance to start over.
Strange, funny, heartfelt, and completely unpredictable. I flew through this one and honestly didn’t want it to end. Definitely recommend if you like your books a little weird!
Now I sure hope to run into the author asking about books around Northern Colorado as part of his social media series Who Reads Books Anymore? Wouldn't it be fun to say I'd read his book in the past month?
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader's copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 2.0/5
After reading his mightily impressive debut novel, "The Second-smartest Dog That Ever Lived", I was always going to come back and read the second offering from Will Pass. As with his first book, the synopsis struck me as quirky and promising. Sadly, this second novel does not consistently deliver the high quality of its predecessor.
There are some definite positives: the cast of characters are interesting and credible as is the setting in which the action plays out. The central idea at the heart of the story - a mass of water that has rejuvenating qualities has ample potential for an intriguing story. Granted, it is difficult not to be reminded of the 1985 movie, "Cocoon", which was based on a book by David Saperstein, but there was still adequate scope for the potential ramifications to be explored by the author in a radically different and compelling manner. Unfortunately, this book doesn't capitalize on that potential and it frequently felt more like a mire than a whirlpool.
Nonetheless, many thanks to the author for supplying this ARC in return for an honest review.
After reading his mightily impressive debut novel, "The Second-smartest Dog That Ever Lived", I was always going to come back and read the second offering from Will Pass. As with his first book, the synopsis struck me as quirky and promising. Sadly, this second novel does not consistently deliver the high quality of its predecessor.
There are some definite positives: the cast of characters are interesting and credible as is the setting in which the action plays out. The central idea at the heart of the story - a mass of water that has rejuvenating qualities has ample potential for an intriguing story. Granted, it is difficult not to be reminded of the 1985 movie, "Cocoon", which was based on a book by David Saperstein, but there was still adequate scope for the potential ramifications to be explored by the author in a radically different and compelling manner. Unfortunately, this book doesn't capitalize on that potential and it frequently felt more like a mire than a whirlpool.
Nonetheless, many thanks to the author for supplying this ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Will Pass's debut, The Second Smartest Dog That Ever Lived, was one of the most fun reads of 2025, and that is coming from someone who doesn't really like dogs. So I was pleased to get an advance copy of The Whirlpool Of Lebanon, a follow-up which has a not dissimilar tone of detached snark, but in this case from its human and often aged cast. It is a hypothetical puzzle of a book, where a fountain of youth suddenly pops up in the town of Lebanon (famously the geographical centre of the USA), albeit a fountain in the form of a whirlpool. De-aging and curing those who contact it, this starts with some very old and terminally ill people, before being forced upon some, and given to someone with Alzheimers (which returns them to a rather sexist and unpleasant former self). It is a satisfying character piece, with the kind of protagonists you don't usually see in science fiction, who Pass does a great job of inhabiting. But it does slowly play out how you might imagine, and there is a sense that the genesis of this book was a frustrated viewing of Cocoon as a kind and being annoyed how it skips nearly all the real-world implications of the scenario,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is a WILD ride, let me tell you! Some small town folks discover a sort of fountain of youth in a pasture in Lebanon, Kansas. And in the discovery, we learn about the trials and tribulations of their lives in a town where everybody knows everybody's business. Then, we face the consequences of turning back the clock, and what that means for this community.
This was a fun book to read - there's a lot of humor scattered throughout. The characters were all lovable in their own quirky ways. It was easy to finish this book quickly as it kept me incredibly engaged. I never knew what to expect from chapter to chapter. I did not love the violence in the last part of the book. I'm not sure I would have ended it the way the author ended it. I feel unsatisfied. But, I'm glad I got to experience this story because it's so different from any other that I read about or seen on the big screen.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Whirlpool of Lebanon.
This was a fun book to read - there's a lot of humor scattered throughout. The characters were all lovable in their own quirky ways. It was easy to finish this book quickly as it kept me incredibly engaged. I never knew what to expect from chapter to chapter. I did not love the violence in the last part of the book. I'm not sure I would have ended it the way the author ended it. I feel unsatisfied. But, I'm glad I got to experience this story because it's so different from any other that I read about or seen on the big screen.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Whirlpool of Lebanon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"There's something in the water in Lebanon, Kansas."
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is strange, darkly funny, and surprisingly emotional, this book takes the idea of a miracle and turns it into something both beautiful and unsettling. What starts with a mysterious whirlpool promising healing and youth slowly spirals into obsession, desperation, and chaos as an entire small town becomes consumed by it.
One of my favourite things about this book was the people in the small town in Kansas. Every character brought something unique to the story, and even with the larger-than-life premise, their emotions and choices felt incredibly real. The writing balances absurdity and heartbreak so well.
