British-born
author James Gould-Bourn bursts onto the U.S. literary scene with a
charming, deeply comforting story about a father and son entrenched in grief.
After a car accident claimed the life
of Danny Malooley's beloved wife--and mother to their son, Will--father and son
grapple with their loss, trying to shore up their shattered world. Matters hit
rock bottom when Danny suddenly loses his construction job and cannot pay the
bills. But worst of all is the fact that 11-year-old Will has refused to speak
to anyone--including his dad--since his mother's death.
Depressed, destitute and desperate, Danny
ambles through a park one day and spots street performers entertaining
passersby and raking in money. This proves a moment of enlightenment as he
decides, on a lark, to join their ranks. Barreling through a host of amusing
complications, he secures an old panda bear suit and sets off to earn some
money covertly.
Meanwhile, Will struggles with his
lingering silence and being taunted by older kids at school. When the boy is
bullied in the park one day, a goofy-looking, dancing panda performer
unexpectedly comes to his rescue.
Heartfelt themes and wit further
elevate charming plot twists and a well-tuned cast of quirky, supporting
characters who prove that the spirit of friendship can build bridges to greater
understanding and brighter days. Gould-Bourn
is a perceptive writer who has crafted a moving, sensitive story that is also
very funny. Bear
Necessity is a perfect
literary antidote to anxious, troubled times.
Bear
Necessity: A Novel by Jason Gould Bourn
Scribner, $26.00
Hardcover, 9781982128296, 320
pages
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
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NOTE: This review is a reprint and is being posted
with the permission of Shelf Awareness. To read this review on Shelf Awareness: Reader's Edition (August 7, 2020), link HERE
To read the longer form of this review as published on Shelf Awareness for the Book Trade (July 14, 2020), link HERE