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Heathens
"The Sort of Book That Should Win Awards"
5 Stars! "Wow, this author can write!"
-Amazon Customer Review
Well it finally happened. The world ended. It didn't happen the way anyone expected it would. No nukes, no pandemics, just a whole lot of rage and a whole lot of violence. None of us saw it coming. There were plenty of clues, but none of us figured it out in time. The real kicker is, I'm pretty sure someone planned it. I'm pretty sure someone did it on purpose.
I'm Holden. I survived. You won't like my story. That's too bad, because your world's headed the same way as mine. Everything that happened to me, is going to happen to you. The same kind of people that did this to me, will do it to you. They're doing it right now. They're making it worse and you don't even see it. Sure, I could help you. I could give it a try, but you won't listen. I'm not the same as you. I'm a different kind than you, so you won't listen. That's why it'll happen to you. Don't say I didn't warn you. Don't say you didn't have a clue. Not when all you had to do was listen.
Heathens is a young adult post apocalyptic science fiction novel. Heathens contains some coarse language and violence.
Can One Angry Boy Save the World?
"Fascinating and Suspenseful"
-DiverseReader.com
Content, Categories and Key Young adult YA science fiction, post apocalyptic america, gripping, gritty, urban fantasy, religion and human rights, hero and anti-hero, telekinesis, talent, psychic powers, super hero tropes, hate crime, tragedy and healing, social violence, suicide, teen suicide, Identity, despair, protests, riots, rebellion, rage, revenge, vengeance, the fall of civilization, dystopian, dangerous fake news, lies, liars and power mongers, totalitarian, psychological novels, sociological novels, lgbt, gay rights, equal rights for all, social groups, special interest groups, unity and 4140, hope, NA, New Adult, modern old school social sci-fi
5 Stars! "Wow, this author can write!"
-Amazon Customer Review
Well it finally happened. The world ended. It didn't happen the way anyone expected it would. No nukes, no pandemics, just a whole lot of rage and a whole lot of violence. None of us saw it coming. There were plenty of clues, but none of us figured it out in time. The real kicker is, I'm pretty sure someone planned it. I'm pretty sure someone did it on purpose.
I'm Holden. I survived. You won't like my story. That's too bad, because your world's headed the same way as mine. Everything that happened to me, is going to happen to you. The same kind of people that did this to me, will do it to you. They're doing it right now. They're making it worse and you don't even see it. Sure, I could help you. I could give it a try, but you won't listen. I'm not the same as you. I'm a different kind than you, so you won't listen. That's why it'll happen to you. Don't say I didn't warn you. Don't say you didn't have a clue. Not when all you had to do was listen.
Heathens is a young adult post apocalyptic science fiction novel. Heathens contains some coarse language and violence.
Can One Angry Boy Save the World?
"Fascinating and Suspenseful"
-DiverseReader.com
Content, Categories and Key Young adult YA science fiction, post apocalyptic america, gripping, gritty, urban fantasy, religion and human rights, hero and anti-hero, telekinesis, talent, psychic powers, super hero tropes, hate crime, tragedy and healing, social violence, suicide, teen suicide, Identity, despair, protests, riots, rebellion, rage, revenge, vengeance, the fall of civilization, dystopian, dangerous fake news, lies, liars and power mongers, totalitarian, psychological novels, sociological novels, lgbt, gay rights, equal rights for all, social groups, special interest groups, unity and 4140, hope, NA, New Adult, modern old school social sci-fi
540 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2017
32 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Jonah Bergan
6 books23 followersJonah Bergan is a freelance writer living in New England. His publishing credits include "Heathens," a post-apocalyptic young adult novel, "Off World," a Gay Scifi novel, "Letters From Home," a ten part serial, as well as multiple short stories, and a collection of anecdotal humor. He has also published MMORPG game reviews and content, hypnosis scripts, online user manuals, and advertising texts. Jonah is also host to the Sci-Fi Sunday feature which he operates from his blog.