Beneath the surreal atmosphere, this is really a story about grief, hope, love, and how far people will go for a second chance. Equal parts unsettling and captivating.
Thank you so much Thiessen Press, Will Pass, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is strange, darkly funny, and surprisingly emotional, this book takes the idea of a miracle and turns it into something both beautiful and unsettling. What starts with a mysterious whirlpool promising healing and youth slowly spirals into obsession, desperation, and chaos as an entire small town becomes consumed by it.
One of my favourite things about this book was the people in the small town in Kansas. Every character brought something unique to the story, and even with the larger-than-life premise, their emotions and choices felt incredibly real. The writing balances absurdity and heartbreak so well.
Beneath the surreal atmosphere, this is really a story about grief, hope, love, and how far people will go for a second chance. Equal parts unsettling and captivating.
Thank you so much Thiessen Press, Will Pass, and NetGalley for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Man oh man, this was a lovely, fucking weird, surprise!
Of course thank you NetGalle for this book!
I don't even know where to start. I have so many thoughts about this book.
I'm becoming more and more fan of fiction stories that get emotional and a bit weird too? I expected a lot of things from the story but every time Will Pass was able to surprise me. I got emotional and sad, then creeped out, then stressed out and at once relieved. All of this regarding a book I thought it was 'simply' going to be about a man.
The writing is super descreptive, the characters feel real - as if you could get to know them if you went to this place.
I wish we had more about the minister/priest. I feel his character could have been more explored (maybe because I liked how weird it got there).
I really enjoyed Zeb's and May's characters, both super flawed, complexed and lovable.
I think it'll become a famous and favorite among readers!
Thank you once again!!
Of course thank you NetGalle for this book!
I don't even know where to start. I have so many thoughts about this book.
I'm becoming more and more fan of fiction stories that get emotional and a bit weird too? I expected a lot of things from the story but every time Will Pass was able to surprise me. I got emotional and sad, then creeped out, then stressed out and at once relieved. All of this regarding a book I thought it was 'simply' going to be about a man.
The writing is super descreptive, the characters feel real - as if you could get to know them if you went to this place.
I wish we had more about the minister/priest. I feel his character could have been more explored (maybe because I liked how weird it got there).
I really enjoyed Zeb's and May's characters, both super flawed, complexed and lovable.
I think it'll become a famous and favorite among readers!
Thank you once again!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Zeb Stout is losing hope. His wife is dying of cancer, and his life feels utterly empty. As he wanders through his ranch, he sees a pond with a whirlpool in its middle that, he swears, wasn’t there before. His herd lay fast asleep around the pond. As he considers the strangeness of this scene, his horse bends to drinks from the pond. Maybe he should not have allowed old Dan, his horse, to drink from that pond! Little did Zeb know, upon discovering the strange properties of that pond, that things in Lebanon were about to change.
This is a charming tale filled with realistic, varied, and endearing characters, humor and the simple truths about life. I found this book difficult to put down, and I read it in two days. It is charming, interesting, exciting, sensitive, and one that cannot be missed.
This is a charming tale filled with realistic, varied, and endearing characters, humor and the simple truths about life. I found this book difficult to put down, and I read it in two days. It is charming, interesting, exciting, sensitive, and one that cannot be missed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed The Whirlpool of Lebanon. From the very first chapters, the story captured my attention and kept me engaged throughout. One of the book's greatest strengths is its vivid, descriptive writing. The author paints such a clear picture of small-town Kansas that I felt like I was walking the streets alongside the characters, experiencing the setting firsthand.
The story took several unexpected twists and turns, and I genuinely wasn't sure how everything would come together until the very last chapter. It kept me guessing in the best way, making it difficult to put the book down.
The characters felt authentic, and the rich descriptions brought both the people and the town to life. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place, immersive storytelling, and a plot that keeps you wondering until the end, I highly recommend The Whirlpool of Lebanon.
The story took several unexpected twists and turns, and I genuinely wasn't sure how everything would come together until the very last chapter. It kept me guessing in the best way, making it difficult to put the book down.
The characters felt authentic, and the rich descriptions brought both the people and the town to life. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place, immersive storytelling, and a plot that keeps you wondering until the end, I highly recommend The Whirlpool of Lebanon.
July 12, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book with the request of an unbiased review. I don’t like spoilers so will attempt to avoid any here, sticking instead to a more broad review.
This book was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. There were moments that made me laugh and there were quite a few that made me reflect and ask myself some questions about what I’d do in a given character’s shoes. The story kept me guessing about the next page and while the primary component of the plot is one I’ve seen before, the exploration of it felt different especially by the end. The characters feel familiar if you’ve spent some time in smaller towns without them feeling too much like caricatures. Overall it was a delightful read and one I’d recommend especially if you are looking for something that keeps you guessing but isn’t so intricate it loses the plot.
