Welcome to the Night Vale

With the recent release of the sister book, ‘It Devours’, I believe that it is high time we talked about my favourite book, ‘Welcome to the Night Vale’. It is based on one of the most popular podcasts amongst young people, which depicts the town radio of a strange place called The Night Vale.

Written by Joseph Fink and Jeffery Cranor, the novel follows the story of Jackie Fierro, whose life, upon meeting a stranger and receiving a note, begins to implode. Her road to salvation from this note gets intertwined with Dianne Crayton, a devout mother who grows more concerned about her shapeshifting son and his interest in his estranged father. The two embark on a journey to regain normalcy in their lives, however much there was there in the first place.

This book came out in late 2015 and I began reading it early this year. It has become very beloved to me as it was one of the first books in years that really showed a unique style of writing as well as enrapturing me into the story. Its surreal way of description, as well as direct connection with the reader, creates a strong bond with the story, despite how strange it is. The book has many relatable messages towards real life, but wraps them up in a plethora of fantasy and lore. From the danger of the library to the constant Government surveillance, to the brief interruptions of the radio, the book keeps you on the edge of your toes, and curious all at once.

While I do remain with a slight bias, as this was the book which restarted my love for reading, I believe it’s one of those books; the books with such remarkable story telling and uniqueness that you suggest it to everyone you know. But I can definitely assert that if you like strange, you will for sure, like this.

- By Imogen Hartley