Book Page HEATHENS: https://savetheworld4140.wordpress.com/
Social Media and Contact Information
Blog/Website: http://www.jonahbergan.com
Email Jonah directly at jonahbergan@gmail.com
Amazon Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/jonahbergan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jonah.bergan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BerganJonah
Book Page HEATHENS: https://savetheworld4140.wordpress.com/
Social Media and Contact Information
Blog/Website: http://www.jonahbergan.com
Email Jonah directly at jonahbergan@gmail.com
Amazon Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/jonahbergan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jonah.bergan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BerganJonah
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 21, 2017
This is hands-down one of the best books of 2017. As promised, this story is an intense and challenging read. What makes it so compelling is that it it reflects the idea that the world will end with a whisper and not a bang. Holden, the first-person narrator, tells us that no one can say what started it, only what happened. If one event tips just the wrong way, this is the future we will have to endure.
Holden is a terrific storyteller. He’s flawed, but he’s self-aware because he’s relating his tale with the advantage of reflection. He often laments that things would’ve been different if only he (or someone else) had known what was coming. We see his self-discovery and the way in which his mistakes ultimately empower him and those who choose loyalty to him.
The majority of the book is the frighteningly accurate potential the U.S. has to become ground zero for a world ruled by violence and division. There is a lot of descriptive violence and death throughout the story, but no explicit sex. What strikes me as utterly brilliant about that is how well it fits with the themes. We are comfortable and desensitized to the brutal killings but we become uncomfortable with what Holden calls “what you do in the dark” (in a beautifully tender scene). The story reflects this strange view of what makes us uncomfortable. Rather than undermining it by glossing over the violence and explicitly detailing the intimacy, it’s an in-your-face overt contrast.
In the midst of the post-apocalyptic chaos is the idea that some people appear to have extra abilities. It isn’t quite clear whether these powers are exclusive to LGBT+ people or whether all LGBT+ people of a certain age possess them. Either way, they are the tool of survival for Holden and what he calls “our kind.” Their origin is never entirely explained, and even the characters themselves don’t agree on how they arose.
There is a wide range of characters, none of whom use specific markers to describe who they are. However, they are easily identifiable by how they are shown on the page. Gone are the usual stereotypes, replaced by Holden’s remarkable ability to really see people for what’s inside. There’s no relying on caricatures in order to tell a compelling tale, only sensitivity and care for all “our kind.”
Holden’s story embraces complex themes about power, violence, death, identity, forgiveness, and love. Ultimately, there is a glimmer of hope as Holden discovers what he was meant to do. Because of the violence, I recommend this ideally for older teens. However, I think this should be required reading, given our current politics. If we are not careful, this vision of the future may become reality.
For exceptional writing, complex themes, and an ending that left me in tears, this gets 5 stars.
Holden is a terrific storyteller. He’s flawed, but he’s self-aware because he’s relating his tale with the advantage of reflection. He often laments that things would’ve been different if only he (or someone else) had known what was coming. We see his self-discovery and the way in which his mistakes ultimately empower him and those who choose loyalty to him.
The majority of the book is the frighteningly accurate potential the U.S. has to become ground zero for a world ruled by violence and division. There is a lot of descriptive violence and death throughout the story, but no explicit sex. What strikes me as utterly brilliant about that is how well it fits with the themes. We are comfortable and desensitized to the brutal killings but we become uncomfortable with what Holden calls “what you do in the dark” (in a beautifully tender scene). The story reflects this strange view of what makes us uncomfortable. Rather than undermining it by glossing over the violence and explicitly detailing the intimacy, it’s an in-your-face overt contrast.
In the midst of the post-apocalyptic chaos is the idea that some people appear to have extra abilities. It isn’t quite clear whether these powers are exclusive to LGBT+ people or whether all LGBT+ people of a certain age possess them. Either way, they are the tool of survival for Holden and what he calls “our kind.” Their origin is never entirely explained, and even the characters themselves don’t agree on how they arose.
