Pop: An Illustrated Novel

by Robert Gipe

A coming-of-age story of hope, betrayal, and familial legacy set in rural Appalachia. Set in the run-up and aftermath of the 2016 election, Pop brings the Canard County trilogy to a close as Dawn, the young narrator of Gipe’s first novel, Trampoline , is now the mother of the seventeen-year-old Nicolette. Whereas Dawn has become increasingly agoraphobic as the internet persuades her the world is descending into chaos, Nicolette narrates an Appalachia where young people start businesses rooted in local food culture and work to build community. But Nicolette’s precocious rise in the regional culinary scene is interrupted when her policeman cousin violently assaults her, setting in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy the family—and Canard County in the process. In the tradition of Gipe’s first two novels, Pop ’s Appalachia is full of clear-eyed, caring, creative, and complicated people struggling to hang on to what is best about their world and reject what is not. Their adventures reflect an Appalachia that is overrun by outside commentators looking for stories to tell about the region—sometimes positive, sometimes negative, but almost always oversimplified.

Genres: Fiction, College, Graphic Novels

346 pages, Hardcover

Published February 26, 2021

Reviews

[Kate Woodworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one blew me away. Hubert was a breakaway star in this one. I was particularly moved by his monologue in a cave in the latter half of the book. The final part of the book brought me right back to the end of 2016 and the roiling emotions all over the country. The voices in this book feel so authentic, and the laughs and the emotional gut punches just kept coming. There is so much despair but also hope, and some seriously relatable characters. These people are resourceful. Nicolette tugged at my heart and brought up the emotions I tend to associate with the younger generation, a kind of tentative hopefulness. I kept finding myself surprised with turns of events, but not in an unpleasant way. There is just enough magical realism to make this feel thoroughly Appalachian. The author’s underlying message about social justice rings loud and clear, and I am here for it. This was my favorite in the trilogy, and I think it ties things together rather well.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so impressed by the scope of this book. Gipe manages to write about ghosts and witches in the mountains in a non-trite, compelling way. In a way, this novel is in part a tribute to Mamaw energy.

[Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series. Intense, dark, full of joy, people trying to do the right thing but acting based on their past that sneaks up on them. Appalachia as compressed as an apple cake into layers upon layers.

[drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want everyone to know about this series. If you're looking for a place to start/go next with Appalachian literature, look no further than Robert Gipe. Mystical, sing-song, gut-punching four-wheeling.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

More sprawling and less intimate than Trampoline and Weedeater, but a fun ride—there are ghosts and visions, teenage entrepreneurs, a murder, and at least one surprise reveal. If there's a lesson here, it's that things are not always what they first seem (except for the guy who gets killed), and it's good to approach what you think you know—people, regions, and politics—with care and attention. And the illustrations, as always, are top notch. I suspect this is Gipe's last Canard County book, and I'll genuinely miss the cast of characters.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest things about being born and living now is that I get to inhabit a space with this trilogy of books Robert Gipe has put out. Such a bittersweet joy to sit with the last of them. I only let myself read Pop 20 pages at a time. Okay, sometimes 25. Anyway, read all of them. Maybe let yourself read as much as you want at a time, too.

[Ann Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening

I think this book, and the others by this author, make me a better, more understanding person. What more can you ask of a book? I will miss these characters in my life.

[Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Gipe is Appalachia’s Willy Wonka. Pop is your golden ticket. It will crack your smile, break your heart, and rouse your soul all in the space of a page.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ MORE ROBERT GIPE

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It stuck me in the heart and I'm gonna let it marinate through me.

[Gwen Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a fun and interesting introduction to Appalachian life, told from various points of view.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 +++ stars.

[Allyson Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! I got to hear Robert read a chapter at an art galla in Grayson and was hooked from there.

This book was unbelievably well written. The way the writer completely transforms from character to character is truly a gift.

This book was warm and full of heart and heartache. I have yet to see a better representation of life in the hills.

Highly recommend and I can’t wait to read this first two!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The worst thing about this book is that it's over. I enjoyed every page, every scene of this book and the entire series. R. Gipe has made reading fun again. If you or someone you know has been jaded by boring books, Pop, Weedeater & Trampoline will break the curse.