Oprah Winfrey has chosen “Dream State” by Eric Puchner as her latest book club pick. The novel is set in a rapidly warming valley in Montana, where a lake serves as the story’s central hub. Over 50 years, it follows the lives of Cece, Charlie, and Garrett, three characters brought together by an ill-fated wedding.
The story delves into themes of climate fear, grief, depression, addiction, and Alzheimer’s disease. The author, Maxim Loskutoff, praises Puchner for his portrayal of complex, unpredictable characters. The novel’s most powerful moments occur when the characters’ emotions are put on display, such as when Charlie asks his daughter, “Do you hate me too?” – a universal sentiment that hits like a punch.
While Loskutoff appreciates the book’s strengths, he notes that Puchner’s imagined future is less successful, relying on predictable patterns of climate degradation. The characters’ children are also somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the nuance of their parents.
“Dream State” offers a thought-provoking exploration of our fears and struggles as we face an uncertain future. With its engaging characters and precise emotional moments, this novel is sure to resonate with readers.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/books/review/eric-puchner-dream-state.html