There is a wide range of characters, none of whom use specific markers to describe who they are. However, they are easily identifiable by how they are shown on the page. Gone are the usual stereotypes, replaced by Holden’s remarkable ability to really see people for what’s inside. There’s no relying on caricatures in order to tell a compelling tale, only sensitivity and care for all “our kind.”
Holden’s story embraces complex themes about power, violence, death, identity, forgiveness, and love. Ultimately, there is a glimmer of hope as Holden discovers what he was meant to do. Because of the violence, I recommend this ideally for older teens. However, I think this should be required reading, given our current politics. If we are not careful, this vision of the future may become reality.
For exceptional writing, complex themes, and an ending that left me in tears, this gets 5 stars.
July 20, 2017
Title: Heathens
Author: Jonah Bergan
Publisher: Jonah Bergan
ISBN: B072BF3WCK
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BF3WCK
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Well it finally happened. The world ended. It didn't happen the way anyone expected it would. No nukes, no pandemics, just a whole lot of rage and a whole lot of violence. None of us saw it coming. There were plenty of clues, but none of us figured it out in time. The real kicker is, I'm pretty sure someone planned it. I'm pretty sure someone did it on purpose.
"I was provided a copy of this work in exchange for a fair and honest review."
I'm Holden. I survived. You won't like my story. That's too bad, because your world's headed the same way as mine. Everything that happened to me, is going to happen to you. The same kind of people who did this to me, will do it to you. They're doing it right now. They're making it worse and you don't even see it. Sure, I could help you. I could give it a try, but you won't listen. I'm not the same religion. I'm not the same as you. I'm a different kind than you so you won't listen. That's why it'll happen to you. Don't say I didn't warn you. Don't say you didn't have a clue. Not when all you had to do was listen.
Heathens is a young adult post apocalyptic science fiction novel. Heathens contains some coarse language and violence.
Can One Angry Boy Save the World?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
It is hard enough to imagine a world degenerating before your eyes, but Holden's special ability to “push” made anyone like him outcast from society. It was terrible how children were abandoned by their parents just because they were different. Holden was lucky when he found a home with people who were their to help him find his way. As the modern conveniences like electricity and water slowly eroded, the struggle for resources became paramount as people banded together to survive. Experiencing all the stress, danger and loss through Holden allowed the reader to truly understand the emotional trauma he and others dwelt with as their world collapsed. Add to the being hunted by a religious group who saw their abilities as evil and the government who would do anything to get rid of them showing what could happen if people allow fear to override their humanity.
Author: Jonah Bergan
Publisher: Jonah Bergan
ISBN: B072BF3WCK
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BF3WCK
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Well it finally happened. The world ended. It didn't happen the way anyone expected it would. No nukes, no pandemics, just a whole lot of rage and a whole lot of violence. None of us saw it coming. There were plenty of clues, but none of us figured it out in time. The real kicker is, I'm pretty sure someone planned it. I'm pretty sure someone did it on purpose.
"I was provided a copy of this work in exchange for a fair and honest review."
I'm Holden. I survived. You won't like my story. That's too bad, because your world's headed the same way as mine. Everything that happened to me, is going to happen to you. The same kind of people who did this to me, will do it to you. They're doing it right now. They're making it worse and you don't even see it. Sure, I could help you. I could give it a try, but you won't listen. I'm not the same religion. I'm not the same as you. I'm a different kind than you so you won't listen. That's why it'll happen to you. Don't say I didn't warn you. Don't say you didn't have a clue. Not when all you had to do was listen.
Heathens is a young adult post apocalyptic science fiction novel. Heathens contains some coarse language and violence.
Can One Angry Boy Save the World?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
It is hard enough to imagine a world degenerating before your eyes, but Holden's special ability to “push” made anyone like him outcast from society. It was terrible how children were abandoned by their parents just because they were different. Holden was lucky when he found a home with people who were their to help him find his way. As the modern conveniences like electricity and water slowly eroded, the struggle for resources became paramount as people banded together to survive. Experiencing all the stress, danger and loss through Holden allowed the reader to truly understand the emotional trauma he and others dwelt with as their world collapsed. Add to the being hunted by a religious group who saw their abilities as evil and the government who would do anything to get rid of them showing what could happen if people allow fear to override their humanity.
