Raegan’s book review of The God of the Woods
I’m so excited for us to dive into Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods! The story is rich with suspense and the kind of mystery that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Moore’s writing draws you into the Van Laar family’s complex dynamics and the small town’s tight-knit, yet secretive, community. The setting is so vivid, you’ll feel like you’re right there at the summer camp, uncovering secrets alongside the characters. I can’t wait to hear what you all think of this one!
Imagine waking up to a chilling discovery: it’s early morning in August 1975, and a camp counselor finds an empty bunk where Barbara Van Laar should be. The daughter of the camp’s owners has vanished without a trace, echoing a haunting mystery from fourteen years ago when Barbara’s brother also disappeared and was never found. As the community frantically searches, the layers of the Van Laar family’s secrets start to unravel, pulling us deeper into a tale of suspense, history, and the eerie shadows of the past.
“It was wonderful, thought Tracy, having friends like these, who seemed to see the parts of yourself you worked hardest to hide, and bring them into the light and celebrate them with a sort of tender ribbing that uplifted more than it put down.”
The God of the Woods
Discussion Questions
✩ How does the setting of the summer camp contribute to the overall suspense and atmosphere of the story?
✩ What are the main differences between the two disappearances of the Van Laar children, and how do they affect the narrative?
✩ How does Liz Moore develop the characters of the Van Laar family, and what are their individual reactions to the disappearances?
✩ In what ways does the book explore the impact of trauma on the characters’ lives and relationships?
✩ How does the community’s reaction to the disappearances reflect the town’s underlying tensions and secrets?
✩ How does the author use multiple perspectives to build suspense and provide deeper insights into the characters?
✩ What role does the past play in shaping the characters’ actions and motivations in the present?
✩ How does the book address themes of family loyalty and betrayal?
✩ In what ways does Moore’s portrayal of the camp and the surrounding area enhance the mystery?
✩ What surprised you most about the resolution of the mystery, and how did it affect your view of the characters and their motivations?
