Vern Barclay is over it all. At 72, with 50-some years in radio, he's seen it, he's heard it, and he's been through it already. So when he found himself at the core of a small band of rebels, he decides to go all in. His latest radio show--or really, podcast, since he can't transmit live so that they can't shut him down, all he can do is put the latest show on the site and let people download it--is a huge hit. Apparently there are a lot of others in Vermont who are ready to chuck the rest of the country and go independent.
And that's how the revolution gets its start.
With the help of young computer whiz and music aficionado (soul music of the '60s and '70s, that is), Perry Alterson, and a few other close friends, Vern sets out to make a point about what America has become. Encouraging his fellow Vermonters to drink Vermont beer and eat Vermont cheese and eschew the big box stores and chain restaurants, Vern wants to see a return to local people supporting their own artists, their own creators, their own chefs, and their own brewmasters. Perry offers musical inspiration and ideas for a theme song for their revolt. And before they know it, their underground podcasts and shenanigans are starting to garner a lot of attention.
They interrupt the the middle school to let the kids out early to celebrate Ethan Allen Day, and they hijack a beer truck filled with the same watered-down beer that you can get almost anywhere in the world to empty all the beer and send the driver back on his way with several cases of Vermont's finest ales. And when the driver points out that they don't have to take the time to empty the bottles--they could just throw it all away--they disagree: "It's Vermont. We recycle."
The current political climate is certainly part of the story here, as debut novelist Bill McKibben refers to Vermont's own Senator, Bernie Sanders, and what he stands for. But this charming comedic novel, Radio Free Vermont, is more than just a political statement. It's a passionate look at a life well lived and the desire to make sure the next generation understands how to accomplish that too. This rollicking story of local love and national activism, of devotion to a cause and friendly resistance, of friendship and family, is both a fantastic read and a call to action. We all have a place we love and call home, and we can all do more to protect its interest and share what makes it so special. Radio Free Vermont is a beautiful reminder of why we care and what we care about, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with a bit of a homespun vibe or for anyone who feels like they are missing their voice in this crazy political climate.
Galleys for Radio Free Vermont were provided by Penguin Random House through FirstToRead.com, with many thanks.