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

[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.

[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.