June 25, 2017
Things in the US have come apart. The Free Republic of Texas holds most of the Central US, and the Kingdom of God holds most of the North and East, except for a strip right along the coast where UN Peacekeepers hold ground they call the “colonies.” Only the Deep South of Florida, Georgia and Alabama is still called the United States. Holden lives in a disputed, ruined city, and like many young LGB people has a talent developing. His is telekinesis, but others have different talents which make them targets for people who consider the powers demonic. When Holden’s lover is killed by hostiles, he leaves home and is taken in by Sol as part of his family. Sol is for trying to reestablish peace, but he is opposed by Clarissa who wants to fight against the enemy. Motivated by anger and hate, Holden grows more militant. He moves to Clarissa’s camp, where he finds other young people like himself who want to fight back. Eventually Holden has to make a decision about what’s right.
This is a young adult novel in the popular dystopia sub-genre. It’s written in first and second person, as Holden narrates events for us and also speaks to the enemy as “you.” The political divisions presented by the book echo the slash and burn tactics of current politics, where the extremes of right and left attack the voices in the center. It’s well-written, with Holden’s narrative providing both the flow of his thoughts and feelings and a clear picture of both the city and what goes on within it.
On the negative side, a lot of people die here. It’s a dark vision that isn’t likely to encourage hope in younger generations. Also, I can’t see where any but LGB teens are developing the talents, though some straight kids do get ground up and/or join the fight. This means the book is tightly aimed at a particular audience when broadening the cast of characters would increase the audience size.
I like the message. Four stars.
This is a young adult novel in the popular dystopia sub-genre. It’s written in first and second person, as Holden narrates events for us and also speaks to the enemy as “you.” The political divisions presented by the book echo the slash and burn tactics of current politics, where the extremes of right and left attack the voices in the center. It’s well-written, with Holden’s narrative providing both the flow of his thoughts and feelings and a clear picture of both the city and what goes on within it.
On the negative side, a lot of people die here. It’s a dark vision that isn’t likely to encourage hope in younger generations. Also, I can’t see where any but LGB teens are developing the talents, though some straight kids do get ground up and/or join the fight. This means the book is tightly aimed at a particular audience when broadening the cast of characters would increase the audience size.
I like the message. Four stars.
October 31, 2017
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR THROUGH A GOODREADS GIVEAWAY. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
Heathens is the story of how the world ends, not as the experts are predicting: through pandemics or nuclear bombs, but in a sea of violence and rage. The world ends as everyone divides into their own little factions and decides they hate the other people who are different than they are. It’s told from the point of view of Holden, one of the survivors.
This was not an easy read for me, nor was it easy to review. To be honest, it isn’t really the kind of book I typically read but I did try to keep that from coloring my review. I feel that it deserves a good 3-3.5 Stars. Jonah definitely has a lot of talent and potential as an author. There were some areas that kept me from enjoying Heathens as much as I could have. For one thing, while all of the characters were interesting and there were a few I liked, in particular, most seemed to be either completely good or completely evil. You’re rarely going to find a person who fits squarely on either side of the pendulum. I felt like there was a lot of opportunity for character growth and development that was missed. Now, I was happy to see that Holden seemed to be figuring some things out towards the end and growing as a person, in how he views the world. He was also helping his close friends with what he was learning. Jonah does have a very strong gift for story development. The story line flowed at a good pace.
Heathens is the story of how the world ends, not as the experts are predicting: through pandemics or nuclear bombs, but in a sea of violence and rage. The world ends as everyone divides into their own little factions and decides they hate the other people who are different than they are. It’s told from the point of view of Holden, one of the survivors.
