book review: Don't Stop Snowing by Gabriel Bump

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5

Thank you Algonquin Books for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Don’t Stop Snowing by Gabriel Bump delves into the beautiful complexity of life, exploring both its struggles and its wonders. Jumping to pivotal moments in David’s life, the narrator invites us to ponder alongside him how we are shaped not just by our own lived experiences, but also by the history and makeup of our parents. 

When David travels to Buffalo to stay with his cousin Flip, he is searching for a break and some clarity—a "mental rebound." In doing so, he discovers that his journey isn't necessarily about completely fixing himself. Instead, it is about learning how to live again and stay even-keeled so he can achieve the life he wants. Many of the people he meets along the way are just as flawed and damaged as he is, begging the question: does anyone ever really figure it all out? Ultimately, David realizes that everyone is hiding a present or past of being unwell. This shared vulnerability provides a profound sense of belonging, reminding us that we all just need to support each other and try to do a bit better than those who came before us.

However, the book's opening chapters are front-loaded with an intense amount of information and names, creating a steep learning curve for the reader. It is difficult at first to discern which details are crucial; for example, important figures like Antonia and Stephen are introduced in Chapter 1 but do not reappear until around Chapter 7. A more gradual delivery with better context would have offered a smoother entry into the story, especially since the rest of the book is paced so beautifully.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a thought-provoking read. The author has a keen perception of what makes us human and how we are all in this together. His raw, honest writing style is perfectly suited for relaying these characters' stories, while layers of race, politics, and global crises add a rich depth to the narrative.