The Last Bookstore: The only defense against extinction is knowledge

by Brooke Purdy, Colette Freedman

With the tone from Stranger Things and Goonies along with the heroic journey from Stand By Me, with a little bit of Mad Max thrown in, “The Last Bookstore” is a page turning adventure based on the award-winning screenplay from Brooke Purdy and Colette Freedman. “No… it wasn’t zombies.” In a post-apocalyptic world, a devastating electromagnetic pulse has wiped out the global power grid. The remaining survivors have split into various factions of a new society. The Landers - farmers who live in the outskirts of the city, Underfolk - a rumored group of cannibals who live in the tunnels beneath the city and Blighters - a diseased, barbaric gang who control the old cities and are led by Xander, a soulless psychopath. When Lander kids Jack (14) and his little sister Beckett discover that their mother Avery is dying of the Bleeds - a seemingly incurable new virus, they learn that only one thing can save her… Information. The only place they could possibly find what they need is within a fabled abandoned bookstore, rumored to be in dangerous Blighter territory. Against all odds, the kids sneak out with their friends and set out to find the book in order to save their mother and their dying community.When the technological age has brought humanity to its brink, it is, ultimately five kids, their love and a book that can save mankind.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Gina Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. As soon as I saw 'Goonies meets Stand By Me' I was in. I grew up on those films and have always been a huge fan of YA books set in dystopian settings with dynamic characters. What is so terrific about this book are the characters. 14 year old Jack - the group leader - is dynamic, but it is the supporting characters who steal the show. I loved Beckett... a true role model for little girls and Digits - the character who is deaf and signs his chapters, is one of the most remarkable characters I've ever read. The authors alternate chapters from the kids perspectives as they take us on a compelling adventure through dangerous uncharted territories as the kids search for a book. I don't want to give away anymore, but even though this is geared towards kids 11 and up.... I hope up means mid forties, because I think it is absolutely fantastic!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING. Perfect for fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, Stand By Me and Mad Max. A Dystopian tale of friends fighting all the odds to save their future. Filled with thrills, adventure HUMOR and HEART.

[Marissa Ashbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this may be the book that got me out of my reading slump! A quick read packed with adventure. I LOVED how the authors so perfectly captured the character’s personas. I feel like some books with multiple POVs can be confusing, but this book does it so well and it enhanced the reading experience. They perfectly encapsulated the dynamic of I think a majority of middle school friend groups, even in a post apocalyptic world. I would’ve liked more background on The Darkening and The Blighters, but overall it was a very good read and I’d recommend to anyone looking to escape into a world of adventure. Books really can save the world ❤️

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to her on a podcast talk about this book and her intention is for it to be a movie or miniseries. I hope that comes to fruition. Easy read, good story.

[Lynne Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! The setting is a dystopian future prompted by an EMP that blew out all electronics and took civilization down with it. New generations are divided into the murderous Blighters living in the devastated husk of the city, the Underfolk, rumored to be cannibals, and the Landers, living as 19th century farmers within the protection of a high wall. But disease has infiltrated the Landers’ sanctuary and they simply don’t have the knowledge to combat it. The fabulous story takes five intrepid young teens on the dangerous journey to the Last Bookstore, where they hope to find the information needed to cure the disease before it destroys everything and everyone they care about. The adventure is told through the voices of the kids themselves, and even the villain, through first person chapters of their own, which enlivens and enriches the experience of each unique and engaging character. The action and suspense are really well done, keeping this reader turning pages, heart in throat to the compelling climax. Perfect book for the middle grade set, but truly enjoyable for older readers too. Highly recommend!

[Ginny Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading and enjoying books by Colette Freedman for many years and admiring her eclectic style of writing. The Last Bookstore surely shows that she can write dystopian themed books as well.

I could not put the book down and ended up reading it in one sitting. It is an exciting compassionate story which shows how good in the world can overcome evil. I loved it and recommend it for anyone 9 -90!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. I realize it’s considered a YA book, but it’s definitely an all-ages story. The plot moves quickly, and the friendships between the kids is fun to watch as the different layers are revealed. This book is a great homage to the power of family, friends, healing, and stepping out of your comfort zone to do something for the greater good.

[Debby Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. If you know the device Barbara Kingsolver used in Poisonwood Bible, you will know how Freedman and Purdy craft their novel. Hearing the voices of all the characters makes for an interesting layering of the story - which is also creative and absorbing.

Highly recommend if you want something that will rekindle your belief in the kindness of humans and the power of teamwork.

[Elaine Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Filled with adventure, suspense and love. I couldn’t put it down.