This was not an easy read for me, nor was it easy to review. To be honest, it isn’t really the kind of book I typically read but I did try to keep that from coloring my review. I feel that it deserves a good 3-3.5 Stars. Jonah definitely has a lot of talent and potential as an author. There were some areas that kept me from enjoying Heathens as much as I could have. For one thing, while all of the characters were interesting and there were a few I liked, in particular, most seemed to be either completely good or completely evil. You’re rarely going to find a person who fits squarely on either side of the pendulum. I felt like there was a lot of opportunity for character growth and development that was missed. Now, I was happy to see that Holden seemed to be figuring some things out towards the end and growing as a person, in how he views the world. He was also helping his close friends with what he was learning. Jonah does have a very strong gift for story development. The story line flowed at a good pace.
June 3, 2017
I'm a huge fan of YA but not a huge fan of sci-fi, but when Jonah Bergan is the writer, I'll read it. I truly loved his book Off-World and very much was looking forward to Heathens. The synopsis itself, when presented to me, started off with the line, "Can one very angry boy save the world?" And that grip stays with you through the whole book.
Heathens is a post-apocalyptic story. The world is in shambles, there's power at play here, everything isn't how it seems, and there are so many questions with so little answers. At least that's how you feel until everything shows it's colors. A lot of elements are used in this story and each one is important to discovering how to save the world. What is 4140? Supposedly, it will save us all! Now, I've read many books and seen many movies and when I see the world destroyed like you do in this book you can't help but wonder how one can save what is already dead. You'll see....
Heathens is a pretty deep book and even though it's sci-fi it's quite relatable in its parallels with division. The struggle for equality rages on. Maybe not exactly how it is right now but it lives and it breathes in this book. Makes you wonder if discrimination will ever die.
Holden, the MC, is taking this journey to save the world so to speak. He's very angry as a matter of fact when we meet him the first time. His rage is palpable. I liked Holden so much. I felt his need to get answers and his determination. He had a loyalty that you could feel in everything he did for a greater purpose.
Heathens is a post-apocalyptic story. The world is in shambles, there's power at play here, everything isn't how it seems, and there are so many questions with so little answers. At least that's how you feel until everything shows it's colors. A lot of elements are used in this story and each one is important to discovering how to save the world. What is 4140? Supposedly, it will save us all! Now, I've read many books and seen many movies and when I see the world destroyed like you do in this book you can't help but wonder how one can save what is already dead. You'll see....
Heathens is a pretty deep book and even though it's sci-fi it's quite relatable in its parallels with division. The struggle for equality rages on. Maybe not exactly how it is right now but it lives and it breathes in this book. Makes you wonder if discrimination will ever die.
Holden, the MC, is taking this journey to save the world so to speak. He's very angry as a matter of fact when we meet him the first time. His rage is palpable. I liked Holden so much. I felt his need to get answers and his determination. He had a loyalty that you could feel in everything he did for a greater purpose.
August 2, 2017
Heathens was one tough read. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where some people have developed what the author has called “talents”. Holden’s talent it to be able to push things with his mind. There are several other talents, but the main point is that people with talents are considered one “kind” while people without talents are another “kind”. In this world, those without talents want to destroy those who have them.
Holden is an angry kid and has good reason to be. The violence and suffering he’s witnessed would be enough to make anyone angry and bitter. He connects with a family, of sorts, people of his own kind, and the leader, Sol, is a pacifist who believes the problems between Kinds can be solved through understanding, not violence. Not all people with talents agree with Sol’s belief. And so, within the people with Talents, there is a divide.
What I liked about this book was how the author managed to capture themes of acceptance, vengeance, and forgiveness. The story is very long, yet all parts of it serve a purpose. There isn’t too much extra “stuff” put in as filler.
With that said, the writing style fell very heavily into the way a teenager or young adult might talk. For example, one such moment occurs when he considers the choice a boy he’s saved has to make.
While this was a nice moment in the book, there are many such moments where the author could have reduced what he said by about one-third and thus reduced the size of the book.
On the other hand, there are several moments where the author really does a fantastic job of making you think about things in a different sort of way. For example:
I found myself bouncing between wishing the author would’ve been more concise with language and admiring the kinds of thoughts he portrays on the page.