4.25/5 stars
This book was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. There were moments that made me laugh and there were quite a few that made me reflect and ask myself some questions about what I’d do in a given character’s shoes. The story kept me guessing about the next page and while the primary component of the plot is one I’ve seen before, the exploration of it felt different especially by the end. The characters feel familiar if you’ve spent some time in smaller towns without them feeling too much like caricatures. Overall it was a delightful read and one I’d recommend especially if you are looking for something that keeps you guessing but isn’t so intricate it loses the plot.
4.25/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark comedic looking at miracles - are they worth it?
A mysterious whirlpool appears in a pasture owned by Zebedee “Zeb” Stout, a sixty-eight year old rancher and sculptor. Zeb notice the cattle sleep all the time, his horse, Dan, is somehow a foal again and all the cows are calves - he must be hallucinating! After all there is a family history of mental illness. But when he notices his one hand looks younger after dipping it in the whirlpool he takes his sick wife there to cure her. What happens after that and when the town of Lebanon (all 202 of them) becomes aware of the whirlpool is an exceptional read.
While there are lot of characters, they don’t become cluttered or confusing because each is drawn out and easily identifiable in the read. The theme ms of aging and redemption are subtly told but resonate.
This is a book for readers who enjoy a dark comedy with a strong theme.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thiessen Press for granting me access to this ARC.
A mysterious whirlpool appears in a pasture owned by Zebedee “Zeb” Stout, a sixty-eight year old rancher and sculptor. Zeb notice the cattle sleep all the time, his horse, Dan, is somehow a foal again and all the cows are calves - he must be hallucinating! After all there is a family history of mental illness. But when he notices his one hand looks younger after dipping it in the whirlpool he takes his sick wife there to cure her. What happens after that and when the town of Lebanon (all 202 of them) becomes aware of the whirlpool is an exceptional read.
While there are lot of characters, they don’t become cluttered or confusing because each is drawn out and easily identifiable in the read. The theme ms of aging and redemption are subtly told but resonate.
This is a book for readers who enjoy a dark comedy with a strong theme.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thiessen Press for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Will Pass has only gotten stronger as a writer with his second book, and his imagination continues to be delightfully weird.
The town of Lebanon, Kansas, has been withering away as its younger generations leave to seek more opportunity in the cities. Rancher Zeb Stout is getting on in years and his wife, Nancy, has terminal cancer. Then one morning Zeb finds a mysterious whirlpool in his back pasture that turns out to be a fountain of youth. What will people do with a second chance to be young? Will they make different choices, knowing what they do now?
The writing tone puts me in mind of cowboy poetry. The characters are well drawn, even the less likable ones. And the action is weird and wonderful.
The town of Lebanon, Kansas, has been withering away as its younger generations leave to seek more opportunity in the cities. Rancher Zeb Stout is getting on in years and his wife, Nancy, has terminal cancer. Then one morning Zeb finds a mysterious whirlpool in his back pasture that turns out to be a fountain of youth. What will people do with a second chance to be young? Will they make different choices, knowing what they do now?
The writing tone puts me in mind of cowboy poetry. The characters are well drawn, even the less likable ones. And the action is weird and wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won a free Kindle copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway win. I would like to thank anyone involved in making that happen.
This has a fascinating premise and was very compelling and thought provoking! I appreciated the depiction of small town gossip and politics which provided some comic relief. I could not wait to find out what was going to happen but the ending was a bit of a let down for me. I wanted to know more about what was behind the whirlpool. It is described as having an ulterior motivation of its own and changing people to achieve that but we never really find out what that motivation is or what is behind it. I have some ideas but the ending is a bit more rushed and open ended than I would prefer and I am left with many burning questions!
This has a fascinating premise and was very compelling and thought provoking! I appreciated the depiction of small town gossip and politics which provided some comic relief. I could not wait to find out what was going to happen but the ending was a bit of a let down for me. I wanted to know more about what was behind the whirlpool. It is described as having an ulterior motivation of its own and changing people to achieve that but we never really find out what that motivation is or what is behind it. I have some ideas but the ending is a bit more rushed and open ended than I would prefer and I am left with many burning questions!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wish I could put into words how much I admire this book. It's not every day you discover an exquisitely constructed novel with a large cast of believable, well-rounded characters you come to care about. Pass also captures the nuances of High Plains village life, which many have attempted but few have achieved. The fountain of youth eventually impacts the lives and fortunes of the entire village, distributing alternating doses of fervent hope and senseless tragedy, leading to cataclysmic destruction and eventual redemption. The Whirlpool of Lebanon checks all the boxes of a timeless masterpiece. We can only hope Will Pass will continue to produce literature of this rare quality.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of digital advance copy received by NetGalley!
