The Great Big One by J. C. Geiger (review)

In this melancholy, lyrical novel, a bereft twin tries to recapture his sense of self after his charismatic brother dies. It is hard for Griff to even imagine the shape of his life when it's not in contrast to (and sometimes concert with) Leo, but as long as it isn't the actual end of the world (Griff's small coastal Oregon town has a high population of Preppers), then he knows he needs to try to figure out it. The gorgeous new girl still seems interested in him, mysterious and stunning music they stumbled upon on AM radio still needs tracking, and life, however hollow and shocking without his brother, does indeed go on. Geiger plays fast and loose with realism, sprinkling in a hint of magic, unlikely luck, and unreliable narration to blur the genres a bit between realistic fiction and fantasy. As much of the second half takes place in the desert with clothing-optional, drug-loving counterculture folks, this is an effective choice. Griff struggles to pair his camo and survival skills with skinny-dippers who don't believe in right or wrong answers until he lets go and gives in to the experience: apt advice for the reader as well. It takes a bit of work to understand the full personalities of the three friends who set off to find the music: Thomas is more than his pet rats and quirks, Charity is far more than being Black and virtuosic, and Griff is more than the absence of his brother. This is nuanced and quiet storytelling, and patient readers will be richly rewarded.