All in all, this is a worthy book to read, although it will take some time. It’s rough and sad but also makes you think.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Holden is an angry kid and has good reason to be. The violence and suffering he’s witnessed would be enough to make anyone angry and bitter. He connects with a family, of sorts, people of his own kind, and the leader, Sol, is a pacifist who believes the problems between Kinds can be solved through understanding, not violence. Not all people with talents agree with Sol’s belief. And so, within the people with Talents, there is a divide.
What I liked about this book was how the author managed to capture themes of acceptance, vengeance, and forgiveness. The story is very long, yet all parts of it serve a purpose. There isn’t too much extra “stuff” put in as filler.
With that said, the writing style fell very heavily into the way a teenager or young adult might talk. For example, one such moment occurs when he considers the choice a boy he’s saved has to make.
“I mean, maybe he’d forgive, and maybe he wouldn’t, but now it was up to him. You can’t forgive if you’re powerless to do anything else. That’s not forgiveness. I’d given him a little more power than he had a moment before. I think he sensed that. If he decided not to forgive, he could give it back. He could choose, one or the other. Larry’s fate was up to him now.”
While this was a nice moment in the book, there are many such moments where the author could have reduced what he said by about one-third and thus reduced the size of the book.
On the other hand, there are several moments where the author really does a fantastic job of making you think about things in a different sort of way. For example:
“Later, I learned that you don’t stop being frightened until you lose everything. When all you have is your own life, and that life is nothing but pain, that’s when all your fear turns into something else.”
I found myself bouncing between wishing the author would’ve been more concise with language and admiring the kinds of thoughts he portrays on the page.
All in all, this is a worthy book to read, although it will take some time. It’s rough and sad but also makes you think.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
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March 11, 2021A young man survives and fights in a dark vision of America torn apart by fear and hatred.
Self-named ‘Holden Caulfield’ is a gay teenager with a minor telekinetic ability. He relates the events he’s witnessed as his world fell apart, his attempts to fight back and his struggle to understand it all.
The writing is good and well-edited, though won’t be to everyone’s taste. It’s written in first person with a good deal of ranting asides about the awfulness of it all. I guess it’s emulating the style of Catcher in the Rye (which I haven’t read, so I might be wrong). I do know it’s rather annoying to read, but the story was engaging enough for me to put up with it.
A number of things are never explained. It isn’t obvious whether it’s only gay people, for some reason, who have ‘talents’, or whether the violence against gay people originally had something to do with them having ‘talents’, or not. Either way, the fight apparently becomes everyone vs everyone and American society breaks down. This story, though, focusses on the gay-people-with-powers fighting back against the more numerous religious-nut-normals.
Overall, a good interesting read. Formatting could be better: lines are double-spaced, which I dislike. Expect violence, gay romance, some sexual references.
Self-named ‘Holden Caulfield’ is a gay teenager with a minor telekinetic ability. He relates the events he’s witnessed as his world fell apart, his attempts to fight back and his struggle to understand it all.
The writing is good and well-edited, though won’t be to everyone’s taste. It’s written in first person with a good deal of ranting asides about the awfulness of it all. I guess it’s emulating the style of Catcher in the Rye (which I haven’t read, so I might be wrong). I do know it’s rather annoying to read, but the story was engaging enough for me to put up with it.
A number of things are never explained. It isn’t obvious whether it’s only gay people, for some reason, who have ‘talents’, or whether the violence against gay people originally had something to do with them having ‘talents’, or not. Either way, the fight apparently becomes everyone vs everyone and American society breaks down. This story, though, focusses on the gay-people-with-powers fighting back against the more numerous religious-nut-normals.
Overall, a good interesting read. Formatting could be better: lines are double-spaced, which I dislike. Expect violence, gay romance, some sexual references.
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Heathens Jonah Bergan
1) This book really grabs you from the beginning. I could not wait to see how it played out. I will be looking for more from this author.
2) This was a great urban fantasy novel that deserves mention. I liked how the novel begins with the conflict right away, and presents the moral issues in which the main character has to struggle. The editing and formatting could've been better, but it's a great story that captivated me.