Definitely a good read for people who love surrealist/speculative fiction. This is an extraordinary premise grounded by ordinary characters. The strongest part of this story is definitely the characters and their relationships with each other-- they feel so tangible and real. I think that Pass does a phenomenal job of writing and emulating small-town rural culture and mannerisms, and it really assists with the world-building in this book.
Definitely a good read for people who love surrealist/speculative fiction. This is an extraordinary premise grounded by ordinary characters. The strongest part of this story is definitely the characters and their relationships with each other-- they feel so tangible and real. I think that Pass does a phenomenal job of writing and emulating small-town rural culture and mannerisms, and it really assists with the world-building in this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I recently discovered Will Pass's "Who Reads Books Anymore?" videos, which made me interested in his books. His videos are great! This book, however, felt a little disjointed. The storylines felt kind of incomplete. I think the book has good bones and an interesting premise about a whirlpool basically composed of water from the fountain of youth, but there were times when I questioned what was going on. I was glad I read this book and plan to read his other novel, "The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived". Overall, this book was just alright. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy.
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is a delightful mashup of warm characters living in a surrealist slipstream story. Set in the tiny town of Lebanon, Kansas, smack dab in the middle of the U.S., rancher Zeb discovers a fountain of youth. Horses become foals; gray hair regains its color, and cows wander down Main Street. It's got some solid comedic moments and characters that you root for. It was a tad slow and uneven. This is a great choice for people who enjoy this genre.
The Whirlpool of Lebanon is a delightful mashup of warm characters living in a surrealist slipstream story. Set in the tiny town of Lebanon, Kansas, smack dab in the middle of the U.S., rancher Zeb discovers a fountain of youth. Horses become foals; gray hair regains its color, and cows wander down Main Street. It's got some solid comedic moments and characters that you root for. It was a tad slow and uneven. This is a great choice for people who enjoy this genre.
August 3, 2026
The mysterious whirlpool premise drew me in. I liked the quiet, kind, artistic, sad main character Zeb from the start. Loved the small town setting where everyone shopped and gossiped at the Do-All store.
My overall rating is 3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4⭐ here. The characters, setting and first half or so of the story was great. The ending wasn't as strong in my opinion.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Goodreads. I was thrilled to win this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
My overall rating is 3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4⭐ here. The characters, setting and first half or so of the story was great. The ending wasn't as strong in my opinion.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Goodreads. I was thrilled to win this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Just wanna say thanks for giving the chance to read an arc version of the Whirlpool of Lebanon. Just a start it does have quite long chapters. I understand that zeb found this Whirlpool in his ranch,he thinks it's going to save his wife, but in the end, I feel like it's cause more trouble. Everybody wants to find the fountain of youth , but there's always a price to pay. It seems that the effects last a little over a week , only.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in a quirky town with quirky characters. Zeb and Nancy near the end of their lives find a bit of hope and recapture youth thanks to a bubbling pond that appears on the farm. Chaos insues when they share their secret with friends and other town people discover their secret. I really enjoyed this fast paced story
June 26, 2026
I enjoyed this quirky story featuring a cast of characters in a small town, each dealing with their own infirmities and issues where everyone knows everyone’s business. Life takes a change when their natural world is affected by a major change in their water source. The characters are well developed, and the story evolution makes for a fun ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
damn! I loved this book so frickin much from page one. such an interesting concept and incredible writing. I love a book with characters that feel so dang human and lovable and hateable all at once. I loved Zeb and Nancy and all the other weirdos in the small town of Lebanon. I couldn't put it down - 4.5 stars rounded up!
August 22, 2026
I really loved this book. The Plot reminded me a lot of the Twilight Zone where each episode tries to challenge people beliefs. In this story, it seems that miracles aren't always what they seem to be and that with the positives there are always negatives that come with it. I loved the characters, especially Zed who tries to do the right thing but when things get out of hand he makes sure that he end it and that it can't affect anyone else. I loved the small town of Lebanon where people understand each other and try to take care of each other, even though there are a few that can make you shake your head.
I want to thank Will Pass for allowing me an advanced copy of this book about the effects of miracles.
I want to thank Will Pass for allowing me an advanced copy of this book about the effects of miracles.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is entertaining, emotional, thought-provoking, and extremely well written. I read it months ago and can still see and feel the characters in my mind, along with the town and the mysterious whirlpool. I loved every page. Highly recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The setting was well done and the concept was interesting. I think the strength lies in its characters, who all feel like real people. The plot didn't blow me away, but overall it was solid and kept me reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
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