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Ruth Ozeki's first novel since 2013's "A Time for the Time Being", which I loved.

The new book is an ambitious novel about an adolescent boy and his mother who are struggling with the tragic death of their father and husband. The story weaves themes about existence, creativity, mental health and materialism with climate change and the political environment around a recent US Presidential election while adding the perspective of inanimate objects; the book itself is an active contributor to the narrative. In my opinion, it's too much and could have been tighter and shorter.

Similar to her earlier books, the story is Imbued with Buddhist themes - the author herself is an ordained Zen Buddhist priest - great characters and writing.

3.5 stars rounded down.