Summary of Idaho: A Novel, by Emily Ruskovich

Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of Idaho by Emily Ruskovich, exploring love, loss, and the haunting impact of family secrets.

Welcome to Idaho, where the potatoes are plentiful, but the emotional baggage is off the charts! In this debut novel by Emily Ruskovich, we embark on a twisted journey that explores all things love, loss, and the haunting memories that cling to us like that last piece of potato skin stuck between the couch cushions.

The story unfolds amidst the rugged landscape of Idaho, primarily centering around Wade and his wife, Ann. Throughout the book, we're gifted the deliciously messy tapestry of their lives, interwoven with the sticky threads of Wade's past that are enough to make anyone cringe. Spoiler alert: this isn't just a cozy tale of farming and healthy family dinners.

The narrative is nonlinear, making time-hop fans rejoice! Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about Wade's complicated relationship with his daughter, who is not just dealing with the usual teenage angst but also the trauma of a brutal family tragedy-her mother's conviction in a horrific crime. You know, the kind of drama that makes for an awkward Thanksgiving dinner.

Speaking of drama, let's not forget about Ann, who finds herself tiptoeing through the wreckage of Wade's life and the secrets he's desperately trying to forget. Will she uncover everything? Will she regret ever asking those questions? Honestly, we should send her a "good luck" card.

As we dive deeper, we're introduced to other players in this messy game of life: the unexpected characters who populate their world-like the memory of Wade's lost family, which keeps haunting him like a ghost who shows up unannounced at your door. With each page, we're faced with the quintessential question of how the past can shape our present. Spoiler alert #2: It can shape it a lot, especially when it involves family skeletons in literal and metaphorical closets!

Through these character explorations, Ruskovich beautifully captures the essence of human resilience-or perhaps stubbornness. The way she intertwines grief with the desire to move forward is like watching a dog try to catch its own tail: endearingly messy but also incredibly touching.

Let's wrap this up-Idaho isn't just a novel; it's an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you questioning the very fabric of family and identity. Will you laugh, cry, or want to poke your eye out from the emotional strain? Probably all of the above. So, grab your tissues and perhaps a snack (that doesn't include potatoes, or maybe just a few) and plunge into the depths of Idaho. It's a wild ride you won't want to miss!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.