The God of the Woods has a cover that is… fine. It’s pleasant, even attractive in a calm, neutral way, but it doesn’t do much to spark excitement. It doesn’t look particularly thrilling, romantic, or mysterious—just a nice, peaceful image of some trees. Nothing here screams open me now!
The one standout detail is the dripping paint. It’s a cool effect, but there’s no context—why is it there? What does it mean? It feels like an afterthought, a last-minute attempt to add intrigue to an otherwise subdued design. Unfortunately, it’s too little, too late. The overall impression is that this book is slow, maybe even boring, and we don’t feel particularly compelled to crack it open.
Based on the Cover, We Think This Book Is About…
A famous painter retreats into the woods, becoming one with nature and creating stunning works of art. But when the outside world rediscovers him, his tranquility is threatened, forcing him to decide between isolation and the chaos of recognition.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.
As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances.