The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello

Book Details:

Author:  Rich Marcello
Release Date:
July 12, 2024
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Climate-Fiction, Drama
Format: E-book 
Pages: 332 pages
Publisher: HarvardTown Press
Blurb:
The Means of Keeping is a profound exploration of grief, friendship, and the indelible impact of climate change on personal and global scales. Set in a near-future America, the novel follows Tereza Allard and David Luca, two lifelong friends in their forties shattered by a climate crisis-induced tragedy that claims the lives of their families. The evolving dynamics between these characters against the pressing issue of climate change provide a rich narrative ground, exploring the intersections of personal loss, love, renewal, environmental activism, and the search for meaning in a world on the brink of unrepairable catastrophe.

With a narrative style that blends the introspective depth of Kazuo Ishiguro’s works with the environmental consciousness of Barbara Kingsolver, The Means of Keeping is aimed at readers who appreciate books that not only tell a compelling story but also reflect on the larger issues facing humanity today. With haunting prose and evocative imagery, the novel challenges us to imagine a future where love, resilience, community, and the fervent desire to protect our planet become the means to reclaim our shared humanity. May our children inherit not only a healthier planet but also an indomitable spirit to prevail against all odds.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello is a beautifully penned novel that resonates deeply with our current environmental and emotional situations. Author Marcello skilfully captures the complex web of human emotions against the stark backdrop of a climate-ravaged world, crafting a poignant story.

The main characters, Tereza and David, are developed with remarkable depth and realism. Their journey through grief and towards healing in the wake of a devastating climate crisis-induced tragedy is both heart-wrenching and beautifully depicted. The personal losses they endure are a microcosm of the global catastrophe unfolding around them, making their story a powerful allegory.

The author’s ability to intertwine personal and global tragedies is quite impressive. The exploration of love, renewal, and environmental activism is beautifully woven into the story, making The Means of Keeping a significant commentary on the times we live in. The novel does not just tell a story—it also poses urgent questions about the future of our planet and the legacy we wish to leave for future generations.

Overall, The Means of Keeping is a book that deserves a place on the shelves of anyone who values deeply moving narratives intertwined with significant contemporary challenges. Author Rich Marcello has not only written a book that entertains but one that also enlightens and inspires.


You can also read this review at:

Goodreads


Amazon


I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
August 2024
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Book Review: Catalyst by Sloane Mercer

    Book Details: Author: Sloane Mercer Release Date: 2 October 2025Series: Genre: Psychological Thriller, Political Thriller, Terrorism/Espionage Thriller, Literary Suspense, International IntrigueFormat: E-book Pages: 193 pagesPublisher: AMEE PublishingBlurb:Everyone’s the hero in their story. Even the monsters.Jake Rossi, a Capitol…

  • Book Review: Unearthed: The Lies We Carry & The Truths They Bury by Chanchal Garg

    Book Details: Author: Chanchal GargRelease Date: 2nd June 2025Series: Genre: AutobiographyFormat: E-book Pages: 282 pagesPublisher: Blurb:In this searing memoir, Chanchal Garg reveals the spiritual and sexual abuse that shattered her sense of self and forced her to question…

  • Book Spotlight: Catalyst by Sloane Mercer

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Sloane Mercer for her latest release, Catalyst. Book: CatalystAuthor: Sloane MercerPublication Date: October 2, 2025Publisher: AMEE PublishingGenres: Psychological Thriller, Political Thriller, Terrorism/Espionage Thriller, Literary Suspense, International…

  • Book Review: The Convergence: Broken Magic by Richard French

    Book Details: Author: Richard FrenchRelease Date: 1 March 2025Series: Convergence SeriesGenre: Dystopian, Speculative FictionFormat: E-book Pages: 184 pagesPublisher: Indie Pen PressBlurb:Federation Enforcer Samantha Reed has orders to kill Connor Blake—the one person whose soul was torn from hers…

  • Book Review: The Supreme Pastor by Thomas C. Hosey DPM

    Book Details: Author: Thomas C. Hosey DPMRelease Date: 31 July 2025Series: Genre: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, SuspenseFormat: E-book Pages: 260 pagesPublisher: Pegasus PublishersBlurb:Ian thought his quiet life was safe-until the night his uncle was brutally murdered. Narrowly escaping the…