1) This book really grabs you from the beginning. I could not wait to see how it played out. I will be looking for more from this author.
2) This was a great urban fantasy novel that deserves mention. I liked how the novel begins with the conflict right away, and presents the moral issues in which the main character has to struggle. The editing and formatting could've been better, but it's a great story that captivated me.
August 3, 2017
See the original review here: https://gamingforjustice.com/2017/07/...
TW: death, oppression and violence based on sexual orientation
Can one angry boy save the world?
I have not read a more accurate tagline in a very long time. Heathens by Jonah Bergan follows Holden, an extremely angry teenager in the aftermath of the fall of civilization as we know it. This is a ‘young adult’ low fantasy, dystopian novel, but is definitely more on the violent and explicit side of young adult novels.
The book follows a teen Holden as he bands with others in a dystopian world in order to survive. The United States fractured over the polarized fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Once the government fell, Texas took most of the Midwest, creating the Republic of Texas, and a Christian based faction took over the Northeast. The United States retained some land in the south. And for Holden and other members of the LGBTQ+ community it is all about survival and resisting the two major societies who think LGBTQ+ people are dangerous. Different communities form, break a part, and reform, all with different goals and philosophies. Ultimately, Holden meets a very good friend, who turns into more than a friend, who helps Holden finds himself and makes peace with his past.
Did I mention that LGBTQ+ people have developed special talents in response to the prolonged oppression? Yes! Each character has a small power (think talent rather than superpower) that they use and cultivate throughout the book. Holden has a telekinesis talent where he can push and pull things. Other folkx can produce sparks or small fires, have increased strength, and even heal others. Their talents are something they can train to become stronger.
Holden is the embodiment of anger. Through his character development, he starts at a decent anger level and starts to get angrier and angrier as more incidents happened, especially as it pertained to the people Holden loves. I get it. In my own work, I often talk with students who feel like they are pushed down and pushed down by life. This is often a manifestation of the power and oppression dynamics that exist in our own world. At some point, the only reaction these students have is anger. This is about survival. Without an expression of anger, many of these students, and Holden in the book, simply would not survive. (I do want to say that survival could be on a bunch of different levels – from retention in school to life to having a home). While Holden is angry the entire time, his character development is nuanced and full of pain. He was able to harness his anger into developing his talent and also become very successful of hitting camps of enemies, breaking them, and spreading fear around the name Holden.
Without giving away the ending of the story or any of the themes/messages at the end, I thought the end of the book was extremely rational. Okay, I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but for how anger-filled the entire book is, I guess I was not expecting what the author intended for all along. Maybe I was too caught up in the cynicism of Holden. Whatever it was the rationalism I felt after finishing the book swept over me, I sat there, and all I could say was… “Huh.” You will have to determine what you think about the ending yourself. I think there are multiple interpretations and reaction that are possible depending on your frame and lived-experience.
Unfortunately, I did not like the writing style. I understand that this book is written from Holden’s perspective and he is extremely mad. In fact, I think the writing style absolutely fits the perspective of the narrative well. The short sentence. The insistent mostly rhetorical rephrased questions. The statements of anger. This all adds tremendously to the feel I got as a reader. But I was endlessly frustrated with it. Maybe that is a good thing and maybe that was intentional. It actually reminds me when I read Catcher in the Rye (a coincidence I guess ;)). When I first read Catch in the Rye (and I guess to this day), I hate the character of Holden Caulfied for many reasons. One of those reason is the dialogue coming from Caulfield – his style and how he talks. After I finished the book for the second time, I realized that the reasons I hate Holden Caulfield as a character is the very reason that makes Catcher in the Rye such a great book (Yes, I like Catcher in the Rye…)! Holden in Catcher evokes a feeling out of me and so does Holden from Heathens. So my dislike of the writing style does not really accurately reflect how I liked the overall book. Interesting in how that works out…
Overall, I enjoyed Heathens. I had to take breaks in between chapters just to get away from the constant anger. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a dystopian novel all about resisting the dominant culture. Go check it out!
Final Rating: 3.9/5
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