Radio Free Vermont by Bill McKibben

I recently saw Ann Patchett and Daniel Pink making book recommendations on PBS NewsHour and she said, “the number one thing that people come into my bookstore and ask for is a book that is smart and funny and has an uplifting ending.” That immediately made me think of the recently released RADIO FREE VERMONT by Bill McKibben.  The environmental activist’s newest work of fiction is subtitled “a fable of resistance” and relates the story of long-time radio host, Vern Barclay, aged 72. Living in Vermont and valuing the lifestyle there, he inadvertently starts a succession campaign when some sewage is re-routed to flood a new big box store and politicians make him a wanted man.

This book is smart – providing snippets of information like referencing “the U.S. of Lincoln’s day – a population of thirty million, already ten times larger than at the Revolution, but ten times smaller than out total today.” Vern emphasizes the value in small and local; his speeches are heartfelt and well-researched – like when he encourages everyone to go to local town meetings: “… be reminded that democracy isn’t just voting for president every four years and then trusting him to fix things.  Democracy is about getting together with your community to think together about your future.” And it’s funny – there’s a beer heist and a contest for a Vermont National Anthem as well as some great song choices to fill the radio waves. 

This book will make a great holiday gift especially since it advocates for less shouting and more listening, plus “the one thing no one ever says anymore in our public life: 'I think you’re wrong, but you may be right.’” RADIO FREE VERMONT received starred reviews from both Booklist and Library Journal.