The debut speculative fiction novel 'BAMBOO: A Post-Apocalyptic Odyssey' by Clark Hilton is now available for purchase in hardcover and softcover editions directly from the publisher. The novel is described as both literary and entertaining, featuring a playful use of language and cultural references that educators can use to expand students' horizons. The hardbound edition is noted for its sturdiness, making it suitable for institutional use and repeated readings.
The book includes a student and book club discussion starter, with a complete set of questions available at ClarkHilton.com. The story follows Gen, who journeys from her family farm in search of a utopia but finds herself in a brutal, post-apocalyptic world where nature is hostile and humanity is dangerous. As a dark-skinned girl with secrets, she must battle adversaries to find her way home.
Publisher spokesperson Art Radley commented on the relevance of the climate fiction genre, stating, 'The popularity of the climate fiction genre has exploded as people across America see the devastating effects of wind, sun, and wave, making living on planet Earth a trial by fire.' Radley cited authors like Kim Stanley Robinson, Emily St. John Mandel, Cormac McCarthy, and Margaret Atwood as predecessors in exploring these themes.
Reviews highlight the novel's educational and thematic value. Books2Flicks noted, '...Like Atlas, the protagonist bears the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her Odyssean trek to find love in a loveless world is an ode to the human spirit tested against the repercussions of our limitless mistakes.' Reviewer Joseph P. suggested, 'Schools should consider BAMBOO for enrichment of vocabulary and for the sheer breadth of art, science, and sociological themes... A great gift for a teen or new adult.'
The novel is available through major distributors like Ingram, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org, with direct purchases offered at $16.99 for the softcover and $24.99 for the hardcover, plus shipping and handling. Bulk orders can be placed via the publisher's website at BooksIlluminated.com. The book includes a standard PCIP block to facilitate ordering by schools, libraries, and retailers.
This release is significant as it taps into the expanding climate fiction market while addressing educational needs. With climate change increasingly impacting daily life, fiction that explores these themes provides readers with both escapism and reflection on real-world issues. For the publishing industry, it represents a strategic move by Books Illuminated, LLC, which specializes in acquiring edited manuscripts for rapid market turnaround and ancillary potential in media and merchandise. The novel's availability in multiple formats, including audiobook, and its focus on diverse themes make it a versatile addition to contemporary literature, potentially influencing how speculative fiction is integrated into educational curricula and public discourse on environmental challenges.
