Evening Book Rec
Book Rec of the Evening: Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old trans boy Benji is on the run from the cult that raised him—the fundamentalist sect that unleashed Armageddon and decimated the world’s population. Desperately, he searches for a place where the cult can’t get their hands on him, or more importantly, on the bioweapon they infected him with.
But when cornered by monsters born from the destruction, Benji is rescued by a group of teens from the local Acheson LGBTQ+ Center, affectionately known as the ALC. The ALC’s leader, Nick, is gorgeous, autistic, and a deadly shot, and he knows Benji’s darkest secret: the cult’s bioweapon is mutating him into a monster deadly enough to wipe humanity from the earth once and for all.
Still, Nick offers Benji shelter among his ragtag group of queer teens, as long as Benji can control the monster and use its power to defend the ALC. Eager to belong, Benji accepts Nick’s terms…until he discovers the ALC’s mysterious leader has a hidden agenda, and more than a few secrets of his own.
In 'Hell Followed With Us', Andrew Joseph White explores profound themes of identity and belonging, particularly through the lens of a trans protagonist, Benji. Set against a dystopian backdrop, the novel delves into the struggles faced by queer individuals in a world marred by destruction and fanaticism. Benji’s character not only navigates the terrifying external threats from the cult that raised him but also grapples with the bioweapon within him—a manifestation of his internal conflicts. Engaging with a diverse ensemble of characters at the ALC, including Nick, the autistic leader, the story unfolds a narrative rich with tension, as loyalties are tested and secrets unravel. This book serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of community and support in overcoming personal and societal demons. Readers are drawn to the authenticity of representations in the book, highlighted by its focus on LGBTQ+ themes and experiences. By weaving complex character relationships, White brings forth a narrative that resonates with many, particularly within marginalized communities, making 'Hell Followed With Us' a must-read for those seeking both thrilling adventure and deeper societal critique.